(Chrysoblephus cristiceps)

Dagga, Daggerhead

1. What is it?

Dageraad (Chrysoblephus cristiceps) are endemic, reef-associated species that have been severely overexploited. A recent assessment has suggested a decline by more than 95% from 1998 to 2011 across their entire range. Dageraad are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN red list of threatened species and stock levels are currently rated as over exploited.

2. How was it caught or farmed?

Dageraad are caught using linefishing which operates using traditional rod and reel or handline equipment. Linefishing is a relatively selective fishing method with few impacts on the marine environment and very little bycatch. However when targeted at reef-associated vulnerable or endangered species they are likely to cause significant damage.

3. Where is it from?

Dageraad are endemic to South African waters and are caught all around shallow reefs. Management for the sector is considered partly effective. In South Africa this sector is principally managed through a total allowable effort (TAE) limitation and there are additional restrictions to protect overfished species such as bag (1 pp/pd) and minimum size (40 cm) limits for recreational fishers. There is some concern over the impact of the small-scale fishery rights allocation beyond the recommended TAE and the continuously growing recreational sector.