SISEBENZELA UKUBA NAMALWANDLE ASEMPILWENI KUNYE NENDLELA ZOKUZIPHILISA EZINGAPHELELWAYO KULUNTU OLUHLALA NGASELUNXWEMENI

The document advocates for the formalization of Small-Scale Fishing Zones (SSFZs) in South Africa to secure the livelihoods of vulnerable coastal communities and protect marine biodiversity. It describes SSFZs as areas where small-scale fishing practices are prioritized through co-management between fishers and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Oceans (DFFE). The text highlights that while the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998 provides for these zones, they often remain conceptual. Formalizing SSFZs would allow for local decision-making, reduced conflict with commercial fishing, and a contribution to the global '30x30' biodiversity goal by potentially qualifying as Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

• Small-scale fishing (SSF) is the most vulnerable sector of South Africa's marine fishing industry, characterized by a high dependence on marine resources for food security and livelihoods in coastal areas where other employment and higher education opportunities are lacking.
• Small-Scale Fishing Zones (SSFZs) are designed to prioritize small-scale fishing practices and protect coastal livelihoods through a co-management system involving fishers and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Oceans (DFFE).
• Although the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) of 1998 provides for SSFZs, they frequently remain conceptual rather than operational, and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment retains the power to limit rights within these zones.
• Formalizing SSFZs can contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework's '30x30' target—which aims to protect 30% of the world's land and sea by 2030—by serving as Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
• The success of an SSFZ depends on the active role of small-scale fishers in co-management, including leadership in management committees, reporting illegal activities, and developing rules for seasonal closures and gear restrictions.

APA

WWF South Africa (2026). SISEBENZELA UKUBA NAMALWANDLE ASEMPILWENI KUNYE NENDLELA ZOKUZIPHILISA EZINGAPHELELWAYO KULUNTU OLUHLALA NGASELUNXWEMENI. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/ssfz-factsheet-xhosa-web_4jun26.pdf

Chicago

WWF South Africa. SISEBENZELA UKUBA NAMALWANDLE ASEMPILWENI KUNYE NENDLELA ZOKUZIPHILISA EZINGAPHELELWAYO KULUNTU OLUHLALA NGASELUNXWEMENI. 2026. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/ssfz-factsheet-xhosa-web_4jun26.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF South Africa |title=SISEBENZELA UKUBA NAMALWANDLE ASEMPILWENI KUNYE NENDLELA ZOKUZIPHILISA EZINGAPHELELWAYO KULUNTU OLUHLALA NGASELUNXWEMENI |date=2026 |url=https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/ssfz-factsheet-xhosa-web_4jun26.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfsouthafrica2026sisebenzela, author = {{WWF South Africa}}, title = {{SISEBENZELA UKUBA NAMALWANDLE ASEMPILWENI KUNYE NENDLELA ZOKUZIPHILISA EZINGAPHELELWAYO KULUNTU OLUHLALA NGASELUNXWEMENI}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, year = {2026}, url = {https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/ssfz-factsheet-xhosa-web_4jun26.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }