Spc Activities

SPC ACTIVITIES

REEF FISHERIES OBSERVATORY Staff of the coastal component of the EU-funded Pacific Regional Oceanic and Coastal Fisheries Development Programme (PROCFish/C) and the Coastal Fisheries Development Programme (CoFish) conducted recent fieldwork in Fiji Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. In addition, database assistance was provided to the Vanuatu Fisheries Department and a socioeconomic technical manual was finalised.

Fieldwork in Fiji Islands

Socioeconomic surveys were involved in invertebrate fishing. reefs and lagoon areas. The main conducted at four sites in Fiji Nearly half of the surveyed distribution outlets for fisheries Islands in June/July 2007. These households (49%) relied on fish- resources were the Suva and the were followup surveys to those eries as their primary income Lami markets, where women conducted by the DemEcoFish source, with 72% of surveyed sold finfish and invertebrates and PROCFish/C project in households relying on fisheries weekly. Sea cucumbers, both 2002, when different methodolo- as both primary and secondary fresh and processed, were sold gies were used. The followup income sources. Thus, house- directly to exporters, while other surveys now use the agreed on holds in Muaivuso relied signif- invertebrates, such as octopus, methodologies of the PROCFish/C icantly on fisheries resources for sea urchins and spider conch project. The four sites surveyed, their social and economic liveli- shells were sold at the Suva mar- Muaivuso and Dromuna on Viti hoods. Fish consumption was ket weekly. In the last few years, Levu and Mali and Lakeba on very high at 107 kg/year with Muaivuso has been the target of Vanua Levu (Fig. 1), were the fresh fish consumed an average fisheries management initiatives same sites as previously sur- of four times per week. Inverte- with the University of the South veyed. The surveys were under- brate consumption was low and Pacific, the association of non- taken by Aliti Vunisea from this was also the case for the governmental organisations (e.g. PROCFish/C, with assistance consumption of canned fish. All the Fiji Locally Managed Marine from Ratu Nemani Cavuilati, households surveyed consumed Area — FLMMA), government Senior Fisheries Officer at the Fiji fresh fish, and about 86% of departments involved in marine Fisheries Department’s central households consumed inverte- resource management, and the office; Apisai Sesewa, Senior brates, mainly caught by house- Fiji Fisheries Department, work- Fisheries Officer northern office; hold members. ing together with local commu- and Tavenisa Vereivalu, Research nities to set up reef reserves in and Aquaculture Officer, north- The main fishing methods used the area. Most of these no-take ern division. PROCFish/C were gillnetting, diving and zones are currently monitored acknowledges the assistance of handlining, with women mainly by local communities with the the Fiji Fisheries Department, involved in handlining in the assistance of outside partners. the Provincial Office Northern shallower areas of the coastal With portions of coastal reef and the village headmen of Muaivuso, Dromuna, Nakawaga and Lakeba.

MUAIVUSO

In Muaivuso, 28 out of 60 households were surveyed, and an additional 25 fishers were interviewed. Fishing is a way of life for the community, with 86% of all surveyed households actively involved in reef fisheries. Although the community is in close proximity to Suva, people here live a subsistence lifestyle, with both men and women involved in semi-subsistence fishing activities. Men dominate finfish fishing activities, while women are mainly Figure 1: The four survey sites in Fiji Islands.

