Marine bill sparks debate
A team representing parliament's Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs is conducting public hearings with interested and affected parties, the most recent of which was held at Mfolozi Municipality
THE Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is seeking public input for a proposed new Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Bill that will impact those who use the ocean for economic or recreational means.
A team representing parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs is conducting public hearings with interested and affected parties, the most recent of which was held at Mfolozi Municipality.
Community members falling under Mandeni, Mfolozi and Mtubatuba local municipalities attended the meeting, which turned into a heated debate as small-scale fishermen attempted to state their claim and rights to fish local waterways.
Besides protecting the ocean from over-exploitation, pollution and climate change, the MSP Bill seeks to harness the ocean as a ‘new economic frontier’ in job creation and betterment of lives.
Photo Thando Ndlovu.
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Coordination of all the regulations governing the use and management of ocean resources is deemed paramount ‘based on what is best for the economy, the environment and society, and not on political considerations’.
Apart from providing for the documentation, mapping and understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes and opportunities in and threats to the ocean, the Bill will give effect to South Africa’s international obligations.
In addition to public hearings, written submissions will be accepted and copies of the Bill are available.
Email tmadubela@parliament.gov.za.
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