Number 108 (January — March 2004) ISSN 0248-076X

Accidental longline catches of or protected ones like turtles carry major economic risks: many markets could be lost if action is not taken by fishers to conserve endangered species and thus protect the biodiversity of the ocean. During the Pacific Island Maritime Training Institutions and Maritime Authorities (APIMTIMA) meeting in Fiji in May 2004, the SPC Marine Resources Division Training Section presented a training manual on Protected marine SPC activities Page 2 species and the longline in the Pacific Islands . This manual addresses the issue in the longline tuna fishery and hopefully will raise awareness of Pacific Island fishermen on News from in and this issue, for their benefit and that of protected marine species. around the region Page 17 At a meeting in February 2004, experts and managers reviewed the topic of safety-at-, and agreed that it was essential that awareness work be continued, but especially that strong political updates: Samoa support and national involvement from Pacific Island countries was needed so that appropriate regulations could be introduced. The by Ben Ponia and Satya Nandlal Page 24 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the SPC have been collaborating on this issue for a number of years now. In News from in and around the Pacific , Bob Gillett, a consultant who Regional assessment of the commercial has over 25 years of experience in the region and who is well known viability for marine ornamental to our readers, revisits safety-at-sea, with particular reference to small vessels. aquaculture within the Pacific Islands by S.R. Lindsay, E. Ledua and J. Stanley Jean-Paul Gaudechoux Fisheries Information Adviser Page 27 [email protected] Community-based Fisheries Management Plans for Tokelau by Aliti Vunisea Page 30

The training manual was written by marine biologist Dr Mike King and is intended for all persons involved of interested in the fisheries sector in the Pacific Islands region. SPC ACTIVITIES

TRAINING SECTION A manual aimed at raising awareness on the bycatch issue

The bycatch issue in the longline ed card, sticker) and produced The manual, “Protected marine tuna fishery — the accidental pocket-size identification cards species and the tuna longline catching on longlines of endan- for the seven species of marine fishery in the Pacific Islands”, gered and protected species, turtles. which was written by marine particularly turtles — is one that biologist Dr Mike King, is more could eventually result in the While the quality of the above than just a resource for trainers. loss of important markets for materials is non-questionable, it It provides information on tuna from Pacific Island coun- was felt their use could be great- many facets of the bycatch tries. The protection of threat- ly facilitated if fisheries training issue, which will be of interest ened species and the Pacific institutions in the region could to all persons involved or inter- Island longline fishery require introduce a module on the ested in the fisheries sector in both awareness and cooperation bycatch issue as part of their the Pacific Islands region. In actions on bycatch. Mindful that ongoing courses for vessel crew addition to the manual, training a proactive approach was and skippers. This concept was institutions will receive a CD- required, SPC’s - presented to participants of the ROM containing illustrations to eries Programme has developed 2003 meeting of the Association be printed (for hand-outs or a series of resource materials of Pacific Island Maritime transparencies) or used as slides targeting fisheries managers, Training Institutions and during classroom projections. longline vessel operators and Maritime Authorities (APIMTI- crew members. Following the MA) and it received strong sup- It is hoped the manual, together production and wide distribu- port. Subsequently, a funding with the other materials previ- tion of an informative leaflet proposal for the production and ously released, will contribute (Tuna longlining – The bycatch distribution of a training manu- to raising the awareness of issue) by the Fisheries Devel- al was submitted to NZAID’s Pacific Island fishermen on the opment Section in 2002, the Pacific Initiative for the bycatch issue, for their benefit Training Section has promoted Environment. The proposal was and that of protected marine some guidelines for releasing finally approved in September species. hooked turtles (poster, laminat- last year.

