SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is calling for public comment on draft regulations relating to the entry of foreign fishing vessels into South African waters which aim to provide clarity on procedures applicable to foreign fishing vessels wishing to transit local waters or enter the country’s ports.

SOUTH AFRICA: Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill which aims to provide stronger measures to better protect the country’s oceans from ship-related pollution.

NAMIBIA: Describing the Orange Basin as “one of the world’s most promising oil and gas regions,” the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has highlighted current trends in offshore exploration, appraisal and development activities across several Blocks.

Angola has become the latest country to sign the High Seas Treaty when Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Carmen do Sacramento, signed the document, at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York last week.

KENYA: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed last week that aims to address issues such as over-fishing as well as illegal activities within Africa’s fisheries.

EGYPT: After signing the final MoU with Egypt in July 2023, the International Maritime Organisation this week officially launched its Regional Presence Office (RPO) for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at a ceremony.

EGYPT: A group of 447 students graduated on Sunday at a ceremony at the Port Training Institute (PTI) in Alexandria, Egypt, marking the 44^th cohort of Basic Studies for Seafarers to successfully complete the training.

SOUTH AFRICA: Small-scale fishers will benefit from a 36% increase allocation in certain fish species in a move that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) believes will help boost local economies and empower fishing communities.