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SA Committed to regional co-operation on Fisheries
Cabinet approves SADC Protocol on Fisheries

WEDNESDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2003: Today (Wednesday, 19 February) the South African Cabinet approved the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Fisheries, demonstrating South Africa's commitment to regional co-operation and economic integration.

The SADC Protocol on Fisheries will now be tabled in Parliament for ratification.

The objective of the SADC Protocol on Fisheries is to promote responsible and sustainable use of the living aquatic resources and ecosystems on its coastline in order to promote and enhance food security and human health, to safeguard the livelihood of fishing communities, to generate economic opportunities, to ensure that future generations benefit from these renewable resources and to alleviate poverty.

The benefits include:

  • Improved fisheries management - through policies, legislation and management of fisheries and the aquatic environment through harmonisation within the region.
  • The ability to ensure that the management of its living marine and aquatic resources is not comprimised by unsustainable activities undertaken by other countries within the region.
  • Opportunities to develop uniform positions on common and transboundary issues that will in turn increase impact at the regional and international level.
  • Participate in the monitoring, control and surveillance of fish stocks that straddle the common waters of the SADC region.
  • The opportunity to exchange scientific and technical information, and training.
For more information contact: Phindile Makwakwa (Director: Media Liaison)
Mobile: (082) 850-9559 | E-mail: pmakwakwa@ozone.pwv.gov.za