Ministerial promises of a better life for all are echoing hollowly following the announcement of some long term fishing rights. Those most affected are the "real" fishers (men and women), many of whom know nothing else but to fish for west coast rock lobster and for handline species. That they are upset is an understatement - at a protest meeting in Kalk Bay recently, there was talk of mass action and the likelihood of DEAT's Marine and Coastal Management division being forced to account to NEDLAC for its actions.
Big business on the other hand, is re-positioning itself. Lots of rumours abound, appeals are being lodged, consolidations are on the table and senior people are coming and going. Some believe that the Minister's statement "there is not enough fish in the sea" doesn't apply to larger companies, and indeed while a few of these entities are unhappy, many do have broad smiles and it is business as usual.
A recent visit to Namibia turned up some interesting news. There's a new floating dry dock in Walvis Bay that can accommodate large trawlers; the dismissal of more than 300 fish workers in Luderitz was overturned recently; and horse mackerel has been fetching record prices. The fish processing factories are also busy, so much so that one in particular is bringing forward its expansion plans by five years.
Locally, the number of lives lost to the sea continues to be a major concern. The Lindsay Marine Court of Enquiry continues and the skipper's touching recollection of his experience is recorded in these pages. The issue of fishermen falling overboard, especially at night, worries SAMSA which asks you to please wear your life jacket if you are on deck at night.
In the news recently has been much about (non) compliance. The confrontation between Japan's Antarctic whaling fleet and Greenpeace protest vessels turned ugly; a Canadian conservation vessel was detained in Cape Town; and marine compliance officers have the unenviable task of trying to control poaching. But to be taken hostage is another matter altogether, especially when they are only just trying to do their jobs.
The question is where does it all end?

Editor

Cover Story

This is an aerial photograph of the new floating dry dock under tow to Walvis Bay, Namibia from Malta during December.
Namdock, as it has been renamed, arrived on 24 January 2006 and is expected to be fully operational by May.
The dry dock is owned by a consortium company called EBH Namibia (Pty) Ltd which entered into a joint venture with Namport, the Namibian port authority last year.
Namdock has capacity for 8500 dwt vessels which includes the larger trawlers that have previously had to sail for Cape Town to undergo maintenance and repairs