'No' to cyanide fishing!

Item Type article

Authors Dagoon, N.J.

Download date 03/10/2021 18:34:08

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/35046 aquafarm news • marine ornamentals

'No' to cyanide fishing!

By NJ Dagoon Very few marine ornamental fish breed in Engelmann (1996) reported the di­ doses, corals died. Within 24 hours, corals captivity (Dufour 1997). As such, the ma­verse effects of cyanide in fish which in­ exposed to 10 ppt of cyanide for longer rine aquarium fish market is suppliedclude delayed mortality, pathology, im­than 10 minutes died. through fish captured live in their natural paired swimming ability, disrupted respi­ Jones (1997) estimated cyanide con­ environment. ration, and altered growth patterns. Cya­ centration in a fisher’s squirt bottle at ap­ About 100 tons worldwide is har­ nide - induced pathology in fish includes proximately 20 ppt. If the concentration vested annually, representing approxi­subcutaneous haemorrhaging, liver halves every minute after it has been mately 20% of the total world ornamental necrosis and liver damage. Live fish die in squirted onto a coral thicket (decreasing fish market worth three billion dollars transit due to a poison-weakened state to 2 ppt in around 25 minutes), the coral (Andrews 1990 in Dufour 1997). (Barber and Pratt 1997). Dufour (1997) stated that since the Cyanide is also danger­ 1980s, three main reasons have accounted ous indirectly to the fishers for the aquarium fish trade increase. Farm­ themselves. With mouth- ing techniques and aquarium equipmentheld hookah tubes attached have been improved. The decorative and to air compressors and exotic aquarium ecosystem has become at­ hand-held squirt bottles, tractive to temperate city residents who Southeast Asian fishers spend long periods indoors. Increase in air sometimes plunge to their traffic has been noted. deaths, succumbing to de­ Barber and Pratt (1997) noted that as compression sickness (“the many as six million aquarium fish were ex­bends”). ported in 1996. They valued Southeast Ramon Maloloy-on, Asian exports to Europe and North 51, of Olango Island, Cebu America at an estimated annual retail worth lives to tell of such honors of US$200 million. at sea. Five of his comrades Trade in the Philippines has seemed and close kin have lost their to stagnate due to cyanide fishing (Hingco lives, lured into great and Rivera 1991 in Dufour 1997). Prob­depths by a fascinating and Ramon Maloloy-on shares his experiences with AQD staff ably around 4,000 hard-core cyanide fish­ rare flame goby (“flame ers exist in the Philippines; for the whole goodbye” as others call it), Indo-Pacific region, the number appears blue tang, or majestic angel. He himself will be exposed to 40 ppt of cyanide. not to exceed 20,000 (Barber and Pratt has been unable to walk since 1987 be­ Given the results of the toxicity tests above, 1997). cause of a near fatal incident which ren­ this should effect a significant loss of dered half of his body lifeless. zooxanthellae. Cyanide fishing Experiments conducted by Jones Aiala el al. (in Engelmann 1997) Since the 1960s, more than one million kg (1997) at One-Tree Island in the Great maintained that the effect of cyanide on of deadly sodium cyanide have been Barrier Reef of Australia examined the ef­ reefs may be even greater than the com­ squirted onto Philippine coral reefs to stun fects of cyanide on coral. Fragments of bined effect of blast fishing and anchor and capture aquarium fish (Barber and hard coral Pocillophora damicornis were damage. World Wildlife Fund for Nature Pratt 1997). Though prohibited in the coun­ subjected to varying cyanide concentra­ (WWF) likened dynamiting to chopping a try. the chemical is still used in 80% of tions at different exposure times. At limb of a tree—cutting does not kill the cases (Hingco and Rivera in Dufour 1997). medium doses, corals lost their symbiotic tree; cyaniding, on the other hand, kills the Cyanide use in fisheries originated in algae (zooxanthellae) resulting in discol­ whole reef (The Economist, 1996). the Philippines. The Economist (1996) oration/bleaching. Zooxanthellae loss Poison fishing for 25 years in 1 km2 reported that it has now spread to Indone­ weakens the corals' phototrophic potential, of reef would amount to US$33,000 worth sia, Hongkong and the South Pacific. growth, and reproductive ability. At large of net benefits to individuals, and

