Englishman

Englishman seabream (Chrysoblephus anglicus) are slow growing endemic, reef dwelling fish with a narrow distribution. Historically overfished, recent analyses seem to indicate a potential recovery. However, there are concerns that current fishing pressure is too high. Englishman are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Englishman are caught using traditional rod and reel or handlines. In general, linefishing is a selective fishing method with few impacts on the marine environment. When fishing for resident reef fish species, the linefishery is likely to impact overfished, vulnerable or ETP species. However, when fishing for highly mobile pelagic species the impact is generally lower. Catches of un-managed bycatch species are moderate making up around 12% of the total catch.

Englishman are caught within the inshore zone along most of the South African coastline. Management for the sector is considered partly effective. In South Africa, this sector is principally managed through a total allowable effort (TAE) limitation and species-specific minimum size limits (40 cm TL). The recreational sector is also subject to a bag limit (2 pp/pd). There is concern over the impact of the continuously growing recreational sector as well as uncertainties surrounding the allocation of small-scale fishing rights. Some steps have been taken to implement an ecosystems approach to fisheries (EAF) management including the recent addition of 21 new Marine Protected Areas which are likely to provide additional protection to several linefish species.