Over half a million people participate in linefishing in South Africa using hook and line to target approximately 40 different key fish species for recreation or for commercial gain. Surveys and stock assessments demonstrate that at least 20 key linefish are dangerously over-exploited. The list is preliminary and may increase as further scientific data becomes available. The main reasons for stock depletion are a combination of slow growth, long life spans and high fishing effort from both recreational and commercial fishers. The substantial decline in stock abundance has necessitated stricter control measures and a change in linefish management policy.
Government is committed to ensuring sustainability of marine resources and equitable access.
The ultimate goal of this recovery programme is healthy stocks and larger catches while at the same time promoting the sustainable utilisation of our marine living resources. To protect vulnerable stocks of linefish from further depletion the Minister will promulgate regulations during the first quarter of 2001 which will address the commercial, recreational and subsistence exploitation of linefishes. The measures will certainly include reductions in the recreational bag limits for several species, commercial bags for some, and a substantial reduction in the number of commercial participants. Bag limits for subsistence fishers are still in the process of being established, to be applicable in those regions where subsistence line fishing has been recommended. The Department fully realises that the intended new regulations will impact on many people who make their livelihood from the sea.