Size limits and other coastal fisheries regulations used in the Pacific Islands region

SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY BP D5 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX Total length Measure across the shell NEW CALEDONIA

Telephone: +687 26 20 00 Thoracic length Facsimile: +687 26 38 18 Email: [email protected] Length

http://www.spc.int/coastfish Carapace width Carapace length 1 2

Carapace width S i ze li m i t s a n d ot h e r co a s t a l fi s h e r i e s reg u l a t i o n s u s e d in th e Pac i f i c Is l a n d s reg i o n

prepared by the Coastal Fisheries Management and Fisheries Information Sections of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community

produced with financial assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the governments of , France and New Zealand –ii– –iii–

© Secretariat of the Pacific Community, 2005

All rights for commercial / for profit reproduction or translation, in any form, reserved. SPC authorizes the partial reproduction or translation of this material for Acknowledgements scientific, educational or research purposes, provided that SPC and the source document are properly acknowledged. Permission to reproduce the document This booklet was prepared as one of SPC’s commitments under the Strategic plan and/or translate in whole, in any form, whether for commercial / for profit or non- for fisheries management and sustainable coastal fisheries in the Pacific Islands, profit purposes, must be requested in writing. Original SPC artwork may not be which was developed by Pacific Island countries and endorsed by the third Heads altered or separately published without permission. of Fisheries Meeting in August 2003. The booklet assists PICs in achieving Goal 3 of the strategic plan, which calls for development of practical and enforceable fish- Original text: English eries regulations. SPC wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Terry Keju, Chief Fisheries Policy Adviser for the Republic of the who collected most of the informa- tion contained in the booklet during the course of his training attachment at SPC. SPC is also grateful to the different Pacific Island fisheries departments, which have ———————————————————————————————————— helped develop this concise compendium and have checked the final draft for Secretariat of the Pacific Community Cataloguing-in-publication data accuracy. Aymeric Desurmont, SPC Fisheries Information Specialist, supervised, designed and Size limits and other coastal fisheries regulations used in the Pacific Islands edited the booklet, which was produced through funding from the region / prepared by the Coastal Fisheries Management and Fisheries Commonwealth Secretariat with support from the governments of Australia, Information Sections of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community France and New Zealand.

1. Fisheries - Regulations – Pacific Islands - Handbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Fishes – Size – Pacific Islands - Handbooks, manuals, etc. 3. Invertebrates – Size – Pacific Islands - Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title II. Secretariat of the Pacific Community About this booklet

639.209 AACR2 This booklet is not a legal text. References to legal texts used in compiling this infor- mation are given on page 32. For more details, refer to the legislations (from which ISBN 982-00-0124-2 these examples were drawn) on the SPC Coastal Fisheries Programme website ———————————————————————————————————— (www.spc.int/coastfish/countries/countries.htm), or on the Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute webpages (http://www.paclii.org/). This information is current at the date of printing (September 2005) and is subject to change because sever- al Pacific Island countries, states or territories are in the process of revising their fish- eries regulations. When using the information within this booklet, be sure to note the following: - Only species for which there were size limits in place were taken into account. - Values given in the Siz column correspond to “minimum size” unless other- e limi wise specified. ts - The text used in the S and S columns was reproduced from the pecie ize lim Graphics of giant clams (Tridacnidae), Ac , Bir s its tinop gus la official text (but measurements were converted to millimetres (mm) to facilitate and T by Jipé LeBars, ©SPC. yga tro roch lecan comparisons). us nilo ora All other graphictiscuwsere reproduced from the following publication, with - The text used in the O column is a summary and does not neces- ther r egula kind permission from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United sarily use the legal text wording. tions Nations (FAO). Copyright for these images remains with FAO. - Entries in each group are presented in alphabetical order by country. In Carpenter K.E. and Niem V.H.. 1998. FAO species identification guide for instances where one country regulates several species from the same group, the fisheries purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central entries are then in alphabetical order by species. Pacific. Rome, FAO. 6 vol. 4218 p. - The booklet includes illustrations of the various techniques used for measuring fisheries resources. –iv– –1–

Contents Foreword

Foreword ...... 1 There is no single template for fisheries management that can be applied to all Size limits and other fisheries regulations: Pacific Islands. However, most of the species that are fished in the region are the Bivalves Clams ...... 2 same from island to island. Because of this shared biological heritage, there are Oysters ...... 3 certain fundamental principles that can be transferred from each island as "mini- Gastropods Trochus ...... 4 mum terms and conditions" for maintaining viable coastal fisheries. Chief among Turban shells ...... 5 these are biological and ecological protection measures that are simple to under- Triton shells ...... 5 stand and therefore comparatively simple to enforce. Size limits in particular are Spiny ...... 6 methods that have been used in Pacific Island fisheries regulations for many Slipper lobsters ...... 8 decades, and which have traditional expressions as well. There is a certain intuitive Mantis ...... 9 understanding that it is probably better to not catch fish, or invertebrates, until they ...... 10 are old enough to reproduce. However, it is less obvious what the age is of first Mangrove crab ...... 11 reproduction for most of these creatures, particularly when this age may vary Other ...... 11 according to and climate. Holothurians Sea cucumbers - beche-de-mer ...... 12 Sea turtles ...... 16 This booklet is a vehicle for sharing knowledge between the islands of the Pacific Bony fish Acanthuridae (surgeonfish, tangs, unicornfish) ...... 18 Community about the basic fishery management measures that have been Belonidae (needlefish) ...... 18 used in different places for regulating particularly important or potentially vulner- Carangidae (jacks and pompanos) ...... 19 able species. Regulations should not be transferred verbatim from one area to Centropomidae (snooks) ...... 19 another unless their situations are known to be similar. This booklet is not intend- Chanidae (milkfish) ...... 19 ed to promote any particular management measure or approach, but indicates Gerreidae (mojarras) ...... 20 the range of measures that have been used. It also presents the legal and fish- Kuhliidae (aholeholes) ...... 20 ery management precedents that have been set in various countries. This infor- Kyphosidae (sea chubs) ...... 20 mation will be useful to Pacific Island governments that are developing or revis- Labridae (wrasses) ...... 21 ing fisheries regulations. Leiognathidae (slimys, slipmouths or ponyfish) ...... 21 Lethrinidae (emperors or scavengers) ...... 22 Tim Adams Lutjanidae (snappers) ...... 22 Director, SPC Marine Resources Division Mugilidae (mullets) ...... 24 Mullidae (goatfish) ...... 24 Scaridae (parrotfish) ...... 25 Scombridae (mackerels, tunas, bonitos) ...... 25 Serranidae (groupers and fairy basslet) ...... 26 Siganidae (rabbitfish) ...... 28 Sphyraenidae (barracudas) ...... 28 Various techniques for measuring fisheries resources ...... 29 References ...... 32 Bivalves Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Clams Giant clams 7 in (180 mm) across American Samoa (Tridacnidae) the longest part of shell

Tridacna maxima 120 mm across the French Polynesia bénitier longest part of shell pahua

Hippopus hippopus Tridacnid clams 7 in (180 mm) across No commercial harvest allowed. (giant clams) the shell Bag limit for personal use Tridacna maxima, (3 pcs/person/day). T. squamosa, T. derasa or any other Tridacna, and Hippopus hippopus hima – 2 – Clams 180 mm across the shell Bag limit (10 clams/day/person) Tridacna derasa gege

Tridacna maxima 160 mm across the shell Samoa faisua

Tridacna squamosa 200 mm across the shell Samoa faisua

Tridacna maxima Tridacna derasa 260 mm across the shell Tonga tokanoa molemole

Tridacna maxima 155 mm across the shell Tonga kukukuku

Tridacna squamosa 180 mm across the shell Tonga matahele Tridacna squamosa

Oysters

Pinctada margaritifera 6 in (152 mm) diameter Closed season Federated States of black-lip mother-of-pearl along the largest (1 August–31 December). - Kosrae oyster shell dimension across the outside of the shell

Pinctada margaritifera 4 in (100 mm) diameter Closed season Federated States of black-lip mother-of-pearl across the nacre (1 August–31 December). Micronesia - Pohnpei oyster shell

Pinctada margaritifera 100 mm from the butt Fiji Islands pearl oyster or hinge to the oppo- Pinctada margaritifera civa site edge or lip

Pinctada margaritifera 130 mm shell diameter Limited season and limited areas French Polynesia huître perlière et nacrière across the nacre, as declared by local government. –

excluding the growth 3 processes (spines) –

Pinctada margaritifera 4 in (100 mm) diameter Closed season Marshall Islands black-lip-mother-of-pearl across the nacre (1 August–31 December). oyster shell

Pinctada margaritifera 4 in (100 mm) of shell Closed season Palau blacklip pearl oyster width (1 August–31 December). chesiuch

Pinctada margaritifera 130 mm from the hinge Samoa pearl oyster to the opposite edge tifa as its longest point

Pteria penguin 200 mm across the Tonga winged pearl oyster umbo-ventral length tofe Pteria penguin Gastropods Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Trochus Trochus niloticus 80 mm min. and Limited season and areas, individ- (Aitutaki) trochus 110 mm max. across ual quotas, license required, no the shell export unless approved by Council.

