All maps › Whale meat › South Africa

Is whale meat illegal in South Africa?

Partly. Whale meat is restricted in South Africa. Owning parts of listed whales needs a permit under biodiversity law.

Biodiversity Act 2004 bars restricted activities, incl. possession or control of a specimen, on listed species without a permit; most marine mammals are listed under the marine TOPS regulations (R 477 of 2017; NOAA comparability finding, Aug 2025). A permit route exists, so not a full ban.

Source: NEMBA TOPS regs; NOAA 2025

• South Africa is one of 35 countries where whale meat is banned, and 7 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 6.
• In Africa: banned in 0 of 49 countries.

Other countries that ban whale meat

AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzechiaEstoniaFranceGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaAll 35 on the map ›

What else is banned in South Africa