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Minister`s quick action on shark-cage diving, whale watching

Source: Tourism Update, 10/06/2016

The extension of current permits will ensure that boat-based whale
watching and White shark cage-diving activities continue as usual.

Boat-based whale watching and White shark cage-diving activities will
continue as usual after a decision to extend for a year the current
permits, which were due to expire shortly. The development follows
engagement between Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom and the
Department of Environmental Affairs after he apparently read about the
issue on Tourism Update.

The industry recently expressed concern that the department had not
put in place an application process for new permit allocations.

Evelyn Peper, Chairperson of the South African Boat Based Whale
Watching Association, told Tourism Update that the action from the
Minister ensured that operators would be permitted and able to carry
out their activities. She added that he was alerted to the situation
after he read Tourism Update and that he took action
immediately.

Peper said that the morning after the Minister`s engagement, operators
received notification that a one-year extension would be granted for
the permits. "We will all be in possession of valid permits due to the
breakthrough," she said.

However, while Peper welcomed the development, she emphasised that the
extension was only a short-term solution to the problem. She said the
industry would like permits to be issued for a 10-year period to
provide businesses with the ability to plan and to offer sound
employment.

Department of Environmental Affairs Spokesperson, Zolile Nqayi,
confirmed on Friday that the permits for boat-based whale watching and
White shark cage-diving activities would be extended for a year.

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