The recreational fishery for West Coast rock lobster Jasus lalandii in South Africa

Abstract

The recreational fishery for West Coast rock lobster Jasus lalandii in South Africa was studied using a multistage telephone interview of permit holders over the 1991/92 to 1994/95 fishing seasons. Recreational catch information, based on permit sales only, are presented for the 1995/96 fishing season. Permit sales increased by 30% from 1991/92 to 1995/96, with a marked increase in 1992/93. The majority of the recreational permit holders were males (80%) between the ages of 25 and 49 years (68%), who were resident in areas close to the resource. Most of the permit holders (74%) fished throughout the season (as opposed to holidays only), mainly (70%) over weekends. Diving and the use of hoopnets from powered boats were the most popular methods of capture, with shore-based methods and the use of hoopnets from rowing boats of lesser importance. The bulk of the recreational catch was landed within the first three months of the start of the season (by the end of January), which was consistent with the trend in permit sales. The total recreational catch of rock lobster increased from 159 tons in 1991/92 to 469 tons in 1992/93, probably because of an increase in the length of the season and a decrease in the minimum legal size limit, and was estimated at 379 tons for the 1995/96 season. The total recreational catch, as a percentage of the commercial Total Allowable Catch, increased from 7% in 1991/92 to 21% in the 1992/93 season and was estimated at 25% in 1995/96.