Policy for the allocation and management of fishing rights in the Demersal Shark Fishery: 2013.

This Policy issued by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, sets out objectives, criteria and, considerations that will guide the evaluation and allocation of fishing rights in the demersal shark fishery. It will guide the authority delegated by the Minister in taking decisions on applications in this fishery. The Policy sets out a profile of the fishery (sharks and rays; particularly susceptible to overexploitation; shark fishery is generally practised to keep the vessels busy when not engaged in other sectors) and the objectives of allocating fishing rights in the demersal shark fishery. Those objectives promote, among other things, social and food security, meaningful participation (increase participation, value-creation, and linkage), youth and female ownership and development, and sustainable fisheries. Fishing rights are granted in terms of section 18 of the Marine Living Resources Act for a period not exceeding 15 years. Applications will only be considered from South African-owned companies, close corporations and co-operatives. The fishing performance of applicants holding fishing rights in the demersal shark fishery will be examined to determine if they have effectively utilised their fishing rights in accordance with this Policy. Criteria for granting rights concern, among other things, balancing of social equity, compliance with MLRA, effectively utilisation of a demersal shark fishing right (exclusion of "paper quotas"), investment, local economic development and job creation, performance. This fishery will be managed in accordance with the ecosystem approach to fisheries ("EAF"). Successful applicants that fail to utilise their demersal shark fishing right for one season without any reasonable explanation, will have their rights cancelled or revoked in terms of the provisions of the MLRA. Permit conditions for this fishery will be issued annually.