from the largest females and fertilising them with sperm
from the largest males. The fingerlings that result are released and will return after a few years in the ocean to the
same stream. By using only the largest of the returning
fishes for breeding each year, the average size of the species
is slowly increased.
Exactly how the salmon find their way back to the river
where they were spawned is not known, but once they are
there, it is their sense of smell (despite pollution of the rivDANGERS OFTHE SEA
ers) that enables them to return to the very spot where they
were spawned. If the salmon's nostrils are plugged, the fish
is unable to locate its birthplace.
The annual migration of our pilchard (Sardinops oce/latus) to Natal waters, known as the Sardine Run, is probably a feeding migration. The pilchard schools appear to be
following the abundant plankton which occurs in the countercurrent flowing northward along our east coast in the
winter.
Dangers of the sea
For a full discussion and treatment, consult Sea & Shore
Dangers: Their Recognition, A voidance and Treatment by
M. M. Smith. It is available from the J. L. B. Smith Institute
of Ichthyology, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140. No
one who visits the sea should be without this little book.
Tips for anglers
1. When fishing in a new place, watch the sea for some time
before clambering onto the rocks. Note the drift of the current and decide where you will come back to the shore if you
are washed off, and do not swim against but with or across
the current.
2. Never turn your back on the sea, for large waves can rise
up and wash you off the rocks. Also be careful about jumping down to release your line on rocks near the sea.
3. Be careful when casting if other folks are around. A
swinging hook and sinker can be dangerous.
4. To remove a deeply embedded hook from a person, tie a
string onto the bend of the hook, press the hook downwards
and tweak it out with a quick pull on the string.
5. Never leave baited hooks lying around. Animals may be
tempted to eat the bait. Cats that eat only tinned sardines
will readily take a baited hook, and so will seagulls.
Shark attacks. Shark attack is the most feared danger of the
sea, although there are far more drownings than attacks by
sharks. Fortunately most of our beaches are manned by lifesavers who have been trained not only to save those in
danger of drowning, but also to treat shark attack victims.
Treatment of a shark attack victim
1. It is most important to stop the bleeding and keep the
victim breathing. Apply artificial respiration if breathing
stops.
2. Place victim on the beach out of reach of the waves and
parallel to the sea (not head downwards). Raise his legs to
promote blood flow to the brain.
3. Send for medical help immediately.
4. Serum, plasma or blood must be administered intravenously as soon as possible; record pulse and blood pressure at
frequent intervals.
5. Do not move the patient for 30 minutes to avoid the fatal
secondary shock.
6. Give no alcoholic or other drink, but water may be used
to wet the patient's lips.
7. Reassure the victim and keep him calm.
Barracudas, moray eels and other supposedly vicious
fishes are very unlikely to bite a swimmer or diver. Attacks
by unprovoked barracudas in clear water are unknown. In
murky water, a barracuda may mistake the flash of a watch
or bracelet for its prey. Also, speared fish will attract barracudas and morays, and spearing large barracudas or
morays is asking for trouble. A large moray has extremely
powerful jaws, and when he bites he hangs on until the end
(yours or his). It is usually necessary to cut the muscle at the
angle of the jaw to open the moray's jaws. Anglers are
sometimes bitten by large fishes that are still alive when
pulled into the boat.
Treatment. Minor bites: clean the wound, apply antiseptic and bandage. Deep or extensive wounds: stop the bleeding and seek the aid of a doctor.
17
from the largest males. The fingerlings that result are released and will return after a few years in the ocean to the
same stream. By using only the largest of the returning
fishes for breeding each year, the average size of the species
is slowly increased.
Exactly how the salmon find their way back to the river
where they were spawned is not known, but once they are
there, it is their sense of smell (despite pollution of the rivDANGERS OFTHE SEA
ers) that enables them to return to the very spot where they
were spawned. If the salmon's nostrils are plugged, the fish
is unable to locate its birthplace.
The annual migration of our pilchard (Sardinops oce/latus) to Natal waters, known as the Sardine Run, is probably a feeding migration. The pilchard schools appear to be
following the abundant plankton which occurs in the countercurrent flowing northward along our east coast in the
winter.
Dangers of the sea
For a full discussion and treatment, consult Sea & Shore
Dangers: Their Recognition, A voidance and Treatment by
M. M. Smith. It is available from the J. L. B. Smith Institute
of Ichthyology, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140. No
one who visits the sea should be without this little book.
Tips for anglers
1. When fishing in a new place, watch the sea for some time
before clambering onto the rocks. Note the drift of the current and decide where you will come back to the shore if you
are washed off, and do not swim against but with or across
the current.
2. Never turn your back on the sea, for large waves can rise
up and wash you off the rocks. Also be careful about jumping down to release your line on rocks near the sea.
3. Be careful when casting if other folks are around. A
swinging hook and sinker can be dangerous.
4. To remove a deeply embedded hook from a person, tie a
string onto the bend of the hook, press the hook downwards
and tweak it out with a quick pull on the string.
5. Never leave baited hooks lying around. Animals may be
tempted to eat the bait. Cats that eat only tinned sardines
will readily take a baited hook, and so will seagulls.
Shark attacks. Shark attack is the most feared danger of the
sea, although there are far more drownings than attacks by
sharks. Fortunately most of our beaches are manned by lifesavers who have been trained not only to save those in
danger of drowning, but also to treat shark attack victims.
Treatment of a shark attack victim
1. It is most important to stop the bleeding and keep the
victim breathing. Apply artificial respiration if breathing
stops.
2. Place victim on the beach out of reach of the waves and
parallel to the sea (not head downwards). Raise his legs to
promote blood flow to the brain.
3. Send for medical help immediately.
4. Serum, plasma or blood must be administered intravenously as soon as possible; record pulse and blood pressure at
frequent intervals.
5. Do not move the patient for 30 minutes to avoid the fatal
secondary shock.
6. Give no alcoholic or other drink, but water may be used
to wet the patient's lips.
7. Reassure the victim and keep him calm.
Barracudas, moray eels and other supposedly vicious
fishes are very unlikely to bite a swimmer or diver. Attacks
by unprovoked barracudas in clear water are unknown. In
murky water, a barracuda may mistake the flash of a watch
or bracelet for its prey. Also, speared fish will attract barracudas and morays, and spearing large barracudas or
morays is asking for trouble. A large moray has extremely
powerful jaws, and when he bites he hangs on until the end
(yours or his). It is usually necessary to cut the muscle at the
angle of the jaw to open the moray's jaws. Anglers are
sometimes bitten by large fishes that are still alive when
pulled into the boat.
Treatment. Minor bites: clean the wound, apply antiseptic and bandage. Deep or extensive wounds: stop the bleeding and seek the aid of a doctor.
17