WCRL season extended as an olive branch to small-scale fishers

DFFE reaches out to small-scale fishers

SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking at small-scale fisheries engagements this week, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp confirmed that the West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) nearshore fishing season would remain open for the month of May.

This once-off corrective measure acknowledges the impact of administrative delays in the finalisation and issuing of revised allocations and permits. Announcing the measure, the Minister told stakeholders that the intervention should be seen as part of a broader commitment to improving administrative efficiency, enhancing transparency, and restoring confidence in the management of the sector.

“We remain committed to ensuring that marine resources are utilised sustainably, and in a way that benefits fishing communities. We want your sector to contribute meaningfully to economic development and job creation, and we are here to support that process,” he said promising regulations that would not restrict growth, but would support and strengthen the sector through responsive and evidence-based fisheries management interventions.

The Minister hosted the stakeholder engagement after the commitment he made to engage directly with the small-scale fishing sector in March during the announcement of the Traditional Long Line and West Coast Rock Lobster appeals.

Voicing their concerns during the engagements, cooperatives highlighted urgent and long-term issues. They urged the Department to honour its commitments in supporting the effective implementation of the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy and enabling sustainable livelihoods.

Presenting concerns as official memorandum and letters, the Minister is now tasked with formally assessing and responding to these ongoing issues and has committed to do so through “established departmental processes”.

The Minister will continue to engage with stakeholders across all coastal provinces in ongoing initiatives to meet with the sector.