Durban scientist unpacks the slow-growing musselcracker
A senior scientist at the Oceanographic Research Institute in Durban - says black musselcrackers are slow-growing and can live up to a ripe age of between 40 and 50-years-old.
A massive musselcracker was caught earlier this month off the Durban coast, reportedly weighing 47kg.
Dr. Bruce Mann says the current South African official record - stands at just under 38kg.
The 'poenskop' are endemic to Southern Africa shores and are a protected species.
They're found between the Cape Agulhas and Southern Mozambique region.
"One of the best tools that we have for the recovery and the protection of the black musselcracker are marine protected areas."
These areas are closed to fishing to allow fish in that area to recover in number and in size.
"Our research in MPAs around South Africa - such as the Tsitsikama National Park and the Pondland Marine Protected Area has shown that they respond well to protection in these MPAs. It's one of the best methods of looking after these species," Mann explains.
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Mann adds there are regulations that allow angling to take place.
"You can only catch one fish, per person per day. There's a minimum size limit of 50cm total length. Those are regulations to protect the species and ensure that over time - we get the numbers up to a more sustainable level," he said.