Global economic woes have taken their toll on the Southern Cape fish export industry, which has recorded a massive drop in volumes. “Whereas up to 50% of our catches were exported about five years ago, currently we are exporting only around 15% as volumes remain low,” Peter Becker of Viking Fishing in Mossel Bay told FTW. He said with around 12000-15000 tons of fish caught in the inshore hake and sole sector alone, the fishing industry was extremely reliant on exports. “It is a large source of income for many people in this region,” said Becker. He said while upgrades at the Port of Mossel Bay, which included the refurbishment of quays, had benefited the local fishing industry, deep-sea fishing at present remained an unpredictable environment. “Not only are you operating in an environment where one day you can catch hundreds of fish and the next nothing – the export market is just as unpredictable.” Becker said prices of exports to Spain for example had remained exactly the same for five years now. “The market remains under massive pressure while one also works in an extremely heavily regulated industry that is often a challenge.” He said to go out to sea one needed in the range of 12-15 permits just to get the boat on the water. “To make it worthwhile it is important that export volumes improve – along with export prices.” CAPTION Peter Becker … ‘market under massive pressure.
