Small scale fishing community wants to be recognised

WATER pollution and safety issues were some of the concerns raised by subsistence fisherfolk at a workshop held at the Bluff Eco Park on March 20.

Scores of fisherfolk gathered to express their concerns with regards to the application process of the exemption fishing permit. Speaking at the workshop, fishermen coming from various areas in KwaZulu-Natal, called on the Department of Forest and Fisheries to enforce regulations on oil and chemical companies that pollute the ocean.

Also read: KwaZulu-Natal fisherfolk receive fishing-exemption permits

The aim of the workshop was to give KZN subsistence fisherfolks guidelines in relation to the utilisation of marine living resources. Fisherman Jeffrey Naicker said contaminants like oil spills in the ocean harm fishes and other aquatic organisms.

“Fishermen are subjected to many challenges when fishing in the ocean. Our ocean is polluted with chemicals and high levels of E.coli.

“There are companies along the coastline that keep on flouting safety regulations that govern the maritime ecosystem. They discharge harmful chemicals onto the sea – rendering it toxic to the environment. Fishing under these conditions becomes a stumbling block because fish die during the process. We call on the department to reinforce bylaws against companies responsible for polluting the ocean,” said Naicker.

Also read: Meeting to address the concerns of subsistence fishermen

The KZN subsistence fisherfolk are fighting to obtain permits that will grant them privileges to fish freely on the coastlines. The department has received more than 300 applications from fishermen applying for legal fishing permits. All the applications received by the department are currently under review.

The exemption fishing permit will allow fishermen to fish and sell their catch – which is contrary to the recreational permit, which implies that fisherfolk are fishing as a sport, leisure or for fun.

Subsistence fisherfolk have this permit not by choice, but because it is the only permit available for them to fish legally. A recreational fishing permit has strict fishing regulations by not allowing fisherfolk to either sell or barter their catches.

Directorate of Small Scale Fisheries, Abongile Ngqongwa, in his virtual presentation, said thousands of families along the coastline have previously been relying on marine resources as their sources of income.

Ngqongwa said families along the coastline were forcefully removed from the area under the apartheid government, and this had a negative impact on fishermen who only relied on marine resources as their source of income.

He said the department also noted the plight of fishermen selling their catch on the N2 highway. He promised that the department will endeavor in making these operations recognised. He said that the department will work on the safety concerns raised and come up with long-lasting solutions.

Also read: Meeting to address the concerns of subsistence fishermen

Tony Moodley from Merebank, said he has been harassed by security guards while fishing. He alleged that the guards refused to accept his fishing permit saying it was invalid. He appealed to the department to have stringent measures put in place to protect them.

Chairperson of the KZN Subsistence Fisherfolks Forum, John Peter said the aim of the workshop was to address fishermen on the conditions of exemption fishing permit. “The workshop covered the legal framework of the permit, regulations and the different types of species that we are permitted to fish. We are still waiting for the department to issue the exemption permits,” he said.

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), KZN Subsistence Fisher folk Forum (KZNSFF), Legal Resource Centre (LRC) and Urban Futures Centre have worked together over the years to assist subsistence fisherfolk. Discussions were held to strategise as to whether this matter be taken to court.

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