date extended to Monday, 10 April 2006
28 March 2006
Following the completion of a three-day public information roadshow
undertaken by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism along the
coast to explain the West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) nearshore appeals process,
the Department confirms the closing date for appeals for the West Coast Rock
Lobster (nearshore) fishery has been extended until Monday, 10 April 2006, and
applies to all zones (A, B, C, D, E, F, G).
The roadshows, a result of requests from members of the communities, were
held in Port Nolloth, Hondeklipbaai, Doringbaai, Lambertsbaai, Elandsbaai,
Velddrift, St Helenabaai, Paternoster, Saldhana, Gordonsbaai, Kalkbaai,
Kommetjie, Hout Bay, Kleinmond, Gansbaai and Hermanus. More than 900
individuals attended these consultations. The appeals process, criteria for the
long term rights allocations as well as the decision spreadsheets were
explained at these consultations individually.
The Department has received a total of 4070 applications for WCRL nearshore.
The WCRL resource, which is a high value resource, has declined over the last
year. A total of 572 tons is available for allocations in the nearshore area in
depths less than 40m.
The policy, which was approved by Cabinet in May 2004 after an extensive
public participatory process, include the appeal from communities during these
consultations to increase individual quantum as the quantum of 200-300 kg
allocated before is not sustainable for a year. The quantum was therefore
increased to 750kg-1500 kg.
Appeal forms may be hand delivered or posted registered mail to Mr Raymond
Scott, 6th Floor, Allocations and Verifications, Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag way, Foreshore,
Cape Town, 8001.
The outcome of the appeals is expected to be announced by the end of April
2006.
Enquiries:
JP Louw
Chief Director: Communications
Tel: (012) 310 3594
Cell: 082 569 3340
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
28 March 2006
