Shore-angling catches in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa, and further evidence for the protective value of marine reserves

Abstract

Data on the species composition, size, seasonality and capture rates of surf-zone fish sampled by shore-angling at two sites in the De Hoop Marine Reserve are presented. In all, 21 969 fish of 33 species were caught during 11 344 angler-hours of effort. The overall catch rates were 163 and 233 fish·100h⁻¹ at Koppie Alleen and Lekkerwater respectively. Coracinus capensis (57%N) and Diplodus sargus (33%N) were the most frequently captured species and four others (Lithognathus lithognathus, D. cervinus, Umbrina canariensis and Rhabdosargus holubi) each contributed >1% of the combined catch. Catch rates of most species varied seasonally, the overall catch rate being high (175–215 fish·100h⁻¹) between March and November and lower (135-150 fish-100h⁻¹) during summer. Differences in the species composition of catches, catch rates and seasonality at the two sampling sites are attributed to differences in the seasonal distribution of sampling effort and exploitation histories. Despite the fact that comparisons with other angling catch data from around southern Africa are complicated by a number of factors, a clear relationship between catch per unit effort and degree of exploitation is evident, suggesting that abundance of angling fish is particularly sensitive to exploitation and that marine reserves are a viable management option.