Small-scale fishing rights questioned

Questions have been raised about the awarding of 15-year fishing rights to seven small-scale South Coast fishing co-operatives in December 2019.

As a result of these concerns, the Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries has clarified the issue.

ALSO READ : Fishing rights awarded to local co-operatives

One local fisherman said: “Although I am happy that the co-operatives have been granted fishing rights, I would like to know what type of fish these licences are for. And what are the regulations of such an award?

The co-operatives, comprising some 467 people, received their fishing rights in the presence of Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy in Mtwalume.

At the time, the minister said she was aware of the struggle faced while the licences were being awaited, but added it was good to know that they would now be fishing legally.

The Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries defines small-scale fishers as “persons that fish to meet food and basic livelihood needs, or are directly involved in harvesting/processing or marketing of fish; traditionally operate on or near-shore fishing grounds; predominantly employ traditional low technology or passive fishing gear; usually undertake single day fishing trips, and are engaged in the sale or barter or are involved in commercial activity.”

“This means that small-scale fishing is inclusive of fishing for food security, barter and/or commercial purposes.

“Recreational fishing is for leisure where fish caught with this permit shall not be sold, bartered or traded,” said Albi Modise, chief director of communications.

According to the fisherman, as far as he is aware, ”Being a fisherman with a licence as required, I am not allowed to sell shad or crayfish as per Parks Board law.

“Furthermore, I am only allowed to catch and have in my possession four shad and eight crayfish per day. Does this mean that granting these fishing rights now does away with the Parks Board laws on daily limits?

“Shad and crayfish are only allowed to be caught in season so as not to affect the breeding season, again as per Parks Board law. So is that law to be done away with as well?”

According to the department, fish allowed to be caught under the fishing rights awarded are species allocated to small-scale fishing co-operatives in line with the set regulations of the Marine Living Resources Act, 18 of 1998.

All species prohibited are listed in these regulations. Allocated species with legislated limitations are also listed in the Act.

Furthermore, all South African fishing rights are allocated in terms of Section 18 of the Marine Living Resources Act.

The fisherman also asked how the regulations to the said fishing rights would be monitored and by whom.

“Similarly to other provinces with fishing rights, any permit issued under a right is accompanied by conditions that are enforced by the department’s Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit and other law agencies with the mandate to do so,” said Mr Modise.

Apart from the fishing rights, the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Department of Environmental Affairs have also approved the building of a fish processing factory in the same area.

“The factory will be finalised by the necessary planning and approval of government processes,” concluded Mr Modise.

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