Cape Town: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken steps to address misinformation spreading on social media about the future of the commercial abalone fishing sector. The department emphasized that any decisions regarding the classification or division of abalone as a small-scale resource will be preceded by a comprehensive public participation process.
According to South African Government News Agency, the commercial abalone fishing sector saw long-term rights allocated to 304 applicants in 2004, lasting until July 2014 when these rights reverted to the state. During the 2015/2016 Fishing Rights Allocation Process, new applications were invited, but the process remained incomplete. Consequently, former rights holders have been granted yearly exemptions, conditional on obtaining permits, to continue operating under the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998.
From 2020 to 2024, investigations revealed that 10 exemption holders violated the MLRA, leading to the revocation of their exemptions and permits. In 2024, further breaches were discovered among the majority of exemption holders, prompting a verification process finalized in December. A total of 179 individuals are under suspicion for serious offenses and are barred from receiving exemptions pending the outcome of criminal investigations.
In October 2020, a public consultation was initiated by the then-Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on a proposed resource split in various fishing sectors, including abalone. Despite limited public feedback, ongoing discussions with stakeholders are shaping the future management of the abalone sector. The department plans to reopen consultations, ensuring all affected parties have a chance to voice their opinions before any final decisions are made.