Chokka fishermen have a bumper season

Chokka (squid) fishermen are smiling again. Their anger at government's recent imposition of two additional annual closed seasons has been relieved by outstanding catches. The industry is centered in the Eastern Cape, where it is one of the mainstays of the economy.

It has been a good year for catches and this has continued since the first of two additional three week closures. Scientists say it is too early to say what effect the new closed season has had. But the industry still feels they are not warranted.

While the industry in general has rolled with the punches so far, the fishermen are the ones worst affected.