The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina-Joemat-Pettersson has extended the process for the distribution of fishing rights application forms for additional fourteen days from Monday 26 August 2013 to Friday 06 September 2013. The forms are for eight fishing sectors which are KZN Prawn Trawl, Demersal Shark, Squid, Tuna Pole, Hake Hand-line, White Mussel, Oyster and Traditional Linefish.
The extended process is aimed to ensure that applicants are assisted in understanding how to complete the application forms. Additional distribution centers will also be operational across the country during this extended period to ensure forms are nationally available.
“It is absolutely imperative that we assist applicants in understanding how to complete the forms as we move to make these processes more simple and accessible yet keep it effective and legal. In this current process we have focused our attention on ensuring that the application form is easier to fill out, our officials were on hand to assist with any kinds of explanations. During the consultations, the officials visited town halls, churches and community gathering, addressed thousands of people, and communicated through media, to make sure that our process is as far reaching as possible. We have boldly taken a step towards changing people’s lives, and we are well on our way of achieving that”, explains Minister Joemat- Pettersson.
Prospective applicants may collect application forms and policies for the applicable fishing sectors from any of twenty venues nationally from Monday 26 August 2013 to Friday 6 September 2013 from 8:00 till 16:00.
In the Overstrand the application forms will be available at the Fishery Compliance Office, 248 Still Street, Hermanus on Monday 26 August to Friday 6 September 2013 from 08:00 to 16:00 (2 weeks).