Policy on the Allocation and Management of Commercial Fishing Rights in the Pelagic Fishery: 2015 (No. 1128 of 2015).

This Policy sets out objectives, criteria and considerations that will guide the designated authority the allocation, evaluation, and management of fishing rights in the Large Pelagic Longline Fishery. The objectives and principles of allocating fishing rights in the Fishery are set out in section 2 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (MLRA). Only persons issued with permits in terms of the MLRA may harvest, transport catch from a landing site to the permitted Fish Processing Establishment (FPE) and export Large Pelagic Longline catch and products thereof. Matters dealt with in this Policy include: granting of fishing rights (only South African persons); duration of right; Total Allowable Catch (TAC) or Total Applied Effort (TAE); transfer of rights allocated in terms of this policy; multi-sector involvement; participation in the fishing industry of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals; criteria for applicants; evaluation of historical fishing performance of applicants who have held fishing rights in the Large Pelagic Longline fishery; ecosystem approach to fisheries; observer programme; local economic development. In order to promote local economic development, the Delegated Authority will give preference to applicants who will land catches at harbours situated outside of metropolitan areas, and process catches at land-based processing establishments outside of metropolitan areas.