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: 

Investigate fish catches in support of fisheries compliance 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
263286  Investigate fish catches in support of fisheries compliance 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
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 
On completion of this unit standard the learner will be able to identify common marine species using legally and scientifically accepted methods in order to investigate and report on the size and composition of commercial catches made aboard a fishing vessel.

Details of catches, gear used, discards and other related matters are correctly recorded and reported. The learner who has achieved this unit standard will enhance his/her employability and will contribute to the sustainable use of marine resources.

In particular, learners will be able to:
  • Select sub samples from a fish catch through the use of approved scientific methods.
  • Assess the size and species composition of a catch on a fishing vessel.
  • Report on fishing and post harvest practices as they apply to fisheries compliance requirements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Select sub-samples from a fish catch through the use of approved scientific methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Suitable scientific methods are selected for the drawing of fish-catch samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Scientific sampling methods are used to secure sub-samples to examine the legal compliance of a fish catch. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sub sample includes but is not limited to:
  • Type of sampling method appropriate for the examining of a fish catch, statistical validity, use of established procedures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Catch sample specimens are examined for the identification of organisms to species level. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Species examination includes but is not limited to:
  • Physical examinations, use of accepted methods for identification including spine and ray counts in finfish, identification keys, use of physical characteristics.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Assess the size and species composition of a catch on a fishing vessel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The overall tonnage of a catch is determined through the use of applicable methods of calculation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Species composition is determined through the correct identification of species as it applies to the fish-catch. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Instances of non-compliance is determined in relation to sub-sample examination for a fish-catch. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes measurement of size to determine size distribution of species, permit restrictions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant actions are taken to address non-compliance as is required by the specific fishery. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Report on fishing and post harvest practices as they apply to fisheries compliance requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of illegal fishing gear is reported in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Non compliance incidences are reported to the skipper and relevant authorities as it applies to fishing practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fishing practices includes but is not limited to:
  • Undesirable catch handling methods, discards, by-catch and incidental mortality as it applies to seabirds, turtles and marine mammals.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate mitigation measures are recommended in support of relevant legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevant legislation includes acts relevant to the management and conservation of marine resources.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements.
  • Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic marine biology.
  • Taxonomy.
  • Sampling methods.
  • Basic statistics.
  • Species identification.
  • Fishing gear technology.
  • Appropriate legislation.
  • Reporting methods.
  • Conflict resolution.
  • Intercultural communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork:

    In order to successfully prosecute offenders or to educate the community on marine conservation matters the fisheries inspector has to be an effective. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information gathering, organization, analysis and interpretation:
  • This skill is emphasized throughout this unit standard. Information gathered during sampling must be correctly interpreted in order to draw valid conclusions. Mistakes made by the fisheries inspector could be ruinous both to the communities that depend on fishing activities for their livelihood and to marine conservation objectives. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication:
  • Information gathered must be properly communicated. The preparation and presentation of reports is strongly emphasized in this unit standard. 
    		•

    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 
    Values:

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilisation of species and ecosystems.

    The intention is to yield the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66149   Further Education and Training Certificate: Fisheries Resource Compliance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.