Young hero saves fish from illegal gill net in Zandvlei Estuary

Luke Brown, 8, of Frogmore Estate, has received a certificate of recognition from ward councillor Carolynne Franklin after discovering a gill net in the Keysers River at the Zandvlei Nature Reserve.

The net, which had trapped multiple fish, was removed with the help of his father and a neighbor, allowing 18 fish to be released back into the river.

The City’s Recreational Water Use By-law 2018 fishing regulations permit only rod-and-reel fishing, with a maximum of two rods per person and no more than two single-pronged hooks per line.

The use of gill nets, cast nets, stake nets, trek nets, and similar devices is strictly prohibited.

These regulations are enforced to preserve the ecological integrity of areas like the Zandvlei Nature Reserve, which is home to diverse fish species and the endangered Western Leopard Toad.

Jenny Louw, chairperson of the Zandvlei Catchment Management Forum, says there are several by-laws and provincial legislation prohibiting the use of gill nets. The Recreational Water Use By-law also prohibits the harming of indigenous fish, which enforces a catch-and-release rule.

“Offences under this legislation result in fines. In serious cases, the City can also prosecute through the magistrate and High Courts.”

“Freshwater species in the Keysers River include Cape galaxias and Cape kurper. However, in this water system, we also have marine species that can migrate into the rivers due to the salinity of the vlei and tidal influence. In footage showing the release of the fish, Elf and Leervis—two indigenous species—were entangled in the nets, along with large invasive fish species like the Mozambican and Banded tilapia, catfish, bass, and carp.”

“While Zandvlei’s fish stocks are healthy, they are managed carefully, as the estuary is an active fish nursery—the only one on the False Bay coastline—and helps sustain marine populations and shoreline fisheries too."

“The City enforces a strict Catch-and-Release rule, and fishermen are required to possess valid permits (saltwater and/or freshwater). We also set restrictions on the type of tackle and fishing methods allowed.”

It was during a neighborhood watch patrol with his dad, Angelo Brown, that Luke spotted the net in the water on the afternoon of Friday, May 9. He first noticed fish jumping but quickly realised something was wrong and told his dad that the fish appeared trapped.

On closer inspection, Mr Brown noticed buoys across the water, and after testing the line, confirmed that a fishing net had been illegally stretched from bank to bank, trapping several fish.

Enlisting the help of nearby resident Dion Coetzee, they quickly got to work, using gloves, cutters, and knives to carefully remove the net and free the trapped fish.

Ward councillor Carolynne Franklin commended the Browns for their efforts.

"It is far too commonplace for people to dismiss or walk by when they see wildlife in distress. When I learned that young Luke Brown, with help from his dad and a friend, had helped free a significant number of fish from an illegal poacher’s gill net, I knew he deserved recognition. This young man is a credit to his family and a shining light for the future of our nation.”

Mr Brown, who serves on the Kirstenhof and Environs Residents’ Association (KERA), representing the Frogmore Estate portfolio, says Luke is passionate about nature. They often walk that stretch of the river together to spot the Malachite kingfisher, a wetland bird.

“It was very distressing for him to see the fish tangled up, with their gills and fins stuck between the nets. One of the Garrick fish was actually dead. But the acknowledgment and certificate from the councillor really made Luke proud. He feels he has played a vital part in saving these fish, and he said, ‘At least Mother Nature can breathe now.’”