32 SEAFDEC Asian Aquaculture Vol. XXI No. 2 April 1999 PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMA-PHILIPPINES friendly fishing methods fishing friendly environment the and hobbyists, exporters, cyanide die quickly die cyanide trade. IMA conducts training on coral- on training conducts fish IMA ornamental trade. marine the on fishers helping dependent is (IMA) institutions f the o Alliance one MarineLife International Quick death: fish caught using caught fish -- a loss to loss a

a biodiversity in the world (Engelmann (Engelmann world the in biodiversity “Amazon the is region, Indo-Pacific The to losses of net worth US$42,800-475,000 aainaclrtsa prxmtl the approximately at accelerates radation reefs, only 5% arc considered in excellent excellent in considered arc 5% only reefs, highest the with reefs coral 1997), containing Pratt and (Barber Oceans” the of 1998). Cruz-Trinidad and (White society condition (White and Cruz-Trinidad Cruz-Trinidad and (White condition reefs Asian Southeast of Status indeed. sum great very a is fishing son same rate (Engelmann 1996). (Engelmann rate same Asia have already already have Asia catch, they are willing and often eager to eager often and willing are live-fish they their catch, for price fair a for ensured and capture techniques to introduced cyanide-free are fishers cyanide when ntenx 0yas(nemn, 1996). (Engelmann, years 20 next the in in the of their local reefs fisheries. reefs local their of sustainability theto long-term ways ensure about totalk and poison the using up give fishing cyanide Combatting 1997). Barber and Pratt (1997) maintained that that maintained (1997) Pratt and Barber 1998). quafarm news • marine ornamentals marine • newsquafarm Eleven percent of reefs in Southeast Southeast in reefs of percent Eleven What society pays for allowing poi­ allowing for pays society What Of the Philippines’ 27,000 km2 of of km2 27,000 Philippines’ the Of But with population increase, reef But increase, with deg­ reef population critical critical category,likelywith collapse collapsed, collapsed, SEAFDEC AsianAquaculture laboratories operated nationwide by DA-BFAR and IMA and such DA-BFAR six by are There nationwide City. Cebu operated in laboratories Laboratory Detection Cyanide The and 48% are 48% and non-government organization whose pri­ whose organization non-government rine resources and conservation of their their of habitats. conservation and resources ma­ rine living of protection is concern mary local trainings in Cebu on coral-friendly coral-friendly on conducting Cebu in started trainings local it since Philippines (IMA)— Alliance Marinelife International Cebu has trained close to 1,000 fishers. 1,000 to close trained has Cebu start­ Since program. the of core the been decompression line on and (hook foodfish of HALDT fishers Training fishing. best the found has IMA Program, form fishing methods. fishing method. BNC "involves setting up a wall­ a up setting "involves BNC method. nets. scoop and nets, net long m fish 10-15 live high, m 2 a is It for capture. techniques all of best the is in office IMA the 1997, September in ing col­ fish aquarium marine and technique) cyanide of spread the combat to strategy cessories for use include: hand nets, dip dip nets, hand include: use for cessories (Randal cm 2.5 under of size mesh with net the barrier (1997) to Dufour According has net collection) (barrier BNC on lectors ie rnprn e rud h perimeter the around net transparent like 1987 in Dufour 1997). Other allowed ac­ allowed Other 1997). Dufour in 1987 Founded in 1985, IMA is a non-profit, isa 1985,non-profit, IMA in Founded This has been the experience of the of experience the been has This hog is etutv ihn Re­ Fishing Destructive its Through are nt olcin B C). N (B collection net Barrier Barber and Cruz (1998) described the described (1998) Cruz and Barber o.XI o Arl 1999 April No.2 XXI Vol. page 37 page

