Management of the panga Pterogymnus laniarius (Pisces: Sparidae) on the Agulhas Bank, South Africa using per-recruit models

Abstract

Per-recruit models were applied to the panga, Pterogymnus laniarius (Cuvier, 1830) an important endemic sparid bycatch resource on the Agulhas Bank, South Africa. Management advice based on predictions from yield-per-recruit, biomass-per-recruit and spawner biomass-per-recruit analysis showed evidence for limited further exploitation with a F SB50 fishing strategy considered the most appropriate as it did not reduce the spawner biomass-per-recruit to less than 50% of unexploited levels. The slow growth and longevity of this species are shown to have important consequences for management, with a rapid decline in survivors past the age-at-50%-selectivity. Effort control was considered the most effective management tool as age-at-50%-selectivity occurred after age-at-sexual maturity and releasing undersized fish was undesirable due to heavy mortalities resulting from severe barotrauma.