Assessment of the charter-boat fishery in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The South African KwaZulu-Natal charter-boat fishery was assessed by means of a socio-economic questionnaire survey and catch inspections during the period August 2003-November 2004. In all, 38 charter operators were interviewed and 135 catch inspections undertaken. Of a total of 79 species recorded caught, Chrysoblephus puniceus (34%), Lethrinus nebulosus (16%), Cheimerius nufar (14%) and Chrysoblephus anglicus (11%) dominated the catch numerically. Surveyed average catch rates for the charter fishery (0.91 fish angler(-1) h(-1) and 1.43 kg angler(-1) h(-1)) in the KwaZulu-Natal province were almost three times higher than the recreational boat-based fishery, but less than the commercial linefishery in that region. Participation and total annual effort of the charter fishery was calculated to be 96 participating boats, undertaking 6 800 outings y(-1). Total annual catch in the fishery was estimated to be 281-296 t, approximately 15-17% of the province's total linefishing catch. Charter fishing was not a viable option as a sole source of income. Income levels per operator were low at < R60 000 per annum, and there was evidence of participants subsidising their operations from alternative sources of income. Economic input by the fishery is large, with some R50 million having been invested by operators in fixed assets and a cumulative annual expenditure of about R9 million on operating expenses.