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Feeding fish gather around the open the Philippines' DA-BFAR (Department fresh clam that was dropped into the of Agriculture—Bureau of Fisheries and aquarium. The uneaten portion Aquatic Resources) office, six CDT labo­ should he immediately discarded ratories are operational nationwide. CDT aims to be an enforcement tool to effec­ tively curb cyanide misuse in fisheries. IMA’s success in implementing its Cyanide Fishing Reform Program is attrib­ Resting brine shrimp cysts purchased uted to their development of effective part­ from dealers may be hatched at home to nerships with fishing communities, and to adult size. Using rice bran as food, they their advocation for policy reforms in both may then be reared to reproduce to have a source and consumer countries. continuous supply of live food. Policy measures (Barber and Pratt, 1997) include: the banning/restriction of Diseases export of vulnerable species; regulation in Bacteria and protozoans are the most com­ the import, distribution and use of cyanide; mon causes of infection and the most trou­ a firmer legal framework (such as a man­ blesome in marine aquariums. Watch out datory licensing and certification system); for these signs of diseases in your fish: loss public awareness campaigns in media and of appetite, loss of coordination, schools; strengthening consumer aware­ hemorrhaging of the skin, weight loss, loss ness; and establishment of a national sys­ tem for monitoring the live fish trade. of tissues in fin edges, inactivity, labored 'No' to cyanide ... from page 33 breathing, milky cloudiness of the body Enterprise development. CRMP or surfaces, open cuts that do not heal, and the Coastal Resources Management persistent red sores. of the target coral area. (When scared by Project is another non-profit, non-govern­ Generally, antibacterials and other sound or movement), the fish instinctively ment organization whose work (though chemicals are readily available. But be sure dart back in the direction of their coral ref­ broader) closely aligns with that of IMA, that you follow label directions in their uge. The barrier net, however, denies the in some aspects. A special project of the application. Most fish that are infected fish access ..., giving the collector enough Philippines’ Department of Environment must be separated from the rest of the stock time to harvest them with scoop nets and and Natural Resources, it is funded by the in treatment aquaria. Remember that treat­ buckets. Unwanted fish are (then) released, United States Agency for International ments that exceed 12 hours are stressful to and the reef is left virtually undamaged." Development (the same organization that fish and not recommended. IMA gives the fisher enrollees the supports IMA). barrier nets initially for free and teaches AQD staff had a recent conversation References: them to make their own dirough an instruc­ in Cebu, with CRMP Enterprise Develop­ tion manual. The one-week training course ment Officer Monette Flores. She talked Bower C E. 1983. The basic marine aquarium.includes three days of inland “classroom” about the organization’s current involve­ Charles C. Thomas Publisher USA. ment with Central Visayan coastal liveli­ Chadwick DH. Coral in peril.National Geo­ sessions on cyanide-free fishing technolo­ graphic 195 (1). January 1999. gies, post-harvest management of catches, hood projects which include mussel/oys­ Doubilet, D. Coral eden.National Geographic cooperative marketing and safe diving ter culture andEucheuma seaweed farm­ 195 (1) January 1999. techniques. The next four days in water are ing in Bohol, and a pending mangrove Haywood M and S Wells. 1989. The interpret project (for which she expressed she might manual of marine invertebrates. Salaman­for the actual experiencing of how the dif­ der Book. London. ferent technologies work. Follow up con­ need SEAFDEC assistance). Moe MA Jr. 1982. The marine aquarium hand­tinues for months or years on such activi­ Contrasting Australia and the Philip­ book, beginner to breeder. The Nornsties Pub­ as organizing local fishing associations pines as aquarium fish exporters, she noted lishing Co., Marathon, Florida. that the former has a well-managed ma­ Spotte S. 1993. Marine aquarium keeping. Johnand cooperatives and developing value- Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York NY 10158-added livelihood schemes (Barber and rine ornamental fish industry, and practices 0012. Pratt 1997). sustainable fishing. Its fish collectors are Zerbe WB and CB Taylor. 1953. Seawater tem­ Cyanide detection tests (CDT). T h is themselves traders and exporters while perature and density reduction tables. Spec. getting higher prices for their products. Publ. No. 198, US Coast Geodetic Survey,computer-based test developed by IMA- 21 pp USA accurately detects cyanide in fish Australians are even better buyers than the ### tissues and organs. Managed by IMA and Americans. page 38

