What do seafood dealers need to know about the law?

The Marine Living Resources Act (or MLRA) no. 18 of 1998 and amendments determines how we utilise our seafood resources.

Key points from the MLRA:

• You need permits to harvest, sell, import or export marine resources (Section 13 (1)).
• Recreational fishers may not sell their catch (Section 20 (1)).
• There are specific regulations pertaining to the management of certain species and fisheries, for example size and bag limits, closed seasons and no-sale species.
• The Act allows for penalties of up to two million Rand or five years imprisonment for transgressors.
• You also need to possess the correct import permits for seafood from other countries. These are issued by Marine and Coastal Management and ITAC (International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa) (www.itac.org.za/)

What does this mean for you as a seafood dealer?

• Keep a proper paper trail, e.g. invoices, import permits. You need:
• Seller or business name and address.
• Your name and address (buyer).
• Date of delivery.
• Numbers and quantities (in kilograms) of each fish species.
• Purchase from licensed dealers and fishers and NOT from recreational fishers
• Deal in the right species – make sure you do not offer for sale no-sale species.
• Make sure that the correct species name is used.
• Make sure that your fish are of legal size.
• Get to know your local fisheries compliance officer.

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SASSI Retail Charter

Retailers hold a significant proportion of the global seafood market share and are well positioned to effect positive changes in the fishing industry. In a number of countries, major retailers have started adjusting their seafood business to meet consumer expectations and in order to improve traceability, and promote sustainably and responsibly harvested seafood products, thus contributing towards the maintenance of healthy and productive marine ecosystems, species, and livelihoods.

Retailers are invited to become part of the solution, by signing up to the SASSI Retail Charter. The charter provides a mechanism to drive change in your seafood business by looking at four main focal areas.

• Sourcing and Procurement
• Product range
• Communications
• Awareness

Please contact John Duncan for further information.

View the Retailers that have subscribed to the Charter.

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