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The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has determined the 2016/2017 WCRL fishery TAC, which includes catch and effort limitations for the commercial trap boat fishery, the small-scale hoop net sectors and the recreational fishery. The global TAC determination has been set at 1924.08 tons, which is the same as the 2015/2016 season. The 2016/2017 apportionment of TAC has been undertake in slightly different manner than previously with a separate allocation apportioned for small-scale lobster fishers in the Northern Cape. The apportionment of TAC is as follows: Commercial Trap Boat sector: 1204.48 tons (previously 1243.48 tons);  Small-scale hoop net sector: 376.10 tons (previously 376.10 tons); Small-scale (Interim Relief Measure) sector: 235.30 tons (previously 235.30 tons); Small-scale Northern Cape sector: 39 tons; Recreational Fishing : 69.20 tons (previously 69.20 tons). In addition to the setting of catch limits, the fishery will also be subjected ...

On Friday 11 November 2016, South Africa's Fisheries Management Branch issued a suite of provisional decisions in the high value capital intensive Horse Mackerel, Patagonian Toothfish, Large Pelagic and Hake Inshore Trawl fishery sectors. The provisional decisions are for the allocation of 15yr long fishing rights, which are set to expire in 2031.  Why Provisional Decisions? The intention behind issuing provisional decisions is to provide interested and affected parties an initial comment period on the provisional lists of successful and unsuccessful applicants. Importantly, it allows the decision-maker an opportunity to address any material oversights during the evaluation process and misrepresentations by applicants.  What are the "General Published Reasons"?  The General Published Reasons (GPR) document dates back to the first medium term fishing rights allocation process in 2001/2002. The GPR is a detailed record of the process underpinning the decis...