DFFE welcomes appeals related to Fishing Rights Allocation Process
THOSE dissatisfied with the outcome of the 2021 Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP2021) have until 29 May to lodge appeals against the decisions made.
The closing date for objections had been extended by 30 days by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Ms Barbara Creecy, following a request for additional time to submit appeals.
Any applicant who was unhappy with the process has been encouraged to lodge an appeal online on the prescribed Appeals Form through the FRAP 2021 website.
The web address is: https:// www.frap2021.co.za
The Grant of Right Letter and Scoresheet on the 2021 Fishing Rights Allocation Process was loaded on the online platform in March.
Appeals received after 29 May 2022 will not be accepted.
According to the General Policy on the Allocation of Commercial fishing rights
2021 and the Fisheries sectorspecific policies, any applicants, affected or interested person may appeal to the Minister against the decisions made by the Delegated Authority in any respective fishing sector.
The appeal may be lodged against an exclusion, a refusal to grant a right or against the decision, process, and/or methodology on quantum or effort.
The Minister, as the appeal authority, will consider the facts and supporting documents presented by the appellant and announce her decision thereafter.
The Department earlier concluded the 2021/22 Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP) in the nine (9) commercial fishing sectors that were due for re-allocation.
DFFE spokesman Albi Modise said the aim of the process to allocate fishing rights was to ensure sustainable harvesting of the country’s marine resources while also addressing historical inequalities by allowing new entrants to the sector.
“The fishing industry’s transformation is a constitutional and legislative requirement. It balances government’s priorities, and it ensures the global competitiveness of the country’s fishing sector,” said Mr Modise.
A total of 2 473 applications were received and adjudicated in the following sectors:
■ Hake Deep-Sea Trawl
■ Hake Longline
■ South Coast Rock Lobster
■ Small Pelagic (Sardine and Anchovy)
■ Kwa-Zulu Natal Crustacean Trawl
■ Demersal Shark Longline
■ Squid
■ Tuna Pole-Line
■ Traditional Linefish
“In assessing and allocating the commercial fishing rights, the Department evaluated and assessed all applications received,” said Mr Modise.
Besides the personal information of each application, the documents assessed also contained information related to their current and previous involvement in the fishing sector, investment in the fishing sector, performance and compliance history, their transformation profile and their contribution to the fishery.
This information, amongst others was used in determining who would be granted a commercial fishing right.
The successful 2021 FRAP Rights holders have started applying for their new Catch Permits.
It is imperative that all rights holders ensure that all the required Grant of Right Fees are paid on or before 60 days from the date of receipt of their right or their permits will become invalid.