Catface rockcod

Catface rockcod Mycteroperca andersoni (previously Epinephelus) are predatory, slow growing fish found around shallow rocky reefs. A recent study evaluating stock rebuilding of 17 linefish species found that potential spawning ratio of M. andersoni was consistently above the threshold level of 40% suggesting that the stock is currently fished at sustainable levels.

Catface rockcod are caught using the traditional linefishing methods of rod and reel or handlines operating from small ski-and deckboats. The species is primarily caught in skiboat catches in KwaZulu-Natal, contributing ca. 3% by weight to both recreational and commercial fisheries. Linefishing is a relatively selective fishing method with few impacts on the marine environment and little accidental bycatch.

Catface rockcod are caught along the South Africa coastline from De Hoop (rare) to Mozambique. Management for the sector is considered partly effective. In South Africa this sector is principally managed through a total allowable effort (TAE) limitation and there are additional restrictions to protect overfished species such as bag (5 pp/pd) and minimum size (50 cm) limits for recreational fishers. A stock rebuilding study was done before an after management interventions. The species-specific linefish regulations and the current network of marine protected areas along the east coast of South Africa are believed to be adequate in alleviating ecosystem pressure from the linefishery. However there is some concern over the impact of the small-scale fishery rights allocation beyond the recommended TAE and the continuously growing recreational sector.