The Western Indian Ocean represents ca. 8% of the world's oceans but generates only 4% of the global industrial catch. This region is also home to a great proportion of the world's population, living in developing countries with a high dependence on marine resources. Trends in the declared landings of marine resources from the Western Indian Ocean suggest that this ocean may be approaching its maximum harvest potential of ca. 4 Mt per annum, but underreported artisanal catches complicate more-detailed analyses. There is a growing demand for 'new resources' to make up for declining stocks, while several large fluctuations are linked to changes in market demand and over exploitation. Artisanal fisheries in the region are highly diversified. Preliminary results are presented of a project that evaluates the conservation status and sustainable management practices in 168 different fishery types. It is concluded that the majority of the region's artisanal fisheries are not adequately supported by scientific information and that management strategies need to be improved if the enormous development challenges of East African countries are to be met.

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The South African KwaZulu-Natal charter-boat fishery was assessed by means of a socio-economic questionnaire survey and catch inspections during the period August 2003-November 2004. In all, 38 charter operators were interviewed and 135 catch inspections undertaken. Of a total of 79 species recorded caught, Chrysoblephus puniceus (34%), Lethrinus nebulosus (16%), Cheimerius nufar (14%) and Chrysoblephus anglicus (11%) dominated the catch numerically. Surveyed average catch rates for the charter fishery (0.91 fish angler -1 h -1 and 1.43 kg angler -1 h -1 ) in the KwaZulu-Natal province were almost three times higher than the recreational boatbased fishery, but less than the commercial linefishery in that region. Participation and total annual effort of the charter fishery was calculated to be 96 participating boats, undertaking 6 800 outings y -1 . Total annual catch in the fishery was estimated to be 281-296 t, approximately 15-17% of the province's total linefishing catch. Charter fishing was not a viable option as a sole source of income. Income levels per operator were low at

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