2015/16 Fishing Rights allocation process (“frap 2015/16”): Public consultation meetings on draft fisheries sector specific policies, draft application forms and applicable fees.

On the 12^th of June 2015, the Honorable Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (“the Department”) published the draft 2015 sector policies for 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 the Fish Processing Establishments (“FPE”), draft application forms and draft fees (application and grant of right) for comment.

The draft sector specific policies, draft application forms and applicable fees are published in the Government Gazette Number 38871; volume 600 dated 12 June 2015. The Department will be embarking on a public consultation process where Department officials will be engaging with affected and interested parties (stakeholders) countrywide on the draft sector specific policies, draft application forms and applicable fees. During the consultation period, the Minister will solicit the views of members of the fishing industry and interested parties in respect of the proposed policies and processes that will guide the Minister in deciding on the final polices, application forms and fees.

The public consultation process is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 7 July 2015 at 10h00 and will end on Tuesday, 4 August 2015 at 14h00. FRAP 2015/16 public consultation centres in the nearby area are: Kleinmond - Kleinmond Municipality Hall on Monday, 13 July 2015 at 10:00 to 12:00; Gansbaai - Blompark Community Hall on Tuesday, 14 July 2015 at 10:00 to 12:00; Hermanus - Overstrand Training Institute on Tuesday, 14 July 2015 at 10:00 to 12:00. Dates for the distribution and receipting processes will be announced soon.

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Carol Moses (021-402-3448/3911)

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