Fisheries moots new fees, forms and policies for industry

THE Department of Fisheries has published draft policies, application forms and fees for a range of sectors in the industry.

These cover abalone, hake inshore trawl, horse mackerel, West Coast rock lobster nearshore and offshore, KwaZulu-Natal beach seine, large pelagic, net fish, Patagonian toothfish, seaweed, and fish processing operations.

The department will start a public consultation process around the country where its officials will engage with affected and interested parties regarding the proposals.

“During the consultation period, the minister will solicit the views of members of the fishing industry and interested parties in respect of the proposed policies and processes that will guide the minister in deciding on the final polices, application forms and fees,” the department said.

Public consultation will begin on July 7 and end on August 4.

Meetings in Cape Town will be held on July 7, 8 and 9 at the Protea Hotel in Sea Point from 10 am to noon.

On July 13, public meetings will be held at Port Nolloth in the town hall, at Hondeklipbaai in the municipal hall and Doringbaai in the Miriam Owies Hall.

On July 14, meetings will be at Lambert’s Bay and Elands Bay; on July 15, meetings will be at Laaiplek and St Helena Bay; on July 17 at Langebaan and Yzerfontein; on July 20 at Ocean View and Hout Bay; on July 21 at Kalk Bay and Khayelitsha, and on July 22 at Gordon’s Bay and Strand.

For meetings elsewhere around the coast and venues telephone 021 402 3727 or visit www.daff.gov.za.