Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Minister Z Pallo Jordan received a delegation from the Provincial Government of the Western Cape led by Premier Gerald Morkel and supported by Mr Abe Williams MP in the National Assembly. The delegation raised a number of issues in connection with the problems that have arisen in the implementation of the Marine Living Resources Act, Act 18 of 1998.
Premier Morkel and his delegation assured the Minister that their purpose was not to resist or oppose the transformation of the fishing industry which is the primary purpose of the Marine Living Resources Act. They recognise that the litigation presently before the Cape High Court, in certain respects constrained the Minister's action in this area. They therefore appealed to the Minister to take whatever steps were necessary to ensure that the fishing fleets for pelagics, presently not at sea can begin exploiting the pelagic resources as soon as possible.
Minister Jordan thanked Premier Morkel for his remarks and expressed his satisfaction that this meeting which the Minister had sought since Tuesday, 16 February, 1999 had at last taken place. He concurred with the Premier's delegation that the transformation of the fishing industry should not become a party political football and once again acknowledged the support that the Marine Living Resources Act had received from all parties in the National Assembly during its passage through parliament.
The Minister undertook to be in touch with the Premier within the next seven days regarding the measures which the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism will take in response to the problems that have arisen.
Minister Jordan reiterated his contention that the transformation of the industry as well as the maintenance of stability within it, were the two compelling imperatives that had to be borne in mind. This invariably meant that not everyone involved in the industry would necessarily be happy with the outcome. But, all stakeholders and participants in the fishing industry had accepted the need for change and the creation of a more equitable and just system. Both parties to this meeting agreed that the primary issue was the welfare of the fishing communities and the economic sustainability of the fishing industry.
3 March 1999