2 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 SPC ACTIVITIES areas as reserves, people go far- dlines. Most fishers sold their species such as sea cucumbers ther out to fish. Respondents, catch to the various distribution and lobsters, which were main- however, perceived positive outlets, and this included sell- ly sold to buyers from the changes to fisheries resources, ing to the Fisheries Department Labasa urban centre. both in availability, sizes and Centre, middle sellers, the distribution of certain finfish Nausori and Suva markets, and The main fishing methods used and invertebrate resources since other smaller outlets. Sea cucum- were gillnetting within the the implementation of manage- bers, one of the main marine lagoon and coastal reef areas, ment interventions. resources collected and sold by diving using spearguns, and both men and women, were handlining, which was mostly DROMUNA sold directly to exporters in done at night in outer reef areas. Suva. While there was no com- Women mostly fished within In Dromuna, 24 out of 60 house- munity level fisheries manage- the immediate inshore areas holds were surveyed, and an ment initiative in place, respon- using handlines or accompany- additional 15 fishers were inter- dents were interested in imple- ing their husbands on fishing viewed. Dromuna community, menting some form of fisheries trips to outer reef areas. which is about 30 minutes by management, given the com- boat from the nearest marketing munity’s high rate of depend- Management initiatives have centre, is one of the main suppli- ence on marine resources, high been introduced at the provin- ers of both finfish and inverte- harvest rates, and high inci- cial level, thus, a major portion brates to the Nausori and Suva dences of poaching or illegal of coastal reef areas was under a urban centres. Men dominated fishing by outsiders. five-year fishing ban. The com- the finfish fishery while women munity-based management ini- were largely involved in inverte- MALI tiatives in place were developed brate collection. Women were and implemented with the involved in finfish fishing for In Nakawaga village on the assistance of several interna- commercial purposes generally island of Mali, 16 out of 50 tional NGOs in collaboration when they went out on family households were surveyed, and with the Fiji Fisheries Depart- fishing ventures. Men’s partici- an additional 18 fishers were ment and communities. pation in the invertebrate fish- interviewed. Mali, which is only ery was more sporadic, collect- 20 minutes by boat from the LAKEBA ing whatever species they came Labasa market, is one of the across while finfish fishing. Both major suppliers of seafood, with In Lakeba, 25 out of 90 house- men and women collected cer- village fishermen selling fish holds were surveyed, with an tain invertebrate species for the almost daily to the market and additional 18 fishers inter- commercial market, including other distribution outlets. Most viewed. Lakeba is almost six species of sea cucumbers and of the fishers interviewed were hours by road to Labasa, the lobsters. involved in both finfish and nearest urban centre; therefore, invertebrate fisheries. There was selling finfish and invertebrates All households in the village a very high dependence on fish- to the market is conducted on a were involved in reef fisheries, eries resources for food and weekly basis. Most fishers inter- with 74% of all surveyed house- income, with 84% of surveyed viewed were involved in both holds depending on fisheries as households relying on fisheries finfish and invertebrate fish- their primary source of income, resources as their primary source eries. Despite transportation and another 10% of households of income, with another 10% and marketing difficulties, fish- relying on fisheries as their sec- relying on fisheries as their sec- eries resources were the pri- ondary income source. This indi- ondary income source. Fishing mary source of income for the cates the community’s high was an everyday activity, with community, with 96% of house- dependence on fisheries resources 94% of surveyed households holds stating that fisheries for their social and economic actively involved in reef fishing. resources were their primary livelihoods. Per capita consump- Per capita consumption of fin- and secondary income sources. tion of fresh fish was 105 kg/year, fish was high at 78 kg/year, but Fishing was an everyday activi- while invertebrate and canned low for invertebrates and canned ty, with all households actively fish consumption was very low. fish. Men dominated finfish fish- involved in reef fishing. Men ing activities, with women most- dominated finfish fishing activi- The main fishing methods used ly involved in invertebrate col- ties, while women were mostly were gillnetting and diving in lection. Men were, however, involved in invertebrate collec- the lagoon and coastal reef more involved in the harvesting tion. Women contributed signif- areas, while outer reef fishing of invertebrates for commercial icantly to household incomes mostly involved the use of han- purposes, and this included through their regular weekly

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 3 SPC ACTIVITIES sales of invertebrates to the fish was 70 kg/year, while con- Fisheries Department and com- Labasa market. Distribution of sumption of invertebrates was munities. A five-year fishing ban finfish was either to middle- much lower. The main fishing in certain reef areas had been sellers that frequented the vil- methods used were gillnetting, implemented at the provincial lage, or to the Fisheries handlining and spearfishing level and had been in existence Department fish buying centre within the lagoons, coastal and for two years. Perceptions from close to the village. outer reef areas. respondents focused largely on the positive changes in finfish Fishing was a daily activity Management was initiated and and invertebrate sizes, availabil- with fresh fish consumed on implemented through the assis- ity and abundance in coastal average four times per week. tance of international NGOs in fishing areas. Per capita consumption of fresh collaboration with FLMMA, the

