By equipping fishers with rods, the initiative seeks to promote a culture of sustainable harvesting and reduce reliance on harmful or illegal fishing practices, such as gillnetting. Community members expressed their excitement at the positive impact this shift will bring. Velani Mjadu, a fisherman from Nyembe, says, "Having these fishing rods will be very beneficial to us. I believe this is a start to a greater future for the Nyembe fishing community."

The Small-Scale Fishers and MPAs Project, under which this initiative falls, has an overarching goal to improve the management and sustainability of small-scale fisheries in South Africa. It aims to generate working examples of positive relationships between Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and vulnerable rural fishers who live within, or adjacent to, MPAs and rely on natural resources for their livelihoods and food security, says the NPO.

At the same time, the project increases awareness of the benefits of MPAs to small-scale fishers, while exploring how tangible benefits can be delivered to and perceived by communities living nearby. Through this work, the project highlights the role of MPAs in improving socio-ecological resilience for coastal communities and identifies the threats and key actions needed to support both small-scale fishers and MPAs, adds the NPO.

The project also aims to promote exchange and dissemination of information amongst and to fishers as well as opportunities for dialogue and engagement between local fishers and government, through support for knowledge and awareness-building workshops. To bring the aspect of knowledge building and awareness, these events not only included the handover but also educational outreach, says the NPO.

Fishers received resource material on responsible handling practices for sharks and rays, ensuring that if these apex species are caught accidentally, they can be released safely. In addition, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority and officers from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife engaged with the communities. Trueman Buthelezi from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife highlighted the laws governing sustainable harvesting and explained how specific species may be harvested responsibly, adds the NPO.

Each day concluded at the beach, where seasoned fishers shared hands-on training with their peers on rod use. Special emphasis was placed on including women, who traditionally do not fish with rods. For many, this was an empowering step toward broadening their livelihood opportunities. Tholakele Mnguni, a mussel harvester from KwaSokhulu, adds, "We are happy with these rods, especially for the women in this community, because mussel harvesting is seasonal. Having these rods will allow us to fish when it's off season for mussel harvesting."

The successful roll-out of this initiative was made possible through the generous support of ICONIQ, Oceans 5, and the Blue Action Fund. Together with WILDTRUST and its partners, these efforts mark a significant step towards empowering small-scale fishing communities while protecting marine biodiversity for generations to come, concludes the NPO.

For more information, visit www.wildtrust.co.za. You can also follow WILDTRUST on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor