FISH CONSERVATION & RESEARCH
At Mavungana Flyfishing, our core values are centered around fish conservation and a commitment to sustainable practices. These include responsible fishing, protection of water habitats, and support for organizations that work to preserve fisheries.
In May of 2022, with the assistance of the University of Mpumalanga, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and Pongola Game Reserve, we launched a groundbreaking tigerfish tagging project on Lake Jozini, one of the last tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) strongholds in South Africa. This species is under threat from multiple stressors including water quality, illegal exploitation and barriers to their movement.
The primary objective of the study is to investigate the behavioral ecology and fishery status of the tigerfish population on Lake Jozini, particularly after the extensive flooding in April 2022 and 2025, as well as other factors such as gill netting and algal blooms.
Since the program's inception, our guide team has heavily invested in research and tagging equipment. So far the team has successfully tagged 188 tigerfish ranging from 230 mm to 770 mm in standard length with dart, radio and PIT tags. To date, nine fish have been recaptured, largely due to anglers reporting their catches and safely releasing the fish, resulting in a recapture rate of 4.7%. Read more on our findings & results here.
With the success and invaluable knowledge gained from our tigerfish project, we have launched a tagging program in the lower reaches of the Orange River, which runs through the Richtersveld National Park. This research is the first of its kind in the lower Orange River, and aims to provide insight into the fish populations and their movements. The information gained will enhance scientists’ understanding and contribute to the preservation of these species.
Would you like to make a difference and be part of the research? Join us on our Pongola or Richtersveld Drifts experiences. If you are enjoying a holiday at Lake Jozini keep an eye out for our tagging information boards at most of the boat slipways.
