Evaluation of Participation in and Management of the Transkei Shore Linefishery

Abstract

Both roving creel and aerial surveys were used to quantify fishing effort along the former Transkei coast. A stratified random sampling procedure was used during shore patrols to assess catch and effort, and a questionnaire survey provided information on total fishing effort, fisher demographics and attitudes towards current regulations. A total of 13 field trips was undertaken, during which 341 fishers were interviewed and the catches of 760 fishers examined. In all, 175 patrols were undertaken, covering in all 1 117 km. Some 24 random aerial counts of shore-fishers were also carried out during the study. From the aerial surveys, average fisher density along the Transkei coast was estimated at 0.79 fishers km−1, with an estimated total fishing effort of 170 457 fisher-days year−1. Fisher densities were highest in spring (0.9 fishers km−1) and lowest during summer (0.5 fishers km−1). Fishers were most successful in winter (1.0 fish fisher−1 inspection−1) and least successful in summer (0.4 fish fisher−1 inspection−1). Catch rates amounted to 1.4 fish fisher−1 day−1, or 0.86 kg fisher−1 day−1, and the total catch was estimated at 147 tons year−1. The main target species were bronze bream Pachymetopon grande (22%), blacktail Diplodus sargus capensis (19%) and dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (18%). Numerically, the most important species in the catches were elf Pomatomus saltatrix (18%) and blacktail (16%). By mass, the most important species were bronze bream (26%) and dusky kob (18%). Knowledge and compliance of regulations currently governing the linefishery in the Transkei was exceptionally poor, although most fishers supported the principle of regulations. Better-enforced and larger marine protected areas, establishment of a fisher awareness programme and improved enforcement of fishing regulations are suggestions for improving the current management of the Transkei shore-fishery.