A protected fishing area to boost the local economy?

Writer: Anina Lee.

We are all aware that the last few months have had a devastating effect on the economy, especially in the Overstrand that relies on tourism. This situation is not likely to change soon. Should we not take the opportunity to rethink ways of boosting local economic development?

We know that Hermanus Pieters found a spring of fresh water on the coast of Walker Bay and the town of Hermanus grew up close to it. But it was not just the fresh water that started to attract people to the growing settlement; it was the abundant fish in the bay.

This map indicates the ‘Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary Marine Protected Area’, proclaimed in 2001.

PHOTO: Walker Bay Boat & Ski-Boat Club

When the first settlers came to Hermanus in 1855 it seemed that the fish would never run out. For the next 70 years fishermen went out in rowing boats carrying eight men at a time, with fishing lines, and caught the fish one at a time. Fishermen tied their lines to their toes while resting in the boat.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 16)