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Small-scale fishermen cast their line amid ongoing appeals over species allocations.
The looming March 5th decision by the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on appeals received from Small-Scale Traditional Linefish fishers against permit allocation cuts has left many in financial distress.
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Multi-generational indigenous fishers in areas such as Hangberg at Hout Bay, in Cape Town, feel let down by the ministry. They say the department seems to prioritise big commercial companies above them. Current allocations expire at the end of the month.
“There are many species available, and we did apply for these species. Why were they not allocated to us? The same applies to “skoot”; why were we not given skoot? Why were we not allocated seaweed?,” one of the traditional line fishers working in the Hout Bay-Hangberg area, Regan James asks.
[COMING UP] Western Cape small-scale fishing communities demand recognition of bona fide traditional fishers, support of local fisher families.#UpdateAtNoon #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/k0D5pGDxFF
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He says that in their area, there are private companies harvesting seaweed right on their doorstep. However, no seaweed has been allocated to them; the people who live here.
“That is unfair. What we have realised is that these large businesses are building multi-billion-rand companies using seaweed from our coastline, yet we are not benefiting from it,” adds James.
RELATED VIDEO | Small scale fishing policy uproar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6qTO2toy-Y
