The status of integrated fisheries monitoring in South Africa

South Africa implemented a new Marine Living Resources Act in September 1998, which has brought about major changes to the fishing industry. The paper explores the impact these changes will have on the ability of Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) to maintain control over fishing activities, and the measures introduced in order to address short- and long-term deficiencies in monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS). The use of scientific observers and Vessel monitoring systems (VMS) is discussed; and South Africa's, involvement in regional and international fisheries monitoring initiatives is raised. A case history of integrated monitoring in the Patagonian toothfish longline fishery is presented.