The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has announced that it is to embark on a consultation process about sector specific fisheries allocations.
This relates to Abalone, Hake Inshore Trawl, Horse Mackerel, Kwazulu-Natal Beach Seine, Large Pelagic, Net Fish, Patagonian Toothfish, Seaweed, West Cost Rock Lobster (nearshore) and West Cost Rock Lobster (offshore).
“We have been advised by our lawyers that we should make comments on all the policies as it will affect the allocation given to small-scale fishers,” said Masifundise’s Nico Waldeck.
Masifundise is highly concerned about the distribution of the WCRL to commercial fishers. This is due to the fact that once commercial fishers are given rights, it will have a direct impact on the number of rights given to small-scale fishers.
“We have encouraged our communities, especially those on the West Coast to make comments on the policy,” said Michelle Joshua, “because once rights are issued there is no turning back and as an organisation we cannot allow our fishers to lose out once again,” she continued.
Masifundise and Coastal Links SA are represented in more than 90 communities across South Africa.
The process will commence on July 7 and end on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. Details of dates, times and venues are included in the department’s media release (below).
Read the release here: