Government has signalled its intention to revise the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), potentially ushering in an important new process that will require close collaboration between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the fishing industry and a range of other stakeholders. One of the issues likely to receive attention during this process is […]
New study explores the value of long-term fishing rights Read More »
South Africa’s first harbour-based fishing net recycling project has completed a successful first year of operation, recycling nearly 25 tons of end-of-life fishing net collected from local fishing companies. The project, based at Collier Jetty in the V&A Waterfront, is backed by the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) and funded through the Marine
Nearly 25 tons of end-of-life fishing net recycled in pilot project’s first year Read More »
(Photo: Steve Yaxley) The recurring breakdown of South Africa’s fisheries research vessel Africana threatens the 40-year data record that underpins the trawl fishery for hake and its long-standing certification by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Johann Augustyn, Executive Secretary of SADSTIA, discusses the seriousness of the problem and looks for solutions. Why South
A forty-year data record under threat Read More »
An open letter to David Maynier, nominated as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dear Minister-designate David Maynier, In many respects, the deep-sea trawling industry is one of South Africa’s most established and respected agri-export industries. The industry’s main product, Cape hake, is renowned in 26 countries around the world and hake is
What you need to know about South Africa’s hake trawl fishery Read More »
A fierce debate around a recent study that claims bottom trawling in European waters costs society up to €16 billion (~ R335 billion) per year has exposed a widening gulf between conservation advocacy groups and the fishing industry. The South African experience is markedly different: the fishing industry, environmental organisations and government recognise the vital
A different conversation about trawling Read More »
A ceremony held in Cape Town last week to celebrate the successful registration and certification of the freezer trawler Santa Princesa marked another significant investment in South Africa’s deep-sea trawl fishery. The 65 m, 2 999 kW freezer trawler will replace the Umzabalazo and catch the allocations of Mayibuye Fishing, Ntshonalanga Fishing and Khoi Qwa Fishing
New vessel reflects continued investment in hake trawl fishery Read More »
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is now home to a pioneering initiative that transforms discarded fishing nets into valuable plastic materials, marking a significant step in tackling marine plastic pollution. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, officially opened South Africa’s first fishnet recycling facility at Collier Jetty on 10 October. The containerised
Minister Dion George launches pioneering net recycling facility at the V&A Waterfront Read More »
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, officially opened South Africa’s first fishing net recycling facility at Collier Jetty at the V&A Waterfront on 10 October. Minister Dion George delivered the keynote address at the opening event Minister Dion George points out the special plaque inaugurating the opening of the recycling
Launch event photos Read More »
The South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA), has announced it will apply for a fifth certification from the Marine Stewardship Council – a certification body that is globally recognised as a credible indicator of sustainable fishing practices. Since achieving its first certification in 2004, SADSTIA has maintained one of the longest continuous MSC certifications
SADSTIA prepares for fifth MSC certification Read More »
31 JULY 2025, CAPE TOWN – Two shipping containers central to South Africa’s first harbour-based fishing net recycling initiative were successfully delivered to Collier Jetty at the V&A Waterfront this week, marking a major milestone for the pilot project launched in May. The containers, supplied by Container World, will be used to house the Ocean
Net recycling project moves ahead as containers arrive at Collier Jetty Read More »
