Dear Minister
I'm writing you this letter out of concern as to the consequences the outcomes of the FRAP 21 might have on our fishing community. During your last yeras visit, which was much appreciated, to Arniston and Struisbaai, you were made aware of the challenges and exploitation fishers are facing. Now with the outcome of the FRAP allocation results our conditions has become worse.

Three of our boats, which have been operating for more than 40 years were excluded by the adjudicators, while 5 more boats can't fish because the latest exemption only allows them to go to sea after the appeal's process has been finalised. This has left a lot of fishers unemployed and without income. Dear Minister, how are the fishers and their families going to survive?

Our season in Struisbaai are drawing to a close and we still got a chance to save something for the winter months, if only we can go fish. Can't you please give us an exemption to fish until the appeals process has been finalised. If I look at the current timeframes set out by the Fisheries Department we will most probably be able to go to sea after 4months. We will than be approaching our low season. Dearest Minister, we will have an even bigger disaster in Struisbaai and Arniston than what we experienced towards the end of last year.

I am however hopeful that the Honourable Minister and dedicated Officials will take time to look at the challenges in our area. All we seek is the opportunity to present our case, to fish and be able to provide for our families.

I thank you