THE FUSE

Fishermen in Port Nolloth have taken their concerns directly to government as part of an engagement aimed at understanding the challenges affecting fishing livelihoods in the coastal community. MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Newrene Klaaste, accompanied by HOD Zolile Monakali, Cllr Cornel Knoph and departmental officials, met with fishermen to hear about the conditions they face in the fishing sector. The engagement gave fishermen an opportunity to explain how challenges within the sector affect their ability to work and support their households. It also allowed them to put forward practical suggestions for addressing some of the difficulties they experience. For a community such as Port Nolloth, where fishing provides income for households and supports other economic activities, maintaining a productive and sustainable fishing sector is closely linked to local livelihoods.