The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance and the KZN Subsistence Fishing Forum (KZNSFF) held a fisherfolk‘s walk in a bid to gain access to the beachfront piers for fishing.
Fisherfolk from different communities in KZN attended the walk to have their concerns heard.
John Peter Narayanasamy (KZNSFF chairperson) explained that subsistence fishermen fish for their livelihood and to put food on the table for their families.
“It has been difficult to do so since they have been banned access to most of the Durban beachfront piers since their renovation for the Soccer World Cup, and they have not been allowed back since,” he said.
He added that pier fishing is regarded as a poor man’s boat, allowing them to cast their lines into deeper waters beyond the backline, enabling a variety of fish to be caught.
“This gives fisherfolk an opportunity to catch fish to take home rather than leaving empty-handed,” he said.
Desmond D’Sa said SDCEA is aware of the presence of bathers and surfers who also use this part of the ocean and that is respected.
“Therefore, we are requesting that the piers should be opened for fishing from sunset to sunrise when no swimming and surfing is conducted,” he said.
The memorandum was received by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Representative Duduzile Mayeza stated that it would be handed over to the task team and minister.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
