Poaching is the overriding factor in the decrease of our Abalone stocks. How much longer can we afford to sit back and allow the plunder of the fishery to continue unabated, while the right holders champ at the bit, unable to pursue their traditional activities and the seas are picked clean by the unfettered and unaccountable?

The effect of closing the Abalone fishery will be nominal if Minister Van Schalkwyk does not couple this move with an equally ferocious assault on illegal fishing activities; not only -- but especially -- in the Abalone fishery. The rewards of poaching are such that they outweigh the risks. The right holders caught between a rock and a hard place, will find it difficult to resist the temptation.
MCM needs to be especially vigilant and team up with all stakeholders to form a protective net. And the penalty should be increased to such an extent that it acts as a meaningful deterrent.

In October 2007, the Cabinet supported a recommendation from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to suspend wild Abalone (perlemoen) commercial fishing to ensure the survival of the species. The fishery was closed on
31 January.

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism says that due consideration has been taken of associated factors, such as the impact on the livelihoods of many people and families in the industry, and the decision was not taken lightly.
However, the fact remains that the Abalone resource is in a crisis and we cannot justify resting on our laurels while the species is threatened with extinction.

During March, the Cape Town High Court dismissed an application by a group of Abalone right holders to overturn the Minister’s decision to suspend fishing in the commercial Abalone industry.
Now it is the turn of the Deep Sea Hake industry. The Hake Long-Term Right Reviews hearings have started in the Cape High Court as we go to press and will continue until 25 April. Their case reflects the right holders’ dissatisfaction with their allocations, and we wait with interest to see what comes of this latest crossing of swords. A full report will be published in our next issue.

Finally, in a further display of maritime discord, the Port of Durban has imposed a “Prohibition on Fishing from Vessels in the Port of Durban”, effectively banning small boats in the interests of safe, orderly and efficient port working. (See page 24).
We understand that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to please all of the people all of the time in the confines of the fishing industry. More effort on the part of all concerned is still required.

Gone fishing
In the past few weeks the weather has been great in the Western Cape and former editor, Tracy Chandler, has captured the moment and gone fishing! While she is reeling in new opportunities she will still be on call for a few months while I, Carol Griffiths, find my sea legs. We wish her bon voyage.
Please feel free to email me at griffive@axxess.co.za  or telephone me on 082 365 4812. Let us know what you think of our new layout!

Editor
 

Cover Story

Cochin Fishing Harbour – Kerala Province, India

Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is heralded as ‘The Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Kochi is criss-crossed by a network of 44 rivers, lakes, lagoons and other waterways and laced by a 600 km coastline. It is a major centre for seafood processing and other marine activities.
The Cochin fishing harbour is located at Thoppumpady and is the major fishing port in the state of Kerala, supplying fish for local and export markets. It has a vast expanse of sea on one side and is an all-weather port.
Marine Products Export Development Authorty (MPEDA) head office is based in Kochi and one of their many current projects includes financial assistance for installation of ‘Fish Finders’, GPS, RT and installation of insulated / refrigerated Fish Hold, Refrigerated Sea Water system (RSW) and ice-making machines on board mechanised fishing vessels. MPEDA is also arranging for financial assistance for the conversion of existing fishing vessels to Tuna longliners.