Fisheries compliance in South Africa: A decade of challenges and reform 1994–2004

In South Africa, fishery managers have struggled with a number of challenges in terms of compliance amidst a process of legal and policy reform since the democratic elections of 1994. The past 10 years, and more specifically the past five, have seen a significant change in compliance effort, with a particular focus on increasing law enforcement activities and capacity. This paper highlights two case studies that have been instrumental in restructuring fisheries compliance in South Africa. Although law enforcement has been significantly strengthened, greater political will and government commitment is required to implement alternative strategies that will have a long-term impact on levels of compliance.