THE KwaZulu-Natal fishermen who have been struggling to get free fishing permits are over the moon after they received their permits for the first time this week.

The KZN subsistence fishermen have been recognised as small-scale fishers, which means they can sell their catch.

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

All fishermen in KZN used to have a recreational fishing permit which implies that they are fishing as a sport, for leisure or for fun. A recreational fishing permit has strict fishing regulations such as not allowing fisherfolks to either sell or barter their catches.

Subsistence fisherfolk in KZN rely on fishing not only for sustenance but also to provide for their families. However, accessing the beachfront piers in Durban has become increasingly challenging since they were closed for renovation during the Soccer World Cup, with no reinstatement of fishing rights thereafter.

Chairperson of the KZN Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum, John Peter Narayanasamy, said pier fishing serves as a vital means for less affluent individuals to venture beyond the shoreline, enabling them to catch a diverse array of fish. This activity offers them the chance to return home with a catch, ensuring they do not go empty-handed.

“Our new permits allow us to fish, trade, and harvest other species that we were previously not allowed to extract. Previously, we were also not allowed to sell fish because the recreational permits issued to us had restrictions,” said Narayanasamy.

Last year, fishermen were given free-exemption permits at a meeting held in Merebank between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and KZN subsistence fisherfolk.

Also read: KZN fishermen confront challenges in the fishing industry

The criteria used for fisherfolks to be eligible are:

• Be a South African citizen.
• They need to be above the age of 18 years old, with a valid South African ID document.
• They have been fishing for over 10 years.
• They depend on traditional fishing or fishing-related activities for daily food and basic livelihood needs.
• They should apply for the subsistence and small-scale fishing exemption if they live in a coastal community and want to make use of marine living resources.
• They should apply through the locally established co-management committees.
• They need to meet all the verification criteria.
• The exemption is renewable annually. Failure to adhere to exemption conditions may result in legal proceedings, which include suspension, cancellation or revocation of the exemption.

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