The South African government’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is responsible for the management of the fishery. The Fisheries Division of DAFF aims to contribute to maintaining and restoring the productive capacity and biodiversity of the marine environment, ensuring the protection of human health, as well as promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources. 

The SAFE responsible fisheries management programme is endorsed and support by the Chief directorate: Fisheries Research and Development, of the department. Sustainability is of utmost importance to government and is an integral part of the Policy for the Allocation and Management of Commercial Fishing Rights in the South Coast Rock Lobster Fishery read together with the General Policy on the Allocation and Management of Long Term Commercial Fishing Rights.