Time for ANC to play open cards on fishing rights allocation process 

24 August 2021

The DA remains concerned regarding the outstanding conclusion of the long-awaited Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP) which was due to take place last year. The DA has been made aware of a revised timeline which indicates that all rights are now due to be rushed through by the end of December 2021 followed by an appeals process which should take until the middle of 2022.

While it is heartening to see that steps are at least being taken towards concluding this process serious questions still remain around the details of this process and the implementation thereof.

It is understood that phase one of the socio-economic impact assessment (SEIAS) for FRAP is not yet fully concluded. This process is meant to assist in informing the decision making in terms of the awarding of rights and is central to its success.

Furthermore, there is due to be a second phase to the SEAIS and is it uncertain as to when this process will begin or how the outcomes of this will be factored into the relatively short timeframe remaining before the awarding of rights before the end of this year.

We have also noted concern that not enough has been done to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including academia and other professionals to ensure that the process is thorough and that no one is unfairly prejudiced or left out. If so, the whole process could be up for legal challenge which would be a complete disaster. The DA has submitted questions to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, in this regard and are hoping to get more feedback soon.

The ANC’s handling of fishing in South Africa and in particular the FRAP has been calamitous to say the least. In the Western Cape the small-scale fishing allocations were completely bungled, to the point where a new contractor had to be sourced and the process restarted. This is simply not good enough in a country with 2 800 kilometers of coastline with many communities and industries that rely on fishing for survival.

It is high time that the Department play open cards with the fishing industry and the general public as to the way forward with the FRAP and all other matters relating to fishing in South Africa.

Issued by Dave Bryant, DA Shadow Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, 24 August 2021