These articles have been written by Policy Analyst, Jeremy Marillier, over the past few years. Jeremy has deep sector knowledge, policy literacy, and a sophisticated understanding of South Africa’s fisheries governance framework.
New Revised BBBEE Codes Stifling Future Investment
The DTIC’s proposed amendments to the B-BBEE Codes are almost certain to trigger legal challenges – not because transformation is being rejected, but because the manner, timing, and internal logic of the changes raise serious issues of legality, fairness, and policy coherence.
Read New Revised BBBEE Codes Stifling Future Investment
The Middle Way to Resolving the Oil & Gas and Fishing Stalemate
The stalemate between environmental NGO’s involved in coastal fishing communities litigation against oil and gas companies needs an alternative approach. There could there be a middle way as South Africa’s marine spatial planning legislation is yet to bite. Read The Middle Way to Resolving the Oil & Gas and Fishing Stalemate
A Single Maritime Ministry? Necessary Reform or Structural Overreach?
South Africa is, by geography and economic potential, a maritime nation. With over 2500 kilometres of coastline straddling one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, the country sits at a strategic crossroads of global trade. Yet, despite this natural advantage, its maritime sector remains underdeveloped, fragmented, and often hamstrung by institutional complexity. At the heart of this problem lies a familiar governance challenge: overlapping mandates across multiple departments. The question, then, is both practical and urgent – would South Africa be better served by consolidating its maritime responsibilities into a single, dedicated Maritime Ministry?
Read A Single Maritime Ministry? Necessary Reform or Structural Overreach?
A Breath of Fresh Air for Small-Scale Fishers: Social Justice and Equity Prevail
The recent intervention by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has been welcomed as a breath of fresh air by many within the small-scale fishing sector. For years, small-scale fishers have struggled to secure fair access to fishing vessel licences – access that is critical for their livelihoods, food security, and the survival of coastal communities.
Read A Breath of Fresh Air for Small-Scale Fishers: Social Justice and Equity Prevail
South Africa Needs Fewer, but More Effective Marine Protected Areas
South Africa’s coastline is among the most biologically diverse in the world, stretching over 3000 kilometres and hosting ecosystems that sustain fisheries, tourism, and livelihoods for millions of people. Over the past two decades, the country has made commendable progress in designating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), now covering around 5% of its waters. While this appears to align with global targets, a growing concern is emerging: South Africa risks spreading its limited conservation resources too thinly across too many sites, resulting in underperforming MPAs. Read South Africa Needs Fewer, but More Effective Marine Protected Areas
Tariff Pain Set to Hurt SA Economy. Where is the US-SA Trade Deal?
Washington’s stance towards South Africa is all about politics, not mere economics, but it seems SA does not understand this sentiment.
Read Tariff Pain Set to Hurt SA Economy. Where is the US-SA Trade Deal?
The Future Impact of EU Cross-Border Carbon Tariffs on SA’s Fishing Industry
The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is more than just a climate policy – it is a signal that global trade is being reshaped by environmental responsibility. While the EU presents CBAM as a necessary tool to prevent “carbon leakage” and level the playing field for industries within its jurisdiction, its ramifications reach far beyond Europe’s borders. For South Africa’s fishing industry, the potential impact is both profound and immediate.
Read The Future Impact of EU Cross-Border Carbon Tariffs on SA’s Fishing Industry
DFFE’s Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Response Plan: A Critical Perspective
South Africa’s coastline – spanning almost 3000 km – supports vibrant fishing communities, from the line-fishers near Hermanus to intertidal harvesters in the Eastern Cape. Though coastal fisheries contribute less than 1% to GDP, they underpin livelihoods for ~28000 formal workers and over 40000 small-scale and subsistence fishers. For many, fishing is food security, cultural tradition, and identity – a lifeline that faces existential threats from climate change. Read DFFE’s Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Response Plan: A Critical Perspective
The Implications of the Climate Change Bill on the Fishing Industry
The recent passing of South Africa’s Climate Change Bill marks a significant legislative step towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on the country’s economy and environment. While this Bill seeks to drive a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable environmental practices, it presents both challenges and opportunities for the fishing industry, a critical sector that contributes to food security, employment, and economic growth. Read The Implications of the Climate Change Bill on the Fishing Industry
The AGOA Dilemma. Navigating the Storm
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has long been a pillar of South Africa’s trade relationship with the United States, granting duty-free access to American markets for a range of South African goods. However, with recent geopolitical tensions, including South Africa’s stance on BRICS expansion, its alignment with China on Taiwan, and controversial land reform policies, Washington has increasingly signalled its dissatisfaction. The latest strain suggests AGOA might be the first casualty. If the United States chooses to revoke South Africa’s AGOA privileges, how should Pretoria respond? Read The AGOA Dilemma. Navigating the Storm
A Just Energy Transition, or Not?
The latest dialogue between the Departments of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) involving industry’s sectoral inputs, indicates that the same old hard positions remain.
Read A Just Energy Transition, or Not?
The Forgotten Voice. Where Does SMME Development Feature in FRAP 2021?
Much has been articulated about new entrants and small-scale resource apportionment in recent months. But there has not been much focus on the SMMEs in the fishing industry who seem to be the constituency left out- the forgotten voice.
Read The Forgotten Voice. Where Does SMME Development Feature in FRAP 2021?
There’s more to read here…
This content is for subscribers only.Subscribe to Fishing Industry News SA to get full access to our exclusive content now.
Subscribe Now
