Hake Inshore Trawl. Court Showdown Looms

Senior fishing executives have warned of dire consequences for the local industry in the light of the department’s long term fishing rights allocation for the hake inshore trawl fishery.

Job losses, factory closures and the resurgence of paper quota holders are just some of the red flags raised in affidavits submitted in the review application by Viking Fishing, a court showdown fast shaping up to be a seminal moment in South African fishing.

In addition commentary arising from the case suggests the outcome will indeed shape fishing policy for the foreseeable future.