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  • Management Options For A Traditional Humphead Wrasse Fishery in Fiji

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    The instantly-recognizable humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is of considerable traditional customary significance in many Pacific islands. Listed as endangered by IUCN, the species is particularly vulnerable to overexploitation because of its life-history characteristics, and notable population declines have been recorded at sites where fishing pressure is only of a moderate level. However, few long-term studies have been conducted because of the generally illicit nature of these fisheries. We have worked closely with a remote Fijian community living on the Great Sea Reef that almost exclusively relies on coral reef fisheries for their subsistence and livelihood. The fishers of the community are the appointed traditional fishers for the provincial chief and are responsible for a substantial, long-enduring (and now illegal) C. undulatus fishery, with individuals spearfished on an almost daily basis. Interestingly, although C. undulatus is a highly-valued live reef food fish, the fish caught at our study site were mainly destined for local consumption and were not worth any more per kg than other reef fish species. We discuss daily landing site, fishing site and socioeconomic data and present information on stock management, spawning aggregations, traditional knowledge, management efforts and historical perspectives. We suggest management actions that may contribute to the sustainability of the fishery in the face of increasing demand and access to market.

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    Community Centred Conservation C3 – Traditional humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) fisheries in the Pacific Islands – are they sustainable? A case study from Fiji. Akosita Rokomate-Nakoro, Chris Poonian and Maleli Qera Abstract accepted for ICRS 2012

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    The instantly-recognizable humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is of considerable traditional customary significance in many Pacific islands. Listed as endangered by IUCN, the species is particularly vulnerable to overexploitation because of its life-history characteristics, and notable population declines have been recorded at sites where fishing pressure is only of a moderate level. However, few long-term studies have been conducted because of the generally illicit nature of these fisheries. We have worked closely with a remote Fijian community living on the Great Sea Reef that almost exclusively relies on coral reef fisheries for their subsistence and livelihood. The fishers of the community are the appointed traditional fishers for the provincial chief and are responsible for a substantial, long-enduring (and now illegal) C. undulatus fishery, with individuals spearfished on an almost daily basis. Interestingly, although C. undulatus is a highly-valued live reef food fish, the fish caught at our study site were mainly destined for local consumption and were not worth any more per kg than other reef fish species. We discuss daily landing site, fishing site and socioeconomic data and present information on stock management, spawning aggregations, traditional knowledge, management efforts and historical perspectives. We suggest management actions that may contribute to the sustainability of the fishery in the face of increasing demand and access to market.

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    122 Ansichten15 Seiten

    Management Options For A Traditional Humphead Wrasse Fishery in Fiji

    Hochgeladen von

    C3publications
    The instantly-recognizable humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is of considerable traditional customary significance in many Pacific islands. Listed as endangered by IUCN, the species is particularly vulnerable to overexploitation because of its life-history characteristics, and notable population declines have been recorded at sites where fishing pressure is only of a moderate level. However, few long-term studies have been conducted because of the generally illicit nature of these fisheries. We have worked closely with a remote Fijian community living on the Great Sea Reef that almost exclusively relies on coral reef fisheries for their subsistence and livelihood. The fishers of the community are the appointed traditional fishers for the provincial chief and are responsible for a substantial, long-enduring (and now illegal) C. undulatus fishery, with individuals spearfished on an almost daily basis. Interestingly, although C. undulatus is a highly-valued live reef food fish, the fish caught at our study site were mainly destined for local consumption and were not worth any more per kg than other reef fish species. We discuss daily landing site, fishing site and socioeconomic data and present information on stock management, spawning aggregations, traditional knowledge, management efforts and historical perspectives. We suggest management actions that may contribute to the sustainability of the fishery in the face of increasing demand and access to market.

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    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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    Management options for a traditional humphead wrasse fishery in Fiji

    Akosita Rokomate, Chris Poonian and Maleli Qera Community Centred Conservation (C3)

    Humphead Wrasse
    (Cheilinus undulatus)

    Largest reef-dwelling teleost (2m) Vulnerable to fishing pressure Live reef fish trade Spawning aggregations Red List: Endangered; CITES: Appendix II

    Humphead Wrasse global distribution (Sadovy et al. 2004)

    Draudrau
    Fiji - Eastern edge of the species range Decline in national reported catch -1998:12 tonnes -2002: 3 tonnes Trade prohibited under Fijian Law (since 2002) - FJ$5,000 or imprisonment

    Study site
    Anonymous Remote island community in northern Fiji 50 households / 3 villages Dependent on fishing - Primary income for 82% - Secondary income for 8%

    Data collection
    Expert fisher interviews (n=21) Humphead Wrasse landings -aim to record every fish Community members involved

    Gears
    Grow to 3m, 400kg - Can live up to 70 + years

    Spearfishing - at night (Tukidodo, Kiliveti)


    May not reproduce until 17 years old

    Line (for LRFT)


    Only 1 calf every 35 years

    Line 16%

    Landing site data: Gestation period 13 months (n=121)


    Speargun 84% Calf suckled by its mother and stays for 18 months Cultural significance in legends and myths

    How many caught annually?

    In the past 300 200 or 300 100 or 200 100 60 to 80 40 or 50

    Nowadays

    20 or 30 10 4

    Monthly catch

    26 Mar Funeral 30 May Turaga-ni-Koro bans capture of Humphead Wrasse

    Jan mid-Feb MPA open to generate funds for school fees

    Size distribution

    Cultural significance
    Feasts, funerals, other community events Mototeivovo (hump area) is reserved for high-ranking chiefs Grade B / C FJ$4-6 / kg but BIG Jewelry - upper jaw made into necklaces

    Spawning aggregations
    Reports of aggregations of 10-20+ fish Generally not targeted no clear knowledge of sites or timing Reasons given for aggregations included feeding and playing

    Management
    Widespread awareness of laws BUT Lack of enforcement Ready market Chinese fish traders Government fish wardens not trusted

    Management
    Low community awareness of humphead wrasse life history Adaptive management and selfenforcement by community -remoteness of site -luxury fish not critical source of livelihood Improved understanding of population status in situ surveys

    Thanks!
    Donors and partners

    Fijian fishers and their families For further information:

    www.c-3.org.uk

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