The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has increased the commercial sardine catch allocation west of Cape Agulhas, protecting thousands of jobs in South Africa’s fishing industry.
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp confirmed that the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for commercial small pelagic fishing in the area west of Cape Agulhas will increase by 6 000 tonnes, from 30 500 tonnes to 36 500 tonnes.
The decision follows growing concerns from commercial fishing companies that dwindling sardine supplies had forced several operators to exhaust their quotas, scale back production and place hundreds of jobs at immediate risk.
Industry stakeholders warned that shortages of sardines for processing were creating significant socio-economic pressure on coastal communities that depend on the small pelagic sector for employment and income.
In response, Minister Aucamp instructed the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group to investigate whether additional sardine allocations could be made available without compromising the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
Following its scientific assessment, the working group recommended increasing the quota by 3 000 tonnes through revised survey timing corrections and a further 3 000 tonnes by converting existing sardine Total Allowable Bycatches (TABs).
Aucamp welcomed the outcome, saying the decision demonstrates that economic growth and environmental stewardship can work together.
“I remain fully cognisant of the important contribution that the commercial small pelagic sector makes to job creation and, in this case, more than 5 000 livelihoods will be protected as a direct result of this decision,” he said.
He added that safeguarding employment should always be balanced with responsible management of South Africa’s marine resources.
“While the decision is a welcome intervention, it is equally critical that we continue to maintain the sweet spot between inclusive economic growth, job creation and environmental protection.”
The Department said the allocation remains fully aligned with the Marine Living Resources Act and is based on the best available scientific evidence, precautionary management principles and ongoing monitoring of fish stocks.
Officials emphasised that future quota adjustments will continue to depend on scientific assessments and the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s marine ecosystems.
The commercial small pelagic sector plays a vital role in South Africa’s coastal economy, supporting fishing operations, seafood processing, transport businesses and thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
By increasing the sardine allocation at a critical time, government hopes to stabilise production, reduce pressure on processors and protect livelihoods while ensuring the country’s valuable marine resources remain available for future generations.
The Department said it will continue monitoring sardine stocks through scientific surveys and stakeholder engagement to ensure the resource is managed responsibly.
The latest intervention highlights the importance of evidence-based fisheries management that protects both the environment and the communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy, sustainable oceans.
