The mandate of the programme was modified last year, and as a result, the programme's focus of ensuring the sustainable utilization of marine fisheries, especially for marginalized coastal communities was recalibrated. Removing the marine aquaculture component to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is severely inhibiting the department's ability to engage effectively with all stakeholders within the marine fisheries sector. The increase in poaching activities of lucrative marine species (like abalone), the severe decline in population numbers of the African penguin, coupled with the collapse of some marine fish species are indicators of a marine ecosystem in trouble. The programme is ineffective in meeting its objectives and is in dire need of serious interventions if the marine ecosystem is to be used sustainably for present and future generations. The committee also notes that although the Integrated Coastal Management Act, No. 24 of 2008 was promulgated, the department has not reported on the progress made and the challenges experienced during implementation.