UPDATE. Finalisation of Western Cape Small-Scale Fisheries Appeals and Rights

The appeals process on the verification of the small-scale fisheries process and allocation of rights in the Western Cape, has been finalised. For some this is finally some good news, for others it is far too late to save some of the nearshore species such as West Coast Rock Lobster. For the stalwarts of the South African fishing industry who 20 years ago were so vocal about bringing about change, today marks the end of a very long fight to have the rights of small-scale fishers recognised.

Today, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment DFFE) told media that grant of rights letters had been issued to 62 small-scale fishing co-operatives in the Western Cape, with a total membership of 3850 declared fishers. “This marks the final province where these rights have been granted for the first time in South Africa’s history,” Minister Barbara Creecy said.