Understanding bycatch using an EAF approach: The case of the Olifants estuary small-scale gillnet-fishery, South Africa

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.