The fishery for white steenbras Lithognathus lithognathus off the Cape Coast, South Africa, with some considerations for its management

Abstract

Aspects of the fishery for Lithognathus lithognathus around the Cape coast are described and information pertinent to management is presented. Prior to 1960, beach-seining was the most important source of fishing mortality, but angling catches have become increasingly important since then. Total annual catch for the period 1985–1990 is estimated at 30 000–35 000 fish, approximately 70% of which was taken by recreational anglers and 30% by commercial fishermen. In terms of mass, the catch was divided equally between the two fisheries. Long-term catch data indicate major declines. The reported mean annual commercial catch for the period 1983–1991 was only 14% of that for the years 1897–1906. The catch rate of recreational anglers has declined by 90% since the mid 1970s. Modelling of the responses of yield per recruit, spawner biomass per recruit and mean mass to altered fishing mortality (F) and age at recruitment into the catch (tc) suggests that die stock is overexploited and that a substantial decrease in F and an increase in tc would benefit the fishery. It is suggested that benefit would accrue from increasing the minimum size limit to 65 cm (the length at 50% maturity) and restricting the “Russman” seine fishery on the western shores of False Bay to a 4–6 week season. All other restrictions on the commercial fishery ought to revert to the 1989 situation. © 1993 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.