Minister Aucamp boosts small-scale fishing quotas, but fishers urge better consultation

In an unprecedented move to safeguard livelihoods and jobs within South Africa’s small-scale fishing sector, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has upheld several key appeals for the 2026/2027 season.

The minister’s decision directly impacts the Traditional Linefish and West Coast Rock Lobster industries. Specifically, Aucamp has reinstated 297 long-used fishing vessels and granted an increase in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) following appeals within the rock lobster sector.

While the announcement has been met with general approval, local fishers maintain that structural concerns regarding the decision-making process remain.

Faez Poggenpoel, a fifth-generation fisherman from Kalk Bay, noted that the speed of the intervention was a significant departure from standard bureaucracy.

"We are pleased that the decision was taken in such a short space of time and expedited," Poggenpoel stated.

"Normally, we do follow an internal process, and we challenge the decision and the data that informed the decision."

Despite the immediate relief provided by the reinstated vessels and increased quotas, the fishing community remains wary.

Poggenpoel emphasised that while the outcome is positive, fishers are still concerned about the lack of consistent consultation.

The community continues to advocate for a more collaborative approach to ensure that the data informing these life-changing decisions accurately reflects the reality on the water.