The west coast of the province is washed by the cold Benguela Current. The plankton-rich Current is considered to be one of the world's richest fishing grounds. The west coast is protected against over-fishing by foreign vessels by means of a 200-km commercial fishing zone and a strict quota system.
The west coast's fish resources are for the exclusive utilisation of the local inhabitants, and creates jobs for about 27 000 people who are directly dependent on the fishing industry. The Western Cape is well-known for its wide variety of fresh sea-foods offered at restaurants dotted along the coastline. Snoek, Cape lobster, abalone, octopus, calamari, mussels and oysters are among the most sought-after piscatorial delights.