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Tag: moonshine worm

Progress on identification of the Moonshine baitworm in Knysna Estuary

KBP
| December 11, 2017
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| Research
Progress on identification of the Moonshine baitworm in Knysna Estuary

The Moonshine worm, a popular bait worm that can be found almost anywhere in the Knysna Estuary, now most likely seems to be an alien species. Our work started owing to a rise in popularity in use of the Moonshine worm as bait among local fishermen. Further investigation showed that these worms were not found within the Knysna Estuary during the 1950’s and 90’s, during extensive ecological surveys. This provides strong circumstantial evidence that these worms moved into the Knysna Estuary some time during the last two decades. The question that arose was whether the worms moved in from another local area, such as a nearby estuary or the ocean floor, or whether it was brought here from elsewhere. (more…)

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Proper identification of the Moonshine worm in the Knysna Estuary

KBP
| May 31, 2017
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| Research
Knysna moonshine worm

In the week of the 27th of February, I had the privilege of working in the Knysna Estuary and connecting with the people involved in the Knysna Basin Project. As part of my M.Sc degree I look at the proper identification of the Moonshine worm in the Knysna Estuary. On-going interviews with local fishermen and published data suggest that polychaete worms are increasingly being harvested and utilized as baiting species in the Knysna Estuary. It is, however, not known whether harvesting of polychaetes is sustainable or how the apparent increase in utilization by recreational and subsistence fishermen may affect stocks. These problems are compounded by widespread confusion over proper identification of some species. (more…)

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