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Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998)

Regulations

Regulations in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998

Chapter 4 : Use of Gear

Part 1 : General

12. Nets and mesh sizes

 

(1) For the purpose of measuring a mesh in any fishing net the mesh size shall be—
(a) expressed in millimetres;
(b) measured from inside of knot or joint to inside of knot or joint while the net is still wet after use or after it has been soaked in seawater for at least 10 minutes;
(c) measured with the net stretched in the direction of the long diagonal of the meshes, lengthwise of the net; and
(d) equal to the average of the measurement of any series of at least 20 consecutive meshes which are not less than 10 meshes away from any lacing or ropes of the net.

 

(2) The instrument to be used for measuring of the mesh size of a net shall be a gauge which—
(a) be 2 mm thick, flat, of durable and non-corrodible material and capable of retaining its shape;
(b) have tapering edges with a taper of one to eight;
(c) have a hole at the narrowest extremity; and
(d) have the width inscribed at regular intervals;

 

(3) Measurements by means of a gauge referred to in subregulation (2) shall be taken by inserting the gauge by its narrowest extremity into the mesh opening in a direction perpendicular to the plan of the net while the gauge is subject to a pressure or pull corresponding to 5 kg.

 

(4) Meshes which are mended or broken or have attachments of the net fixed to them shall not be measured.

 

(5) No person shall use any device or have any construction of a net or netting by means of which the meshes are obstructed or drawn together while fishing or which in any other way will cause the openings of the meshes, and accordingly, the mesh selectivity of the net or netting to be reduced.