Cape town: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has announced an extension of permits for the Small Pelagic sector. This decision comes as a result of review applications brought before the Western Cape High Court regarding the finalisation of appeals in the 2021/22 Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP).
According to South African Government News Agency, the department initially aimed to conclude this allocation process by 29 August 2025. However, subsequent court orders have necessitated adjustments to this timeline. After consulting with stakeholders, the revised deadline for finalising the appeals process is now set for 30 October 2025.
Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, emphasized the importance of extending permits and engaging with stakeholders to ensure stability in the sector. He stated that the goal is to foster trust, certainty, and sustainability for the fishing communities reliant on these resources. The Minister also underscored the necessity of fairness and transparency in the allocation of fishing rights, highlighting that due process must be followed to resolve all legal matters before making final decisions.
Dr George further explained that because allocations in the Small Pelagic sector are interconnected, final decisions on rights and quotas can only be made once all appeals have been reconsidered. Additionally, comments on the Provisional Sardine and Anchovy Appeals Reconsideration General Published Reasons (GPRs) must be taken into account to ensure a comprehensive and fair resolution of the allocation process.