The fishing industry worldwide is going through a traumatic period brought on by the reduced quotas, the high cost of fuel and the significant rise in the cost of living. Fuel and food are two things we cannot do without, and the time has come for governments to stand up and be counted. It’s no good having the authorities stand to one side while the poachers take their fill from our unprotected waters, and our fishermen are banned from making a living off these same resources (page 19). Or the ongoing drama between the quota holders on the one side and the small-scale fishers and Minister van Schalkwyk on the other. The matter is still to be resolved. And while we’re on the subject, the Abalone Divers held a protest recently (page 17), asking when the social plan would be presented that was supposed to be in place after the closure of the Abalone fishery at the end of January. Is anyone listening?

The aquaculture industry is being focused upon as per capita consumption of fish goes up and is expected to continue with this upward trend. South Africa’s farmed Abalone are particularly sought after in the Far East, and there’s research being done on our East Coast Rock Lobster (page 10) which could lead to the establishment of new farms in the Port Elizabeth region, and the development of pellets to feed them, which would be an important breakthrough.

This month we feature a number of individuals who are having an effect — one way or the other — on the way we do things in our marine world. Lucinda Krige is a fine example of gender equality at work. As Second Engineer, she’s proud of her achievements and keen to earn her colleagues respect (page 13). Bheki Ngema is determined to make a success out of ornamental fish-farming, after years of trial and error. His story of perseverance and faith is featured on page 23.

To whet your appetite, there’s an article about the man who advised the Jaws team on how to build the model for the movie…not his finest hour, says Dr Leonard Compagno on page 26.
Just as we go to press a decision has been handed down by Judge Dennis Davis of the Cape High Court who has found in favour of the artisanal fishers and Minister van Schalkwyk’s decision to provide them with interim relief despite protests from the WCRLA (page 11).

Another source of controversy is the proposed fish cage farm off the Little Brak River in Mossel Bay. I&J are the concessionaires and the public has been given until 21 October to comment on the final report.
If there’s anything you’d like us to know about, or read about in our magazine, please feel free to let us know. It would be great to hear from you. Meanwhile, enjoy the read.

Editor
 

Cover Story

The Beleza, built in 2008, is powered by a John Deere supplied by New Way Engineering. New Way Power Systems was established in 1983 and their innovations and solutions-orientated approach has resulted in their appointment as authorised dealer in southern Africa for Deere Power Systems Group, Mitsubishi and Doosan Heavy Industries, thus enabling New Way to provide everything from complete project design to long-term operation and maintenance.
Their success is based on quality in every detail and a dedicated presence and installation throughout southern Africa.