Trochus niloticus 3 in (76 mm) min. and No harvest at anytime unless offi- Federated States of trochus 4 in (100 mm) max. cially authorized. Micronesia - Kosrae tukasungai across the shell

Trochus niloticus 3 in (76 mm) diameter Restrictions on season, areas and Federated States of Trochus niloticus trochus at the base harvesting technique. Micronesia - Pohnpei

Trochus niloticus 90 mm basal diameter Fiji Islands trocas shell; sici

Trochus niloticus 80 mm min. and Limited season and limited areas French Polynesia – 4

troca 110 mm max. longest as declared by local government. – diameter Trochus niloticus 4 in (100 mm) across Bag limit (1000 pcs/person/), Guam trochus; aliling the shell license required, limited areas, (for commercial purposes) max total harvest: 10,000 pcs/year.

Trochus niloticus 3 in (76 mm) across the Bag limit (50 pcs/person/day). Guam trochus; aliling shell Export limited to 20 pcs/person. (for personal use)

Trochus 3 in (76 mm) basal Regulations on season, areas, har- Marshall Islands diameter vesting technique, and export. Fishing license required.

Trochus niloticus 90 mm longest Fishing license required. New Caledonia troca diameter

Trochus niloticus 3 in (76 mm) basal Closed seasons and limited fishing Palau trochus, semum diameter areas.

Tectus sp. 65 mm across the base Samoa aliao Samoa of the shell Trochus niloticus 75 mm across the base Samoa trochus/top shell of the shell aliao lapoa Trochus 80 mm min. and 120 mm No export allowed. Solomon Islands max. diameter as meas- Tectus sp. ured across the base Trochus 90 mm basal diameter Export permit required.

Trochus niloticus 90 mm min. and Export permit required. Wallis & Futuna troca 110 mm max. longest diameter

Turban shells

Turbo marmoratus 160 mm min. and Limited season and limited areas French Polynesia – burgau 180 mm max. longest as declared by local government. 5 – diameter Turbo sp. 30 mm across whorl Samoa green opening alili Turbo marmoratus 150 mm in its longest Export permit required. Vanuatu green snail dimension

Triton shells Charonia tritonis 200 mm in length when Tonga triton shell measured along the kele‘a outside of the shell from one end to the other

Charonia tritonis 200 mm in length when Vanuatu trumpet shell measured along the outside of the shell Crustaceans Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Spiny lobsters Panulirus sp. 3 1/8 in (85 mm) carapace No taking of egg-bearing American Samoa spiny lobsters length, defined as the mid- females. line measurement taken from the leading edge of the carapace between the horns to the rear edge of the carapace

Lobsters 1 lb weight or 3 in (76 mm) No taking of egg-bearing Federated States of carapace length females. Micronesia - Kosrae

Panulirus penicillatus 180 mm length No taking of egg-bearing French Polynesia –

langouste verte measured from the eye to females. Closed season 6 oura miti start of the caudal fin (1 November–31 January). – Panulirus sp. 4 in (100 mm) total length of No taking of egg-bearing Guam spiny lobsters the carapace measured females. (for commercial purposes) from the dorsal posterior end of the carapace to the point between the two horns over the eyes

Panulirus sp. 3 1/2 in (90 mm) total length (same as above) Guam spiny lobsters of the carapace measured (for personal use) as above

Panulirus sp. 85 mm carapace measured No taking of egg-bearing rock lobsters, from the eyes females.

Panulirus longipes femoristriga

Langoustes (lobsters) 75 mm from the midline at No taking of egg-bearing New Caledonia the base of the supra orbital females. spines to the end of the Lobsters, crayfish 130 mm tail length No taking of egg-bearing Niue females. No taking of soft- shelled . Bag limit (10 pcs/person/day).

Rock lobsters (cheraprukl) 6 in (152 mm) total length of No taking of egg-bearing Palau the carapace (from the tip females. No export (bleiached); of the rostrum midway allowed. P. penicillatus (raiklius); between the eyes to the P. longipes femoristriga end of the carapace) (melech)

Panulirus ornatus Palinuridae 100 mm tail length or No taking of egg-bearing Papua New Guinea

spiny rock lobsters, includ- 175 mm total length (mid- females. Licenses for PNG –

ing: Panulirus versicolor, section between the eyes to citizens only. Limitations on 7 P. longipes, P. homarus tail), and 169 g tail weight, season, fishing gear and – (for commercial purposes) or 409 g total weight total allowable catch as declared by Minister.

