The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape notes with grave concern that national government continues to undermine the economic contribution of charter fishing in the industry through the explicit ban on its activities. It has been over a month since we called on Minister Barbara Creecy to amend the regulations on charter fishing so that its businesses can safely resume operations and preserve livelihoods.
Charter fishing includes sport fishing, whale watching, and shark-cage diving vessels. Fishing is a key industry in the Western Cape, with charter fishing activities contributing to jobs in the small-to-medium enterprises within the industry.
MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen says: “Under the latest set of lockdown regulations, charter fishing remains explicitly prohibited. In the meantime, casinos are permitted to operate and taxis may load to 100% capacity. There is no reason why these fishing activities, which contribute to livelihoods, shouldn’t be allowed.
An open boat with hygiene and safety protocols in place arguably poses a far lower risk than going to a gambling venue or movie theatre. The charter fishing ban has caused severe economic loss for the province as well as debilitating the livelihoods of those who depend on the industry.”
The National Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has been subject to a 20% budget cut in order to contribute to the Covid-19 stimulus package. The financial impediments to the industry are further grounds for the ban to be lifted and negate the impact of businesses shutting doors and retrenching employees.
MPP van der Westhuizen notes: “Since our pleas on behalf of the industry to the national Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment have fallen on deaf ears, I will write to Minister Creecy on the matter. The livelihoods of citizens affected by this unnecessary ban cannot continue. Desperate operators may operate illegally, without adherence to protocols – this is even more dangerous than the ban itself.”
The DA in the Western Cape continues to support the fishing industry and will continue to lobby against the regulations which are affecting not only the economic growth of the province but also the livelihoods of those who impacted by these regulations.
