Small-scale fishers urged to submit appeals against permit allocation cuts

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is calling on all small-scale fishers to submit their appeals against permit allocation cuts by 5 March 2026.

The request comes after the sector recorded an unexpectedly high volume of appeals.

Under the new allocation plan, the number of small-scale fishing vessels is expected to be reduced from about 547 to just 77.

Non-government organisation (NGO) Masifundise has appealed against the drastic reduction in permit allocations for the small-scale line fishing sector.

As of 28 February, only 77 vessels out of more than 565 previously authorised boats will be allowed to operate.

Masifundise spokesperson Nobathembu Ndzengu says the cuts pose a serious threat to livelihoods and food security in affected coastal communities.

"Such a significant decrease will have serious consequences, particularly for vulnerable and rural communities, as fishing is a cultural fabric for these communities. It is a way of life."

Ndzengu adds that there is still concern over whether the outcomes of the appeal process will meet even the minimum requirements needed for fishers to survive.