SPC and the Nelson New Zealand School of Fisheries (NM IT) launch new course

At the end of last year SPC Fisheries in the Pacific have The new fisheries officer train- advertised a fisheries officer undergone a number of major ing course welcomes again the training course that has been changes over the last two participation of the Government modified to take into account decades as development of sub- of New Caledonia in the fund- the review findings and recom- sistence, artisanal and industrial ing of this most popular fish- mendations made at the Third sectors has occurred. This new eries training programme. SPC Heads of Fisheries meeting in course will aim to enable fish- also acknowledges financial Noumea. Certain aspects of the eries officers to maximise their support from the Government course (notably its syllabus) are abilities to face these changes. of New Zealand and the quite different from the training Commonwealth Secretariat. programme that had been run This year’s course started on up until 2002. Monday, 26 January at Nelson, For more information contact when the 10 participants (from the Fisheries Training Section, The new course specifically tar- Solomon Islands, Samoa, Kiribati, [email protected] gets government fisheries offi- Niue, Tonga, American Samoa, New cers, with a main objective of Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and providing broad-ranging train- Fiji Islands) were given a tour of ing to enable them to assist fish- the New Zealand School of Fish- ing communities and fishing eries. Students will first follow enterprises in developing sus- an 18-week training programme tainable and profitable fishing in Nelson before flying to New operations. Caledonia for a 6-week field com- ponent in Noumea and Koumac.

2 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 SPC ACTIVITIES

Tuna handling workshops in Rarotonga and Aitutaki

In March, SPC’s Fisheries process was demonstrated on a (MMR). The workshop focused Training Adviser travelled to the medium-size . on proper onboard handling Cook Islands following a request procedures, including practical from the Ministry of Marine Second workshop demonstrations. Resources (MMR). The purpose (Wednesday 3 March) of the visit was to train new Third workshop recruits in the onboard handling This workshop was attended by (Wednesday 10 March) of sashimi-grade . A series 20 longline vessel crew, 3 boat of similar workshops had been owners and 3 staff of the This additional workshop was organised in August 2002, at the Ministry of Marine Resources requested by the Ministry to target beginning of the tuna longline development in the Cooks.

The initial request was for work- shops on tuna handling for ves- sel crew as well as hands-on training for local tuna graders. Due to present poor catches it was decided to postpone the lat- ter and organise a visit by a pro- fessional grader from Fiji Islands at a later stage, when supply of tunas required for the practical grading demonstrations is more steady. In March, fishing was so poor that most longliners were tied up to wharves. This poor fishing period, on the other hand, was a good time for train- ing vessel crew, as most if not all of them were available to attend the workshops.

Three workshops have been run in Rarotonga at the School of Maritime and Fisheries. This was a good venue with all the necessary equipment and audio visual aids (TV/VCR, overhead projector, white board, slide pro- jector).

First workshop (Tuesday 2 March)

This was an introduction to grading for 13 staff of local pro- cessing plants (Blue Pacific and Cook Island Fish Export). The same persons are earmarked to attend the tuna grading demon- strations by a professional grad- er from Fiji Islands, later in the year. This introductory workshop included a presentation of tuna marketing in Japan, onboard han- dling procedures and the key Top: Tuna longliner in Avatiu (Rarotonga) grading factors. The handling Bottom: A good catch by MMR staff

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 3 SPC ACTIVITIES small-scale fishermen and thus poti-marara vessels). According Aitutaki workshop keep this important sector as to MMR, the quality of fish (Monday 8 March) part of current developments. landed varies greatly and is often The workshop was attended by poor (no ice carried onboard). It This workshop targeted local nine participants, including the is hoped that having both the small-scale FAD fishermen as most active poti-marara opera- fishermen and their main buyer well as the crew of the sole com- tors of the Aravua area, as well at the training will have an mercial longliner operating from as the owner/operator of a impact on the quality of fish the island: in all, 16 trainees. Two small take-away shop (in fact, supplied by the former. large yellowfin tunas were used the main buyer of fish caught by for the hands-on demonstration.

The turn-out for the workshops (64 trainees) was excellent and has exceeded everyone’s expec- tations (in fact four sessions have been run instead of the two initially planned). It is hoped this training will have an impact on the quality of tunas landed in the Cook Islands.

