The Cape Equality court extends rights to fishermen – 15 December 2009

The Cape Equality Court has extended the rights of fishermen by increasing their quotas, pending the finalisation of legislation to protect them.

The chairperson of the Artisinal Fisher’s Association, Andy Johnson, who was at the court, said this was a step forward for small-scale fishermen. Equality Court judge Nathan Erasmus, sitting in chambers in the Cape High Court, made the judgment today.

 

The court ruled that small-scale fishermen could catch 80 crayfish a month, all at once, instead of catching 20 each week. The fishermen will also be allowed to catch 60 linefish per day, compared with 30 before. The decision provides interim relief for the small-scale fishermen, while government considers new legislation to establish a policy for them. Shouts of joy rang out outside the court when the fishermen heard the verdict.