NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1809
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 01 JULY 2011 [IQP No 19 -2011] SECOND SESSION,
FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 1809 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to
ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(1) What are the relevant details of the fishing quotas attached to the
owners of a certain vessel (name and details furnished);
(2) whether the owners of this vessel are permitted to land whole sharks as
part of their catch; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2042E
Reply:
1) The vessel is authorised to undertake commercial fishing of Swordfish.
2) Sharks are designated by-catch in this sector except for Thresher,
Hammerhead and Oceanic white tip sharks, which must be released if
caught. Permit holders may either opt to keep the fins attached to
the trunk of a shark or cut the fins while onboard the vessel during a
fishing trip. If the Permit holder opts to cut the fins, both the fins
and trunks must be landed together at the first point of landing. The
maximum weight of fins landed shall not exceed 8 % of the total weight
of shark trunks landed. If the Permit Holder chooses to keep the fins
attached to the trunk then this ratio does not apply.