Small-scale traditional linefishers in South Africa (SA) are facing mounting financial strain as they await a March 5 decision from the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on appeals against cuts to fishing permit allocations.

Multi-generational indigenous fishers in Hangberg, Hout Bay in Cape Town, say they feel sidelined by the department, accusing it of favouring large commercial operators over small community-based fishers. Current allocations are set to expire at the end of this month, heightening uncertainty for affected families.

Regan James, a traditional linefisher from the Hout Bay-Hangberg area, questioned why certain species they had applied for were not allocated to them.

He said fishers had also sought permits for species such as “skoot” and for seaweed harvesting, but were unsuccessful.

“There are private companies harvesting seaweed right on our doorstep,” James said. “These big businesses are building multi-billion Rand companies from seaweed along our coastline, yet we as the local community do not benefit.”

Fishers argue that the allocation process has left them economically vulnerable and are calling on the Ministry to reconsider its approach to ensure equitable access to marine resources for traditional fishing communities.

–ChannelAfrica–