In light of the fact that under initiatives like Operation Phakisa, the government has promoted an ocean economy agenda focused on oil and gas prospecting, offshore mining and industrial aquaculture, a seascape grabbing which excludes fishi
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Source domain: pmg.org.za
Collected on 17 June 2026
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Operation Phakisa Aquaculture Yearly Reviews (progress on initiatives)
The department directs readers to the Operation Phakisa Aquaculture Yearly Reviews for more information on Operation Phakisa initiatives that drive aquaculture development and progress on initiatives.
- Who it is for
- members of the public seeking information on Operation Phakisa aquaculture initiatives
- How to act on it
- Open the DFFE page and consult the Operation Phakisa Aquaculture Yearly Reviews documents.
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For more information on Operation Phakisa initiatives that drive aquaculture development please refer to the Operation Phakisa Aquaculture Yearly Reviews on progress on initiatives: https://www.dffe.gov.za/oc_projectsprogrammes_opoe#documents.
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework and Marine Sector Plans (public comment)
The department says the Marine Spatial Planning Act and MSP are used to manage ocean growth and opportunities through consultation and cooperation, and that in 2023 ten Marine Sector Plans were developed and published for public comment, with sector plans setting development objectives and priorities for marine sectors over the next two decades.
- Who it is for
- members of the public and sectors involved in marine planning and ocean-based activities
- How to act on it
- Participate in the public comment process for the Marine Sector Plans that were developed and published for public comment.
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In 2023, ten Marine Sector Plans were developed and published for public comment, where each sector plan outlines the overall development objectives and priorities for the marine sectors over the next two decades from a national perspective.
Wild Fisheries Sector Plan (covering small-scale fishing from traditional communities)
The department states that the Wild Fisheries sector plan addresses fisheries issues, including those related to small-scale fishing from traditional communities.
- Who it is for
- small-scale fishers from traditional communities
- How to act on it
- Use/benefit from the policy coverage provided by the Wild Fisheries sector plan for relevant fisheries issues affecting small-scale fishing.
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Among these sector plans, the Wild Fisheries sector plan addresses all relevant fisheries issues, including those related to small-scale fishing from traditional communities.
Draft Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Plan (oil and gas matters)
The department states that the draft Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Plan outlines matters related to Oil and Gas as part of the marine sector planning approach.
- Who it is for
- stakeholders involved in offshore oil and gas
- How to act on it
- Engage with the draft Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Plan as part of the marine sector planning process.
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The draft Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Plan outlines matters related to Oil and Gas.
Earmarked sea-based sites for aquaculture development (enabling aquaculture investment)
The department says that through MSP and working with key stakeholders, it has earmarked sea-based sites for aquaculture development, creating an enabling environment for aquaculture investment and creating business and employment opportunities to coastal communities.
- Who it is for
- aquaculture investors and coastal communities
- How to act on it
- Invest in aquaculture development using the earmarked sea-based sites for aquaculture development.
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Furthermore, through the MSP and working key stakeholders, the DFFE has earmarked sea-based site for aquaculture development, creating an enabling environment for aquaculture investment, subsequently creating business and employment opportunities to coastal communities.
Abalone ranching included for small-scale fisheries
The department says abalone ranching has been included within the basket of species for small-scale fisheries so that small-scale fishers can access a subsector described as capital intensive.
- Who it is for
- small-scale fishers
- How to act on it
- Access the abalone ranching subsector as part of the small-scale fisheries basket of species.
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Most recently, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Branch: Fisheries Management, have included abalone ranching within the basket of species for small-scale fisheries to allow for small-scale fishers to access a subsector that is known for being capital intensive.
Facts
Reference
https://pmg.org.za/committee-question/36174/
Key Takeaways
- question NW469
- Department: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- Marine Spatial Planning Act, 2018 (Act No. 16 of 2018)
- Marine Sector Plans (2023) – 10 plans
- Wild Fisheries Sector Plan
- Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Plan
- Coastal marine aquaculture contribution to food security
- Abalone ranching included in small-scale fisheries
- focus: balance between extractivism, food security, and Blue Justice
Dates
Opening Date
12 March 2026