News in Brief:
– South Africa and Chile have signed an MoU to improve their fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors.
– The collaboration will focus on sustainable practices, technology exchange, capacity building, and combating illegal fishing.
The South African government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Chile to foster cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
The agreement aims to create new opportunities for development and innovation in these sectors. According to a statement by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, it will prioritise responsible and sustainable management of marine resources.
Essentially, key areas of cooperation include fisheries and aquaculture research, and the exchange of technology and best practices. Other areas include capacity building and knowledge sharing, as well as combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Effectively, both countries will collaborate within international frameworks and engage with relevant regional fisheries management organisations. The aim is to uphold sustainable resource management principles.
Also, a Joint Technical Committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the MoU and coordinate regular bilateral meetings.
South Africa’s fisheries sub-sector: a continental powerhouse
South African fisheries saw a boom in production, rising from around 300,000 tonnes in 1950 to over 2 million tonnes by 1968.
However, this was followed by a sharp decline, with production falling below 500,000 tonnes in 1995.
Fortunately, there was a rebound in the industry, with production exceeding 900,000 tonnes by 2004. Unfortunately, this growth was not sustained, and production dropped again to around 600,000 tonnes in 2020.
The country’s fisheries sub-sector has several characteristics that make it an African powerhouse, including the following:
1. Diverse marine ecosystem: Its marine ecosystem supports a wide range of fish species like hake, sardines, anchovies, tuna, and various shellfish.
2. Well-developed infrastructure: The country has modern fishing ports, processing facilities, and a strong export market, facilitating the efficient handling and distribution of seafood products.
3. Strong regulatory framework: South Africa has implemented robust regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect marine resources.
4. Significant economic contribution: The fisheries sector plays a vital role in the South African economy, providing employment opportunities and generating foreign exchange.
