The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has set the abalone Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the 2025/26 season at 12.01 tons. The sharp reduction follows new scientific findings showing a severe collapse of abalone stocks across South Africa’s coast.
What Happened
The TAC was approved under the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) after recommendations by the Abalone Scientific Working Group. Surveys show stock levels have dropped to less than 2% of their natural abundance.
Catch-Per-Unit-Effort (CPUE) declined by 71–77% in Zones E–G, while Zones A–D recorded near-zero densities of 0.02–0.07 abalone per square metre.
As a result, harvesting remains banned in Zones A–D and restricted in Zones E–G.
Official Response
“This precautionary reduction is not taken lightly,” said Minister Dion George. “It shows our legal and moral duty to act on science and prevent the total collapse of this resource.”
He said illegal harvesting remains the greatest threat. Over 13.8 million abalone were poached in 2023 alone.
To strengthen enforcement, South Africa will propose listing dried abalone under Appendix II of the CITES Convention, ensuring all exports require permits and full monitoring.
Community Impact
The cut will affect small-scale fishers and exemption holders who rely on abalone for income. Minister George said the decision protects jobs for the future:
“By protecting abalone now, we safeguard livelihoods for generations to come.”
The DFFE will continue working with law enforcement, coastal communities, and international partners to rebuild the species and fight poaching syndicates.
