The importance of science in conservation and management: the case of fish spawning aggregations

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The importance of science in conservation and
management the case of fish spawning aggregations

• Report on the work of the Society for the
  Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations (SCRFA)

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The Problem

• Case Histories
• The Nassau grouper
• The live reef food fish trade

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The case of the disappearing grouper
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Annual landings (mt) in Cuba 1963-1995
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In 1996 the Nassau grouper was listed
as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species and is a candidate for the U.
S. Endangered Species List
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The case of the live reef food fish trade
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1960s-1980s
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1990s
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• Reef fish spawning aggregations are
• Exceptionally vulnerable to fishing
• Important for fish population persistence
• Little managed, monitored or considered in MPA
  design
• Increasingly being targeted

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Objectives

• Global database of status and history
• Provide information/raise awareness
• Policy and conservation guidelines
• Promote science in conservation

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Progress

• Global Database
• Website
• Statement of Concern
• Methods Manual

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Preliminary Recommendations
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• Fished spawning aggregations should be closely
  monitored/managed
• Restrict fishing of spawning aggregations to
  subsistence use
• No fishing of spawning aggregations for export
  markets
• Include spawning aggregations in fishery mgt
  plans MPA design

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• Evaluate potential impacts/benefits of tourism on
  spawning aggregations
• Increase awareness of vulnerability of spawning
  aggregations to fishing
• Enhance understanding of the biological and
  fishery significance of spawning aggregations

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Statement of Concern

• Key recommendation is for all fish spawning
  aggregation sites to be conserved, through
  judicious management or complete protection, to
  ensure persistence of the populations and species
  that form them, the integrity of reef ecosystems
  and the livelihoods and food supply of coastal
  communities that depend on aggregating species

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Monthly Nassau grouper landings (mt) 1963-1985
1963-1965
1971-1975
1981-1985
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The Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus
1 metre TL 30 years longevity 5-6 years to
mature Aggregation spawner
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a common and very important food fish and one of
the most abundant overall
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