Questions raised over three-year fishing permits

SMALL-scale fishermen and fish farmers have questioned the three-year permits set to be issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) next year.

During an imbizo held at Mtwalume last Friday, fishermen told the department’s deputy minister, Bheki Cele that they preferred to be granted long-term permits.

They wanted eight-year permits, saying it takes too long to apply or renew a permit.

Mr Cele’s visit was part of a series of meetings aimed at addressing illegal fishing in communities.

Small-scale fish farmer, Busi Lubanyana told Mr Cele that the three-year permits would disadvantage them.

“The processes used to renew fishing licences are too long, it will take us back to square one,” she said.

Concerns were also raised over loopholes in the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife fishing policies, with fishermen saying they want equal access to marine resources.

A fisherman from Port Edward, said there were not enough fishing piers on the South Coast.

“We have only two fishing piers, we need more as fishing from rocks becomes too dangerous at times,” he said.

In response, the deputy minister said he noted the concerns raised and would make sure they were dealt with accordingly.

He also urged fishermen to look into agro-processing as a lot of money could be generated from this, he said.

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