South Africa’s National Fish – The Resillent Galjoen

South Africans can celebrate World Fisheries Day with a special sense of pride. Our national fish, the Galjoen (Dichistius capensis), is a true symbol of our marine heritage. It’s a fighter, known to anglers for its spirited resistance and for thriving in the rough, foamy surf zones of the Cape’s rocky shores. The Galjoen’s ability to survive in challenging conditions mirrors the resilience of the South African people. It’s also a biological indicator, meaning its health and numbers tell us a great deal about the state of our coastal ecosystems.

Galjoen populations, once overfished, are now protected by strict conservation laws, including catch limits, minimum size requirements, and seasonal closures. Recreational fishermen are allowed a limited catch only during specific months. These regulations aim to ensure the species' survival and environmental preservation. On World Fisheries Day, South Africans celebrate the Galjoen, our national aquatic ambassador, symbolising resilience, sustainability, and respect for nature.

Our National Fish - The Galjoen

Some interesting facts about the Galjoen

1. National fish of South Africa: The galjoen stands as a national symbol, celebrated for its formidable fighting spirit, reminiscent of the 16th-century warships known as "galleons." It is exclusively found along the South African coast.

2. Threatened species: The galjoen faces a significant threat from overfishing, resulting in a marked decline in its population. It is confidently listed as a threatened species, holding a "Red" rating on SASSI's Consumer Seafood List. 

3. Master of camouflage: A galjoen confidently adapts its colour to its surroundings; it turns nearly black in rocky areas, while in sandy regions, it exhibits a striking silver-bronze hue.

4. Remarkably slow-growing and long-lived: A galjoen typically ages about 10 years for every kilogram it weighs, with the largest reaching over 20 years of age.

5. Dietary adaptability: The galjoen confidently thrives on a diet primarily composed of red bait, small mussels, barnacles, and various types of algae and seaweed. It also readily consumes small crustaceans and invertebrates.

6. Located solely along the southern African coasts, stretching from southern Angola to Durban, South Africa, they dwell in shallow waters, frequently near the shore, and are typically found in turbulent surf zones and around rocky reefs. 

South Africa’s Fisheries and the Work to Protect Them

South Africa’s coastline stretches more than 3 000 kilometers, supporting a remarkable variety of marine life and ecosystems. From the cold Benguela current on the west coast to the warm Agulhas current on the east, our waters are rich, diverse, and productive.

Let's end plastic pollution in our oceans

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) manages resources through the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) of 1998, promoting sustainable use of marine life and ensuring equitable access for all fishers.

Government, scientists, and communities collaborate to protect fish through:

1. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Over 40 MPAs protect habitats, breeding grounds, and endangered species, aiding fish population recovery.

2. Sustainable Catch Limits and Quotas: Scientific assessments set safe harvest levels for long-term fishery health.

3. Monitoring and Enforcement: The DFFE uses patrols, satellite monitoring, and inspectors to combat illegal fishing.

4. Support for Coastal Communities: The government empowers small-scale fishers by granting legal fishing rights and supporting co-operatives.

5. Research and Education: Institutions like SAIAB (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity) conduct research on ocean health, while education campaigns promote ocean conservation awareness.

Fishermen need to adhere to quotas and catch limits

How Fish Are Protected in Our Waters

Beyond government policy, fish protection involves all of us. Measures include:

• Habitat conservation: safeguarding estuaries, reefs, kelp forests, and mangroves where many species breed and feed.

• Pollution reduction: tackling plastic waste, industrial runoff, and oil spills that threaten aquatic life.

• Public awareness: encouraging citizens to make sustainable seafood choices and to respect fishing regulations.

 Make sustainable seafood choices

When everyone plays their part, the result is a healthier ocean and thriving fisheries.

How You Can Help

This World Fisheries Day, we invite you to be an ally of the ocean:

• Choose sustainably caught seafood. Look for labels like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or SASSI-green-listed fish.

• Support conservation groups working to protect our seas. (examples include the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, WWF South Africa, Oceans Alive Conservation Trust, and Sharklife.) 

• Respect the rules - bag limits, size limits, and closed seasons exist for good reason.

• Reduce plastic waste that finds its way into the ocean.

• Share your passion! Talk about marine conservation and inspire others to care for our aquatic friends.

Even the tiniest action, such as declining a plastic straw or backing a sustainable fishery, can create a ripple effect leading to positive change.

Final Reflections

Fish are not just a meal on our plates; they’re part of a delicate and wondrous ecosystem that connects us all. On 21 November, as the world celebrates World Fisheries Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Galjoen, our national fish, and the vibrant waters it calls home.

At Wise Owl Lifestyle, we believe that caring for our planet begins with knowledge and small, conscious choices. By protecting our oceans, we safeguard not only marine life but also our own future.

Let's preserve the waters — for the Galjoen, for our community, and for future generations.

Sources:

1) Galjoen - Wikipedia

2) National fish | South African Government

3) Two Oceans Aquarium | Why is the galjoen South Africa's national fish…

4) Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation | Foundation

5) Oceans | WWF South Africa

6) Coastal Environments | Oceans Alive Conservation Trust | South Africa

7) Shark Conservation: Protecting Marine Ecosystems - Sharklife