Speaker, on behalf of the ANC under the leadership of Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma ... [Interjections.] ... the ANC commends the six week-long survey to determine the biomass of sardines and anchovy that will be carried out by South Africa's oldest research vessel, the Africana, which turns 30 this year.
This survey is of high priority, as pelagic fishery is the largest in South Africa in terms of catch, which is around 400 000 tons annually, as well as being the second-most important in terms of value, currently estimated at around R1 billion.
Furthermore, the collection of this data will be critical in boosting the maximum productivity of these resources, whilst ensuring their long-term sustainability. In addition, the data collected will feed into the calculation of the total allowable catches of anchovy and sardines for 2013.
The ANC wishes the management crew as well as the research team all the best and look forward to their safe return. Their research outcomes will help us better to manage the sustainability of our scarce marine resources ... [Interjections.] ... as well as to determine the economic and social needs of the entire South African nation. Thank you. [Interjections.] [Applause.]