Top: Aitutaki fisherman “spiking a tuna through its soft spot Right: Participants watching a video during Aitutaki workshop

Sea safety posters for Papua New Guinea, Kiribati and Niue

The Fisheries Training Section In line with Mike McCoy’s 1991 regional awareness campaign recommendation that “educa- on sea safety is getting its sec- tion through publicity cam- ond wind. paigns, repeated and reinforced over a long period of time (…) The campaign, targeting small seems to offer the best chance vessel operators, started in 1995 for improving the safety at sea with the production of a series for artisanal fishermen”, the of four large-size posters in Training Section felt a logical English and French. These next step is to run a second print posters have been a useful vehi- of the 1995 posters, this time cle for the wide display of the sea safety message in Pacific Island countries and territories. The safety-at-sea posters produced in I-Kiribati

4 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 SPC ACTIVITIES with captions translated in ver- materials from the New Ireland took place early in 2004 (four nacular languages. Commercial Fisheries Associa- sets of 500 posters for Kiribati tion prompted the inclusion of and 5000 for PNG). The Niue Using its core operational budg- Papua New Guinea in the list of posters should be distributed by et and a contribution from SPC’s countries to be served. While the end of May. Executive, the Training Section Training Section staff were liais- was in a position to initially ing with fisheries agencies in A small grant from Taiwan/ cover three countries. Kiribati Niue, Kiribati and Papua New ROC will enable the coverage of and Niue were selected in Guinea to produce poster cap- some additional countries by August 2003 after discussions tions in their respective lan- the end of 2004. with their respective Heads of guages, SPC’s graphic artist gave Fisheries, during the Third the 1995 posters a new look. Heads of Fisheries meeting. A Distribution of posters for Kiri- request for sea safety education bati and Papua New Guinea

FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT SECTION Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Forum (Suva, Fiji Islands, 2–6 February 2004)

Fisheries Development Adviser, Most days were spent address- • fostering alliances for secur- Lindsay Chapman, attended the ing each of the five guiding ing a healthy ocean; and Pacific Islands Regional Ocean principles within the policy. Forum held in Suva, Fiji Islands. Each principle was introduced • establishing high-level lead- The forum brought together rep- with a keynote address fol- ership on ocean issues and resentatives from all the CROP lowed by three to five panel pre- commitment to effective man- agencies and most Pacific Island sentations looking at different agement of ocean resources. countries and territories, and aspects or areas covered by the Under each strategic direc- from a range of public and private principle. The meeting then tion, a wide range of priority sectors including fisheries, envi- broke into eight small groups, initiatives and priority actions ronment, tourism, maritime, edu- which each examined the same were identified to cover the cation and the legal profession. principle. The groups focused different sectors involved in on the strategic direction and use of coastal resources and The forum was organised under tried to identify primary chal- the ocean. the framework of the Pacific lenges, priority initiatives and Islands Regional Ocean Policy actions, mechanisms that could The final half-day was spent (PIROP), which has five guiding be used to address the priority reviewing the format of the principles: improving our actions, and the partner agen- information collected during understanding of the ocean, cies involved in addressing each the forum. It was decided that a sustainably developing and action. The groups then report- preliminary draft of the out- managing the use of ocean ed back in plenary. comes would be circulated in a resources, maintaining the table format soon after the health of the ocean, promoting The outcomes of each of the ses- meeting so that participants the peaceful use of the ocean, sions were grouped under five could comment and include and creating partnerships and strategic directions: additional material where rele- promoting cooperation. vant. The meeting was closed • improving governance of by SPC’s Director-General, Ms The meeting was opened by the coasts and the ocean; Lourdes Pangelinan. Prime Minister of Fiji Islands, the Honourable Laisenia Qarase. • adopting an integrated A representative from each approach to the sustainable Pacific Island country and terri- development and manage- tory presented a brief country ment of coasts and the ocean; statement, outlining the main concerns with regard to ocean • building capacity of Pacific issues. Rapporteurs summarised Island communities for sus- the concerns and developed a tainable development and list of themes and issues. management;

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 5 SPC ACTIVITIES

FAO/SPC Regional expert consultation on sea safety in small fishing vessels (Lami, Fiji Islands, 9–13 February 2004)

