The Forgotten Voice. Where Does SMME Development Feature in FRAP 2021?

Much has been articulated about new entrants and small-scale resource apportionment in recent months. But there has not been much focus on the SMMEs in the fishing industry who seem to be the constituency left out- the forgotten voice.

One pragmatic way to address this is through the draft sectoral policies for species to be allocated. The primary issue is how to address this?

SMME’s which have made investment in vessels, processing facilities etc., and have performed optimally in terms of their catch performance over the duration of the right, should be considered for tonnage increases.  

In essence if this were to be achieved it should be by ringfencing percentage of each TAC to be allocated. It is exactly this position which SMME sector should be advocating.