Post on 15-Jan-2016
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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