Calling all small-scale fishers

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is in the process of rolling out the new verification, registration, declaration and rights allocation process for the small-scale fishers in the Western Cape.

The process will only be open to the community members who participated in the initial process in 2016.

Community members will need to present their original/valid temporary identity document on the day of registration and should gather all necessary documentation in preparation for the registration and verification processes.

If community members are unable to attend these meetings, as per the schedule, valid reasons include - as example - a medical emergency or the death of an immediate family member.

“Fishing” or “attending to other business” will not be regarded as valid reasons for not attending the meetings.

Community members must notify the DFFE prior to the meeting, by calling 021 402 3614, to arrange for the authorisation of a proxy letter.
A template of the proxy letter can be obtained from the nearest Fisheries Compliance Offices of the DFFE.

Note:

Verification forms are not for sale.
Each verification form will have a unique sequence number and the form should not be photocopied.
Eligible community members will be required to visit the distribution centres to collect their verification forms.
Community members will be given 31 days to complete the forms and collect all the required documentation.
The DFFE will collect/receive all verification forms after 31 days at the same venues.
Community members will be given a receipt with a unique number, which will also be visible on the original verification form. The receipt will be used as proof that they have submitted the verification form.