EZEMVELO KZN Wildlife officials responded to reports of the dumping of a Brindle bass- minus its head – in Richards Bay’s Small Craft Harbour on Thursday.
The species is highly endangered due to over-exploitation by linefishers and spearfishers and is specially protected.
No capture is allowed and they may not be bought or sold.
Classed as a predator, the Brindle bass can grow to almost three metres in length and can weigh 300kgs.
They are highly resident in estuaries and harbours, underwater caves and reefs and are found in depths up to 100 metres.
Huge fines are applicable for anyone found in possession of a Brindle bass.
However, on investigation Ezemvelo officer Kevin Green ascertained that the fish had washed up in the small craft harbour, possibly after being hit by a ship’s propeller, and had been taken to the refuse bins.
Who ever did that they was seriously not thinking what they really doing and what a huge fish & they dump it. Who ever that was should be given a fine for doing that.