The EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) Aquaculture and Fisheries Unit on 09 June 2023 collaborated with the EThekwini Municipality’s Business Support Unit in hosting the Maritime Ecosystem and Fisheries Workshop on fisheries and aquaculture. The focus of the workshop was centered around the National World Oceans Day that was celebrated on the 18th of June 2023 under the theme ‘’Planet Ocean: Tides are turning’’.  The workshop was staged at the Botanic Gardens Hall and was attended by a number of fishing and aquaculture stakeholders and mostly the general public who showed interest in participating in the sector.

To support the implementation of this initiative, EThekwini Maritime Ms Zenzile Gwamanda (Managing Director of EMC) was the programme director, and presentation emanated from the EThekwini Municipality, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Dlamini Fishing Co, South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).

In the efforts to contribute to and support Durban’s fishing industry, this workshop had the mandate to better understand the issues of the sector and further establish a community of practice to collaborate in value concentration. Form partnerships and working relationships with the fishing industry and communities as well as government and agents responsible for supporting the development of the industry.

‘’The industry has also been successful in building relationships with key buyers in local and international markets, allowing for consistent demand for Durban’s fish and seafood products’’ mentioned Ms. Nomalanga Sokhela highlighting some of the key deliverables to unlock the economic success of this industry.

Ms Tantsawa Cici noted the importance of aggressive training through SETA on safety management. She highlighted the need to integrate fishing & farming  “because it could potentially revive our Durban fish market and contribute to the Durban fresh produce market as well”. She also touched on licensing, where she mentioned that one can obtain a license to sell fish at the National Department in Pretoria via DAFF.

A participating member from the audience suggested the need to introduce the different facets of fishing at a young age so that they can nurture the passion of fishing from a young age. Sustainability was also highlighted because there is a lot of illegal fishing being done so having a coast patrol is very paramount to monitor who fishes to combat poaching, also how much can be caught by an individual should be monitored.

A thorough investment in research and resources will aid in the industry’s growth. If we invest in early interest development focusing on the youth in primary school level will foster a more entrepreneurial aspect in the sector.