Panulirus ornatus 115 mm total of tail length No taking of egg-bearing Papua New Guinea tropical rock females. Limited number of (Torres Strait and (for commercial purposes) licenses issued. Gear Western Province) restrictions. Panulirus sp. 80 mm from the base of the No taking of egg-bearing Samoa lobsters horns to the rear edge of the females. No taking of soft- ula sami carapace; or 140 mm from shelled animals. the base of the horns to the end of the tail Panulirus sp. 80 mm along the mid-line No taking of egg-bearing Solomon Islands crayfish from immediately behind females. the rostral horn to the rear edge of the carapace Crustaceans Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Spiny lobsters (continued) Panulirus sp. 75 mm carapace length from No taking of egg-bearing Tonga lobsters the midline immediately females. ‘uo behind the rostral horns to the rear edge; or 45 mm tail width between the lateral notches of the first tail seg- ment measured from the ventral side of the tail

Rock lobsters 220 mm from the front of the No taking of egg-bearing Vanuatu carapace to the end of the females. No spearfishing. tail Palinuridae 75 mm from the midline at No taking of egg-bearing Wallis & Futuna –

langoustes the base of the supra orbital females. 8 uo spines to the end of the – Panulirus versicolor cephalothorax

Slipper lobsters Parribacus holthuisi 140 mm length, measured No taking of egg-bearing French Polynesia cigale de mer from the eye to the start of females. Closed season tianee the caudal fin (1 November–31 January).

Scyllarides sp. 3 in (75 mm) carapace No taking of egg-bearing Guam slipper lobsters (shell) width females. (for commercial purposes)

Scyllarides sp. 2 in (50 mm) carapace (same as above) Guam slipper lobsters (shell) width (for personal use)

Parribacus holthuisi

Scyllaridae 52 mm carapace length No taking of egg-bearing Papua New Guinea slipper lobsters, (midsection between the females. Licenses for PNG including: eyes to the base of the citizens only. Limitations on orientalis carapace cover) season, fishing gear and total allowable catch as declared by Minister.

Parribacus sp. 150 mm in total length when No taking of egg-bearing Samoa laid flat and measured from females. No taking of soft- papata the front edge of the cara- shelled animals. Scyllarides sp. pace to the rear edge of the telson

Parribacus sp. 150 mm in length when laid No taking of egg-bearing Tonga slipper lobsters flat and measured from the females. –

tapatapa front edge of the carapace 9 to the rear edge of the tel- – son

Thenus orientalis

Mantis shrimps Squilla mantis 180 mm length, measured No taking of egg-bearing French Polynesia squille from the eye to the start of females. Closed season varo the caudal fin (1 November–31 January).

(Note: scientific name for this species has changed and is now: )

Lysiosquillina maculata Crustaceans Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Coconut crab Birgus latro 3 in (75 mm) across the No taking of egg-bearing American Samoa coconut crab widest portion of the females. back

Birgus latro 4 in (100 mm) cara- Bag limit (50 animals Guam coconut crab pace width sold/person/year). No (for commercial purposes) taking of egg-bearing females.

Birgus latro 3 in (75 mm) carapace Bag limit (10 animals/per- Guam coconut crab width son/day). No taking of (for personal use) egg-bearing females.

Coconut crab 36 mm thoracic length No taking of egg-bearing Niue – uga females. No taking of 1 0

soft-shelled animals –

Birgus latro Birgus latro 90 mm length measured No taking of egg-bearing Solomon Islands coconut crab along the carapace females. Export permit from immediately required. behind the rostral horn to the rear edge of the carapace in the midline Coconut crab 90 mm carapace No taking of egg-bearing Vanuatu length females. Annual quotas (Torba Province: 5000 pcs; Sanma Province: 2000 pcs). No export.

Birgus latro 36 mm thoracic length No taking of females Wallis & Futuna crabe de cocotier bearing eggs or with an uu orange abdomen. No tak- ing of soft-shelled animals.

Mangrove crab 6 in (152 mm) across No taking of egg-bearing American Samoa mangrove crab widest portion of back females. Scylla serrata 6 in (152 mm) along No taking of egg-bearing Federated States of mangrove crab largest dimension females. Micronesia - Kosrae across outside of shell Scylla serrata 125 mm across the Fiji Islands swimming crab widest part of the cara- qari dina pace or shell Scylla serrata 120 mm greatest dis- No taking of egg-bearing French Polynesia crabe tance across width females. Closed season Scylla serrata upai (1 November–31 January). Scylla serrata 140 mm widest dimen- Closed season (1 Dec.– New Caledonia crabe de palétuvier sion of the carapace 31 Jan.) No taking of soft-

shelled animals. Crabs – 1

must be sold whole. 1 – Scylla serrata 6 in (152 mm) across No taking of egg-bearing Palau mangrove crab, emang the shell (carapace) females. No export. Scylla serrata 150 mm across widest No taking of egg-bearing Samoa mangrove crab part of the carapace females or soft-shelled pa’alimago animals.

