West Coast Rock Lobster - Offshore

Sector Facts (FOR SECTOR DETAILS PLEASE EMAIL FEIKE AT ssonday@feike.co.za)


Sector Challenges: Feike's analysis of the allocation of rights and policy objectives for this fishery indicates the following challenges:

• Consolidating the significant numbers of smaller quota holders into larger economic and operational units;
• Preparing for performance measuring exercises;
• Consolidating a number of participants with weak performance histories;
• Increasing not only black ownership of the TAC through "internal transformation" but also focusing increasingly on the empowerment of staff, women and the communities in which right holders operate.

Sector Opportunities: Feike believes that the allocation of long-term rights will provide the west coast rock lobster offshore fishery with the following opportunities:

• Strategic co-management relationships with Marine and Coastal Management, particularly with respect to research and management;
• Strengthening of the Industry representative body, particularly to drive the agenda around performance measuring and EAF and issues affecting the WCRL offshore fishery sector;
• Consolidate the number of right holders in the fishery to make the fishery more competitive and efficient.