Fisheries Development Officer, and monitor the movement and • Consider the boundaries of William Sokimi, attended the safety standards of these vessels. where small FAO/SPC consultation on small safety legislation should be vessel sea safety to provide The objectives of the consulta- applied, as compared with input based on his experiences tion were to: addressing the issue through in the region. The consultation a major awareness pro- was attended by 30 participants • discuss suitable small fish- gramme. and involved some prominent ing vessel regulations for the persons in fisheries develop- region; • Implementation of appropri- ment in the region, key persons ate/realistic legislation. from government fisheries and • improve and promote sea maritime divisions, as well as safety programmes in the • Jurisdiction of legislation in experts from international region; terms of rural and urban organisations such as FAO and areas. IMO. Participants also included • develop effective systems of small boat builders and veteran sea accident data compila- • Category of vessels that artisanal fishermen. tion; should be covered under the legislation. The consultation was a follow- • improve the safety construc- up to previous initiatives under- tion standards of fibreglass • Monitoring, regulating or taken by FAO and SPC to con- vessels; and enforcing the legislation? duct surveys on fisheries-related, small vessel sea safety in the • formulate plans for future • Should legislation be imple- region and to educate Pacific sea safety programmes based mented in its entirety or Island fishermen in proper sea on recommendations from should it be implemented in safety procedures recommended the consultation outcomes. stages? for use on small fishing vessels. The concern realised from the The consultation group dealt • What are the costs of imple- results of the FAO survey was with several complex issues in menting legislation, domes- that mishaps involving small order to make recommenda- tically? Regionally? fishing vessels were responsible tions that might lead to realistic for the major loss of life at sea in and effective legislation. Some the Pacific region. of these issues included:

The use of small vessels has • Is it necessary to implement always been taken for granted legislation at this stage or and hardly any Pacific Island would major awareness pro- nation has realistic legislation, if grammes be sufficient? any at all, to effectively regulate

Follow-up on tuna longline project in the Marshall Islands

From 18 February to 20 March, the vessel, and William would Forty fish weighing 1040 kg William conducted follow-up train the crew in how to use it. were landed on the first trip and training on tuna longlining with were well iced. One grade “A” the skipper and crew of the The first week was spent and four grade “B” Marshall Islands Marine preparing the vessel and fishing weighing 274 kg, plus two Resources Authority (MIMRA) gear. The first fishing trip was grade “A” and eleven grade “B” vessel, F/V Wa Bal. This training for seven days, with five sets yellowfin tuna weighing 420 kg followed on from initial training averaging 700 hooks per set. were processed and packed for and fishing trials conducted Squid and scad were export. All export fish were sold during the first half of 2003 (see used as bait, attached to alter- through the Marshall Islands Fish- Fisheries Newsletter #105 & #106). nate hooks spaced approxi- ing Venture’s (MIFV’s) markets in The difference was that a new mately 50 m apart as the main- the US. Fish sold on the local longline reel had been fitted to line was set. market consisted of one grade

6 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 SPC ACTIVITIES

Back deck of F/V Wa Bal ready for setting the gear

“D” bigeye tuna weighing 28 exporting arrangements between 15 “B” grade) weighing 616 kg, kg, five grade “D” yellowfin MIMRA and MIFV. The rest of six “D” grade yellowfin tuna tuna weighing 157 kg, 13 mahi the catch was graded and trans- weighing 174 kg, three blue mahi ( fish) weighing 79 ported to MIMRA’s Outer marlin weighing 99 kg, nine kg, 1 weighing 18 kg and Islands Project market for local mahi mahi weighing 55 kg and 2 blue marlin weighing 64 kg. sales and distribution. These two wahoo weighing 41 kg. In included five bigeye tuna (3 addition, one bigeye tuna (“A” After discharging the catch, the “A” grade, 1 “B” grade and 1 grade) weighing 30 kg was vessel was thoroughly cleaned. “D” grade) weighing 217 kg, 18 processed for the President. Over the next four days, the yellowfin tuna (3 “A” grade and damaged fishing gear was repaired, supplies and fuel were purchased through the MIMRA accounts section, and the crew paid. The second fishing trip commenced on 9 March and lasted for seven days with five sets averaging 750 hooks per set.

