Brindle Bass at St Lucia


EZEMVELO KWAZULU-NATAL WILDLIFE
MEDIA RELEASE No: 06 - 2006

BRINDLE BASS AT ST LUCIA
For immediate release
brindle one
Several large brindle bass, a specially protected species due to its low numbers, have taken up residence in the St. Lucia estuary mouth.
These fish have become a focus of angler and visitor attention, after one of these large fish died last year.
Two of these magnificent fish were caught under permit last year by the staff from the Oceanographic Research Institute (O.R.I.) and moved to uShaka Marine World where they have settled in well..
These fish weighed an impressive 106kg and 197kg respectively, but due to angling activities in the estuary one of the fish had five hooks removed from it before it could be released into the tanks at uShaka Marine World.
St Lucia mouth has been closed for nearly five years and the fish have not been able to reach the ocean which is their spawning area.
Salinities inside the mouth have fluctuated somewhat and this, as well as fishing activity, may cause stress and pose a threat to the fish.
As these are all adult fish and important to the breeding stock of this species, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has held discussions with the Wetland Park Authority, research institutions, anglers and local residents who have collectively decided that the best management option is leave the remaining fish where they are unless conditions change to the degree that there is real threat to their well-being.
Should this occur, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will consider instituting a programme to catch and relocate the fish to the adjacent ocean.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has a team on standby with the expertise and logistical capacity to carry out the operation in a manner which will minimise stress on the fish while ensuring a successful operation.
As these brindle bass are of a protected species and it is illegal to catch or harm them in any way, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Wetland Authority appeal to the public to assist in the survival of these magnificent fish by not harassing or attempting to catch them, and by spreading awareness of the situation to other visitors.

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