Fieldwork and surveys in the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Finfish, invertebrate and socioe- and communities, represented viding air compressors and lodg- conomic surveys were conduct- by Mayor Capelle and the fishing facilities; and the National ed in four locations around the eries committee in Likiep; the Research Authority (NRAS) for Republic of the Marshall Islands Honourable Mayor of Ailuk, lending their medical kits. (RMI): Likiep, Ailuk, Arno and Madam Cradle Alfred; Junior Majuro atolls (Fig. 2) during De Brum, Likiep Fishbase Fieldwork in RMI was conduct- August/September 2007. The Manager; Joe and Yumiko De ed in several stages. First, two sites were selected by staff of the Brum on Likiep; Tempo Alfred SPC finfish divers trained two Marshall Islands Marine and Ken Alfred on Ailuk; and MIMRA divers/counterparts in Resources Authority (MIMRA) in boat skippers and helpers Alik finfish survey methodologies consultation with staff of the Lokeijak, Hermon John, Jackie and fish identification. These CoFish programme. RMI was the Jacklick, Jokna Myjena, Caleb four divers then assessed/sur- 17th country/territory to be sur- Hitchfield, Rice Snight, Aimbi veyed the finfish resources in veyed as part of the PROCFish/C Snight, Junior Alfred, Ricky Likiep and Ailuk atolls. The and CoFish project. Ritok, Baiwod Snight, and Jomi invertebrate team and socioe- Bunglick. The team also conomist, along with their The PROCFish/C and CoFish acknowledges the assistance ren- counterparts, conducted their team consisted of Kim Friedman, dered by other organisations work on the atolls at the same Kalo Pakoa, Emmanuel Tardy including the College of the time. At the conclusion of this and Ferral Lasi (invertebrates); Marshall Islands (CMI) for pro- work, there was a changeover of Silvia Pinca, Pierre Boblin and Ribanataake Awira (finfish); and Aliti Vunisea (socioeconomics). The PROCFish/C and CoFish team acknowledges and thanks the following MIMRA staff who assisted and/or worked with the team at one or more locations: Glen Joseph, Director; Florence Edwards, Chief, Coastal fisheries Division; Albon Ishoda, Deputy Chief, Coastal Fisheries Division; Melba White, Emma Kabua, Candis Guavis, and Clyde James, the main CoFish attachments/counterparts for the fieldwork; and Nakamura Reimers and Lee Polin, the skippers, and Boston Levai and Laneo Jacklick the crew, of MIMRA vessels M/V Laintok and M/V Jolok. Sincere thanks Figure 2: The four survey sites also go to the local governments in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

4 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 SPC ACTIVITIES

CoFish staff, with the arrival of (islets) are scattered along The outer reef habitat was gen- a second team. The same two almost all of the barrier reef erally very healthy. The eastern MIMRA finfish counterparts with fewer found in the north- coast could not be sampled due worked with one CoFish finfish west. The two main communi- to a lack of passes and rough diver to conduct finfish surveys ties live in the southern islands. weather (predominantly coming at Arno and Majuro atolls, with Three typical habitats, as from the northeast). No excep- the invertebrate team and described by the CoFish finfish tional densities or sizes of finfish socioeconomist, along with protocol (outer reef, back reef species were recorded. No their counterparts, conducting and intermediate or lagoon Bolbometopon muricatum were their work at the same time. reef), are clearly present at this observed and only very few, atoll. The fourth coastal habitat small-sized Cheilinus undulatus LIKIEP ATOLL (coastal reef) is missing because were found in the outer reef area. the atoll lacks any terrigenous Back reefs were mainly found in Likiep is a large atoll (Fig. 3) influence. Twenty finfish dive the northern part of the atoll and located at 9°54’N and 169°08’E. sites were made at Likiep in were very rare anywhere else, It is 45 km long and 15 km wide, three of the typical habitats: and these were, in general, com- and is oriented along a north- outer reef, back reef and inter- pletely covered in sand or detri- west–southeast axis. Passes are mediate reef. tus. Those that had some living present only in the south. Motus corals had numerous large-sized fish (Fig. 4). The intermediate reefs were essentially represented by large pinnacles with high coral cover (Fig. 5), but their surface area was limited. Fish were quite fearful of divers and were more abundant in the extreme northwestern part of the atoll, far from the main village.

The invertebrate team worked both within the lagoon and on both sides of the barrier reef. Abundance of most invertebrate species was relatively low at Likiep, predominantly due to the poor nutrient profile and exposed nature of the environ- ment, although, fishing activities also had a noticeable effect. In the southern part of the atoll, the exterior reef slope was steeper, and coral life forms were more complex, supporting a wider range of invertebrates in the relatively protected (less exposed) reef.

