Conflict between Cape (South African) fur seals and line fishing operations

Abstract

Cape (South African) fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) interact with line-fishermen in South Africa, particularly during fishing for the migratory species snoek (Thyrsites atun), and mostly when snoek are specifically being targeted. Loss of fish and tackle as a result of seals is estimated to be between at least a half and one million Rand (A$l75000-372000) annually or 3.3-7% of the total annual landed value of snoek. The presence of seals may also disturb fishing operations by causing fish to sound although this is difficult to quantify. Deliberate killing of seals by fishermen during line-fishing occurs indiscriminately and particularly during the peak snoek fishing period; however, estimation of this mortality is currently impossible.