The impact of fishing on chokka squidLoligo vulgaris reynaudiiconcentrations on inshore spawning grounds in the South-Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

A pilot study on the influence of fishing on spawning chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii was carried out between 1988 and 1991 along the coast of the South-Eastern Cape between Algoa Bay and Oyster Bay, in depths of 18–35 m. Behavioural patterns observed in the absence of fishing continued in the presence of large numbers of jigs in the water column, although the behaviour of individuals and paired squid occasionally altered in the immediate vicinity of the jigs. Squid reacted to the jigs in three ways, approaching them rapidly and grabbing them in their arms, approaching with caution and using the tentacles to touch them, or on occasion ignoring the jigs completely. Spawning at night continued in the presence of lights. At times lights attracted squid around the vessel, and on other occasions squid moved away from the area at dusk, returning at daybreak. Anchors and anchor chains did minimal damage to the egg beds during the study period, only 0.08% of the eggs located within 2 m of either side of th...