Other crabs Crabs (other than the 3 in (75 mm) carapace No taking of egg-bearing Guam coconut crab, Birgus latro) (shell) width females. (for commercial purposes) Crabs (other than the 2 in (50 mm) carapace (same as above) Guam coconut crab, Birgus latro) (shell) width (for personal use) Carpilius maculatus 120 mm across widest No taking of egg-bearing Samoa kuku part of the carapace females. No taking of Carpilius maculatus soft-shelled animals. Holothurians Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Sea cucumbers (beche-de-mer) All holothurians 76 mm length (dry) Export of Holothuria Fiji Islands (beche-de-mer) scabra (sandfish, dairo) prohibited.

Actinopyga echinites 250 mm length (live) Limitations on season, fish- Papua New Guinea deepwater redfish 150 mm length (dry) eries access and fishing gear. Total allowable catch for different provinces. Control of Actinopyga echinites export. –

Actinopyga lecanora 250 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea 1 2

stonefish 150 mm length (dry) –

Actinopyga lecanora Actinopyga mauritiana 200 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea surf redfish 80 mm length (dry)

Actinopyga mauritiana Actinopyga miliaris 150 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea blackfish 100 mm length (dry)

Actinopyga miliaris

Bohadschia argus 200 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea tigerfish 100 mm length (dry)

Bohadschia argus Bohadschia similis 250 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea chalkfish 70 mm length (dry)

Bohadschia similis Bohadschia vitiensis 200 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea brown sandfish 100 mm length (dry) – 1

Bohadschia vitiensis 3

Holothuria atra 300 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea – lollyfish 150 mm length (dry)

Holothuria atra

Holothuria edulis 250 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea pinkfish 100 mm length (dry)

Holothuria edulis

Holothuria fuscogilva 350 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea white teatfish 150 mm length (dry)

Holothuria fuscogilva Holothurians Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Sea cucumbers (beche-de-mer) Holothuria fuscopunctata 450 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea elephant trunkfish 150 mm length (dry)

Holothuria fuscopunctata Holothuria nobilis 220 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea black teatfish 100 mm length (dry)

Holothuria nobilis Holothuria scabra 220 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea sandfish 100 mm length (dry) – 1 Holothuria scabra 4

Stichopus chloronotus 200 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea – greenfish 100 mm length (dry)

Stichopus chloronotus Stichopus hermanni 250 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea curryfish 100 mm length (dry)

Stichopus hermanni Thelenota ananas 250 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea prickly redfish 150 mm length (dry)

Thelenota ananas Thelenota anax 200 mm length (live) (same as A. echinites) Papua New Guinea amberfish 100 mm length (dry)

Thelenota anax

Actinopyga echinites 120 mm length (live) Tonga deepwater redfish 60 mm length (dry) telehea

Actinopyga echinites Holothuria atra 165 mm length (live) Tonga lollyfish 80 mm length (dry) loli

Holothuria atra Holothuria fuscogilva 320 mm length (live) Tonga white teatfish 160 mm length (dry) huhuvalu

Holothuria fuscogilva Holothuria fuscopunctata 350 mm length (live) Tonga elephant’s trunk fish 150 mm length (dry) – 1

mula 5 –

Holothuria fuscopunctata Holothuria nobilis 260 mm length (live) Harvesting temporarily Tonga black teatfish 130 mm length (dry) prohibited. mokohunu

Holothuria nobilis Holothuria scabra 160 mm length (live) Tonga sandfish 70 mm length (dry) nga‘ito

Holothuria scabra Thelenota ananas 300 mm length (live) Tonga prickly redfish 120 mm length (dry) holomumu

Thelenota ananas Tu r t l e s Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Sea turtles Turtles 27 in (685 mm) meas- Closed seasons: Federated States of ured over the top of 1 June– 31 August and Micronesia - Kosrae the carapace shell 1 December–31 January. lengthwise Egg collecting and killing turtles while they’re onshore prohibited.

