QUO VADIS
TROUT IN MPUMALANGA?
(and elsewhere in SA)
January 2016
By Ilan Lax & Ian Cox
For Trout South Africa
Overview
This presentation will cover:

Where have we come from?

Developments since last meeting.

Some thoughts on a way forward.
Where have we come from? (1)
Phakisa
 Freshwater aquaculture part of Operation Phakisa
Ocean Labs Conference in Durban - July 2014.
 Trout - largest sub-sector of aquaculture by volume
and the second largest by value.
 Adverse impact of listing of trout as invasive under
NEMBA results in discussions at Phakisa between
stakeholders from the trout value chain, DEA and
DAFF.
 Solutions largely avoided the disagreements about
whether trout are in fact invasive.
 Instead pragmatic enabling solutions were
found that comprised a “win-win” agreement.
Where have we come from? (2)
Phakisa Agreement
Simply put the agreement was:
1. Where trout already occur in SA (except for some
protected areas) they would not be declared invasive
by the DEA. (“trout areas”)
2. Conversely, where trout do not occur they will be
regarded as invasive.
3. The trout areas would be self-regulated as far as
possible through DAFF and TSA.
4. Applications to have trout introduced into “non-trout
areas” would require risk assessments and decisions
based on a balance of significant risks against the
possible benefits.
Where have we come from? (3)
Establishing TROUT SA
TSA is:
• an agricultural commodity Association recognised by
DAFF as a key representative stakeholder of the trout
value chain.
• a member of the Aquaculture Task Team and AquaSA.
• aligned with inter alia:
o Federation of Southern African Fly Fishers (FOSAF)
o Represented on the KZN Premier’s special Trout
Advisory Group & working in other provinces.
• creating regional subgroups:
o Mpumalanga Trout Association & others.
Where have we come from? (4)
Mapping Process
• Kirstenbosch meeting (August 2014) to discuss the practical
implementation of the Phakisa agreement agreed to mapping
of “where trout occur”.
• Fern Hill meeting (October 2014) to identify “where trout
occur”. Maps discussed and require further amendment.
• Amended Fern Hill maps prepared and circulated by
facilitator Dr Ivey (SANBI) for input by the trout value chain.
• The trout value chain adds information provided by its
constituents & drawn from a range of other sources.
• The revised maps were submitted to Dr Ivey for circulation to
DEA & Provinces (March 2015).
• Dr Ivey engages with DEA & Provinces – but no feedback on
the maps (April to October 2015).
Current Scenario (1)

Mpumalanga officials delay and refuse permits,
change application process and permits and
prosecute and threaten the trout value chain.

Efforts to meet and resolve issues remains
difficult and unsuccessful.

New draft maps and regulatory framework made
available by DEA in October 2015.

TSA and FOSAF express their concerns.

Meeting with Dr Ivey & colleagues at La Mercy to
discuss concerns regarding mapping process.
Current Scenario (2)

TSA requests adoption of separate approaches
to regulatory & mapping processes.

Regulatory process stuck and lacks consultation.
No reply to original submission – new framework
instead.

Mapping process subject to unilateral approach
outside agreed terms of reference and
framework.

Escalation of concerns to DG DEA, DG DAFF &
Phakisa Office.

MINMEC minute requested from DEA Minister.
2016 and way forward (1)

The trout value chain requires certainty to
secure the current investments made, realise
returns and to promote further new
investments as envisage by Phakisa.

The trout value chain and DAFF (and other
partners) must to work together to defend the
win-win achieved at Phakisa.

The trout value chain and DAFF must work
together to oppose efforts to undermine the
agreement.
2016 and way forward (2)

The unlawful activities of certain officials in
Mpumalanga must be publicised and stopped
with decisive action.

The activities and views of the trout value chain
and its partners must be publicised to ensure
information is shared with all affected parties.

Unity of the sector must be promoted and built
up.