Estate Living Magazine #liveyourbestlife - Issue 46 December 2019 | Page 47

C O M M U N I T Y
L I V I N G
means that you require permits. Mostly it doesn’t expressly
exclude alien species.
Equally, geography doesn’t relate only to the local fish but also
to which other species may thrive. High elevation and generally
colder conditions, specifically colder water, are required for
trout, for example. American bass (both large- and smallmouth
bass) are able to tolerate far more varied conditions than trout,
and carp can manage well almost anywhere.
So what type of fish would be suitable?
With the above in mind, one should also take into account the
popularity of angling for different species. Don’t imagine that
you need to have fashionable fish such as trout to be able to offer
worthwhile fishing. Carp angling is very big business in Europe,
and catching on here in the south. Suitable species in many
areas may include carp, tilapia, bass, sharptooth catfish and
various species of yellowfish. Fish species that can breed in the
waterways would mean no ongoing stocking costs.
What kinds of fishing?
Again, that partly depends on the species, but generally bait,
artificial lure and fly-fishing are all popular recreational activities.
It would be a good idea to perhaps have angling permits of some
type so as to allow for the enforcement of regulations specific
to your estate. These may include times, days or season, type of
bait, type of hook, and a catch-and-release policy.
Who to contact?
Rivers and wetlands are essential for biodiversity, and even
for our very survival as a species. So it is important to protect
existing indigenous fish stocks from unfair competition or
predation by imported species. And it’s not just exotic foreign
Bottom line
However, with all of that in mind, the recreational and health
benefits of fishing can’t be overstated. Estates that offer fishing
are likely to be regarded as having greater value compared to
those that don’t. In essence, done simply, offering fishing as an
option doesn’t have to be overly complicated or costly.
Tim Rolston
H
Why the regulations?
fish that can become invasive. Even indigenous South African
fish are often native in only specific watersheds. So it is usually
best to stock fish that are indigenous to your geographical area
and watershed.
Some provisions in terms of stocking fish into private, inland
waters (rivers are not considered private) are controlled at
national level (as per NEMBA); others vary from province to
province. Your local provincial nature conservation agency is
probably the best place to start. Almost all stocking is going
to require at least some sort of permit, which will probably
require a risk assessment as part of the process. Nature
conservation officials – or perhaps a local fisheries biologist
– could advise on regulations, the suitability and carrying
capacity of your water, and the type of fish that would thrive in it.