Giant clams were a commonly harvested fishery resource, and Tridacna maxima was the most common species recorded. Stocks where relatively healthy, especially those on reefs close to Figure 3 (top): Likiep Atoll, showing passages where water exchange some of the survey sites. and movement was greatest. Fishing pressure was noted on Figure 4 (middle): Caranx reefs near Likiep Island. The flut- sexfasciatus in a back reef habitat. ed clam (T. squamosa) and horse- hoof clam (Hippopus hippopus), Figure 5 (bottom): High coral cover were also recorded. Abundance in an intermediate reef habitat.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 5 SPC ACTIVITIES of T. squamosa was moderate to eries Officer, pers. comm. 2007). knowledge of the moon phases, low, whereas H. hippopus was A resurvey of areas where the tides and winds when fishing. relatively common. In addition, introductions were made was More than 95% of the surveyed there was a batch of T. derasa at completed, but these were found households were actively MIMRA’s aquaculture facility at to be a non-optimal locations for involved in reef fisheries. Men Likiep. About 5000 juvenile trochus and none were recorded. dominated both finfish fishing T. derasa were introduced 16 and invertebrate collection years ago (1–2 cm shell length), Socioeconomic surveys at activities, with women only and now, 150 remain (35–40 cm Likiep covered 20 out of 80 minimally participating in both shell length). T. derasa was not households, and an additional activities. Likiep is an isolated recorded outside the nursery 22 fishers were interviewed. atoll, and thus distribution during the survey, although the Community activities were potential for the commercial local fisheries officer reported organised around fishing activi- market is very limited. A fish sightings of T. derasa juveniles ties, with people still using buying centre was set up on the (possibly new recruitments) on reefs to the west of the nursery. The MIMRA Likiep facility pro- duces clams (T. derasa, T. maxima and T. squamosa, Fig. 6) for the aquarium market. The clams are sent to Majuro to be sold to international buyers.

A relic of a much larger population of T. gigas still exists at Likiep Atoll. The Likiep survey observed a few medium to large sized individuals around reefs, typically in the west of the atoll, away from the main habitable islands. It is promising to see this giant bivalve present in Likiep, as natural populations are endangered around the Pacific. Some management attention is needed for all clam species at Likiep, especially for rebuilding remnant stocks of T. gigas.

The pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera was recorded sporadically at Likiep, and a spat collection trial is underway as part of a study to look at pearl farming prospects in the country. Unfor- tunately, the commercial top- shell “trochus” (Trochus niloticus) is not endemic to the Marshall Islands, and they were not introduced to Likiep in the 1930s. According to local reports, an attempt was made some years ago to seed reefs at Likiep, but this was unsuccessful (Junior De Brum, Likiep Fish-

Figure 6: T. derasa (top) and T. squamosa (bottom) broodstock at the MIMRA clam nursery at Likiep.

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atoll by MIMRA, however, diffi- AILUK ATOLL could not be surveyed due to culties and costs of transporting bad weather. In general, the fresh fish to the urban areas of Ailuk is an elongated shaped outer reef types in the southern Majuro and Ebeye have made atoll (Fig. 7) that is 30 km long, and western part were vertical this activity sporadic. Handi- 13 km wide, and oriented in a walls. Therefore, the living coral craft sales were the primary north–south direction. It is locat- surface area is reduced, income source for 35% of house- ed at 10°20’N and 169°56’E. The although it is very rich and holds; these sales were the pri- deepest part of the lagoon is diverse. Fish were quite large mary responsibility of women. about 40 m. Nearly all of the and their densities rather high. Fisheries resources were second motus are on the east- in terms their importance as an ern side of the atoll. income source, being the primary The southernmost motu income source for 20% of house- is inhabited by a com- holds; 40% of households rely on munity of fishermen fisheries as their secondary income who still use sailing or source. The higher reliance on fish- paddling outrigger eries resources as a secondary canoes. The western income source mainly involved part of the reef is more local selling of dried fish. submerged and pres- ents four passes, one of Per capita fish consumption was which is very wide. very high at 144 kg/year, with Nineteen finfish sites fresh fish consumed around four were assessed around times per week. Invertebrate the atoll (Fig. 7), cover- consumption was almost negli- ing three of the main gible, and this was because habitat types: outer gleaning and collecting shellfish reef, back reef and and other invertebrates was only intermediate reef. done during periods of very low tides. Other invertebrates, such Among the three rep- as lobsters and coconut crabs, resented habitats, the were occasionally harvested and outer reefs were by far sent by plane to relatives on the most diverse. Majuro or Ebeye. All surveyed Outer reefs on the households consumed fresh fish atoll’s eastern side and invertebrates, and there was very low consumption of canned fish. This was associated with both the low purchasing power of residents, and their preference for fresh fish.

