An economic comparison of the commercial and recreational linefisheries in Namibia

Abstract

The most important Namibian linefish species, the silver kob Argyrosomus inodorus, is currently heavily exploited, and in order to ensure its survival catch restrictions are being introduced. However, kob are exploited both by recreational anglers and by commercial vessels, and it is important to examine the economics of these fisheries in order to determine where catch restrictions will do the least harm to the economy. Data from a survey of commercial fishing vessels are compared with results from earlier surveys of recreational anglers to determine economic values and impacts from both fisheries. The economic benefits are shown to be greatest in recreational angling, less in commercial fishing by large vessels and least in commercial skiboat fishing. This study also shows that catch restrictions would do less harm to the economy if applied to the commercial linefishing sector rather than to recreational angling.

Keywords: Argyrosomus inodorus, demand management, economic evaluation, linefishing, Namibia, silver kob

African Journal of Marine Science 2005, 27(3): 577–584