SELECT COMMITTEE ON LAND AND MINERAL RESOURCES

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES POLICY (SSFP)

23 June 2015

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

Presentation Outline

Background to SSFP

Objectives of the SSFP

Principles of the SSFP

Implementation Status

Key Activities for 2015

Key SSFP Implementation Challenges

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Background To Small-Scale Fisheries Policy

Men, woman and children have been living in coastal areas for thousands of years

harvesting marine resource for consumption, livelihoods, medicinal purposes, and as

part of cultural and spiritual practices.

In the past, these traditional fishers were mostly excluded from commercial long-term

fishing rights allocations

The Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) did not recognize traditional/ small-scale

fisheries

These fishing communities are typically characterized by high levels of poverty and

food security challenges.

In 2007 an Equality Court Order compelled government to redress the inequality

suffered by small-scale fishers.

Through extensive consultation the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy was adopted in 2012.

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Objectives of the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy

Create a sustainable, equitable, small-scale fishing sector

Secure the well-being and livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities

Maintain the health of marine ecosystems

Uplift fishing communities by providing appropriate support mechanisms, education and

training, infrastructure and participatory management practices.

Government, together with communities, co-manages near-shore marine living

resources

Takes fundamental human rights, MLRA principles and international obligations into

account

Promotes interests of women, disabled and child-headed households

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Principles of the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy

Community-based approach to rights allocation (non-competitive, community-based

legal entity)

Co-management approach to managing the small-scale fisheries sector

Multi-species approach in allocating fishing rights to small-scale fishing communities

Preferential access to small-scale fishing communities who have traditionally depended

on marine living resources for their livelihoods

Ensuring that the integrity of marine ecosystems and sustainability of the resources are

not compromised

Developmental approach to the small-scale fisheries sector

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Implementation Status

SSFP Implementation Plan developed and adopted in 2013.

Marine Living Resources Act Amendment Act signed into law in May 2014.

DAFF Roll-Out Plan (operational plan) approved in November 2014. The Roll-Out Plan

(ROP) was based on the SSFP Implementation Plan and also made provision for a five

year implementation process. The ROP consists of five phases, namely: 1)

Preparatory; 2) Development of support plans 3) Mobilization of fishers into co-

operatives; 4) Allocation; and 5) Post-allocation management and support. The

timeframe to allocate rights under the adopted ROP was March 2016.

The adopted ROP was explained and disseminated to stakeholders.

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Implementation Status (continuation)

Preparatory phase approaching completion, which includes: development of ROP,

promulgation of SSF Regulations and Amendment Act, establishment of small-scale

fisheries steering committee and forum, and appointment of service providers.

Significant work has commenced on various support plans including: development of

co-operative model, small-scale fisheries co-operative constitution, management

principles for the basket of species, communications plan, stakeholder engagement

plan, and catch data monitoring plan.

Expression of Interest launched for communities on 27 Feb 2015.

Draft Small-Scale Fisheries Regulations published for public comment on 6 Mar 2015.

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Key Activities for 2015

Review comments on draft Regulations and finalize.

Promulgate the Marine Living Resources Amendment Act.

Conclude the expression of interest process and develop schedule of community

visitations.

Finalize support plans including resource splits between sectors.

Verify all fishers in communities that submitted an expression of interest.

Mobilize verified fishers into Small-Scale Fisheries co-operatives (constitution,

management plans, registration).

Engage with co-operatives on governance training, basket of species, and fishing area.

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Key SSFP Implementation Challenges

ROP Time frames require adjusting to accommodate delays

Small-Scale Fisheries Management capacity and budget are inadequate

No service provider appointed for KwaZulu-Natal to assist the Department

Conflict with Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Implication for the commercial sectors due to limited marine resources

Interim Relief problems, which further reduces capacity to implement the SSFP

Establishment of Marine Protected Areas under Operation Phakisa

Decentralization of Fisheries Management Branch services

Fisher level of education and understanding of co-operatives

Thank You

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