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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 56(6)

Role and efficacy of marine protected areas for the South African rock lobster, Jasus lalandii

Stephen Mayfield A C D , George M. Branch A and Andrew C. Cockcroft B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.

B Marine and Coastal Management, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay, 8012, South Africa.

C Present address: SARDI Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA 5022, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: mayfield.stephen@saugov.sa.gov.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 56(6) 913-924 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF05060
Submitted: 1 April 2005  Accepted: 20 May 2005   Published: 27 September 2005

Abstract

Protected areas for the South African rock lobster, Jasus lalandii, were sampled by using divers, traps and ringnets at sites within and adjacent to four protected areas (St Helena Bay, Saldanha Bay and Table Bay rock lobster sanctuaries and the Betty’s Bay marine reserve), over two years. Virtually no rock lobsters were found in St Helena Bay sanctuary, probably because of periodic harmful algal blooms. Abundance was greater in Saldanha Bay sanctuary than in adjacent fished areas, but only once in two years. Sizes were, however, larger in this sanctuary than the fished areas. By an order of magnitude, fewer and smaller rock lobsters were caught within the Table Bay sanctuary than in adjacent areas. Only at Betty’s Bay were rock lobster sizes and abundance consistently greater inside than outside the reserve. Fecundity was similar among sites, with females in protected areas contributing no more to egg production than would be expected by the proportional area occupied by protected areas. Rock lobsters do benefit from protection in Betty’s Bay reserve, but the west coast sanctuaries appear poorly located and seemingly contain large areas of unsuitable substrate. They clearly need relocation to be effective.

Extra keywords: commercial fishery, density, fecundity, habitat, marine reserve, size, South Africa.


Acknowledgments

Funds for this research were provided by the Department of Marine and Coastal Management, South Africa. Substantial in-kind support was provided by the University of Cape Town and the West Coast Rock Lobster Fisherman’s Association. The Lusitania fishing company provided a vessel from which the commercial trap sampling was conducted in area C. The Captain and Crew of the RV Sardinops are thanked for their assistance with trap sampling in areas A, B, C and D. Bruce Anderson, Lara Atkinson, Barry Clark, Michael Farquhar, Paul Hanekom, Yves Lechanteur, Walter Meyer, Ronel Nel, Andrea Pulfrich, Andrew Skowno, Cameron Smith, Rontheo van Zyl and Adam West worked tirelessly at pulling ringnets and diving. David Currie provided much needed statistical advice and undertook the nested ANOVA analyses. Early drafts of this manuscript were substantially improved by Barry Clark and Dave Schoeman. The anonymous reviewers of this paper are thanked for their outstanding contributions.


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