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A preliminary market-based analysis of the Pohnpei, Micronesia, grouper (Serranidae: Epinephelinae) fishery reveals unsustainable fishing practices

Coral Reefs volume 26, pages 335–344 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Serranids are important components of artisanal and commercial catch worldwide, but are highly susceptible to overfishing. In Pohnpei (Micronesia), a recent coral reef fish market survey revealed a reliance on night-time spearfishing and a serranid catch composed primarily of juveniles and small adults of practically all epinepheline species. Fishing effort was concentrated in one of five municipalities and was disproportionate to the population distribution. Lagoon areas were fished preferentially to outer reef areas, with both catch size distribution and species composition similar between the two areas. Some species were unique to a particular gear type, but catch composition did not vary substantially between spear and line fishing. Existing seasonal sales bans, meant to protect reproductively active serranids, appeared to place additional pressure on other families during ban periods. The study identified the need for a comprehensive management plan that merges traditional measures, including size limits and gear restrictions, with precautionary management tools. Specifically, the scale and scope of marine protected areas should be increased to protect juveniles and other life history stages over wider areas than currently employed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the logistic support of the Pohnpei Division of Marine Resources and Development (DRMD), Pohnpei Department of Economic Development, and the Conservation Society of Pohnpei. Field assistance was provided by College of Micronesia interns and by Scotty Malakai and Don Jack (DRMD), Clement Wichilmel, Richard Ben, and Kirino and Anson Olpet. This work was supported by a grant from the NOAA General Coral Reef Conservation Program (NA05NMF4631049) to the University of Guam Marine Laboratory. We gratefully acknowledge the kind assistance of the numerous fishers, market owners and staff that provided information and access to catch throughout the survey. The authors thank David Mills, K. Warren-Rhodes and four anonymous reviewers for comments to improve the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, The University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI, 96720, USA

    K. L. Rhodes

  2. WorldFish Center, PO Box 500, GPO, 10670, Penang, Malaysia

    M. H. Tupper

  3. University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU, 96923, USA

    M. H. Tupper

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  1. K. L. Rhodes
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  2. M. H. Tupper
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Correspondence to K. L. Rhodes.

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Communicated by Biology Editor M.I. McCormick.

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Rhodes, K.L., Tupper, M.H. A preliminary market-based analysis of the Pohnpei, Micronesia, grouper (Serranidae: Epinephelinae) fishery reveals unsustainable fishing practices. Coral Reefs 26, 335–344 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-007-0202-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-007-0202-5

Keywords

  • Serranidae
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Coral reef fishes
  • Fisheries management
  • Spearfishing
  • Precautionary management

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