Abalone and St Helena Bay Ecosystem

St Helena Bay is a key player in South Africa's fishing industry, producing over half of the nation's seafood. The bay is rich in marine life, including sardines, herring, and the highly sought-after abalone. Due to overharvesting by black market traders, the ecosystem faced damage. To combat this, the seafood industry developed abalone farming, which takes three years for the mollusks to reach market size. This sustainable practice generates over $50 million annually for South African farmers.

What is the significance of St Helena Bay in South Africa's fishing industry?

• It is the smallest bay in South Africa.

• It is a popular tourist destination.

• It has the largest concentration of fish processing factories.

• It is known for its coral reefs.

Which of the following fish species is NOT mentioned as being abundant in St Helena Bay?

• Herring

• Mackerel

• Sardines

• Tuna

Why was the ecosystem in St Helena Bay being damaged?

• Illegal harvesting of Abalone by Black Market Traders.

• Because of pollution from factories.

• Introduction of invasive species.

• Due to overfishing of sardines.

What is the primary food source for Abalone in the reefs?

• Coral

• Plankton

• Algae

• Small fish

How long does it take for Abalone to grow from egg to marketable size?

• 2 years

• 1 year

• 3 years

• 4 years

What is the annual revenue generated by South African Abalone farmers?

• $100 million

• $50 million

• $25 million

• $10 million