Pretoria - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana has extended all fishing right holders whose rights expired or are due to expire this year until 29 February 2016.
The extension was granted to allow the department to fully prepare for the Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP) 2015/16 and would also help to establish a well-managed and transparent process that will foster efficiency and accountability.
The department is currently preparing for the FRAP 2015/16 by developing, reviewing policies, application forms, determining application and grant of right fees.
The sectors for which rights will be reallocated are abalone, hake inshore trawl, horse mackerel, KwaZulu-Natal beach seine, large pelagic, net fish, Patagonian Toothfish, seaweed, West Coast rock lobster (nearshore), West Coast rock lobster (offshore) and fish processing establishments (“FPE”).
To this end, the department will be publishing the draft policies, draft application forms and draft fees in the Government Gazette on 12 June 2015.
This will be followed by the public consultation process where departmental officials will be engaging with prospective right applicants countrywide. The dates, times and venues will be announced soon.
The department has set up a dedicated FRAP call centre: 021 402 3727 (FRAP) to handle all queries relating to the rights allocation process.
The call centre will be operational from 22 June.
An independent service provider has been appointed to manage an anonymous tip-off line to report suspected fraudulent activities relating to the rights allocations.
The tip-off line will also be operational from 22 June and further details on its operation will be published as the day draws closer. - SAnews.gov.za
