FOSAF NEWS
“ON THE LINE” – EDITORIAL FROM THE FOSAF CHAIR – Ilan Lax
Late November and early December has been storm-ridden in our part of world. Hectic lightning and thunder and huge hail (some as big as tennis balls) have wrought havoc with homes and vehicles. Being caught out in the open during one of these tempests could have seriously tragic consequences. A few years ago, one such storm damaged our roof (then made of Marseilles tiles) so badly it had to be completely replaced. I was most grateful to have paid my home insurance. I remain so aware of the loss so many worse off than us suffer at these times.
FOSAF’s court application relating to the then incumbent Minister’s failure to provide sufficient information to allow for meaningful representations and objections to the 2018 draft NEMBA AIS regulations and lists has still to be heard in court. Although we secured a court date for October the legal teams requested that the case be adjourned to new dates. These will be confirmed early in 2021. Your continued support for our efforts is highly appreciated and we will let you know once dates are confirmed. Since our last Tippet, the new Minister has published new NEMBA AIS lists and regulations. Trout are listed as invasive and various restricted activities essential to the value chain now require permits. Not only were we taken by surprise at this step by the Minister but the publication of these notices takes place against the backdrop that our other case is soon to be heard in court and if the consultation process is found wanting, the product of that process must surely be tainted. The notices have a serious flaw in that they make no provision for transitional arrangements. In addition, the notices do not give effect to the Phakisa principles agreed in 2014 and which informed the costly and time-consuming mapping process that we and other stakeholders engaged in with the Department.
In my previous Tippet editorial, I spoke about the important bond we as flyfishers have with aquaculture. It with a heavy heart that I must tell you about the passing of a true gentleman who selflessly led the trout value chain and aquaculture. Gerrie van der Merwe was a real mensch – a Yiddish word that implies the rarity and value of that person's qualities; what Ian Cox calls a vir bonus – the Roman concept of “a good man” or in the more contemporary and less sexist context “person” – he managed to build alliances and friendships across the length and breadth of our fair land. He was respected by everyone he came into contact with. His passing leaves all of us poorer and the best we can do, is try to follow the wise, committed and caring example he set. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za
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