The discussion between CEOs of the fishing industry, myself, the Acting Director-General, the Deputy Director-General of the Fisheries branch and senior officials from the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries was an opportunity for us to engage and find middle ground for the benefit of the fishing industry in its entirety.
The meeting has been a chance for industry to advise me as a valued voice, on how we can expand opportunities for commercial and small-scale fishing fishers. There is a game change in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector, we value these interactions as an opportunity to receive advice from industry leaders.
The introduction of the small-scale policy, whose implementation plan will be finalised this year, will assist in realising this goal. The policy’s key imperative is to develop, assist and support the small-scale fisheries sector. Government will support small-scale fishing communities to ensure that they have access to fish stocks and have the opportunity to fish, with the support of the established companies.
My department had already engaged with the service provider who is assisting us with the small-scale fisheries policy implementation process. This service provider will extend their support in assisting us with the finalisation of the policy review process. We are extending their contracts and addendums to their existing contract to include this area of work. So we remain very confident that we will meet the deadlines of the allocation of long-term fishing rights.
The fisheries sector is a vital source of income for our country. The industry contributes 0.6% to the country’s GDP, with the commercial sector estimated to be worth R6 billion. We would like to form public private partnerships with fishing companies. The industry is a major job creator in South Africa. The collective interest from the government’s perspective is for industry to grow its businesses and increase jobs in the sector.
The hake industry for example is a global player and remains an important sector in the industry and for the country at large. There is consensus that the MSC hake certification will not be lost. We have assured the CEOs that a process is underway. We have met the assessors and await the outcome of this engagement. The assessors have understood the situation and were appreciative of the interventions done by the department. In addition, two other fisheries have also been earmarked for MSC certification.
Next week, the BRICS summit will be held in Durban. During the summit, I, as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, will be signing a trade agreement with the Russian government to export South African fish stocks into the Russian market. Ever since the inclusion of South Africa into BRICS, South Africa, and especially our department, have worked tirelessly to attract alternative markets. This is not to say we have abandoned our traditional markets, we have however expanded trade opportunities with other emerging economies.
Today I would like to announce that Damen Shipyard, Cape Town has been appointed as one of the service providers to effect the required repairs to the vessels. A second service provider is in the process of being appointed. This service provider will give support with the operations of the vessels. These appointments will ensure that all the work that was meant to be carried out will continue in earnest. At the same time, the tender process for the long-term vessel management of the DAFF fleet is underway and will continue at the same time.
We want to build relationships, to create a culture of consultation and working together with the fishing industry. One of the main efforts of government and my department is to address the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and job creation.
To date, government driven programmes in the industry have been aimed at addressing the ecological challenge of ensuring that fishing stocks are not over-exploited, the challenge of social- economic challenges as well the imperatives of Black Economic Empowerment in the industry. In each instance, the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries has had to balance the needs of the commercial sector as well as the artisanal and new entrant market while safeguarding against the depletion of stocks.
There will be wide consultation with all fisheries stakeholders. We will ensure that our processes are as transparent as possible and that we can reach consensus on decisions. This will be done through consultation, guidance and we are committed to finding solutions that will enable us to advance transformation in the fisheries sector.
We are looking at the economic viability of rights so that rights holders are able to use their fishing rights maximally. We are of the opinion, and will be investigating ways in which to adequately assess the viability of these rights.
We are all aware and agree that there are pressures on government and the industry; however, we are committed to ensuring that this meeting will be a continuing dialogue which signals a step in a new direction in the fisheries sector.
For more information please contact:
Palesa Mokomele, Spokesperson for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Cell: 082 904 1908
Carol Moses, Spokesperson for the Fisheries Branch of DAFF
Cell: 079 0464 589
