Fisheries welcomes investigation

The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has welcomed an investigation by the Public Protector into the fishing rights allocation process, as requested by the DA earlier this week.

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Out of 3 490 applicants only 600 were successful in acquiring new fishing permits after the deadline expired on 31 December.

In a statement, the DAFF said it’s confident the process has been fair and in line with the relevant laws.

“As the delegated authority of the Fishing Rights Allocation Process , I wish to categorically state that the department has nothing to hide as repeatedly claimed some so-called legal experts and mischievous politicians in the media using our people as fronts to rubbish the department,” said Desmond Stevens, acting DDG of DAFF’s Fisheries Management Branch.

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