A group of Small-scale fishers from the Eastern Cape challenged the industrial squid fishing association, SASMIA, at the Western Cape High Court yesterday 14 May 2024. According to reports they are fighting for fishing rights and recognizing their historical associations with the ocean. Melisa Pullen, the chair of Moeg Gesukkel Fisheries says the 15% allocation of Total Allowable Effort by the Minister and an additional 10% promised for the future provide hope for these fishermen but the fishers, who have long been the backbone of coastal communities, are determined to fight for their rightful share of the resources they have relied on for generations, she goes on to say the following... INSERT[MOEG] Commercial fishing companies seek to block the re-allocation, viewing it as an insult to their dominance.

Journalist: Tasha-Ree Kella
Email: tashakella13@gmail.com