Small-scale fishers need engagement with DFFE minister over increase in own-use allocation. File Picture: Leon Lestrade/African News Agency/ANA
SMALL-scale fishing communities are waiting for direct engagement with Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George, to address their concerns following his announcement of a 36% increase in the allocation of certain key fish species for “own use”.
George made the announcement Tuesday citing “empowering small-scale fishers, strengthening local economies, and driving sustainable growth in South Africa’s fishing communities” as reasons for the decision.
“This 36% increase in fish allocations for own use is about improving livelihoods, empowering fishing communities, and stimulating economic activity in our coastal regions. By supporting small-scale fishers, we’re ensuring that they become central players in driving local development and sustainability," he said.
According to the department, the decision concerns government’s “commitment to supporting small-scale fishers”, providing them with greater access to marine resources that will enable business growth and create jobs at harbours across the country.
However, the biggest issue expressed by small-scale fishers was that permits for own consumption did not currently allow people to sell their catch, which raised the question how this development would create jobs and business growth.
Civil society organisation Masifundise said while they welcomed this development, there were still several uncertainties, as there was insufficient information on how the move will tangibly improve the livelihoods and economic well-being of small-scale fishing communities.
“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.
The organisation said they wanted clarity on the issue from George.
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.”
EC Khoi Fishers deputy chairperson Deon Spandiel said the announcement means “nothing” for small-scale fishers as it would not create any jobs because they would not be allowed to sell the fish.
“You can only use it in your house according to the policy. It won’t create any jobs. If the minister told us 36% would be added to our total-allowable catch (TAC) then we’d be happy as co-operatives because we are having to share 10% of squid for example among co-operatives across the country each with many members that must get a share. With own-use there’s not much we can do. Plus own-use permits are available to everyone, so there’s no control over that.”
Cape Times
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