Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an increasingly popular method of managing the conservation of marine ecosystems. Each MPA differs in its own way whether it be by size, location, or type of enforcement. The De Hoop MPA is a designated no take reserve off the South-Western Cape of South Africa. The study area is home to several species of chondrichthyans that are targeted by demersal shark fisheries in the region, including the common smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus) and bronze whaler shark (Carcharhinus brachyurus). These species were captured and fitted with V13 or V16 coded acoustic transmitters to be used in conjunction with a VR2-W-69 kHz (Innovasea, Halifax, Nova Scotia) receiver array composed of 21 receivers to learn more about the movement ecology of the species. This report was conducted to review the methods used for data collection and develop technical recommendations to determine best practices. By knowing which methods are most successful, future researchers can implement a study plan for future research in this area. Environmental factors such as wind, waves, and currents affected much of the data collection in this study area. Any equipment entering the water (receiver moorings/baited remote underwater video surveys [BRUVS]) must be properly reinforced to accommodate the surrounding dynamic environment. The most successful fishing method was the use of handline reels with 100 lb. test and trace line for both species. M. mustelus and C. brachyurus appear to have varying bait preferences and capture locations which may reflect natural feeding habits and site selection.