The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, has welcomed the decision to increase the sardine Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the areas west of Cape Agulhas, describing it as a significant step towards the protection of several jobs in the sector.
The TAC has been increased by 6 000 tonnes, from 30 500 tonnes to 36 500 tonnes. The increase comprises 3 000 tonnes supported by the revised survey timing corrections and a further 3 000 tonnes made available through the conversion of existing sardine Total Allowable Bycatches (TABs).
The decision follows several requests from stakeholders in the commercial small pelagic sector expressing concerns due to a shortage of sardine for processing in the areas west of Cape Agulhas.
This resulted in socio-economic hardship, with several right holders having already harvested their local sardine TAC allocations and being forced to scale down operations. Consequently, these circumstances placed over 1 000 jobs at risk.
Minister Aucamp, therefore, instructed the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group (SWG) to investigate whether additional sardine TAC could be made available for the areas west of Cape Agulhas in the short term to assist in alleviating these impacts.
Following their deliberations, the SWG reached a decision on Monday, 29 June 2026.
“I remain fully cognisant of the important contribution that the commercial small pelagic sector makes to job creation and in this case, over 5 000 livelihoods will be protected as a direct result of this decision,” said Minister Aucamp.
“While the decision is a welcome intervention, it is equally critical that we continue to maintain the ‘sweet spot’ between inclusive economic growth, job creation and environmental protection.”
The determination of the TAC is governed by the provisions of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998). It is informed by the best available scientific advice, the application of the precautionary approach, and the current process used to develop scientific recommendations for TAC setting in the management of the small pelagic sector.
The department will continue to monitor the status of the resource through its established scientific assessment and stakeholder engagement processes.
Any future adjustments to management of the small pelagic stock will be considered strictly within the framework of the applicable scientific advice, sustainable resource management and legislative requirements.
“I am very pleased that we have saved more than a thousand jobs, whilst also ensuring the protection of our natural resources. Creating jobs and growing our economy does not stand in opposition to the protection of our environment, which was again evident in reaching this decision,” Minister Aucamp concluded.
Enquiries:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@dffe.gov.za
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