CONSERVATION

“SACRAA Survey Revealed” The South African Consolidated Recreational Angling Association (SACRAA) has revealed that in 2017 total spending by an estimated 1.3 million recreational anglers contributed R26.5 billion to the economy.

Amulti-disciplinary study by researchers from Rhodes, Cape Town and North-West Universities, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) on the economic impact of the recreational fishery in South Africa, which was recently commissioned by the South African Consolidated Recreational Angling Association (SACRAA) has revealed that in 2017 total spending by an estimated 1.3 million recreational anglers contributed R26.5 billion to the economy. The industry also supported 94000 employment opportunities. The study was funded by the South African Fishing Tackle Agents and Distributors (SAFTAD).

At a SACRAA conference industry representatives, researchers and high profile marine and freshwater anglers deliberated on key issues facing the current and future status of recreational fishing in the country, in both coastal and inland waters.

The sectors within the economy that benefit the most from recreational fishing are the manufacturing and the trade, accommodation & catering sectors (26.5 and 24.9% respectively). It was also estimated that a quarter of all recreational fishers come from low-income households and that many use the fish they catch as a safety net to ensure there is food on the table.

“These findings confirm our belief that recreational fishing, in all its forms, is a valuable contributor to our country’s economy and is also a significant creator of employment opportunities,”

says SACRAA chairman Mr John Pledger.

“It is therefore deserving of far more attention and interaction with the various government departments that have the mandate to manage and regulate it,” he adds.

SACRAA is recognized as an interest group in terms of Section 8 of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998) and will apply also apply for recognition once the Inland Fisheries Policy is implemented via legislation. It is a non-profit association established in reaction to the limited level of recognition of the recreational sector and the lack of transparency and interaction with the sector by amongst others the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF), and out of concern for the declining state of key angling species.

It is an independent body that acts in the best interests of its members and the recreational fishing industry. It is not affiliated to any government or other angling organizations but has the support of the South African Sport Anglers & Casting Confederation (SASACC) and SAFTAD. *Additional Survey info: Prof Warren Potts, e-mail: w.potts@ ru.ac.za; Tel: (046) 6038415 *Information re SACRAA: Mr John Pledger, E-mail: jpledger@iafrica.com; Tel: (011) 794-6950 *SACRAA - South African Consolidated Recreational Angling Association. For more information on SACRAA and how you can become involved please visit their website at www.sacraa.co.za *SAFTAD Show (South African Fishing Tackle Agents and Distributors)