THE BIOLOGY OF FALSE BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The water in False Bay is derived from both the Agulhas and the Benguela currents and this is reflected in the nature and composition of the benthic fauna. Hydrological conditions within the bay are summarized and it is shown that the distribution of the warm and cold water species is related to the pattern of water temperatures in summer. The vertical distribution of the fauna on the shores and submerged banks is also briefly described. A great variety of demersal fishes feed along the rocky shores and submerged reefs. Pelagic fish such as albacore and tunny also migrate into the bay in summer, so that False Bay has become famous as an angling resort. This tourist attraction is of greater economic importance than commercial fishing in the bay.