The Effect of Bait Collectors on Stocks ofCallichirus kraussiandUpogebiaSpecies in Langebaan Lagoon

Abstract

The effects of collecting prawns (Callichirus and Upogebia spp.) in Langebaan Lagoon as bait were assessed in 1999–2001 and in 2012–2013. Langebaan Lagoon (part of West Coast National Park and a Marine Protected Area) is divided into three zones. One zone is a sanctuary, a second allows non-extractive visitation, and the third is for general use including bait collecting and fishing. In 1999–2000, the number of people visiting the sandflats to collect bait was highest during summer weekends ( = 48 per day), and was concentrated at two sites: Centre Banks and Klein Oesterwal. Callichirus kraussi was the main species harvested, with an estimated 1 008 178 being removed annually. This represents 0.12% of the sandprawn stock at Centre Banks and Klein Oesterwal, and 0.012% of the estimated total stock. In 2012–2013, total bait-collecting activities had increased 23% compared with 1999–2000, but still constituted a small proportion of the stock. On average, each bait collector removed 86 prawns per outing: 36 m...