The main fishing methods prac- ticed included deep-bottom fishing, diving and handlining, with women mainly involved in handlining in lagoon areas. Both fish and fish catches were large, reflecting the abundance of finfish resources. Although some management initiatives exist, they have not been implemented at sites that have been identified as needing some form of protection. With transportation problems and a lack of markets, local fish consumption is high and fishing is done prima- rily for subsistence purposes. Figure 7 (top): Ailuk Atoll, showing some of the survey sites. Figure 8 (bottom): Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos on outer reef.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 7 SPC ACTIVITIES

However, the team did not fish of good size but in general Lobsters, which are not general- record any Bolbometopon murica- fish are scared of divers. ly targeted in CoFish and tum, and found few Cheilinus PROCFish/C in-water surveys, undulatus and sharks (Fig. 8). Giant clams were a commonly were uncommon. In surveys tar- harvested fishery resource. geting other species, lobsters Back reefs were rather detritic T. maxima and the larger clams, were rarely noted, despite there or sandy but surprisingly rich T. squamosa and H. hippopus were being an active fishery. where more corals were present. recorded, with H. hippopus rela- Corals were alive and healthy tively common across the site. Topshells (or trochus, Trochus even those very close to the sur- T. gigas were recorded as dead niloticus) are not endemic to face. Fish were very wary and shells only, especially on the tops Ailuk, although introductions were of average sizes and densi- of patch reefs. may have potential because the ties. Intermediate reefs were western reefs are very complex generally represented by small Sea cucumber resources at and potentially suitable for sup- patches or pinnacles and were Ailuk were generally poor. porting this gastropod (with not very abundant. Some were Commercial species included adjacent back reefs suitable for very well built and quite alive Bohadschia argus, Holothuria atra, juvenile trochus). (Fig. 9), others are detritic or H. edulis, Thelenota anax and T. sandy, and covered in algae ananas. Leopardfish, B. argus, Socioeconomic surveys at Ailuk (especially Microdyction). There found during the surveys had an covered 19 out of 60 house- were abundant planktophagous unusual pattern and colour, with holds, and an additional 29 fish- little of the normal spot- ers were interviewed. Fishing is ting that is characteristic a way of life for the community, for this species (samples with all surveyed households have been sent for identi- (100%) actively involved in reef fication confirmation). fisheries. Men dominated both finfish fishing and invertebrate Infaunal species were of collection activities. An out- little importance at Ailuk, standing feature of Ailuk was with no extensive shell the high use of traditional beds (e.g. Anadara or canoes for fishing and trans- Strombus luhuanus) found. portation within the lagoon, and the lack of motorised boats.

Handicraft sales were the primary source of income for households because of transportation difficulties and a lack of markets for selling seafood products. Only 10% of households relied on fisheries resources as their primary income source, and another 10% relied on fisheries as their secondary income source. House- holds, therefore, relied significantly on fisheries resources for basic food needs. Per capita fresh fish consumption was very high at 144 kg/year with fresh fish consumed on average 5.5 times per week. Invertebrate and canned fish consumption was low. All surveyed households consumed fresh fish and invertebrates. Invertebrates such Figure 9 (top): MIMRA trainees Melba White as lobsters, giant clams and and Emma Kabua on a rich intermediate reef. coconut crabs were often harvested and sent to relatives by Figure 10 (bottom): Finfish dive stations in Laura, plane. western part of Majuro Atoll,

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The main fishing methods used The back reef system around colensis were observed in almost were bottom fishing, diving and Laura mostly consisted of rub- all stations along with schools of handlining, with women occa- ble and sand with little coral Gnathodentex aurolineatus. Larger sionally participating in han- coverage (20–30%), and mostly fish were quite wary of divers in dlining within the shallower dominated by submassive and Laura’s back reef system, which areas of the lagoon. Fish were massive corals. Finfish popula- might indicate that spearfishing large and abundant in nearshore tions were mostly dominated by and human disturbances were areas, and the lack of regular rubble- and sand-associated fish frequent occurances. commercial fishing activities species, such as lethrinids may explain this. Management (emperors), mullids (goatfish) Intermediate reefs showed interventions have been devel- and to a lesser extent scarids. greater coral coverage (40–60%) oped in the community through Size ranges of fish observed compared with back reefs, and the assistance of international were quite small (15–25 cm). were dominated by digitate, NGOs and the College of the Schools of Mulloidichthys vani- submassive, tabulate and Marshall Islands in collaboration with MIMRA. Several fishing areas have been identified for consideration for management by the community.

