CAPE TOWN - The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, is calling for public comments on proposed regulations for the environmental management of offshore bunkering.
The regulations are intended to decrease the oil spill risks associated with the practice of supplying fuel to ships out at sea, which particularly threatens the critically endangered African Penguin.
Offshore bunkering is authorised in Algoa Bay, and since 2016 there have been four oil spills, with around 260 penguins being oiled.
The dolphin population in the area and general marine life have also been affected.
The proposed regulations include the appointment of someone on board to keep watch for any marine animals during the bunkering process, and to take necessary precautions to protect marine life.
To ensure enforcement, the regulations make allowance for a maximum fine of R2 million, or imprisonment for a maximum period of five years, or both.