Henkor has released a statement condemning bad legislation that has made popular pastime fishing into a criminal offence seemingly through negligence.

Pretoria, Gauteng -- (SBWire) -- 09/10/2013 --Fishing is a popular past time in South Africa and on the rise with young generations, as the teeming natural wildlife cultivated by rich natural vistas creates exciting opportunities to catch huge and impressive fish. Henkor is one of the most well respected suppliers for bass fishing and carp fishing, the most popular specialisations among both enthusiasts and professional competitors. They have recently made a damning statement against new regulations brought in by the South African government that effectively bans trout, carp and bass fishing.

Following an editorial published by Ian Cox, a Durban-based lawyer, outlining the way in which the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act created by the office of the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs has classified bass, trout and carp as invasive species.

The upshot of this is that they are subject to control and potential eradication which threatens the economy that surrounds this kind of fishing, not only as a pastime but as an industry. The fact it is illegal to introduce bass, trout or carp into South African waters and this now threatens tourism in many areas. Hatcheries, property values and the support industries like bait and tackle shops will also suffer.

A spokesperson for Henkor came out in strong support to Mr Cox’s statement, “Henkor believes Mr Cox has accurately elucidated upon the threat to popular fishing that this legislation presents, and importantly, accurately calls out the government on its failure to recognise the economic importance of Bass, Trout and Carp fishing in the same manner it has done for cattle and other imported species. He has also rightly pointed out that key experts in this field were never consulted about the decision making process, and this ignorance is reflected in the perilous position it has put us in. We will fight alongside fishermen, law makers and leaders of industry to ensure this is amended and the future of fishing is secured.”

About Henkor
Both Henkor’s online fishing tackle shop and their walk-in fishing store situated in Waverley, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa supply a superb selection of freshwater fishing tackle, Tie-Fast knotting tools, fishing rods & reels, floating and sinking fishing braid, fishing accessories and fishing gear suitable for big fish specimen anglers catching carp, bream and catfish as well as for competitive and recreational anglers. For more information, please visit: http://www.henkor.co.za/