Fisherfolk unite in Scottburgh
People were educated and informed of the struggle that fisherfolk face daily.
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) together with the KZN Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum (KZNSFF) hosted a joint meeting in Scottburgh last Tuesday at the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk Church.
The main goal of this meeting was to unite, educate and inform participants of the struggle that fisherfolk face daily.
The meeting was considered a success with just over 70 participants in attendance from different areas such as Umgababa, Umkomaas, Scottburgh, Park Rynie, Port Shepstone and Oceanview.
Jonathan Erasmus from WaterCAN did a presentation on being an ‘Active Citizen Scientist’ and how to test water using a simple water testing kit supplied by WaterCAN. WaterCAN encourages community members to get involved and test their water source.
John Peter Narayanasamy, chairperson of KZNSFF, presented on the subsistence fishing policy, beach cleanliness, marine protected areas and the renewal of fishing permits. Fisherfolk also raised concerns and struggles that are experienced at their fishing spots.
The platform was also used by Desmond D’Sa, office coordinator of SDCEA, who spoke about the sewage concerns in the ocean and how everyone has to unite together as subsistence fisherfolk.
It was also noted that fisherfolk have been forced to stop fishing due to the high levels of e-Coli in the oceans as broken infrastructures have not yet been repaired.
Project officer at SDCEA Janeira Reddy also provided updates on the oil and gas progress in South Africa. This matter is important to many people as oil and gas exploration affects fisherfolks’ livelihoods as marine life die as well as move to other areas.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