SEAFDEC Asian Aquaculture Vol. XXI No. 2 April 1999 37 AQD's marine ... from page 31 from 30 mating pairs in 1998; broodsize remained within 1-287 but average 'No' to cyanide ... from page 37 broodsize increased from 39 in 1997 to 86 is not available but will compensate for the in 1998. Similarly, a total of 43 broods from The Philippines has a different 12 h non-feeding period when food be­ six mating pairs ofH. kuda increased to 74 comes available. scenario. Here, she said, there is a wide broods from 7 pairs while broodsize range gap between exporters and collectors, Preliminary simulated transport ex­ and average increased from 1-721 and 325 periment on 33-day old H. kuda (stretched with some opportunistic middlemen in in 1997 to 44-1751 and 749 in 1998, re­ between. “Exporters have pressures on height. 16-38 mm) showed that seahorses spectively. at higher loading densities (10 and 20 ju­ them to improve quality and maintain market growth, but don’t know how to veniles per 500 ml) were grasping each Broodstock development of other by the tail and had higher survival deal with collectors.” rates 48 h post-transport than those at lower panther fish and blue tang Instead of advocating a ban, she loading density (5 juveniles per 500 ml). The panther fish (Cromileptis altivelis) in stressed, there is a need to organize at This result indicates the importance of pro­ its juvenile stage and blue tang the collectors’ level. “There should be an effort to manage collection grounds, viding a holdfast during transport at low (Paracanthurus hepatus) are among the otherwise, the problem can’t be re­ loading densities. highly-priced marine ornamental fishes. solved.” Pairing trials to establish mating pairs When grown, C. altivelis is one of the high- Certification (for fish caught with­ among wild and hatchery-produced H. valued species in the live food fish indus­ out the use of cyanide) works up to a barbouri resulted in 30 successfully mated try. Hatchery propagation of these species certain point, she said. “It is important pairs but only six pairs have been regularlywill reduce dependence on wild to show that there is an existing mar­ mating. A preliminary experiment on the populations, thus minimizing reef resource ket for certified products.” feeding cycle of H. barbouri under natural depletion and reef habitat degradation. In Davao, Flores related, Badjao photoperiod showed a distinct diurnal feed­ Since very little is known on the biology divers / fishers had been organized by ing behavior, that is, food consumption was and life history of these fishes, investiga­ an NGO and were taught coral-friendly significantly higher during daytime (about tion of the reproductive biology was initi­ fish collection skills by IMA. They 3-7 times) than food consumption during ated. AQD will look into factors that trig­ now have investors who are willing to nighttime. ger spawning, so these can be manipulated give access to a responsible market. Following improved techniques based to enhance artificial propagation. The Badjao community can take a step on the above results, seahorse production All panther fish broodstock were still further, into eco-tourism. An eco-tour in 1998 for both species has considerably in the female phase as shown by the pres­ of fishing and diving sites, wild-life increased compared with 1997 production. ence of yolky oocytes (mean diameter, sanctuaries, villages, etc. may be or­ The total number of hatchery produced 0.38-0.45 mm). ganized; thus, earning jobs and in­ potential broodstock has almost doubled in Two of the 37 blue tang expressed milt comes for, and boosting local pride and H. barbouri (190 in 1997; 319 in 1998) and in April, another 7 in August. In this group, morale of, everyone in the community. has increased by seven-fold in H. kuda (59 15 females were noted (mean weight, 145 Pleased and delighted by the engaging in 1997; 409 in 1998). The total number of g) as immature or maturing (mean oocyte treat, the visiting traders would be per­ broods (51) from 20 mating pairs of H. diameter, 0.3 mm). No gonadal tissues suaded to take or ship out only a few barbouri in 1997 increased to 103 broods were obtained from the rest. ### spectacular species, which they would come to prize and value highly. Fishery schools receive ... from page 3 Southeast Asia and Japan, (6) biennial / Net benefits of coral reef Twelve fishery schools were from Regions annual reports, (7) various issues of the protection II, VIII, IX and XI and one each from Re­ Aqua Farm News an d SEAFDEC Asian White and Cruz-Trinidad (1998) noted gions IV and V. Among the titles received Aquaculture, and (8) AQD brochures. that currently, the average yield of a were the (1) Proceedings of the first inter­ Further, seven schools have reserved Philippine reef is 15.6 tons per km2 per national conference on the culture allotted of publications to be picked up by yr. Healthy coral reefs can supply up prawn/shrimps, (2) Prawn hatchery design their students who attend this year's sum­ to 35 tons per km2 per yr of economi­ and operation, (3) Milkfish breeding and mer classes at UPV. The schools that re­ cally valuable fish ;and invertebrates. hatchery fry production, (4) Prawn indus­served were two each from Regions VII and try development in the Philippine, (5) Per­ IX and one each from Regions V, IV, and spectives in aquaculture developmentX. in- MBS

