Useful tackle
If you are a fisher yourself, or someone interested in the policy, research and regulations that apply to small-scale fishers (including subsistence fishers) then you may find some useful pieces of readings and links here.
Resource guides and research reports:
Training and mentorship manual for subsistence fishers in KwaZulu-Natal
Training and Mentorship Manual for subsistence fishing that outlines history, issues of rights and food security, as well as marine protection and practical fishing tips and techniques:
Download from the SDCEA website
Cast out – the systematic exclusion of the KwaZulu- Natal subsistence fishers from the fishing rights regime in South Africa
An in-depth policy research paper on the exclusion of subsistence fishers in KwaZulu-Natal over time (2020).
Download from the SDCEA website
“Let them eat fish” a social study of Durban’s small scale and subsistence fishermen
Environmental, perceptive and socioeconomic factors affecting sustainable fishing practices and sector recommendations.
Download from the SDCEA website
Useful information pamphlets for fishers:
Fisher voices must be heard: Minister reviews rights allocation in the Western Cape
This pamphlet explains the background to the Western Cape review, the review process and how small-scale fishers can respond.
This resource is from the Coastal Justice Network in English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, and isiXhosa.
Civil society and NGOs working with fishers:
Coastal Links
Coastal links (CL) is a mass based community organization that was established in 2003, with structures in the Western and Northern Cape. Coastal Links was established as a vehicle for small-scale fishers to secure their livelihoods and overall human rights.
Link to Coastal Links webpage
KwaZulu-Natal Subsistence Fisher Forum (KZNSFF)
The KZNSFF is a registered non-profit organisation representing the subsistence fisherfolk of KwaZulu-Natal, is on a mission is to strengthen livelihoods and enhance food security by improving fisheries to benefit the poorest of the poor, men, women and children. (Source: Rising Sun)
Link to KZNSFF FaceBook page
South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA)
The motto of SDCEA is: The Right to Know, The Duty to Inquire, The Obligation to Act. It continuously struggles for clean air, water and soil and for the alleviation of environmental racism and poverty. SDCEA works with and is located in South Durban Community; this makes it easier for community members to convey their problems to us. The people of South Durban are SDCEA’s target audience as they are immersed in the polluted basin and directly affected by the numerous negative consequences.
Link to SDCEA website
One Ocean Hub
The One Ocean Hub is an international programme of research for sustainable development, working to promote fair and inclusive decision-making for a healthy ocean whereby people and the planet can flourish.
Link to One Ocean Hub website
The Green Connection
The Green Connection believes that empowering people to participate in decision making about their environment is the only way that truly sustainable development can take place. Our environmental resources are limited and not ours to squander but to protect for future generations.
Link to The Green Connection website
Masifundise
Masifundise Development Trust registered itself as an independent trust to support small-scale fishing communities in mobilizing, lobbying, and advocating for legal recognition and sustainable livelihoods through social agency and self-organization. Masifundise believes that communities need to organise themselves in order to effect changes in their lives.
Link to Masifundise website
International resources:
International Collective in Support of Fishworkers
An international non-governmental organization that works towards the establishment of equitable, gender-just,self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector.
Link to ICSF website
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
A specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
Link to FAO website
Local management of marine resources: A guide for communities in Kenya and mainland Tanzania
Coastal natural resources are of vital importance to the livelihoods of millions of people across the world. Traditionally, the management of these resources has been driven by top-down initiatives that do not always account for the rights and needs of the communities that rely on them.
Download here
