FOSAF NEWS FOSAF/YWG STATEMENT ON THE VAN DER KLOOF PROJECT It emerged later that gill-netting was among the exempted and permitted project harvesting methodologies. FOSAF/YWG strongly opposes the use of gill nets for the capture of any species of fish either for research purposes or as a harvesting method. The purpose of the advisory group is to ensure that the project complies with its management plan. In the light of information that has now emerged it would appear that the project did not fully comply with the management plan. Following a range of allegations reported to higher authorities at Rhodes University, the project was suspended in late March, pending further investigation. The exemptions and permits have now expired. FOSAF/YWG have been informed in the last few days that the project did not have ethical clearance and has been terminated. FOSAF/YWG will continue to monitor and provide input going forward. Should there be a new application for this project, FOSAF/YWG will continue to support lawful and ethical research however we will NOT support gillnetting.
There has been a great deal of misinformation in the media recently regarding the role of FOSAF/YWG (Yellowfish Working Group) in the Vanderkloof Smallscale Experimental Fishery Project. We’d like to set the record straight. Here are the facts: The project required a range of exemptions and permits from national and provincial departments dealing with endangered species, fisheries issues and related activities. FOSAF/YWG knew that the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Studies (DIFS) DIFS at Rhodes University had received exemptions and permits for this project. FOSAF/YWG was not involved at all in obtaining the permits or exemptions for the project. FOSAF/YWG knew that there had been some opposition and that an advisory group was formed, which included all affected stakeholders. FOSAF/YWG was not a part of the advisory group, because we simply did not have sufficient resources to get involved at that time. The advisory group approved the management plan for the project, not FOSAF/YWG. South African Consolidated Recreational Angling Association (SACRAA), a member of the advisory group, periodically kept FOSAF/YWG informed about the project. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za
Ilan Lax National Chairman on behalf of the FOSAF EXCO 30 April 2019 96
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