Fish for Good - South Africa

Fish for Good is sponsored by the Dutch National Postcode Lottery.

Why South Africa?

South Africa is flanked by two highly biodiverse and productive large marine ecosystems, the Benguela and Agulhas currents. A wide variety of fisheries take advantage of the fish stocks in these two marine ecosystems, ranging from large industrialised fleets to small artisanal operations. Together, these fisheries are very important to the national economy and to the livelihoods of coastal communities.

How does it work?

Stage 1 - mapping

The MSC conducted a scan of the 63 fisheries in South Africa and, based on the results, selected 18 fisheries for deeper mapping. Those fisheries are mapped according to their target species, areas fished, gear(s) used and catch volumes. Stock status, environmental impacts and market potential are also taken into account. 

Stage 2 - pre-assessments

The Fish for Good advisory group evaluated the findings and selected nine fisheries to be pre-assessed against the MSC Fisheries Standard. 

The pre-assessment process measures the performance of each fishery against the MSC Standard and identifies areas for improvement. Pre-assessment of the nine fisheries is undertaken by an accredited third-party assessor. 

Stage 3 - action plan development and implementation

The advisory group has selected five of the nine fisheries to undertake action plan development and proceed into Fishery Improvement Projects. The five selected fisheries, shown on the map below, are:

• Yellowfin tuna 
• Albacore tuna 
• East Coast rock lobster 
• Mussel
• Squid

During the action plan stage, the gaps identified in Stage 2 are translated into a 'to do' list for each fishery so that stakeholders can work together towards improved sustainability. This stage will be undertaken by the project’s implementing partner WWF South Africa. After stage 3, some fisheries may be in a position to enter full assessment for MSC certification.

Project stages

Advisory group

The advisory group represents stakeholders in South Africa’s fishing and seafood sectors. It is tasked with providing co-ordinated advice on the development and continuing implementation of the Fish for Good project. The advisory group offers independent views representing a variety of informed perspectives in addressing the effectiveness of project activities. Nominations to the advisory group were made at stakeholder focussed meetings that incorporated the commercial fishing industry, seafood market professionals, government, small scale fishers and non-governmental organisations.

South Africa Fish For Good stories