Records

Click here to download the SAUFF records application

*remember to submit too much rather than too little information

Rules and criteria for SAUFF Record applications

To apply for a record you must be a current paid up SAUFF Member. Non members wishing to apply for records will not be considered.

A record application must be completed and returned to SAUFF. This document is extensive and requires that ALL detail be filled in to avoid misidentification, this is important for species that are very similar e.g. Breams and Rockcods. An application fee of R100-00 is to be paid into SAUFF’s Bank account. This fee is non-refundable in the case of misidentification and is to cover administration costs and awarding of certificates. Applicants are further informed that by applying, they acknowledge that the material submitted may be used for publicity at the discretion of SAUFF.

Please take note that most Underwater Fishing competitions require that fish be weighed gutted and gilled. For record purposes, fish are to be in a whole state and the following criteria must be observed for claiming of records.

Eligibility

Only fish shot in South African coastal waters are eligible. This excludes the offshore SA Protectorate islands such as Gough Island etc. Fish must have been free swimming, unencumbered, uninjured and not hindered in any way. A diver may reshoot a fish in landing it provided that they do this with a gun(s) loaded by them. A diver may in the process of fighting a fish follow it by any means of e.g. a boat.

Weighing and Sizing

Fish are to be weighed whole on a sized mechanical or electronic scales. The weight must be given in kilograms to two decimal point values. The Custodian or a designated representative appointed by the Custodian, reserves the right to inspect and check the scales used without notification to the applicant. Full contact details of the owner/operator of said scales to be submitted as well as registration and serial numbers of scale. High resolution photographs of these registration numbers to be submitted as supportive documentation. Fish measurement must be of the total fork length and given in centimetres (cm) to one decimal value. Scale items for confirmation of size to be included in supportive photographs. These items are to be common place such as e.g. Standard Metric 30cm rulers or if in remote areas objects such as 2 litre soft drink bottles or 330ml soft drink cans. To prevent errors of parallax and distortion, the fish must be photographed with the item on the ground from directly above.

Taxonomy

This is perhaps the most controversial point but due to the similarity between species such as within the Rockcod and Bream families, rules will be clearly outlined. Photographs must be clear and well lighted. Due to the digital age all photographs must in as high a resolution as possible (these are to be submitted on a CD-R or DVD-R). Also include a photograph of diver holding fish and speargun for publicity purposes. The diver should be clearly identifiable, as this photo would in all probability be used as a reference. Marking and colour variations on the fish must be fully described and annotated on provided diagrams that will be attached to claim documentation. Spine counts must be provided and shown in a supporting photograph (see appendix of supporting documentation). Gill raker counts must also be provided. Should the Custodian feel that a fish has been incorrectly identified or further clarification is required, then opinion from recognised Ichthyologists will be sought and their decision will be considered final!