This issue takes a closer look at some of the current developments in the commercial fishing industry. You should want to know why the Marine Living Resources Fund is broke. After all the fishing industry collectively contributes more than 50% of the income of the Fund on an annual basis, and this, you have been told, goes towards research, compliance and training programmes. So if the money is not there, then where is it and how has it been spent?

Socio economic factors have been blamed for the rising incidence of suicide whilst on duty. This was brought to my attention when it became known that a local fisherman had committed such an act in full view of witnesses. The question is how do you pre-empt this scenario? What resources are available within a company structure and also out there to provide assistance? Researching the subject revealed some very enlightening information and statistics.

The large pelagics fishery will be interested in the update on developments in this sector. Corruption has been rearing its head, Marine and Coastal Management has been dragging its heels despite the policy in place to protect this fishery, and the knowing sentiments expressed by active participants are being confirmed.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the hake industry in South Africa was the subject of a case study that was recently concluded. Amongst other things it reveals that developing country fisheries and small-scale ones in particular have been marginalised in the MSC system.

The draft copy of the new marine aquaculture policy has been released for public comment. There is a lot of fingers in the pie at present and established businesses are warning that it takes time to make any money, sustainability of the industry is vital, and that it should not be seen as a solution to eradicating poverty or job creation amongst coastal communities.

A new column to look out for is everything you need to know about running a business. Time has disappeared this year and your paper work needs to be completed in order to comply with your permit conditions. Don’t delay, the deadline is mid November.

This issue concludes with a report back on the marine insurance workshop and I end with the quotation: “There is great scope to improve the safety record of the industry. Ultimately the most effective and long lasting change will only occur when the industry itself embraces the need for a safety culture that has eluded it for so long.” (Rear Admiral John Lang, Retired Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, UK).

I hope this issue gives you something to think about.

Editor.

Cover Story

Sharks and the increasing incidence of attacks on surfers and swimmers have been in the news recently. But according to the results of a two year study undertaken by two South African scientists, cage diving and chumming activities are not contributing to the recent rise in the attack rate.
The study was one of the major findings to come out of the recently released Shark Working Group’s report, Finding a Balance, which deals with Great White shark conservation and recreational safety in Cape Town’s inshore waters.
Developments included the expansion of the shark spotting programme and consideration is now also being given to shark nets for the city’s beaches.