Question NW804 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

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29 May 2020 - NW804

Profile picture: Singh, Mr N

Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

1) With regard to the Level 4 regulations on the relaxation of the lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 which came into effect on 1 May 2020, (a) on what date did she issue directives to clarify what the phrase 'all fishing allowed' means and (b)(i) what are the directives and (ii) on what grounds are they based; and (2) with regard to the internationally known sardine run which will take place soon, what considerations have been given to cater for the sardine run phenomenon in view of current lockdown regulations?

Reply:

804. THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT REPLIES:


1. (a) The Directions Regarding measures to Address, Prevent and Combat the Spread of COVID-19, in particular relating to the Freshwater and Marine Fishing Sectors, were gazetted on 14 May 2020.

(b) (i) These Directions apply to:
■ Mariculture, commercial and small-scale fishing rights, permits and exemptions;
■ Commercial and small-scale fishing vessel licences;
■ Fishing Processing Establishments rights, permits and exemptions
■ Permits or exemptions to import or export fish; and
■ Recreational fishers

They provide for the prohibition of sports and recreational fishing activities, as well as for the extention of validity of permit, exemption or licence issued in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998) prior to the national lockdown.

(ii) The Directives were based on the principle of restricting personnel movement other than for essential travel for work in terms of the alleviation provided for in Part A OF Table 1 of the Regulations as they pertain to fishing activities.

2. The KwaZulu Natal Sardine Beach Seine fishery is a fully fledged fishing sector with right holders fishing on commercial and small scale permits. During the upcoming Sardine Run, Rights Holders that operate in this sector, will operate in a similar manner as right holder in other commercial fishing sectors.

At the current lockdown alert level , access to beaches continue to remain restricted, and the Department will continue to work with all relevant Coastal Municipalities and Law Enforcement Officers to ensure that authorised fishers have access to beaches and there is compliance with the lockdown Regulations.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTORY FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 29/05/202