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KNYSNA NEWS - Four people, two of them minors, were nabbed for illegally harvesting creatures from the Knysna Estuary near Phantom Forest on Saturday, March 15, and 28 mud crabs were confiscated as SANPark rangers are stepping up against individuals who fish without permits or poach forbidden species. In January, between 15 and 20 individuals were also caught and prosecuted, reports Owen Govender, senior section ranger in the Knysna marine area of the Garden Route National Park.
"The [most recent] case is now in the hands of law enforcement authorities in Knysna," confirmed SANparks communication officer, Nandi Mgwadlamba.. "We are proud of the the fact that this is the second time this year illegal poachers are caught. Knysna ambassadors have been encouraging anglers to stick to the rules to protect the ecological health of the estuary and also ensure there is no over-fishing."
Ongoing research in the Garden Route, conducted by Scientific Services as part of SANParks' efforts to monitor recreational and subsistence fishing, continue to show that catch rates of certain species are on the decline.
Kyle Smith, one of the Garden Route National Park's scientists, says that many linefish (those caught by rod and reel) are considered to be collapsed.
"This means that the adult populations of these fish have dramatically declined and are at dangerously low levels," says Smith. "National assessments conducted by governmental agencies or universities, which look at national trends in catches indicate that at least 19 fish species are currently collapsed whilst a further 11 appear to be over-exploited and heading towards collapse."
According to Smith, examples of collapsed fish species include the Dusky Kob and White Steenbras. More information is needed to confirm the status of those fish that appear to be over-exploited and potentially heading towards collapse, but current trends indicate a decline. The White Musselcracker is one such species whose numbers are decreasing.
"The population status of only 56 (40%) of our most important linefish species is known and many of these assessments are out-dated, having been conducted in the late 1990s and mid 2000s."
He warns that although some recent population assessments suggest an improvement in some fish numbers there is certainly no room for complacency.
"Importantly my research doesn't in itself indicate fish populations, but the population status of fish stocks is carried out by DAFF and looks at catch rates from a wide area. My work is more about understanding what the current Knysna fishery looks like - who is fishing, where they are fishing, why they are fishing and what is being caught? I don't necessarily work with population numbers."
Smith emphasises, "The re-building of fish stocks is in the interest of everyone and requires the combined efforts of fishermen, consumers and management authorities. If you love to eat fish or just to catch fish, it is in your own best interest to obey the regulations. After all, the regulations are there to try and promote sustainable use - not over-use! It is in the anglers' own best interest to obey the rules so that there will always be fish available for them. We are not just about catching poachers or coming down on individuals exploiting our resources, but want to prioritise building a mutually beneficial relationship where both humans and nature prosper."
- Knysna Plett Herald
