Rockcod, White-edged
Scientific name
Epinephelus albomarginatus
Other names
White-edged rockcod, Groupers or sea-basses (worldwide)
Fishing method
Linefishery
Area of capture
South Africa - FAO Area 47
SASSI colour
Red
Summary
The white-edged rockcod (Epinephelus albomarginatus) is a member of the large Serranidae family which includes groupers/rockcods and sea basses. It is endemic to Southern Africa and is predominatly found in KwaZulu-Natal. This species is considered to be overexploited in South African waters, and is included on the IUCN’s Red list as Vulnerable. Evidence indicates that fishing pressure had reduced spawning stocks to 23% of their unexploited levels in KwaZulu-Natal. This is further evidenced by the fact that the mean length of catch has declined. They are a highly resident species associated with rocky reefs and bottoms and exhibit life history characteristics such as slow growth, late sexual maturity (7 years) and protogyny (changing sex from female to male at 12 years), all of which make them vulnerable to overfishing.
White-edged rockcod are mainly caught in the traditional linefishery which operates from small ski- and deckboats within the inshore zone along most of the South African coastline, they are also a popular target of recreational linefishers. Linefishing is a relatively selective fishing method which has few impacts on the marine environment and is carried out with either a rod and reel or a handline. There is generally very little bycatch or habitat damage caused by this fishing method. However, some species targeted by this fishery are over-exploited or collapsed because of their specific life history characteristics.
The minimum size limit is 40cm for recreational and commercial fishers.
For more information, email us at sassi@wwf.org.za.What can YOU do?
Don´t buy or sell white-edged rockcod! Rather choose a green-listed species.