FOSAF/YWG STATEMENT ON THE VAN DER KLOOF PROJECT

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. 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.

Ilan Lax National Chairman on behalf of the FOSAF EXCO 30 April 2019

It is with sense of regret that I announce the news that Liz and Stuart Tough have resigned as the FOSAF Secretariat.

They have been the backbone of FOSAF for the last 23 years running t h e administration of FOSAF. Their many task and duties included dealing with the FOSAF membership issues including renewals and communication with new members, liaison with the magazine and lucky draw prizes as well as producing the Tippet, financial management and payments. Apart from running the administration so effectively, they have also demonstrated excellent organising skills in looking after the logistics and communication for AGMs and the Executive Committee meetings and communication between EXCO members. This was indeed not an easy job, as they have had to deal with individual members scattered across the country as well as Chapter Committees situated in each region.

Stuart and Liz have decided to relocate to the Cape and hence the reason for their resignation. We have all developed close relationships with these stalwarts of flyfishing over the years and we are indeed going to miss their efficiency and commitment.

We would like to thank Stuart and Liz sincerely for having looked after the FOSAF administration so well for such an extended period. It is my privilege to express our very great appreciation and admiration on behalf of all of us at FOSAF as well as other members of the flyfishing community for all they have done over the years. We wish them well and everything of the best in this next chapter of their lives.

I am also pleased to announce that the FOSAF Secretariat has been transferred to Bronwyn Konigkramer who is based in Pietermaritzburg and may be contacted on:

Cell phone: 073 457 5963; or Email: fosafsecretary@gmail.co.za.