South African Estuaries and Their Importance to Fishes

Abstract

Environmental conditions typical of South African estuaries are contrasted with those of marine inshore waters. The life cycle of estuarine fishes is related to important physical and biological characteristics of estuaries. The fish fauna is divided into 6 categories according to the extent of their dependence on estuaries. This is followed by discussion of the effects of estuarine degradation on these groups. Continuing degradation will result in a decline in South Africa's estuarine fish fauna and consequently in recreational angling, in the yield of high-protein food and in economic activities dependent upon this natural resource.