OTHER

CapMarine has been involved in several other observer programmes. For example, we have provided observers and cruise leaders for the IOTC tuna tagging project (a two year programme). We regularly deploy specialist observers for experimental research, such as in the squid fishery in the Eastern Cape (RSA), the deep-water trap rock lobster experiment (KZN) and the red-eye, pilchard and lantern fish trawling experiment.

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Annually we have provided an observer and monitoring service to the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) for the Southern Bluefin Tuna purse seine fishery in the Australian Bight. These fish are caught annually for fattening up in cages in Port Lincoln, a practice referred to as tuna ranching.

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CapMarine have also been involved in the training and placement of land-based monitors. For instance, three sampling technicians were trained and permanently stationed at land-based field stations in Saldanha Bay, St. Helena Bay and Gansbaai. They undertook scientific monitoring of small pelagic catches, collecting data on species proportions and sizes, otoliths, sexual maturity as well as gut contents.

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We have also trained land-based monitors for the west coast rock lobster fishery to collect ad hoc information to inform the potential for seasonal expansion of the Cape Point fishing grounds.

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Furthermore our collaborative training programme with Nosipho Consulting provided land-based monitors for the monitoring of commercial fish landings at designated landing sites all along the South African coastline, from Port Nolloth to Durban. Monitoring activities comprise the counting, measuring, weighing, sorting, identifying and recording of commercial fish species.