For immediate release
21 January 2025
Today, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) Minister Dion George, announced a “36% increase in the allocation of certain key fish species.” This decision is regarded as a significant step toward empowering small-scale fishers, strengthening local economies and driving sustainable growth within South Africa’s fishing communities.
Masifundise welcomes this development; however, several uncertainties remain. The key concerns regarding the announcement include:
- While the announcement refers to an increase in “key fish species,” it does not specify which species are included or which coastal areas will benefit from this allocation.
- The announcement states, “This 36% increase in fish allocations for own use is about improving livelihoods, empowering fishing communities, and stimulating economic activity in our coastal regions.” However, it is important to note that small-scale fishers holding permits for own consumption are currently not permitted to sell their catch. The lack of detail on whether these permits will be revised or expanded remains a significant concern.
- Small-scale fishing communities await direct engagement from the Minister regarding this announcement. In October 2024, the Minister was invited to the Fisher People’s Conference, hosted by Masifundise and Coastal links in Cape Town, but did not respond to this invitation. Rural small-scale fishing communities are still seeking meaningful dialogue with the Minister to address their critical challenges and concerns.
Overall, while the proposed increase in fish species allocations is a positive development, there is insufficient information on how it will tangibly improve the livelihoods and economic well-being of small-scale fishing communities. Masifundise looks forward to further clarification from the Minister and the DFFE on these critical matters.
We call on the Minister to engage in direct, meaningful debates with civil society and organisations working with fishing communities to address the structural issues and barriers that fishing communities currently face in developing their livelihoods and local economies.
For media enquiries contact:
- Jordan Volmink – Media Officer
- Carmen Mannarino – Programme manager