FOSAF has also engaged with government on this matter. Our waterways and the species dependant on them are in a very fragile state due to large scale pollution, abstraction and riparian zone damage. South Africa’s freshwater systems are thus vulnerable and many of our aquatic species are endangered and slow breeding, which contributes to relatively low productivity.
Hence these freshwaters do not lend themselves to sustainable commercial fishing. All attempts at developing this kind of fishery have so far have failed, including, the fishery at Bloemhof Dam and the research finding at Vanderkloof also appears to confirm this lack of productivity.
However, government appears to be pressing ahead in line with this policy, regardless of obvious risks, with the development of such fisheries with vociferous support from some small-scale fishing bodies. As yet there is no indication as to how these projects will be funded or made sustainable, while at the same time the government is unable to control the growing problem of illegal netting of our waterways. Further discussions are ongoing in efforts to find suitable and appropriate ways of implementing this policy and finding the balance necessary for sustainable development and conserving this delicate resource.
To read the policy click here.
