From the subsistence and small-scale fishers point of view, interim rights expired at the end of May and have still not been replaced with an alternative. Suffice to say that MCM is working on the problem and is hoping to come up with something meaningful in the near future. The same could be said of their two draft policies for artisanal and subsistence small-scale fishers that PGWC has offered a commentary on (See page 10) and suggestions as to how they would like to see the CREAD-TURF System implemented in place of the ITQ.
And all the while, fish stocks continue to decline and quotas are reduced, and sometimes trawlers return half empty. In an interview with I&J’s skipper, Wilfred Esau, (More on page 18), he paints a vivid picture of life at sea. But he hasn’t turned a blind eye to the situation. If there comes a time when there are no more fish, perhaps he’ll get a job on a container ship. The current shipbuilding boom will certainly ensure that there’s a market for skilled seamen on those vessels in the future.

Responsible fishing practices are becoming more a part of our world than at any other time and the WWF want to support the fishing industry in forming an ecosystem approach. They have been concentrating on formulating management tools – what do we need to do? Are we doing it effectively? – and answering those questions. WWF want to involve fishers with ecological risk assessments, help them to achieve compliance (in conjunction with MCM), take part in research activity and be able to assess their actions and achievements. With this in mind the Responsible Fisheries Programme has recently held it’s eighth course. Find out more on (See page 12.)
There’s something for everyone in this issue. Read about the opening of the Afro Fishing Cannery in Mossel Bay (See page 4), and if aquaculture is one of your interests, read about Abalone’s favourite food on (See page 22.)
But in the case of Ziabuya Fishing (Eastern Cape) (Pty) Ltd, the decision made by the Minister in August 2006 was set aside and the application reassessed in terms of new scores based on substituted assessments. It was decided to increase their HDST allocation in accordance with the adjusted scores, in terms of the existing allocation mechanism and adjust the scores and allocations of the other HDST long-term right holders as a result, in the light of the applicant’s revised scores and allocation. The adjusted allocation will come into effect from 1 January 2009. Turn to (See page 9 ) for more detail.

Finally we come to the Hake Deep Sea Trawl (HDST) fishery reviews which started on 9 April in the Cape High Court. Based on the long-term commercial fishing right allocations in the sector in 2006, five companies challenged the decisions handed down first by the DDG of MCM, Monde Mayekiso, and subsequently Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk. Of these, four were unsuccessful in their submissions, namely Laingville Fisheries (Pty) Ltd, a wholly-owned BEE company operating from St Helena; Hoxies (Pty) Ltd; Foodcorp (Pty) Ltd; and Bato Star Fishing (Pty) Ltd. All were dismissed with costs. 
Editor
 

Cover Story

Simonstown Harbour

On a clear day you can see…a trawler disguised by the myriad masts of the boats moored at the marina. The Simonstown Harbour is basking in the winter sunshine in a photograph taken from the historic Jubilee Square area. The pier in the foreground demarcates the entrance to the yacht marina framing a selection of large craft in the background. Simonstown Naval Base is situated just to the right of this picture. Note the angler slightly to the left of centre who appears to be standing on the surface of the water.