The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) announced a new process for small-scale fisheries rights allocation. Last month, the Western Cape High Court set aside the “wholly inadequate” 2016-2019 process after it was found that the regulations. In the 2016 process, only 2800 small-scale fishers were awarded rights and quotas. However, fishing communities have criticized the re-application process citing that the department would only look at the original 8500 applicants. The department has also been criticized for not considering young fishermen and new fishing groups that have worked in the industry in the past six years.

Guest: Pedro Garcia - SA United Fishing Front

Guest: Abongile Ngqongwa – Acting Chief Director: Marine Resource Management in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment