Have Your Say on the New Wild Marine Fisheries Draft Policy

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites fishers, coastal communities, fishing industry stakeholders, researchers, academics, non-governmental organisations and members of the public to participate in nationwide coastal public consultations and submit written comments on the Draft Policy for the Development of New Wild Marine Fisheries and the Expansion of Regulated Wild Marine Fisheries in South Africa: 2026.

On 23 October 2026, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr David Maynier, published the draft policy under Government Notice No. 8084 in Government Gazette No. 55620, initiating the public consultation process scheduled to take place from 9 to 20 November 2026.

The draft policy provides a framework for developing new wild marine fisheries and expanding existing regulated fisheries in a scientifically informed and ecologically sustainable manner, in line with the objectives of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998. It also outlines procedures for exploratory fishing, geographical expansion of existing fisheries, exploration of fishing methods and sample collection.

The policy seeks to balance sustainable economic development, job creation and food security with the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. It further aims to promote equitable access to marine resources and strengthen evidence-based decision-making in the fisheries sector.

The draft policy has been published in regional newspapers and is available for public comment. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments by midnight on 27 November 2026.

Written submissions must be emailed to: NFPolicy@dffe.gov.za.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROGRAMME

WEST COAST

SOUTH COAST

KWAZULU-NATAL

EASTERN CAPE

Enquiries relating to this notice may be directed to Mr Mark Rothman on 083 564 3440 or by email at MRothman@dffe.gov.za