MAJURO ATOLL – LAURA VILLAGE

Majuro Atoll (Fig. 10) is about 40 km long and 15 km wide, and is located at 7°10’N and 171°15’E. The deepest part of the lagoon is about 70 m. The atoll’s southern part consists of a series of motus (64 in total), with one main bridge over a pass in the reef to connect the main urban areas. Given Majuro Atoll’s size, the Laura area to the west was chosen for survey work, with 18 finfish dive stations covering the three habitat types found there: outer reef, back reef and intermediate reef.

The outer reefs had a high diver- sity of coral species with coverage ranging from 80–100%. Tabulate coral coverage was very high at the second dive station in the north, close to Rongrong Island (Fig. 11). For the remain- ing stations the massive and submassive corals were dominant with patches of digitate, foliose and branching corals.

Finfish resources in the outer reef system around Laura were dominated by Chlorurus microrhinos and Acanthurus blochii which were observed in large schools. Large Cheilinus undulatus (70–80 cm in length) were Figure 11 (top): Tabulate corals dominating one site in the outer also observed at some of the sur- reef, with counterpart diver Emma Kabua recording data. vey stations. Figure 12 (bottom): Dead tabulate coral covered with algae.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 9 SPC ACTIVITIES

Pinctada margaritifera was recorded sporadically throughout the site in low densities.

Socioeconomic surveys at Laura covered 24 out of 180 households, with an additional 25 fishers interviewed. Fishing is central to the lifestyle of the people, with 96% of the surveyed households actively involved in reef fisheries. Laura Figure 13 (left): Epinephelus polyphekadion in the is about one and half hours by intermediate reef off Laura. road to Majuro’s urban centre, thus the community has access Figure 14 (right): A species of Bohadschia awaiting to fish distribution outlets in identification confirmation both Laura and Majuro. Because of the community’s easy access branching corals. At a station were recorded at low to very to Majuro, the main source of opposite the main pass, dead low densities. Like the northern income was from paid employ- table corals covered with algae sites, the leopardfish (B. argus) ment, although a large propor- were observed (Fig. 12), indicat- recorded during the surveys tion of the population relied on ing that either a massive bleach- had an unusual pattern and fisheries resources for their pri- ing of table corals had occurred, colour (Fig. 14), with samples mary and secondary income or there had been a heavy storm taken and sent for identification sources (58%). Men dominated in the area several years back. confirmation). finfish fishing activities, while Schools of snappers (Lutjanus women were mainly involved gibbus 20–25 cm) and L. bohar Spider shells (Lambis spp.), in invertebrate collection. (25–30 cm) were observed in which were commonly harvest- great numbers along with juve- ed, were sporadically found in Women’s involvement in handi- nile coral trout (Plectopomus lae- medium to low densities. craft production for income vis and P. areolatus). A few Lobsters, which are not general- generation was similar to the groupers (Epinephelus polypheka- ly targeted in CoFish and situation in the outer islands. dion) were observed at some of PROCFish/C in-water surveys, Invertebrate collection was the stations (Fig. 13). were uncommon, with only one done on very low tides, or dur- Panulirus penicillatus and two P. ing specific seasons, winds and Giant clams were a common versicolor recorded. moon phases. Thus, households fishery resource, and T. maxima, relied significantly on fisheries T. squamosa and H. hippopus Trochus niloticus were intro- resources for their social and were observed. H. hippopus and duced to the Marshall Islands, economic livelihoods. Per capita T. squamosa were typically aver- including Majuro, in the 1930s fresh fish consumption was age to large in size, while T. and were regularly recorded in very high at 132 kg/year, with maxima tended to be smaller surveys at Laura, although only fresh fish consumed on average than the mean found in any of in low densities. Nonetheless, four times per week. All house- the PROCFISH/C countries vis- several juvenile specimens were holds surveyed consumed fresh ited so far. T. maxima densities recorded in a back reef nursery fish, while about 83% of house- were moderate to low, while H. site, indicating that spawning holds consumed invertebrates. hippopus densities were surpris- and recruitment were ongoing. Difficulty in accessing inverte- ingly high. brates and their decreasing The survey team were unable to numbers were the main reasons Sea cucumber resources at check the windward reef slope of given by respondents for why Laura were generally poor, with the outer reef. At Majuro, invertebrates were not con- only seven commercial species trochus was found in high densi- sumed as frequently as finfish. recorded (Actinopyga mauritiana, ties (Clyde James, Aquaculture Bohadschia argus, Holothuria atra, Specialist with MIMRA, pers The main fishing methods used H. edulis, H. nobilis, Thelenota comm 2007) on the outer reef of were gillnetting, diving, bottom ananas and T. anax). Densities of the Amata Kabua international fishing and handlining, with H. atra were relatively high, airport, although this area is dis- women mainly involved in han- while those of T. anax were tant from Laura and outside the dlining within the shallower moderate. All other species CoFish study area. The bivalve areas of the combined coastal

