Environmental Affairs and Tourism at the national Summit on Subsistence and
Small-Scale Fisheries, Port Elizabeth
1 November 2007
Minister announces a R100 million Marine Aquaculture investment by
government
I am certainly delighted to address this very important first ever National
Summit on Subsistence and Small-scale Fisheries in South Africa. I wish to
welcome you all.
This Summit ladies and gentlemen marks a milestone in the process to craft a
policy and management regime for subsistence and small-scale fishers. What is
therefore gratifying, is that we have gathered here, most importantly, the
communities who are directly affected, together with the different spheres of
government to deliberate on issues that would inform our policy
development.
We acknowledge that this sector of the fisheries has not received the
attention it deserves, as we have in the past not had a dispensation for small
scale fishers. I am proud of the partnership that has been developed between
our department, communities and non-governmental organisation (NGOs). The first
fruits of this partnership were the interim relief measure we announced in May
this year. This measure was to accommodate 1 000 bona fide subsistence fishers,
who did not hold a commercial fishing right and who could demonstrate both
historical dependence and reliance on fishing along the Cape west and south
coast between Port Nolloth in the north and Arniston in the south.
These partnerships will have a stabilising effect on the fishing industry
and will ensure that no communities are regarded as second-class citizens in
this industry. Today, I want to pledge my personal commitment and that of my
Department to elevate this sector as part of our core business. We would like
to engage with this sector more intimately in respect of the management of our
marine resources.
As you are aware the department published two draft policies on Subsistence
and Small-scale Fisheries last year and embarked on a consultative process to
elicit comments on these polices. However, it was felt that we need a more
structured and intimate engagement with our communities, hence this Summit. We
are here to listen and obtain first hand information on the views of the
communities in respect of policy and the management of marine resources.
Subsistence fishers and communities have and still do in some parts of our
country add to the spectrum of diverse community livelihoods. I am aware that
this livelihood opportunity is fraught with physical danger as well as
uncertainty. As employment opportunities are limited, more and more people are
turning to fishing for a livelihood, exerting pressure on the resources to the
extent that in some cases the stocks cannot sustain the level of harvesting.
Just as land-based resources cannot be accessible to all; these resources have
to be managed in a way that is for the greater good of all. That means
responsibility and equitability.
Our department takes the view that, in consultation with the affected
communities, it should assist by initiating and supporting interventions to
make a difference to the lives of the people adversely affected by these
developments within its available resources. In this regard I believe that
there are huge opportunities in marine aquaculture, which will not only reduce
the pressure on wild stocks but provide new economic opportunities.
The global demand for fish products has increased in recent years while the
supply from capture fisheries has been decreasing. In contrast, aquaculture
production has increased by an average of nine percent globally. Following the
global trends, capture fisheries in South Africa are in decline affecting some
28 000 direct jobs that are located in areas characterised by high
unemployment. It is in these areas that a growing marine aquaculture industry
could provide additional economic activity. It is also significant that South
Africa imports more fish products than it exports. According to studies, on
average 200 000 tons of fish, valued at R0,7 billion, was imported per year
during the period 2000 to 2004. In this context, aquaculture presents a good
opportunity to diversify fish production to satisfy local demand, export
opportunities, and the creation of new jobs. Currently the marine aquaculture
industry in South Africa contributes 0,005% to the country's Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) and provides 1 200 direct jobs. This is modest compared to
countries like Chile with a GDP contribution of 1,4% and 60 000 direct jobs; a
GDP of one percent and 4 200 direct jobs in Norway and a GDP of 0,06% and 670
000 jobs in Vietnam.
I am proud to announce that we have allocated R100 million in the next
financial year to make the following second economy marine aquaculture
interventions. Six Marine Aquaculture Projects, for our four coastal provinces
will be initiated in the 2008/09 financial year.
These projects will be the following:
* the establishment of a abalone farm in Gansbaai, Western Cape
* the establishment of a finfish farm for silver cob or yellow tail in Saldanha
Bay, Western Cape abalone ranching in Port Nolloth, Northern Cape
* the establishment of a finfish farm in Qolora, Eastern Cape
* the establishment of a finfish farm in Sokhulu, KwaZulu-Natal
* the development of a state hatchery
Our department will explore with you how communities could be involved in
such activities.
In addition to these amounts that will be spent on marine aquaculture
projects our department will be spending a total amount of R50,6 million rand
in the current financial year on our working for the coast social
responsibility projects. I can also announce that we have allocated a further
R240 million for these projects starting in the next financial year.
In your deliberations over the next two days I urge you to consider the
coasts and oceans opportunities as more than just fish. Our people and
environmental diversity are our greatest assets. I would imagine that while
there are general basic requirements that policies must have, provinces and
even within provinces it would require different solutions for subsistence
fishers.
In conclusion, the Department recognises that we need an engagement on
solutions for subsistence and small-scale fishing and coastal livelihoods. In
undertaking these engagements we must include other users of our ocean
resources. This is where our work is defined, in finding a place for all our
people who are using coastal and ocean resources and services.
I wish you well over the next two days and I thank you for your time.
Enquiries:
Riaan Aucamp
Cell: 083 778 9923
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
1 November 2007
