Recreational fishing permit application available online

Recreational fishers can apply for their monthly and annual recreational fishing permits on the department of forestry, fisheries & the environment (DFFE)’s online recreational fishing permit application.

Minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment Barbara Creecy said the online permitting system, introduced in October 2023, would enable recreational fishers and members of the public to easily access a recreational permit without having to travel distances to find a post office.

“Applicants will be able to choose the type of permit they require, select the period of validity, process payments and download the permit,” Creecy said.

The solution was developed as a result of the challenges faced by the department in issuing recreational fishing permits to the public through the South African Post Office (SAPO).

“Given the recent closure of a number of the SAPO branches, the department embarked on a process to develop an in-house online platform to ensure accessibility for the public to purchase the recreational fishing permits electronically.

“The solution provides applicants with functional options to register, apply and obtain permits for recreational fishing in SA waters.

Fishers will be able to choose the type of permit they require, select the period of validity, process payments and download the permit,” the minister said.

The online solution is complementary to the SAPO issued permits, so members of the public that have no internet access, can still use the nearest SAPO branch.

The online solution can be accessed using the link: https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za.

A detailed user guide explaining how to go navigate the platform is accessible on the platform and on the DFFE website.