38 SEAFDEC Asian Aquaculture Vol. XXI No. 2 April 1999 A healthy reef ecosystem can con­ Fishers / Sagarin ... from page 24 Rabanal donates ... from page 3 tribute tourism and recreation revenues, shoreline protection and recruitment of fish and invertebrates. Besides its aes­ Floriano Sagarin til, the Texas Agricultural Extension Of­ thetic value, the reef is also a source of FISHER - TRAINOR, OLANGO ISLAND fice, the Philippine Journal of Science, construction materials such as lime and Fish Diseases Leaflet, General Informa­ sand and of pharmaceutical and indus­ Floriano Sagarin, 23, is a fisher-IMA tion Series of the BFAR 1983 and many trial products. trainor like his cousin. A fisher since 18, others. Numerous reports are also avail­ White and Cruz-Trinidad showed he also captures food fishes. able from the Philippines' government that 1 km2 of healthy reef with no An unforgettable fishing experi­ agencies and other countries. overfishing and some moderate level of ence? When a fisheries expert came Dr. Rabanal studied at UP Diliman tourism has a potential annual revenue aboard their boat at sea to inspect if they (1940), Harvard University (1948), and of US$31,900-113,000. brought with them some cyanide. Auburn University (1960). His field of They noted that if 50% of the Phil­ His fears? Plunging into the depths, specialization is aquaculture, especially ippines’ 27,000 km2 of coral reefs were “dahil maraming” kati (because the tropical brackishwater or coastal in a healthy state, around US$1 billion water is itchy). aquaculture; project formulation and would accrue annually to the country's Does he know of 60- to 70-year-old evaluation, and fisheries development economy. fishers? Yes and they’re “masigla pa” planning. He authored 150 (1940-1998) The total gain for protecting the (healthy). “Pero walang asenso” (no technical, semi-technical, and popular coral reef ecosystem is truly substan­ progress). papers on aquaculture, fisheries biology, tial. Why? “Pinatatakbo boss ng ang and related subjects. presyo” (Prices are dictated by the boss). He has received many awards, fore­ REFERENCES: He averages 2-3 dayo per month. most of which is the John Guggenheim Anon. 1996. Cyanide sauce. The Economist Does he expect any help from Foundation Science Fellowship Award 339 (7965): 35 government authorities or fisheries 1958 and Honorary Life Member Award Barber CV and FP Cruz. 1998. Turning the experts? Matulungan“ kami sa pagpasok of the World Aquaculture Society 1987. poison tide: the International MarineLife sa bawal na lugar” (Help fishers like us Dr. Rabanal is at present Chairman Alliance's cyanide fishing reform pilot program in Indonesia. Live Reef Fish, to gain entry into areas that are control­ Emeritus and Senior Technical Adviser, No. 4, April 1998: 3-7 led by local governments). However, this Aquafarming Development Foundation, Barber C V and VR Pratt. 1997. Policy re­ may not be feasible as it would mean Inc. with address at 26 Katipunan Rd, form and community-based pro­ going against the Fisheries Code. White Plains, Quezon City, Philippines. grammes to combat cyanide fishing in the Philippines. Live Reef Fish. No 3, He wants to venture into the busi­ He was bom on September 20, 1917 in December 1997: 26-35 ness of live food fish capture someday, Alaminos, Pangasinan; is married; and Dufour V. 1997. Pacific island countries and but said he didn’t have a lambat or net. has a son and daughter. the aquarium fish market. Live Reef Everyone is invited to see his Fish, No 2, May 1997: 6-9 collection at the AQD library. - MBS Engelmann N. 1996. Status of coral reefs in - BY NJ DAGOON Southeast Asia with an emphasis on de­ structive fishing habits, such as cyanide use. A report for the Human Society In­ ternational Henry Young ... from page 28 International Marinelife Alliance (IMA). 1998. Sanayang manual paggamit ng lambat sa panghuhuli ng isdang pang- customers and he makes it a point to ing live ornamental fish in 1970 and he akwaryum. IMA—Philippines. Quezon tell his divers to avoid it. Once says that business is thriving. She City, Philippines encounters 2% mortality but doesn’t Jones RJ. 1997. Effects of cyanide on coral. caught, the fish are placed in a Live Reef Fish, No 3, December 1997: holding tank and then individually complain about it. “In this business, 3-8 packed (with aeration) in plastic bags volume is not as important as the variety White A and A Cruz-Trinidad. 1998. The just enough for their size. The plastic of fish,” he says. The buyers usually values of Philippine coastal resources: identify the fish they want and arrange­ why protection and management are bags are then placed one on top of the critical. DENR-Coastal Resource Man­ other with ice in styropore boxes 22 x ments vary with each customer. agement Project. Cebu City, Philip­ 1 5x 15 inches to maintain 25°C pines. 15-33 temperature. His sister started export­ - BY MB SURTIDA ###

SEAFDEC Asian Aquaculture Vol. XXI No. 2 April 1999 39