10 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 SPC ACTIVITIES and lagoon areas. Night fishing patches of massive, submassive at almost all back reef stations on was more frequent — and more and digitate corals. Fish assem- the northeast side of the atoll. fishing trips were made on a reg- blages were dominated by ular basis — at Laura than at of Chlorurus microrhinos (Fig. 18) In the lagoon, almost all inter- the other survey sites, and this and Naso brevirostris. White tip mediate reef patches were quite was mostly fishing specifically reef sharks were a common sight healthy, with coral coverage for commercial purposes. There were no community-based management initiatives in Laura and the open access to the fishing grounds within the Laura area could be the reason for this.

ARNO ATOLL

Arno Atoll (Fig. 15) — located at 7°05’N and 171°44’E — is a 30- minute boat ride from Majuro. It is L-shaped, and unlike most other atolls, it encloses three different lagoons, a large central one, and two smaller ones to the north and east. The finfish dive stations were selected based on the area targeted by local fishermen. Three main habitat types were covered (outer reef, back reef and intermediate reef), with 6 dive stations for each habitat for a total of 18 tran- sect dives. Invertebrate dive stations were also located in the same areas (Fig. 15).

Coral coverage at the outer reef was very diverse (Fig. 16), with submassive and massive corals dominating all six stations. Coral coverage was high, ranging from 70–80% with patches of branching, tabulate and foliose corals. Fish assemblages were dominated by typical semi-pelagic species, such as rainbow runners (Elegatis bipinnulata, Fig. 17), Chlorurus microrhinos, Acanthurus olivaceus and Macolor macularis. Large species of Cheilinus undulatus and Plectropomus laevis were also observed in high numbers.

Arno’s back reefs were mostly covered by rubble, sand and

Fig 15 (top): Invertebrate dive stations in Arno Figure 16 (middle): Corals covering Arno’s outer reef. Figure 17 (bottom): School of Elegatis bipinnulata at Arno’s outer reef.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 11 SPC ACTIVITIES ranging from 30–80% and dom- Sea cucumber resources at Arno transplanted onto the reef in inated by submassive, massive, were poor, especially in the front of the Arno fishbase jetty digitate and tabulate corals. In shallow parts of the lagoon. (south coast). During this sur- some areas, coral coverage was Only one species, Thelenota anax vey, we found only low densi- low and the substrate was dom- was recorded in good densities ties around the reefs adjacent to inated by turfs and other algae during the sea cucumber day the fishbase and their distribu- types. The highlight of this habi- survey stations. Six commercial tion range seemed to be limited tat were the large schools of species were recorded (Actino- to the inner lagoon and western Naso hexacanthus and Acanthurus pyga mauritiana, Bohadschia argus, reefs. The northern reefs, how- mata observed (Fig. 19) at nearly Holothuria atra, H. fuscogilva, ever, seem to be a promising site every station. Large Plectro- Thelenota ananas and T. anax), for any future attempt of seed- pomus laevis (>70 cm) were also and mostly in very low densi- ing. A few specimens of the observed at two stations, and ties. Anecdotal reports suggest bivalve Pinctada margaritifera juvenile Cheilinus undulatus that sea cucumbers were har- were also recorded. (40–50 cm) were sighted at near- vested at Arno in the recent ly every station. past, and Stichopus chloronotus Socioeconomic surveys at Arno was among the reported species covered 16 out of 60 house- At Arno, densities of Tridacna harvested, although our survey holds, with an additional 18 maxima were found to be moder- did not record a single specimen fishers interviewed. There is a ate to high in the outer part of the of this usually common species. fish selling centre at Arno, thus western ocean-facing reefs, but there is a ready outlet for com- densities were low elsewhere. Spider shells, especially Lambis mercial fishing activities. Even Hippopus hippopus was recorded chiragra, were found in healthy though they live quite close to in moderate densities on the inner densities, while other gas- Majuro, the people at Arno live part of the northern reef, while tropods harvested by local fish- a semi-subsistence lifestyle, elsewhere densities were low to ermen (e.g. Turbo argyrostomus, with a regular commercial fish- moderate. T. squamosa were Strombus luhuanus and Thais ing venture providing the main recorded on only a few occasions. spp.) were found in low densi- means of income generation. ties. No lobsters were recorded About 96% of households were anywhere at Arno. involved in reef fisheries, either for food or for income. Fisheries After initial attempts resources provided 48% of sur- at introduction in veyed households with their the 1930s, the primary and secondary income commercial top- sources. Men dominated both shell, T. niloticus finfish and invertebrate collec- was again intro- tion activities, with women occa- duced at Arno in sionally participating in some 1990, with 200 fishing and invertebrate collec- adult specimens tion. Invertebrates were mostly collected from targeted during special seasons, Majuro Atoll. The very low tides and special moon animals were phases, and so were not regularly harvested by many of the surveyed households. Per capita fresh fish consumption was 120 kg/year, with fish consumed five times per week. Per capita invertebrate consumption was nearly negligible, with canned fish consumption also low.

