Despite progress made over the past decade in restoring and improving the state of its marine resources, the World Wildlife Fund says South Africa still faces significant challenges.
According to a new WWF report, many of South Africa’s inshore marine resources are still considered overexploited or collapsed.
“WWF Fisheries: Facts and Trends South Africa,” provides an overview of the status of the local fishing sector and the marine environment. The report suggests that 65 percent of South Africa’s marine resources are either fully exploited or overexploited, including commercially significant species such as West coast rock lobster and Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna.
This means the sector is barely capable of securing its existing 140,000 jobs, without hoping to increase employment levels.
“Recent studies have shown that effective management and science-based decision making can set the stage for ecological and economic recovery. Responsible consumers and retailers are also playing an increasingly important role in building the momentum for change within the global fishing industry by demanding ‘greener’ choices,” said Morne du Plessis, WWF-SA CEO.
In mid October, Pick ‘n Pay, South Africa’s second largest retailer, announced a partnership with WWF and is committed to selling only sustainable fish by the end of 2015.
