? Deon George vs. Willie Aucamp: Improvement for Fisheries?
It is no secret that several of our fisheries are in deep trouble, with small operators once again suffering the most. Resources are severely depleted, oversubscribed, and saturated with paper quotas. Compliance monitoring barely exists apart from weighing catches at the slipway in the case of lobster and abalone, while prices achieved for catches are nothing short of an insult.
Added to this, fuel prices have increased to the point where, if you are a small operator, you practically have to fill your boat before breaking even.
For these reasons, I must admit I was quite excited when the DA took over Fisheries from the ANC, hoping that these issues would finally be addressed.
? Proposals Submitted to the Department
1?? Kayak Fishing Exemption
Aimed at reducing fuel expenses and cutting down on pollution, this proposal requested permission (through exemption) for commercial fishing from a kayak in addition to a registered fishing vessel — although not simultaneously.
- Outcome: Flatly denied on the grounds that it did not comply with the very legislation from which exemption was being sought.
- Status: Appeal submitted, now “hanging” for nearly six months.
2?? Abalone Recovery Plan
A collaborative plan involving scientists, environmental organisations, abalone farms, and right holders to restore the resource while providing financial benefit.
- Outcome: Scientific working group refused to engage, promising to draft their own “improved” version.
- Status: Nine months later, nothing has materialised.
3?? Maasbaai Launching & Landing Request
Proposal to allow launching and landing at Maasbaai in the commercial linefish and West Coast rock lobster nearshore sectors.
- Benefits: Major fuel savings, reduced wear and tear, improved safety, decreased boat traffic through the Betty’s Bay MPA (home to endangered African penguins).
- Outcome: Denied due to “lack of enforcement capacity.”
- Status: Appeal lodged, unresolved.
4?? Data Collection for Abalone Divers
Proposal to use continuous GoPro recordings on divers to monitor abalone conditions, compensating divers instead of outsourcing.
- Outcome: Quietly sidelined, supposedly to be “discussed” after the season ends.
?? Leadership Changes and Accountability
It took time for Dr Deon George to show encouraging signs, and positive changes were beginning to surface before he was unceremoniously sacked by his own party.
The DA’s official reason for replacing George with Willie Aucamp as Minister of Fisheries was “underperformance.”
Following that logic, one would expect noticeable improvement in efficiency within the fisheries department. Yet, as the examples above show, little evidence of such improvement exists.
? Final Thoughts
DFFE officials continue to reject valid requests as a matter of principle. The requirements of just and fair administrative action are routinely ignored, while the plight of both fishers and our marine resources continues to worsen.
The DA has a genuine opportunity here to prove that it is, as it so often claims, “better than the ANC.”
Many of us are still waiting — with baited breath.
— Anton Kruger
Sardines and Sighting Maps
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. With instructions on how to install The Sardine News right on your phone, tablet, or even desktop.
Channels
Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining surf reporting
Master Watermen – news from way down deep
The Sardine News – neva miss a single sardine
FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus
MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical sport fishing
Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely
Water Woes – complain about your municipality here
Websites
umzimkulu.co.za – fishing, charters, accommodation
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za – will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams are out there
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts
fishmad.co.za – destination Madagascar
andantelodge.co.za – Transit luxury in Pretoria
