Transformation status and performance of SA Marine Fisheries Sectors; State of Aquaculture & Aquaculture Phakisa; Status of Aquaculture Bill; with Minister

The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment met to receive briefings on the transformation status of South Africa’s marine fisheries sectors, progress on Operation Phakisa’s aquaculture workstream, and coastal water quality compliance. The Chairperson opened by stressing that, despite the fisheries sector’s modest gross domestic product (GDP) contribution, it is vital for livelihoods, food security, and dignity in coastal communities. She noted that while government policies since 1994 have addressed historical injustices, transformation outcomes remain fragmented and largely limited to fishing rights ownership rather than extending across the full value chain. She expressed concern that South Africa’s aquaculture performance had declined relative to other African countries. The Minister confirmed his Department's commitment to protecting traditional fishers' cultural heritage and addressing paper permit concerns. Department presentations showed that in the 2021/22 Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP), new entrants made up 33.6% of successful applicants, with black ownership averaging 88.76% and female ownership 56%. However, in aquaculture, 80% of managers are white, and only 36 out of 403 top management positions are held by black, coloured, or Asian individuals. The Aquaculture Development Bill has faced delays due to Cabinet concerns about alignment with existing legislation, and the Department plans to re-table it after further revisions. During the discussion, Members raised questions about regulatory barriers, the low success rate for new entrants, delays in finalising the Aquaculture Development Bill, and the need for transformation beyond ownership to include decision-making and value chain participation. A Member questioned whether race-based criteria should be phased out, arguing that transformation targets had largely been met and focus should shift to sector growth. The Director-General responded that the Department remains bound by existing legislation, such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and the Employment Equity Act. Other Members pressed for concrete interventions to support small-scale fishers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities, citing ongoing challenges with funding, infrastructure, and market access. The Department acknowledged funding constraints, delays in stakeholder engagement, and the need to improve support for small-scale fishers. Officials explained that environmental impact assessments (EIAs) remain a barrier to aquaculture entry, though strategic environmental assessments (SEA) and aquaculture development zones aim to reduce regulatory burdens. Regarding European Union (EU) export approvals, the Department noted that meeting EU standards enhances global market access. On state-owned hatcheries, several facilities have fallen into disrepair due to shifting mandates and a lack of investment. The Chairperson concluded by requesting that all unanswered questions be addressed in writing, including detailed data on transformation metrics across all fishing rights cycles and information on people living with disabilities in aquaculture. The Department was given until 24 April 2026 to provide written responses.