Statement of Concern - Ishaqua Cochoqua on the Loss of Income for Small‑Scale Fishers Due to Red Tide

The Ishaqua Cochoqua expresses deep concern over the escalating impact of the current harmful algal bloom (“Red Tide”) along the West Coast, which has resulted in mass mortalities of white mussels, whelks, and other shellfish at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai.

According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), this bloom produces paralytic shellfish toxins that render all shellfish unsafe for consumption, whether washed ashore or harvested from subtidal zones.

For our small‑scale fishers — many of whom rely on near‑shore shellfish harvesting as a primary or supplementary source of income — this crisis is not merely environmental. It is economic, social, and deeply personal. The sudden die‑off of shellfish, combined with the prohibition on harvesting due to toxicity risks, has cut off a vital livelihood stream for coastal families who already operate on the margins of economic survival.

The Ishaqua Cochoqua emphasises the following concerns:
Immediate Loss of Income
The paralysing effect of the red tide has wiped out accessible shellfish stocks, leaving small‑scale fishers with no product to harvest or sell. This loss is immediate and severe, affecting daily sustenance and household stability.

Food Security Threats
For many coastal households, shellfish are not only a source of income but a direct source of food. The DFFE’s warning that all shellfish are unsafe for consumption removes a critical safety net for vulnerable families.

Long‑Term Ecological and Economic Uncertainty
While monitoring is ongoing, the duration and extent of this red tide remain unknown. Prolonged toxicity or repeated HAB events could undermine the long‑term viability of small‑scale fisheries, further marginalising communities who depend on the ocean for survival.

Need for Government Support and Relief Measures
The Ishaqua Cochoqua calls on the relevant authorities to:
Provide emergency relief to affected small‑scale fishers
Ensure transparent, regular updates on monitoring results
Engage directly with traditional and indigenous coastal communities in response planning
Explore long‑term mitigation strategies to protect livelihoods from recurring HAB events
Recognition of Indigenous and Coastal Rights

As custodians of these coastal spaces, the Ishaqua Cochoqua stress that environmental crises must not be allowed to deepen historical inequalities. Any response must honour the rights, knowledge systems, and lived realities of indigenous and small‑scale fishing communities.