Mesopelagic fish derivatives in the southern Benguela upwelling region |
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| Abstract: | Discussion of mesopelagic fish within the southern Benguela system necessitates recognition of both oceanic and neritic realms, demarcated by the continental shelf-break. In the eastern South Atlantic (FAO Area 47), the stock size of two oceanic, mesopelagic families (Myctophidae, Sternoptychidae) have been estimated at 8–12 million and 750 000 metric tons respectively. Each possesses pseudoceanic species, populations of which constitute a possible alternative fishery resource to conventional pelagic stocks. Of these upper-slope/shelf derivatives, Lampanytodes hectoris (Myctophidae) and Maurolicus muelleri (Sternoptychidae) are most abundant. In the southern Benguela system (Orange River mouth to Cape Point), both species appear to be restricted mainly to the region east of the offshore divergence, corresponding roughly to the continental shelf-break. Maurolicus muelleri has not been taken by the fishery, but purse-seine landings of Lampanyctodes hectoris have accounted for up to some 10 per cent of the total South African pelagic catch. Anomalies in the commercial catch (sexual disparity, sexual immaturity) have been linked to expatriatism. This phenomenon is re-examined in the light of more recent data from research sampling in the southern Benguela region, and alternative biological hypotheses are presented to explain the anomalies. It is suggested that the energy "bonus" derived from vertical migration in summer is enhanced both by a physical component, termed "cycle riding", and by a biochemical component, linked to long-chain wax esters. Seasonal variation in percentage lipid concentration also appears to be associated with reproductive activity in the late winter-spring spawning period. Vertical migration may be reduced at this time, in tandem with the cessation of upwelling within the system and paucity of food in the upper water column. Comparative data for Maurolicus muelleri are presented. |
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