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Department of Environmental Affairs Confirms Resumption of BBWW Industry – MyPR.co.za

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Department of Environmental Affairs Confirms Resumption of BBWW Industry:

Common Dolphin. Photographer:Rainer Schimpf

The BBWW and WSCD Permitting section of the Department of Environmental Affairs confirmed today that marine guided tour operations such as Boat-Based Whale and Dolphin Watching are allowed to operate as per the amended Regulation 39 (3) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002.

These operations may continue to operate within the prescripts of the permit conditions as well as Covid-19 protocol issued by the Department of Health.

It is expected that no vessel will be allowed to operate at full passenger capacity, and while the Department cannot prescribe the actual capacity of passengers, it has recommended that all tour operators must adhere to prescripts of social distancing and safety while on board a vessel.

In addition to the Tourism Industry Standard Protocols for Covid-19 Operations prepared by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa as a guideline, all tour operations must have Covid-19 risk management protocols adapted to their operations.

All precautions with regards to PPE, social distancing and health protocols, as outlined by the Department of Health must be followed during the operations.

Port Elizabeth based Whale Watching operator AB Marine welcomed this first step in opening up the industry saying that they envisaged tours to begin once demand began escalating.

AB Marine Whale and Dolphin Watching owner Rainer Schimpf said; “Since the start of Lockdown Level 5 we have not had one enquiry for any of our adventure trips into Algoa Bay to watch Whales and Dolphins. As our business is heavily reliant on foreign tourists we welcome the announcement as an important first step in getting the industry prepared for resumption of normal operations. Unfortunately the nature of our operation is such that we can only feasibly proceed to sea with a minimum of 4 guests. The safety of our guests and staff remain paramount and as such we will be adopting a cautious approach to re-opening which will be based on demand.”

“There are many links in the tourism chain that need to be fully operational before normal operations resume and we are able to properly service our Guests. International flights, inter-provincial travel and economic recovery are but three of the important requirements to support a thriving tourism business;” said Marketing Manager of AB Marine, Alan Straton in conclusion.

Orca Breaking the Surface in Algoa Bay. Photographer: Rainer Schimpf

 

Video: Department of Environmental Affairs Confirms Resumption of BBWW Industry

More Info on Department of Environmental Affairs Confirms Resumption of BBWW Industry here: https://abmarine.co.za
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlgoaBayMarine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABMarinePE/

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