Is f0.1 an appropriate harvesting strategy for the Cape hakes?

Published source details Andrew P.A. & Butterworth D.S. (1987) Is f0.1 an appropriate harvesting strategy for the Cape hakes?. African Journal of Marine Science, 5, 925-935.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Introduce an overall catch limit (quota cap or total allowable catch) by fishery or fleet Action Link

Introduce an overall catch limit (quota cap or total allowable catch) by fishery or fleet

A replicated, before-and-after study in 1965–1984 of four areas of seabed in the southeast Atlantic Ocean, off South Africa and Namibia (Andrew & Butterworth 1987) reported that introducing overall catch limits for Cape hake Merluccius capensis resulted in increased abundance following a period of decline due to overfishing. Data were not tested statistically. In the period after the introduction of catch limits in 1975, total catch rates of Cape hake between 1976–1984 steadily increased, from 0.6 to 1.0 (data reported as an index of catch/unit effort). In the years prior (1965–1975), when there were no catch limits, catch rates declined from a maximum of 2.5 in 1966 to 0.8 in 1975. In addition, for three of the four areas hake stock biomass was assessed to have attained levels required for maximum sustainable yield in the years when quotas were set. Catch limits for hake were introduced in 1975 for four management areas (International Commission for the Southeast Atlantic Fisheries Divisions) covering major hake trawling grounds extending along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. Catch rate indices were derived from catch and effort statistics data collected for the four areas between 1965 and 1984.

(Summarised by: Natasha Taylor)