De Hoop – a paradise for hiking – and a reserve worth fighting for

By Opinion | Published Feb 8, 2025

Sue BarklyLast year an article in an online publication caught my eye and had me riveted: The Bredasdorp Regional court convicted and fined a rogue fishing company for illegal fishing within a Marine Protected Area. What was fascinating about this case was that the State, for the first time, ruled that if large-scale businesses fish inside a Marine Protected Area, they’re not just liablefor fishing illegally, but also for having a detrimental impact on the environment.