Fishing regulations tackled
As per the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, subsistence fisherfolk in KZN have had many challenges over the years, as they rely on fishing to feed themselves and their families.
KZN fisherfolk possess recreational fishing permits to fish for sport, leisure or fun.
Subsistence fisherfolk have this permit not by choice, but because it is the only permit available to them to fish legally. A recreational fishing permit has strict regulations, as it does not allow them to sell or barter their catches.
According to the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), subsistence fisherfolk in KZN had many challenges over the years, as they rely on fishing to feed themselves and their families.
Subsistence fisherfolk had their rights removed which allowed them to catch fish, put food on the table and to sell fish to earn an income, place their children in school and to pay bills that keep the lights and water on.
Over the years, the SDCEA, KZN Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum, Legal Resource Centre and Urban Futures Centre have worked together to assist these subsistence fisherfolk.
Discussions were held throughout the province, including in Scottburgh, to strategise as to whether this matter be taken to court.
In 2021, the matter was taken to Minister Barbara Creecy (Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) seeking her intervention to recognise subsistence fishers in KZN.
The SDCEA stated that Minister Creecy then requested a task team comprising a delegation from her department to engage with the above organisations, to find the best way forward.
After many meetings and deliberations among the task team, the department has now recognised the subsistence fisherfolk by providing them with free fishing exemption permits. However, the department requested to pilot this project by first rolling it out to members residing within the eThekwini boundary.
These fishermen can now legally sell their catch for a living.
The criteria used was that they must be a South Africa citizen, be above the age of 18 with a valid South African ID, have been fishing for over 10 years and depend on traditional fishing or fishing-related activities for daily food and basic livelihood needs.
Earlier this month, Abongile Ngqongwa, directorate of Small Scale Fisheries) together with the task team met with KZN subsistence fisherfolk who had applied for the exemption fishing permit. The meeting was held at the Merebank Community Centre with over 400 people in attendance.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
