SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of responsible fishing 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264894  Demonstrate an understanding of responsible fishing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Maritime Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Purpose:

The person credited with this unit standard will be able to describe the shortfalls of a single species management approach, the need for an ecosystem management approach, issues leading to over-harvesting, the effect of changing markets, sustainable fisheries resource management, the role of monitoring and enforcement, South African marine resource legislation, fisheries resource threats, management of permit conditions in the sector of activity.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Explaining the need for a responsible fishing policy implementation.
  • Explaining the reasons that fisheries resources are under threat.
  • Describing management policies designed to ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources.
  • Describing measures to monitor marine resources and compliance with permit conditions.
  • Complying with monitoring and enforcement measures. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this Unit Standard will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • Introduction to Responsible Fishing at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • This unit standard deals with demonstrating an awareness of responsible fishing requirements and practices.
  • Appropriate sections of the applicable SAMSA Code of Safe Working Practices.
  • Appropriate sections of the prevention of pollution of the marine environment legislation.
  • Appropriate sections of maritime environmental legislation.
  • Vessels may include any fishing vessel operating in South African waters.
  • This unit standard covers all fishing sectors in the Southern African waters. This includes but is not limited to hake, abalone, squid, shark, tuna, seaweed, pelargic, netfish, prawns and lobster.

    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:
  • SAMSA; South African Maritime Safety Authority. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explaining the need for a responsible fishing policy implementation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The over harvesting and pressure on fisheries resources is described with reference to both international and South African sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Sustainability, declining numbers and economic impact.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Market driven factors which influence fishing policy are identified with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Consumer pressure, Marine Stewardship Council, SASSI and/or other public initiatives.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    South Africa's obligation to adhere to international standards and/or protocols regarding responsible fishing practices is explained with at least two examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, World Summit on Sustainable Development, Marine Pollution Protocols, Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    South African legal constraints pertaining South Africa's marine environment are identified with at least two examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • The Constitution, Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), National Environment Act (NEMA), National Biodiversity Act, national Parks Act, national Environment Management Protected Areas Act, Seabirds, Seals and Shorebirds Protection Act (SBSPA), South African Maritime Safety Authority Act (SAMSA) and various marine pollution laws).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explaining the reasons that fisheries resources are under threat. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A sector-specific example of a marine ecosystem is used to demonstrate the relationship between the ecosystem and the sustainability of fisheries resources. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Sustainability, indicators of ecosystem health, habitat, predators, bottom habitat, food web, bycatch and the role of humans in a marine ecosystem.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The single species approach to fisheries is analysed to explain its impact on marine ecosystems and fisheries resources. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Examples should include the effect on bottom habitats, the removal of predators, vulnerable bycatch, indicators of ecosystem health and impacts on marine foodwebs.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The harmful effects of other fishing activities on the marine environment are described with sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Dumping, pollution, gear loss and ghost fishing.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describing management policies designed to ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Management options to ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources are explained with sector specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Limiting the amount of fish caught (Total Allowable Catches, effort limitations, bag limits etc), protecting the marine ecosystems, closed fishing seasons and closed fishing areas.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measures to reduce bycatch are described with sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not be limited to:
  • Square mesh, grids, gear restrictions, precautionary catch limits, measures and mechanisms to avoid catching seabirds, sharks etc).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Permit conditions to protect the marine ecology are described with sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Permit conditions to reduce damage to the seabed, reduce bycatch, use of tori lines,).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Permit conditions to limit the amount of fish caught are described with sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Permit conditions covering catch and gear limitations, effort limitation, define fishing areas for offshore hake trawl fishery and closed fishing areas.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of the involvement of all stakeholders in fisheries management is discussed with examples of stakeholder participation in South African fisheries management. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describing measures to monitor marine resources and compliance with permit conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of accurate statistics in the management of fisheries is described with practical examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Effects on TAC and CPUE of over-and under-reporting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of monitoring fisheries resources and compliance with management policies are described with sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Logbooks, catch returns, observers, inspections and VMS.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Permit conditions regarding monitoring and enforcement are described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Permit conditions covering compliance, catch statistics, observer programme, vessel monitoring system (VMS), landing of fish and vessel specifications.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The penalties for non-compliance with permit conditions are described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Fines, cancellation or suspension of fishing rights and other penalties as per section 28 of the MLR Ac).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complying with monitoring and enforcement measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effective operation of mechanisms to reduce bycatch is explained by means of sketches and description of operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not be limited to:
  • Tori lines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Procedures to comply with enforcement measures are described with sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Correct procedures to be followed when landing fish, during harbour and at sea inspections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant documentation is completed with sector-specific examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Should include but not limited to:
  • Logbooks, header information per activity period form, estimated catch, discharge sheet and distribution of catch among rights allocations form.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Knowledge underpinning this unit standard includes:
  • Knowledge underpinning this unit standard includes relevant sections of associated legislation.
  • General knowledge of commercial and endangers fish species off the South African coast.
  • General knowledge of fishing grounds and restricted or prohibited areas off the South African coast.
  • General knowledge of fishing permit conditions for the various fishing sectors off the South African coast.
  • General knowledge of the need for pro-active general marine environmental awareness and the related appropriate corrective action.
  • An awareness of responsible fishing requirements and practices in the South African context with reference to ecological health and fisheries management.
  • General maritime proactive safety and environmental awareness relative to fellow mariners, vessels and environment.
  • An awareness of one's situation at all times utilizing all one's senses. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems when dealing with the measures to monitor marine resources and compliance with permit conditions and complying with monitoring and enforcement measures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others when complying with monitoring and enforcement measures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities when dealing with measures to monitor marine resources and compliance with permit conditions and complying with monitoring and enforcement measures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when dealing with responsible fishing. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology when dealing with measures to monitor marine resources and compliance with permit conditions complying with monitoring and enforcement measures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems when dealing with the need for a responsible fishing policy implementation and the reasons that fisheries resources are under threat. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  67329   National Certificate: Inshore Maritime Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.