About 133,797 abalone were seized, and 121 related arrests made in 2024 and 2025.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) divulged the stats at an Abalone Awareness and Festive Season Launch, held at Hobie Beach in Gqeberha, on Friday, the 24th October 2025.
The police (SAPS) joined the campaign, as well as other law enforcement agencies.
The campaign aims to strengthen public awareness and law enforcement collaboration to combat marine poaching along the Eastern Cape coastline.
Speaking at the event, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, who is also the Acting Provincial Commissioner, said “significant successes achieved include the seizure of rock lobsters valued at over R1.2 million, alongside illicit goods and firearms. Our commitment to coastal protection remains unwavering.”
In the last decade, some 180,000 abalone were recovered by the DFFE Compliance teams in Gqeberha and more than 800 related arrests made.
Picture: Supplied