Theory question 113
Geography of AfricaWrite a geographical account of fishing in Southern Africa under the following headings: (a) important fishing areas and fishing ports (b) Methods of fishing (c) Major types of fish caught (d) Preparation and marketing of fish (e) Importance to the economy.
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(a) Cold Benguela current off the west coast of South Africa and Namibia (rich plankton); fishing ports Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London; some inland fishing in rivers and lakes
(b) Modern trawlers and purse-seine nets; drift nets; lines; refrigerated vessels
(c) Pilchard (sardine), anchovy, hake, mackerel, snoek, rock lobster
(d) Fish cleaned, frozen or chilled, canned, dried or salted; processed into fish meal and fish oil; sold in local markets and exported
(e) Protein food; employment; foreign exchange; raw materials for fish meal, oil and canning industries; growth of ports
Explain why the cold current makes the west coast rich in fish.