Fishing mogul makes waves
R3m boat boosts Bay woman’s business
BUBBLY Port Elizabeth entrepreneur Sharmilla van Heerden is making waves in the male-dominated fishing industry following her latest acquisition – a refurbished R3-million sharkfishing vessel.
The mother of three – twin girls, aged two, and a six-year-old boy – who has worked in the industry since the age of 15, is the proud owner of Fisherman Fresh.
The company that catches, processes, markets and exports fish and is situated in the Port Elizabeth harbour, has a staff of 39.
Procurement of the new vessel will secure an additional 12 new jobs.
Besides the Australianbuilt 19.6m vessel, named Suiram VH and used to catch shark, Van Heerden, 39, has five other fishing vessels worth millions of rands.
“I have been in the fishing industry for the past 23 years. I had to follow what I am good at.”
Van Heerden first entered the industry by selling fish across the counter.
By 18 she was a shore skipper for an inshore trawl vessel and then went on to sell fish from her back yard.
“For me it has been a tough journey. The fishing industry is male-dominated.
“I had to overcome that through hard work coupled with support I receive from staff, my children and my husband Marius. I will continue to grow,” she said.
Fisherman Fresh is one of few 100% black-empowered fishing companies owned by women. It has been in business for more than 14 years.
Van Heerden spoke candidly about the fishing industry and its challenges, like the breaking down of vessels and limited resources. But she does not let them deter her.
In August last year, she was acquitted of illegally exporting shark and octopus meat to Australia without a permit.
The court heard the shipment was made while she was on maternity leave and the people tasked with administration failed to deliver.
In a few weeks, Suiram VH will be launched from the harbour slipway.
Van Heerden said the longliner would be used for shark fishing. She had forged a close working relationship with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
“With the assistance of the department, we make sure that we target non-endangered species of sharks. We export them to Australia where shark products such as fillets are in great demand,” she said.