Green turtle 34 in (865 mm) meas- Closed seasons: Federated States of ured over the top of 1 June–31 August and Micronesia - Pohnpei the carapace shell 1 December–31 January.

lengthwise Egg collecting prohibited. –

Chelonia mydas 1

(green turtle) 6 –

Hawksbill turtle 27 in (685 mm) meas- (same as above) Federated States of ured over the top of Micronesia - Pohnpei the carapace shell lengthwise

Green turtle 34 in (865 mm) across Egg collecting prohibited. Marshall Islands carapace length No taking of turtles while they’re onshore.

Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback turtle) Hawksbill turtle 27 in (685 mm) across (same as above) Marshall Islands carapace length

Chelonia mydas 34 in (865 mm) across Closed seasons (June, Palau green turtle carapace length July, August, December melob and January). Egg col- lecting prohibited. No taking of female turtles while they’re onshore. Eretmochelys imbricata 27 in (685 mm) across (same as above) Palau hawksbill turtle carapace length ngasech Chelonia mydas 700 mm as its longest No taking or destruction Samoa green turtle part measured along of eggs, no disturbance laumei the curve of the cara- of nests. Director of pace Fisheries may declare closed seasons. Eretmochelys imbricata 700 mm as its longest (same as above) Samoa

hawksbill turtle part measured along – laumei the curve of the cara- 1 7

pace – Sea turtles 750 mm total carapace Fishing and egg collecting Solomon Islands Eretmochelys imbricata (All species except the length for leathery backed turtle (hawksbill turtle) leathery backed turtle or prohibited year-round. luth, Dermochelys cori- Fishing and egg collecting acea) for other turtles prohibited from 1 June–31 Aug. and 1 Nov.–31 Jan. All com- mercial uses prohibited.

Turtles 450 mm shell length Fishing for leatherback tur- Tonga fonu tle prohibited year-round. (All species except the Closed season for other leatherback turtle, turtles: August–February Dermochelys coriacea) included. Egg collecting and nest disturbance pro- hibited. Use of spear or speargun prohibited. Bony fish Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Acanthuridae (surgeonfish, tangs, unicornfish) Acanturus sp. (Hepatus sp.) 200 mm from the point Fiji Islands surgeonfish of the snout to the mid- balagi dle of the tailfin

Naso sp. 300 mm from the point Fiji Islands unicorn-fish, leather jacket of the snout to the mid- ta dle of the tailfin

Acanthurus sp.

Acanthurus sp., 200 mm from the fur- Samoa –

Ctenochaetus sp. thermost point of the 1 8

surgeonfishes and tangs snout to the middle of – alogo, pone, palagi the tailfin

Naso sp. 200 mm from the fur- Samoa unicornfishes thermost point of the Naso sp. ume, iliilia, pa’umalo snout to the middle of the tailfin

Belonidae (needlefish) Belone sp. 300 mm from the point Fiji Islands longtom, garfish, greengar of the snout to the mid- saku busa dle of the tailfin

Belone sp.

Carangidae (jacks and pompanos) Caranx sp. 300 mm from the point Fiji Islands crevally, trevally, pompano of the snout to the mid- saqa (excluding vilu/saqa) dle of the tailfin

Caranx sp., 250 mm from the fur- Samoa Carangoides sp. thermost point of the jacks and trevallies snout to the middle of Caranx sp. malauli, lupota, lupo the tailfin

Selar sp. 150 mm from the fur- Director of Fisheries may Samoa bigeye scad thermost point of the declare closed seasons. atule snout to the middle of the tailfin Selar sp. –

Centropomidae (snooks) 1 9

Lates calcarifer 360 mm total length Papua New Guinea – barramundi when sold or exported

Lates calcarifer Chanidae (milkfish) Chanos sp. 300 mm from the point Fiji Islands milk fish of the snout to the mid- yawa dle of the tailfin

Chanos sp. 300 mm from the fur- Samoa milkfish thermost point of the ava snout to the middle of Chanos sp. the tailfin Bony fish Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Gerreidae (mojarras) Gerres sp. 100 mm from the point Fiji Islands mojarra of the snout to the mid- matu dle of the tailfin

Gerres sp. 120 mm from the fur- Samoa mojarra (silver biddies) thermost point of the matu snout to the middle of Gerres sp. the tailfin

Kuhliidae (aholeholes) –

Kuhlia sp. (Dules sp.) 150 mm from the point Fiji Islands 2 0

glassperch, aholehole of the snout to the mid- – ika droka dle of the tailfin

Kuhlia sp.

Kyphosidae (sea chubs) Kyphosus sp. 200 mm from the fur- Samoa drummerfishes (rudderfish- thermost point of the es or sea chubs) snout to the middle of ganue the tailfin

Kyphosus sp.

