SELECT COMMITTEE ON LAND AND MINERAL RESOURCES IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES POLICY (SSFP) 23 June 2015 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

Presentation Outline  Background to SSFP  Objectives of the SSFP  Principles of the SSFP  Implementation Status  Key Activities for 2015  Key SSFP Implementation Challenges 2

3 Background To Small-Scale Fisheries Policy  Men, woman and children have been living in coastal areas for thousands of years harvesting marine resource for consumption, livelihoods, medicinal purposes, and as part of cultural and spiritual practices.  In the past, these traditional fishers were mostly excluded from commercial long-term fishing rights allocations  The Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) did not recognize traditional/ small-scale fisheries  These fishing communities are typically characterized by high levels of poverty and food security challenges.  In 2007 an Equality Court Order compelled government to redress the inequality suffered by small-scale fishers.  Through extensive consultation the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy was adopted in 2012.

4 Objectives of the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy  Create a sustainable, equitable, small-scale fishing sector  Secure the well-being and livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities  Maintain the health of marine ecosystems  Uplift fishing communities by providing appropriate support mechanisms, education and training, infrastructure and participatory management practices.  Government, together with communities, co-manages near-shore marine living resources  Takes fundamental human rights, MLRA principles and international obligations into account  Promotes interests of women, disabled and child-headed households

5 Principles of the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy  Community-based approach to rights allocation (non-competitive, community-based legal entity)  Co-management approach to managing the small-scale fisheries sector  Multi-species approach in allocating fishing rights to small-scale fishing communities  Preferential access to small-scale fishing communities who have traditionally depended on marine living resources for their livelihoods  Ensuring that the integrity of marine ecosystems and sustainability of the resources are not compromised  Developmental approach to the small-scale fisheries sector

6 Implementation Status  SSFP Implementation Plan developed and adopted in  Marine Living Resources Act Amendment Act signed into law in May  DAFF Roll-Out Plan (operational plan) approved in November The Roll-Out Plan (ROP) was based on the SSFP Implementation Plan and also made provision for a five year implementation process. The ROP consists of five phases, namely: 1) Preparatory; 2) Development of support plans 3) Mobilization of fishers into co- operatives; 4) Allocation; and 5) Post-allocation management and support. The timeframe to allocate rights under the adopted ROP was March  The adopted ROP was explained and disseminated to stakeholders.

7 Implementation Status (continuation)  Preparatory phase approaching completion, which includes: development of ROP, promulgation of SSF Regulations and Amendment Act, establishment of small-scale fisheries steering committee and forum, and appointment of service providers.  Significant work has commenced on various support plans including: development of co-operative model, small-scale fisheries co-operative constitution, management principles for the basket of species, communications plan, stakeholder engagement plan, and catch data monitoring plan.  Expression of Interest launched for communities on 27 Feb  Draft Small-Scale Fisheries Regulations published for public comment on 6 Mar 2015.

8 Key Activities for 2015  Review comments on draft Regulations and finalize.  Promulgate the Marine Living Resources Amendment Act.  Conclude the expression of interest process and develop schedule of community visitations.  Finalize support plans including resource splits between sectors.  Verify all fishers in communities that submitted an expression of interest.  Mobilize verified fishers into Small-Scale Fisheries co-operatives (constitution, management plans, registration).  Engage with co-operatives on governance training, basket of species, and fishing area.

9 Key SSFP Implementation Challenges  ROP Time frames require adjusting to accommodate delays  Small-Scale Fisheries Management capacity and budget are inadequate  No service provider appointed for KwaZulu-Natal to assist the Department  Conflict with Isimangaliso Wetland Park  Implication for the commercial sectors due to limited marine resources  Interim Relief problems, which further reduces capacity to implement the SSFP  Establishment of Marine Protected Areas under Operation Phakisa  Decentralization of Fisheries Management Branch services  Fisher level of education and understanding of co-operatives

Thank You 10