Brief summary on the status of trout since their listing on 19 July 2013 as an invasive alien under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA).
Submitted by Jim Read on behalf of The Federation of Southern African Flyfishers (FOSAF)
FOSAF engaged the Department of Environment Affairs over five years on previous versions of the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (AIS) under NEM:BA, pointing out on the problems in these regulations. Nothing was heard. In 2013 FOSAF got wind that a new version of the AIS Regs was to be published for implementation. Only after lengthy correspondence with officials and a letter to the Minister, did DEA’s senior officials agree to meet with FOSAF. After the meeting DEA agreed to make amended draft AIS Regs available and to consider further inputs. Despite this it is clear from the AIS Regulations promulgated in July that the DEA largely ignored FOSAF’s comments.
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Rainbow trout in a South African stream. Tom Sutcliffe photo.
However, FOSAF has been informed that new regulations are being drafted and will be published early in 2014 for public comment. It is likely that trout will again be listed as invasive but in a new category 2, which apparently will allow for the management of invasive species by demarcated area under a species management plan.
However, FOSAF remains concerned that once a species is listed as invasive it must be eradicated under NEM:BA. If eradication is not possible it must be controlled. This can hardly be consistent with sustainable use.
Together with trout producers and other stakeholders, FOSAF facilitated a meeting convened by Gerrie van der Merwe of Lunsklip. This was a most useful and productive workshop to share information, ideas and experiences with a view to understanding the key risks and to develop a unified strategy to engage the DEA.
Gerhard Compion in his trout hatchery in Somerset West
FOSAF has again contacted a senior official from DEA. Despite earlier refusals to share information, the DEA has now agreed to provide the legal arguments and the scientific information they used to support the listing of trout as invasive. This is hopefully a positive step.
Mark Krige fishing the Smalblaar River in the Western Cape Province
It is clear that 2014 will be a very busy year in this ongoing struggle on behalf of trout. FOSAF will participate in all and any relevant public participation and/or consultation processes relating to the NEM:BA and the AIS regulations and will do its utmost to ensure a simple and effective mechanism to achieve a workable, win-win situation that balances all biodiversity interests as far as trout are concerned.
