Minister Senzeni Zokwana and Deputy Minister General Bheki Cele meet CEOs of the fishing industry
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana and his Deputy Minister, General Bheki Cele, met with the captains of the fishing industry on Tuesday, 10 February 2015. The meeting is part of the Minister’s continued engagement with various stakeholders to share ideas in a manner that is underpinned by honesty, integrity and mutual respect.
Minister Zokwana emphasised that the department is committed to ensuring that the highest standard of governance is maintained to ensure that marine resources are protected and managed efficiently. This will ensure contribution to the economy, food security and job creation.
Most importantly, the honourable Minister announced that , in terms of section 81 Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998) he will exempt all right holders whose rights are due to expire in 2015 from section 18(1) of the Act. This exemption will grant an extension for a period of one year. “After careful consideration, I have decided it will be sensible to grant an exemption to the current fishing rights holders,” said the Minister.
The extension is effective from 28 February 2015 to 29 February 2016. This extension will allow the department to prepare for the upcoming Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP) 2015/16. Futhermore, the extension will help to establish a well-managed and transparent process that will foster efficiency and accountability for the FRAP 15/16 course of action.
This exemption will be applicable to the following sectors:
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Table 1: Duration of rights |
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|
|
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Sector |
Duration |
Start date |
Expiry date |
Extended expiry date |
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1. Large Pelagics (Tuna and Swordfish Longline) |
10 years |
1-Mar-05 |
28-Feb-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
2. West Coast Rock Lobster (Offshore) |
10 years |
15-Nov-05 |
31-Jul-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
3. West Coast Rock Lobster (nearshore) |
10 years |
15-Nov-05 |
31-Jul-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
4. Patagonian Tooth Fish |
10 years |
12-Jan-06 |
30-Oct-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
5. Hake In-shore Trawl |
10 years |
1-Jan-06 |
31-Dec-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
6. Horse Mackerel |
10 years |
1-Jan-06 |
31-Dec-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
7. Seaweed |
10 years |
1-Jan-06 |
31-Dec-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
8. KwaZulu-Natal Beach Seine |
10 years |
1-Jan-06 |
31-Dec-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
9. Net Fish |
10 years |
1-Jan-06 |
31-Dec-15 |
29-Feb-16 |
|
10. Fish processing establishment |
15 years |
1-Jan-02 |
31-Dec-16 |
31-Dec-16 |
The Minister concluded by mentioning that “This year, we will see the implementation of the Small-scale Fisheries Policy.” This means over and above the long term rights, allocation to Small-scale Fisheries will also during this same period be realized.
in supporting the Minister’s statement, the Deputy Minister, General Bheki Cele stated that transformation is fundamental to enabling equity of opportunity in the fishing industry.
For media enquiries and further information please contact:
MsMakenosi Maroo
Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Tel: 012 319 6787
Cell: 072 475 2956
E-mail: MakenosiM@daff.gov.za
