The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier, has published South Africa’s Draft Second Biennial Transparency Report (BTR2) under the Paris Agreement for public comment.
The draft policy provides a framework for developing new wild marine fisheries and expanding existing regulated fisheries in a scientifically informed and ecologically sustainable manner, in line with the objectives of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998.
It also outlines procedures for exploratory fishing, geographical expansion of existing fisheries, exploration of fishing methods and sample collection.
The policy seeks to balance sustainable economic development, job creation and food security with the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. It further aims to promote equitable access to marine resources and strengthen evidence-based decision-making in the fisheries sector.
The Minister published the draft policy under Government Notice No. 8084 in Government Gazette No. 55620 on 23 October 2026, initiating the public consultation process scheduled to take place from 9 to 20 November 2026.
The draft policy has been published in regional newspapers and is available for public comment. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments by midnight on 27 November 2026.
Written submissions must be emailed to NFPolicy@dffe.gov.za. -SAnews.gov.za
