Western Cape fishing communities invited to weigh in on proposed fisheries policy
Fishing communities and industry stakeholders in the Western Cape have until November 27 to submit their views on proposed changes to the regulation of wild marine fisheries, including plans to investigate new fishing opportunities and the possible expansion of existing fisheries.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened public consultations on its Draft Policy for the Development of New Wild Marine Fisheries and the Expansion of Regulated Wild Marine Fisheries in South Africa: 2026.
The policy was published under Government Notice No. 8084 in Government Gazette No. 55620 on October 23.
The draft sets out a framework for investigating new fisheries and the possible expansion of existing regulated operations, while balancing economic development, job creation and food security with environmental protection.
According to the department, the proposed framework aims to ensure that new fishing opportunities are developed in a scientifically informed and ecologically sustainable way, in line with the objectives of the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998.
Proposed policy focuses on new fishing opportunities
The proposals raise questions for Western Cape coastal communities about who could benefit from future fishing opportunities, particularly historically disadvantaged fishers and small-scale fishing cooperatives whose livelihoods depend on access to marine resources.
The draft identifies four key areas of activity: exploratory fishing, geographical expansion of existing fisheries, investigating alternative fishing methods, and collecting marine samples for scientific, biological or market-related assessments.
However, the proposed framework does not automatically create new fishing rights, increase existing catch allocations or authorise additional harvesting.
Exploratory activities would first have to be assessed, with any decisions to establish or expand fisheries subject to further approval.
The department also identifies equitable access to marine resources as one of its objectives, with a focus on addressing inequalities in the fishing sector and creating opportunities for broader participation.
This is particularly relevant to smaller fishing organisations that may face challenges meeting the technical and operational requirements of exploratory activities, including access to suitable vessels, equipment and research capacity.
Public submissions close on November 27
Environmental sustainability remains central to the proposals, with the department seeking to strengthen evidence-based decision-making in the fisheries sector through scientific assessments and appropriate environmental safeguards.
The consultation process is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 20 and invites fishers, coastal communities, industry stakeholders, researchers, academics, non-governmental organisations and members of the public to submit their views.
Written submissions must be received by midnight on November 27, 2026. The proposed fishing rights allocation process provides further background on the allocation of fishing rights.