Tag-and-release project in Goukamma
According to Cape Nature marine ranger Alex Munro, recent studies have shown that most fish stocks are in trouble nationwide, including fish species caught in the surf-zone.
“These studies have also revealed that regulations do not provide enough protection and that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are the most effective way to protect the fish species and their habitats. For us to know that MPAs are effective calls for the use of scientific monitoring programmes.
“In October 2013 Goukamma MPA introduced a tag-and-release angling project. The aim of this project is to monitor the status of the surf-zone fish species in the MPA (partially protected) and an exploited area adjacent to the MPA. As volunteer anglers from the local fishing community are used for the project, it is also a great means to get them onboard with the catch-and-release movement. This should, in theory, help relieve pressure off the fish and provide valuable tag data used for national studies.”
Munro says the tag-and-release angling project consists of a two-day outing, held over eight weekends annually. Eight anglers volunteer from the local community and the dates for the project are predetermined to not clash with local angling competitions. This sometimes leads to it falling in foul weather conditions. Accommodation, food, some tackle and lifts to the angling sites are provided for the anglers. The requirement is that anglers must fish both days from sunrise to sunset, regardless of the weather and sea conditions. This can be quite demanding when eg a cold front is marching up the coast. Anglers record the length and species of fish and sharks caught as well as tagging all priority species. All fish caught are released.
Goukamma has already successfully hosted eight of these outings with more than 430 fish caught so far. Only one of the outings had really foul weather, forcing anglers to contend with hail, strong winds and rain. As the project is long-term, Munro believes it is still too early to determine any population statistics. “The hope is that in future the data will provide a strong case for the benefits of MPAs, as well as providing important data for marine conservation.”
Anglers who are interested in committing to the project, can send an email with the subject ‘Goukamma tag-and-release’ to goukammarangers@capenature.co.za. Your name and contact details will then be added to the database and you will be contacted when there is a position available.
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Source: Knysna-Plett Herald