By Sue Segar
THE South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) is eagerly anticipating the completion of the long-awaited Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP), from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE); expected during October 2023.
SADSTIA Chairman Innocent Dwayi said the finalization of this process will provide much-needed certainty to the sector. SADSTIA represents South African trawler owners and operators engaged in Cape hake fishing. DFFE Minister, Barbara Creecy has said the department received a record number of appeals against rights allocations. FRAP seeks to enforce allocations for the next 15 years in nine fishing sectors – and Creecy said each appeal would be carefully assessed.
The lengthy appeals process has drawn criticism from stakeholders saying it is affecting the livelihoods of fishers, while they await the outcomes. Appeals affect eight of the sectors – hake deep-sea, hake longline, South Coast rock lobster, small pelagic, KwaZulu-Natal crustacean trawl, demersal shark, squid and tuna – are due to be finalized in October.
“The lingering nature of these appeals is impeding our ability within the deep-sea fishing sector to determine appropriate levels of reinvestment in assets, including acquiring new vessels, restructuring operations, and integrating modern technology. We are earnestly looking forward to obtaining the definitive appeal outcomes before October. In a climate of allocation uncertainty, our ability to strategically shape our business and embark on fresh investments is hindered,” Dwayi told Cape Business News.
He said the much anticipated amendment of the Marine Living Resources Act – which makes provision for how the rights allocations should be regulated, and who should be the participants and beneficiaries – is another measure which will have important implications for the industry – strengthening the sector and promoting economic growth. “This important measure and legislation also looks at what transformation should look like in the fishing industry,” he said. “SADSTIA’s members collectively represent about 67% Black ownership.”
In his capacity as SADSTIA’s Chairman since January of this year, Dwayi, who also serves as the Employee and Stakeholder Relations Manager at I&J Limited, said his primary objective is to establish an all-encompassing organization, where every member’s perspective is heard and valued. Currently, SADSTIA has roughly 30 members including those who have lodged appeals, representing over 90 percent of rights holders in the hake deep-sea fishing sector.
Dwayi is hopeful that the new rights holders who are successful in the hake allocations will also join SADSTIA for a more inclusive organisation.
“The hake deep-sea trawl accounts for about 84% of the total hake TAC (Total Allowable Catch) and safeguarding the well-being of our members’ interests remains paramount, enabling their ongoing pursuit of achievements in domestic and international markets where their goods are marketed. Another key objective is to ensure governmental accountability by means of partnerships and collaborations, while also ensuring equitable representation for the smaller enterprises within our association.
“We engage in both on-board and land based processing facilities, generating numerous employment opportunities for women within the sector. Our focus extends across the complete value chain, contributing to over 5 000 indirect positions and 7 300 direct jobs, with 72 percent representing permanent roles. This encompasses individuals on vessels as well as land based professionals, excluding roles within the broader value chain like service providers involved in vessel discharge and fish transportation from sea to land-based facilities. Favourable rights allocations will protect existing jobs while creating additional jobs in the value chain.”
Dwayi added that the Marine Steward Council (MSC) had given positive feedback of SADSTIA’s processes and the sustainability of the fishery, earning for the trawl fishery for hake certification from the MSC, a programme that certifies sustainable, wild-caught seafood.
“Fishing now entails more than setting sail with basic equipment. The industry has evolved with the integration of advanced technology, encompassing innovations like state-of-the-art nets, devices, and sensors on vessels. We are actively encouraging our members to embrace this technology, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining sustainable practices within our fishery. This modern technology is designed to achieve several goals, including better conservation of smaller aquatic species, enhanced electronic vessel monitoring, benefitting both the industry and regulatory oversight by the department, ensuring comprehensive oceanic vessel tracking.”
“Seventy percent of our products are exported and SADSTIA is well respected among international players.
“It’s a delight for me to be part of such an organisation that is committed to sustainable practices and promoting innovation’ he concluded.
