A SOCIAL study ordered by the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) of the often maligned Durban small scale fishing communities revealed the possible existence of high pollution levels in local waters, leading to the decimation of sea life.
At a meeting at the Austerville community hall on Thursday, 11 June the results of the study, conducted by Vanessa Burger were presented. Burger, who said the findings of research were in no way scientific, called the study an insight into the environmental, perceptual and socio-economic factors affecting sustainable fishing practices.
The research, which was undertaken from the Ohlanga River mouth in the north to Kingsburgh in the south, showed three key areas of need: Pollution analysis, poverty alleviation and mentorship and communication.
Pollution analysis
“Our research shows that fish stocks have crashed in some areas, with local extinctions and irreparable damage to coastlines. But it is not the poor fishermen who are to blame. Pollution far outweighed the damage done by fishermen,” said Burger.
According to the research, 34% of respondents said they got sick from the fish they caught and ate. A marked increase in mullet fish across all study areas is seen as an indicator of increased pollution, while many other species have rapidly declined. “Extensive research needs to be conducted to determine the source of this pollution and pressure needs to be put on authorities to have some areas marked as no go zones so stocks can recover.”
Poverty alleviation
“The increase in unemployment has led to an increased need for fishing for livelihoods,” said SDCEA co-ordinator, Desmond D’Sa.
Many of the subsistence fishermen live below the poverty line, with some people surviving on an average of R251 in poorer areas to R1,386 per month per person without their income from fishing.
“A distinction therefore needs to be made between recreational fishermen and subsistence fishermen. Too many restrictions are placed on fishermen who need to fish for their livelihoods because it is classed incorrectly as a hobby,” said Burger.
A call has also been made for better amenities for the fishermen, who spend hours at fishing sites with little or no infrastructure. Better transport systems are also required as much of their income is spent on getting to and from these sites.
Mentorship and communication
A mentorship programme is being set up to allow long-time fishermen to educate others. “These mentors will speak to all stakeholders to bridge the gap and ensure communication flows between the fishermen and authorities,” said Burger.
The hope is that the more that is understood about these subsistence fishermen, the better authorities will be able to assist them and educate them to ensure continued fish stocks in the future.
