QUO VADIS TROUT IN MPUMALANGA? (and elsewhere in SA) January 2016 By Ilan Lax & Ian Cox For Trout South Africa

Overview This presentation will cover:  Where have we come from?  Developments since last meeting.  Some thoughts on a way forward.

Where have we come from? (1) Phakisa  Freshwater aquaculture part of Operation Phakisa Ocean Labs Conference in Durban - July  Trout - largest sub-sector of aquaculture by volume and the second largest by value.  Adverse impact of listing of trout as invasive under NEMBA results in discussions at Phakisa between stakeholders from the trout value chain, DEA and DAFF.  Solutions largely avoided the disagreements about whether trout are in fact invasive.  Instead pragmatic enabling solutions were found that comprised a “win-win” agreement.

Phakisa Agreement Simply put the agreement was: 1.Where trout already occur in SA (except for some protected areas) they would not be declared invasive by the DEA. (“trout areas”) 2.Conversely, where trout do not occur they will be regarded as invasive. 3.The trout areas would be self-regulated as far as possible through DAFF and TSA. 4.Applications to have trout introduced into “non-trout areas” would require risk assessments and decisions based on a balance of significant risks against the possible benefits. Where have we come from? (2)

Establishing TROUT SA TSA is: an agricultural commodity Association recognised by DAFF as a key representative stakeholder of the trout value chain. a member of the Aquaculture Task Team and AquaSA. aligned with inter alia: o Federation of Southern African Fly Fishers (FOSAF) o Represented on the KZN Premier’s special Trout Advisory Group & working in other provinces. creating regional subgroups: o Mpumalanga Trout Association & others. Where have we come from? (3)

Mapping Process Kirstenbosch meeting (August 2014) to discuss the practical implementation of the Phakisa agreement agreed to mapping of “where trout occur”. Fern Hill meeting (October 2014) to identify “where trout occur”. Maps discussed and require further amendment. Amended Fern Hill maps prepared and circulated by facilitator Dr Ivey (SANBI) for input by the trout value chain. The trout value chain adds information provided by its constituents & drawn from a range of other sources. The revised maps were submitted to Dr Ivey for circulation to DEA & Provinces (March 2015). Dr Ivey engages with DEA & Provinces – but no feedback on the maps (April to October 2015). Where have we come from? (4)

Current Scenario (1)  Mpumalanga officials delay and refuse permits, change application process and permits and prosecute and threaten the trout value chain.  Efforts to meet and resolve issues remains difficult and unsuccessful.  New draft maps and regulatory framework made available by DEA in October  TSA and FOSAF express their concerns.  Meeting with Dr Ivey & colleagues at La Mercy to discuss concerns regarding mapping process.

Current Scenario (2)  TSA requests adoption of separate approaches to regulatory & mapping processes.  Regulatory process stuck and lacks consultation. No reply to original submission – new framework instead.  Mapping process subject to unilateral approach outside agreed terms of reference and framework.  Escalation of concerns to DG DEA, DG DAFF & Phakisa Office.  MINMEC minute requested from DEA Minister.

The trout value chain requires certainty to secure the current investments made, realise returns and to promote further new investments as envisage by Phakisa. The trout value chain and DAFF (and other partners) must to work together to defend the win-win achieved at Phakisa. The trout value chain and DAFF must work together to oppose efforts to undermine the agreement and way forward (1)

The unlawful activities of certain officials in Mpumalanga must be publicised and stopped with decisive action. The activities and views of the trout value chain and its partners must be publicised to ensure information is shared with all affected parties. Unity of the sector must be promoted and built up and way forward (2)