The allocation of squid fishing rights to small-scale cooperatives has sparked a heated debate in South Africa’s fishing industry, the South African Squid Management Industry Association(SASMIA) has been granted leave to appeal a Western Cape High Court judgment that dismissed their application to set aside the decision to allocate 15% of available commercial squid fishing rights to small-scale fisheries.
In South Africa the small-scale fisheries sector is recognized as an important contributor to the country’s food security and economic development. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has acknowledged the need to support small-scale fisheries including the allocation of fishing rights.
However, the allocation of squid fishing rights to small-scale cooperatives has been met with resistance from commercial fishing companies which argue that it will harm their businesses and lead to job losses.
In addition, SASMIA contends that the decision to allocate 15% of available squid rights to small-scale cooperatives is unlawful and irregular and will have a negative impact on the commercial squid fishery.
According to Vice Chairman of SASMIA Pheobius Mullins, “The fundamental issue is the allocation of a significant proportion of the available rights in a capital-intensive commercial fishery to small-scale cooperatives.”
“This decision contradicts the government’s definition of small-scale fishing and undermines the economic stability of the commercial squid fishery,” Mullins added.
As the appeal process unfolds it’s clear that the fate of small-scale fishers hangs in the balance. Will the allocation of squid fishing rights to small-scale cooperatives provide a much-needed boost to this sector or will it harm the commercial fishing industry?
The outcome of the appeal will have significant implications for the commercial squid fishery and the broader fishing community in South Africa.
As Mullins noted, “This appeal is crucial not only for resolving this particular issue but also for clarifying how resource allocations are made in the fishing industry in South Africa in the future.”
Ultimately, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the livelihoods of fishing communities, sustainability of the squid fishery and the equitable distribution of South Africa’s marine resources.
Photograph: supplied
