Understanding bycatch using an EAF approach: The case of the Olifants estuary small-scale gillnet-fishery, South Africa
Abstract Conventional fisheries management approaches often prove ineffective in tackling issues such as bycatch, which require a more holistic approach, particularly in small-scale fisheries (SSF). Concerns about line-fish bycatch in the Olifants estuary gillnet fishery (OEGF), on the South African west coast, have prompted numerous attempts by government to close the small-scale fishery. Yet several other fisheries either target or include substantial bycatch of these same line-fish species. An EAF approach was utilised to examine the relative contributions of multiple fishing sectors on the status of three OEGF bycatch species: elf ( Pomatomus saltatrix) , silver kob ( Argyrosomus inodorus ) and white stumpnose ( Rhabdosargus globiceps ). Evidence from available data suggests that the catch and bycatch of these species associated with other fishing sectors, namely the commercial line- and inshore trawl-fishery, and recreational line-fishery, were orders of magnitude greater than the national beach-seine and gillnet fishery landings (inclusive of OEGF) for 2012 and of the OEGF bycatch in particular. Consequently, closing the OEGF, a primary source of food and livelihood to local resource-dependent fishers, would not necessarily address concerns about the stock status of these species. While estuarine function and life-history considerations are essential, employing an EAF to understand and address overall species exploitation levels across all fishing sectors will better resolve multiple-user conflicts and improve management practice.