Small-scale Fisheries

In June 2012 DAFF developed a Policy for the Small-Scale Fisheries Sector, which was eventually published as law as an amendment to the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) in May 2014.

In March 2015 the Minister published the Proposed Regulations for small-scale fishing in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 of the MLRA. SACRAA submitted comments on the Regulations to the minister in May 2015.

DAFF is currently busy with the verification process, whereby they will visit all registered small-scale fishing communities to verify whether they do indeed qualify to be classified or recognized as small-scale fishers. Certain species and quotas will then be determined and allocated to this sector. SACRAA is a registered interested party in this undertaking an will provide updates as they become available.