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Reports indicate that the Department of Fisheries has made no apparent attempt to commence with the process of renewing fishing licences, despite the renewal date for fishing quota allocations being less than a year away.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, must urgently appear before Parliament to account for this state of affairs.

I have today written to the Chair of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Portfolio Committee to request that the Minister be called before it as soon as the committee programmes commence this week.

The South African commercial fisheries industry is worth an approximate R5 billion annually. Fisheries contribute extensively to the livelihood of many South African families by creating approximately 143 000 primary and secondary jobs.

There are more than 1 000 fishing rights holders in 8 commercial fisheries that are reportedly affected by the Department’s stalling and absence of communication on the renewal of fishing licences.

A proper quota allocation process takes time. It should involve extensive, effective and proper consultations with all stakeholders well in advance of the expiry of the current fishing rights.

Adhering to a proper fishing rights allocation process creates certainty and stability. Given the difficulties of fishing, certainty and stability constitute a critical drawcard for investment in the sector.

It is crucial for the fishing industry and the wider South African public to be informed of the Department’s timetable and plans to be ready for the next round of fishing quota allocations.

The implications of not doing so are devastating both for people’s livelihoods and for the sustainability of our rich marine heritage.

Neither should be allowed to be jeopardised by inefficiencies in Minister Joemat-Pettersson’s Department.