Minister announces 392 additional long-term fishing rights

Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk has announced the allocation of 392 additional long-term fishing rights in the West Coast rock lobster near-shore fishery sector. The area where the rights are allocated stretches from Port Nolloth to Gansbaai. Van Schalkwyk says approximately 70 percent of the West Coast rock lobster caught 30 years ago occurred higher up on the West Coast from Port Nolloth to the Saldanha area. Ninety percent is now caught between Dassen Island and the Cape Peninsula. Research conducted by marine scientists confirms the shift in the distribution of marine resources.