Open coastal waters outside Marine Protected Areas and estuaries

Recreational spearfishing with a valid spearfishing-endorsed permit is generally permitted along the South African coastline in waters that are not declared no-take Marine Protected Areas, not estuaries/tidal rivers/tidal lagoons, and not designated closed areas. Permit holders must observe bag limits, size limits and closed seasons.

Speargun only; snorkel only (no scuba or artificial breathing apparatus); own-use catch (no sale/barter/trade); overall cumulative daily bag limit of ten fish; species size limits and closed seasons apply; no spearfishing in estuaries.