Small‑scale fishers have until the end of March to apply for permits

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp is calling on small‑scale fishers without permits to apply for Traditional Linefish rights before the end of March.

On Thursday he announced that 297 permits have been granted to fishers who appealed the original cap that allowed only 77 vessels to operate nationwide.

Aucamp said that he has instructed the department to fast‑track all remaining applications, with outcomes expected by the 26th of March.

"This announcement will give that back to them. Now they have got time until the end of March in which they can apply for those licenses."