Inland fisheries - A vital rural food source

Abstract

South Africa is a water scarce country and consequently, approximately 3 000 impound­ ments have been constructed to supplement irrigation, hydro­ electricity and urban water supplies. Historically these impoundments also fulfilled a number of secondary roles, predominantly recreational, such as boating, water skiing, sailing and angling. From a fisheries perspective, the potential of these impoundments was noted early in the twentieth century, and many were viewed as ideal for the stocking of alien and indigenous fish species for both recreational angling and for com­ mercial harvest. To date, commer­ cial fishing has had limited success on a long­term basis, and the fish resources in impoundments are commonly thought to be predomi­ nantly used by recreational anglers and their contribution to near­shore communities is poorly understood. Inland water bodies are increas­ ingly being viewed as a source of food and income opportunities in a time when food security and poverty alleviation are a major priority in South Africa.

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