Question NW1302 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

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02 July 2020 - NW1302

Profile picture: Winkler, Ms HS

Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

1. Whether beaches are open under Alert Level 3 to fisherfolk with permit for recreational fishing; if not, why not; if so, what as the relevant details; 2. whether there is a daily curfew for commercial, recreational and small-scale fisherfolk to operate; if so, what are the relevant details; 3. whether marine protected area that permit fishing are open to fisherfolk with permit for recreational fishing; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 4. whether harbours are open to fisherfolk with permits for recreational fishing; I not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; and 5. what regulations govern the number of individuals who are permitted on private fishing vessels

Reply:

 

  1. Beaches are open under Alert Level 3 to fisherfolk with permits for commercial, small-scale and recreational fishing.
  2. The Disaster Management Regulations and the Fisheries Directive under Alert Level 3 set no curfew for the operations of commercial, recreational and/or small-scale fisherfolk.
  3. During Lockdown Alert Level 3, Marine Protected Areas that are zoned for fishing are still open to fisherfolk with permit for recreational fishing
  4. Commercial Fishing Harbour remain open to fisherfolk with permit for recreational fishing. Although it is important to note that due b security concerns, ports under the National Ports Authority (TNPA) remain heavily regulated, with some ports having a restriction on recreational fishing and others having designated and open areas for the public, with relevant permit, to fish.
  5. Determination of safe staffing levels (or the number of individuals who are permitted on private fishing vessels) is the e9pon9Ïbility of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and this is done in terms of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951) section 68(1),72a(2) and 194(1).

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: 2/7/2020