The main fishing methods used at Arno were bottom fishing, gillnetting, diving and handlin- Figure 18 (top): School of Chlorurus microrhinos ing, with women mainly han- at Arno’s back reef. dlining within the shallower coastal and lagoon areas. The Figure 19: Schools of Naso hexacanthus (bottom left) and main distribution outlet for fish- Acanthurus mata (bottom right) taking on a dark colour while eries resources was the fish cen- in schooling mode at an intermediate reef in Arno.

12 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 SPC ACTIVITIES tre at Arno, although many fish- catch in Majuro. Some manage- Arno, with some areas identified ers chose to market their own ment work had been initiated at for marine resource protection.

Database assistance to Vanuatu In an effort to help national fish- tom databases have been devel- eries access database, by eries authorities make use of oped by the fisheries authorities restructuring the tables and data collected within countries to meet their specific needs. writing a set of queries to pro- from markets, logbooks and duce yearly statistics. He also other sources of information, In August, the PROCFish/C’s demonstrated from that geolo- SPC’s Marine Resources Division Information and Database cated data could be plotted on develops standardised database Manager, Franck Magron, trav- top of bathymetric charts show- and software that are distributed elled to Vanuatu to assist the ing the fish catch and effort in the region. In addition to the staff of the Fisheries Department around seamounts. standard collection systems, cus- to standardise their coastal fish-

Technical manual for socioeconomic surveys

The English version of a techni- uled to be held in Noumea, New vey; and extraction of data for cal manual produced by the Caledonia, December 2007 and further and individual use. PROCFish/C and CoFish proj- January 2008. A third training ect titled “Socioeconomic fish- workshop, in French for partici- The software package devel- eries surveys in Pacific Islands: pants from OCT territories, will oped by the project’s Informa- A manual for the collection of a also be held in early 2008. tion and Database Manager will minimum dataset” by Mecki be installed on participants’ Kronen, Natasha Stacey, Paula Each workshop will address the computers. The training work- Holland, Franck Magron and following major issues: ration- shop aims at maximising hands-on Mary Power (Fig. 20) went to ale of socioeconomic fisheries familiarisation with the method the printers in September. This surveys and understanding of a and software developed. manual was designed in response minimum dataset; introduction to the most urgent issues voiced and familiarisation with the Participants will work on a lim- by the fisheries services in the manual, the methods and soft- ited project sample and will also Pacific Island countries and terri- ware; data entry, retrieval and use case studies for presentation tories covered by the project. The interpretation; discussion of and group discussions. The manual targets staff from gov- questionnaire surveys, accom- English version of the manual ernmental and non-governmen- panying tools and additional can be downloaded from the tal organisations interested in information needed to success- project webpage: providing the much needed data fully accomplish a fisheries sur- baseline, which decision-makers http://www.spc.int/coastfish/sec- and managers require for the tions/reef/publications.htm rational management of coastal reef and lagoon resources to The French version of the man- ensure their sustainable use for ual should be available by the food security, livelihood and end of the year. economic development.

The manual will be introduced to the region through a series of sub-regional workshops. A workshop announcement has gone out to all 17 participating ACP countries and OCT territories for the nomination of a PROCFish/C-funded partici- Figure 20: The manual pant to one of three training “Socioeconomic fisheries courses. The first two training surveys in Pacific Islands: courses, in English, are sched- A manual for the collection of a minimum dataset”.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #122 – July/September 2007 13