Of the around 150 types of line fish in South Africa, only two are currently seen as optimally exploited, while the others are all considered collapsed, threatened or over-exploited.
Bernice McLean, who coordinates the Marine and Coastal Working Group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) explains: “As the global demand for seafood increases, so do threats to coastal ecosystems. Overfishing, illegal fishing and destructive fishing methods (which often also lead to the of killing endangered birds, turtles and dolphins), as well as pollution and climate change degrade the marine environment.”
To avoid inadvertently ordering and eating a threatened fish species, SMS the name of the fish to the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) on 079-499-8795 the next time you’re at a restaurant. You’ll get an immediate reply stating whether your choice is green (go ahead, it’s sustainable), orange (avoid — stocks are low) or red (which means it’s illegal to buy and sell this type of fish).
Other EWT initiatives include:
- Gathering information from fishermen (sports and recreational) in order to develop a guide of best conservation practices for anglers.
- Outreach and education programmes within the Responsible Coastal User Project.
- Research of humpback dolphins aimed at conserving the species.
- The conservation of endangered habitats, in partnership with Transnet National Ports Authority in KZN, where EWT is preparing the Echwebeni Site of Conservation Significance for visitors.
For more info and to find out how you can help, visit www.ewt.org.za
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