About applying for commercial fishing right

To harvest fish or engage in a fishing related activity for trade purposes, you must first be in possession of a commercial fishing right. You can only apply for a commercial fishing right upon invitation in the Government Gazette. The last invitation was in 2005 and the next invitation will open in 2013.

Selected fishing sectors based on a Total Allowable Catch or Effort (TAC/E) grant commercial fishing rights.

Once you are in possession of a commercial fishing right, you can apply for a commercial fishing permit at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cape Town.

Note: No person must engage in commercial fishing without a permit. In addition to the permit, you will also require a transport permit to transport fish. You must renew the permit annually. Failure to adhere to permit conditions may result in its suspension, cancellation or the revocation of the right.

What you should do

• In the invitation published in the Government Gazetted, you will be informed of the distribution point where you can collect an application form.
• Carefully read, understand, and make sure that you are satisfied with the requirements and conditions.
• Complete, sign and submit the form /submit fishing right application form with the required certified supporting documents  which will be listed in the invitation in the Government Gazette
• Pay a non-refundable prescribed fee to the place specified by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in the gazette.

How long does it take

The cost information is only published upon the invitation in the Government Gazette.

How much does it cost

Fishing right:
The application process may take one to three months or more in view of the volume of received applications or as per fishing sector season. The evaluation process will begin after the cut-off date for applications and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will announce the results.

Fishing Permit:
The permit application process may take 7 working days or more depending on the volume of applications and subject to the proper lodging of the application.

Forms to complete

Application forms will be available at the distribution centre that will be announced in the invitation to apply for a fishing right that will be gazetted when the current rights expire. The first rights will expire in 2013. 

Who to contact

Customer Service Centre
Tel: 021 402 3911
Fax: 021 402 3367