Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS) The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism recently experienced a technical problem arising out of a legal challenge to the West Coast lobster allocations and associated exemptions.
This meant that the Department had to reconsider the exemptions issued while legal advice was being obtained.
Having obtained advice, the Department is now in a position to proceed with the issuing of permits to companies in the deep sea sector.
With regard to the West Coast Lobster issue specifically, this matter is sub-judice and the Department will present its case in court.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism remains undaunted in its intention to restructure the fishing indstry according to its policy and the legislation on Marine Living Resources, enacted last year. ENQUIRIES: Dr Tanya Abrahamse
15 January 1999