Labridae (wrasses) Cheilinus undulatus 25 in (635 mm) from tip No export allowed. Palau Napoleon wrasse of snout to end of tail ngimer, maml

Cheilinus undulatus 650 mm for fish export- Live fish fishery for export Papua New Guinea humphead Maori wrasse ed live also regulated for: fishing Cheilinus undulatus gear (handline only), fish- ing areas, licenses, con- servation (fish cages), monitoring and reporting. –

Cheilinus sp. 200 mm from the fur- Samoa 2

wrasses thermost point of the 1 sugale snout to the middle of – the tailfin Cheilinus sp.

Leiognathidae (slimys, slipmouths or ponyfish) Gazza sp. 100 mm from the point Fiji Islands pouter, slimy, soapy, of the snout to the mid- peperek dle of the tailfin kaikai

Gazza sp. Bony fish Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Lethrinidae (emperors or scavengers) Lethrinus sp. 250 mm from the point Fiji Islands sea bream, pig-faced of the snout to the mid- bream dle of the tailfin kawago, dokonivudi, musubi

Lethrinus sp. 150 mm from the point Fiji Islands small sea bream of the snout to the mid- Lethrinus sp. kabatia, kake dle of the tailfin

Lethrinus sp. 200 mm from the point Fiji Islands

small sea bream of the snout to the mid- –

sabutu dle of the tailfin 2 2 – Lethrinus sp., 200 mm from the fur- Samoa Gymnocranius sp. thermost point of the sea breams, emperors snout to the middle of mataeleele, Filoa the tailfin Gymnocranius sp.

Lutjanidae (snappers) Lutjanus sp. 300 mm from the point Fiji Islands snapper of the snout to the mid- damu dle of the tailfin

Lutjanus sp.

Lutjanus argentimaculatus 400 mm for fish export- Live fish fishery for export Papua New Guinea mangrove jack ed live also regulated for: fishing gear (handline only), fish- ing areas, licenses, con- servation (fish cages), monitoring and reporting.

Lutjanus argentimaculatus

Lutjanus rivulatus 550 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea Maori perch ed live

Lutjanus rivulatus – 2

Lutjanus russellii 250 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea 3 – Moses perch ed live

Lutjanus russellii Lutjanus sebae 550 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea red emperor ed live

Lutjanus sebae Bony fish Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Mugilidae (mullets) Mugil sp. 200 mm from the point Fiji Islands grey mullet of the snout to the mid- kanace dle of the tailfin

Mugil sp., Chaenomugil sp., 200 mm from the fur- Director of Fisheries may Samoa Crenimugil sp., Liza sp., thermost point of the declare closed seasons. Mugil sp. Calamugil sp. snout to the middle of mullet the tailfin anae, afa, matapona, aua – 2 4 – Mullidae (goatfish) Mulloidichthys sp., 150 mm from the point Fiji Islands Pseudopeneus sp., of the snout to the mid- Upeneus sp. dle of the tailfin surmullet, goatfish, whisker- cod ki, ose

Mulloides sp., 150 mm from the fur- Samoa Parupeneus sp. thermost point of the Mulloidichthys sp. goatfishes snout to the middle of ululaoa, vete, taulaia the tailfin

Scaridae (parrotfish) Bolbometopon muricatum 25 in (635 mm) from No export allowed. Palau humphead parrotfish beak to center of tail berdebed

Bolbometopon muricatum

Scarus sp., Cetoscarus sp., 200 mm from the fur- Samoa Hipposcarus sp., thermost point of the Bolbometopon sp. snout to the middle of parrotfishes the tailfin fuga – 2

Scarus sp. 5 –

Scombridae (mackerels, tunas, bonitos) Rastrelliger sp. 200 mm from the point Fiji Islands long-jawed mackerel of the snout to the mid- salala dle of the tailfin

Rastrelliger sp. 200 mm from the fur- Samoa long-jawed mackerel thermost point of the Rastrelliger sp. (striped mackerel or Indian snout to the middle of mackerel) the tailfin ga Bony fish Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Serranidae (groupers and fairy basslet) Serranus sp. 250 mm from the point Fiji Islands rock cod, grouper, salmon of the snout to the mid- cod dle of the tailfin donu, kawakawa, kavu (excluding small red spot- ted cod)

Cromileptes altivelis 400 mm for fish export- Live fish fishery for export Papua New Guinea barramundi cod ed live also regulated for: fishing gear (handline only), fish- ing areas, licenses, con-

servation (fish cages), – monitoring and reporting. 2 6 – Cromileptes altivelis Epinephelus fuscoguttatus 550 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea flowery cod ed live

Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Epinephelus 370 mm for fish export- (same as above). Papua New Guinea polyphekadion ed live camouflage grouper

Epinephelus polyphekadion

Plectropomus areolatus 360 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea squaretail coral trout ed live

Plectropomus areolatus Plectropomus laevis 600 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea Chinese footballer trout ed live

Plectropomus laevis Plectropomus leopardus 360 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea leopard coral trout ed live – 2 7 –

Plectropomus leopardus

Plectropomus oligacanthus 360 mm for fish export- (same as above) Papua New Guinea highfin coral trout ed live

Plectropomus oligacanthus

Epinephelus sp. 200 mm from the fur- Director of Fisheries may Samoa rock cods, groupers thermost point of the declare closed seasons. gatala snout to the middle of the tailfin

Epinephelus sp. Bony fish Species Size limits Other regulations Country / Territory

Siganidae (rabbitfish) Siganus sp. 200 mm from the point Fiji Islands ketang, spinefoot, rabbit- of the snout to the mid- fish dle of the tailfin Nuqa

Siganus sp. 200 mm from the fur- Samoa rabbitfish thermost point of the lo, pa’uulu, malava, tito snout to the middle of Siganus sp. the tailfin

Sphyraenidae (barracudas) – 2

Sphyraena sp. 300 mm from the point Fiji Islands 8 – barracuda of the snout to the mid- ogo dle of the tailfin

Sphyraena sp.

Various techniques used for measuring fisheries resources

Shell width (measure across the nacre)

Measure across the shell Diameter across the nacre Distance from the hinge Umbo-ventral length to the opposite edge – 2 9

Whorl – opening Length along the outside of the shell

Longest dimension Longest diameter Basal diameter (measure across the base of the shell) Various techniques used for measuring fisheries resources

2 3 6 and 4 Total Length between

length – the eye and 1 3 7 the front edge 0 of the telson – 5

1. from the front edge of the carapace to the rear edge of the telson 2. carapace length 3. from the midline behind the rostral horns to the rear edge of the carapace 4. from the base of the supra orbital spines to the end of the cephalothorax 5. tail length 6. carapace width 7. tail width between the lateral notches of the first tail segment

Length from behind the rostral horn to the rear Thoracic edge of the length carapace Length

Carapace Carapace

width –

width 3 1 –

Carapace length 1: measured 1 in a straight line 2 2: measured along the curve of the carapace

Fork length* Total length

* or: measure taken at the middle of the tail –32–

References

American Samoa: American Samoa Code Annotated (A.S.C.A) Section 24 - Fishery Regulations. Cook Islands: Aitutaki Fisheries By-Laws 1990 Federated States of Micronesia - Kosrae Title 19 of the Kosrae State Code Federated States of Micronesia - Pohnpei: Pohnpei State Conservation and Resource Enforcement Act of 1982 Kosrae Marine Resources Act of 2000 and Regulation No. 19-88 pursuant to Kosrae Code 2.405 Fiji Islands: Fisheries Act 1997: Chapter 158 - Cap.158 Ed. 1992 - Subsidiary Legislation French Polynesia: Délibération n° 88-184 AT du 8 décembre 1988 relative à la protection de cer- taines espèces animales marines d’eau douce du patrimoine naturel polynésien Délibération n° 59/2 du 16 janvier 1959 réglementant la pêche des huîtres nacrières et perlières par plongeur à nu en Polynésie française. Guam: Title 16 - Natural Resources and Recreation - Chapter 2 - Fishing Regulation 2004 Kiribati: Laws of Kiribati, Amended 1984, Revised Edition 1979 - Chapter 33 Marshall Islands: Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority Act 1997 New Caledonia: Memento sur la réglementation des pêches maritimes (2005) Niue: Domestic Fishing Act 1995 and Domestic Fishing Regulations 1996 Palau: Marine Protection Act 1994 Papua New Guinea: Fisheries Management Act 1998; Fisheries (Torres Strait Protected Zone) Act 1984; The Barramundi Fishery Management Plan 1998; The National Live Reef Food Fish Fishery Management Plan 2003; The National Lobster Management Plan 1996; The National Beche-de-mer Fishery Management Plan (revised version) 2003. Samoa: Local Fisheries Regulations 1996 Solomon Islands: Fisheries regulations 1972 [CAP. 38] Tonga: Fisheries Act 1989 (Section 59) - The Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Regulations 1994 Vanuatu: Fisheries Act 1982 Wallis & Futuna: Délibération 38/cp/94 du 7 juin 1994 complétée de la déliberation 09/AT/2004 du 11 février 2004.