The vessel returned to port with a total catch of 50 fish that weighed 1494 kg. Only one grade “A” bigeye tuna weigh- ing 69 kg and five yellowfin tuna (1 grade “A” and 4 grade “B”) with a total weight of 194 kg were processed for export before the discharging process was called off due to unsettled

Iced fish being unloaded

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 7 SPC ACTIVITIES

While the two fishing trips, more fishing trips with the new received from MIFV, based on a involving ten longline sets and reel to fully realise the vessel’s flat purchase price, were much 7250 hooks were sufficient prac- catch potential. In addition to lower than what they could tice for MIMRA’s crew to famil- this, a better arrangement needs have been on the Japanese auc- iarise themselves with the new to be made for the marketing of tion floor. reel, they still need to conduct export quality fish, as the prices

Deep setting technique for bycatch mitigation project

In March, Fisheries Develop- support services from SeaNet lead weights will be that all ment Officer, Steve Beverly, headquarters in Mooloolaba. hooks in a basket of longline gear went to Mooloolaba, Australia will be fishing at depths below (Mooloolaba is situated on the The new gear consisted of 3-kg the mixed layer and out of range Sunshine Coast north of lead weights that will be attached of marine turtles – down where Brisbane) to start a project test- to the mainline just under the bigeye tuna feed. The TDRs will ing a new bycatch mitigation floats at depths of 100 m or more, be used to monitor actual depths technique for longline fishing additional floats and floatlines, of the longlines. They were sup- (see Fisheries Newsletter #106). and temperature-depth recorders plied by Star-Oddi, a company in The objectives of the project are (TDRs). The result of attaching Iceland. to field-test a deep setting tech- nique for tuna longline fishing that is designed to mitigate bycatch encounters (especially marine turtles) and to enhance target species CPUE (especially bigeye tuna). The first task is to perfect the technique; the sec- ond task is to test the new tech- nique alongside normal setting practices.

Gear was purchased and pre- pared and contact was made with two Mooloolaba fishing companies who agreed to pro- vide some vessel time during the course of their regular oper- ations. The project received funding from the Australian Fish- eries Management Authority (AFMA) and will be conducted by SPC with assistance from SeaNet. SeaNet is an organisa- tion that provides extension services to Australia’s commer- cial and is aimed at finding solutions to environmental and bycatch issues. The extension officer for Australia’s Eastern Tuna and Billfish fishery, Elton Robinson, worked with Steve to initiate the project. Elton also provided

Top: 3-kg weight with line and swivel snap Bottom: Temperature-depth recorder in protective housing and snap for attaching to mainline

8 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 SPC ACTIVITIES

After Steve arrived in Australia, of March, however, the owners of experimental gear will not occur there was some discussion about one of the vessels, Southernmoves until April, so readers will have whether the project would start Pty Ltd, agreed to provide some to wait for the next issue of the on time as the longline fleet fish- vessel time for the initial trials. Fisheries Newsletter to find out the ing from Mooloolaba was going All project gear and equipment results of the project. The project through a rough time and sever- was loaded onto F/V Blue Moves. will continue into May 2004. al boats were tied up. By the end The first deployment of the

F/V Blue Moves loading ice at Mooloolah River Fisheries in Mooloolaba

Niue and Cyclone Heta

Cyclone Heta devastated Niue low as a result. The two deep- effort data and work out identi- on 5 January 2004 and caused water echo sounders in Niue fiers for each fisherman provid- widespread destruction on the were both damaged by salt ing data, regardless of what island. Extreme sea conditions, water, so Lindsay carried an boat they fished on. with waves coming up onto the SPC deep-water sounder with island in some locations, were him so that replacement FADs The foundations for the new the cause of many houses, the could be deployed offshore. tuna processing facility were hospital and several businesses Although three offshore FADs not damaged by Cyclone Heta, being damaged beyond repair. were made up, poor weather so construction of the building In the wharf area, some concrete conditions and the unloading of continued in February and walls and vegetation have been the cargo vessel did not allow March. The building itself is washed away. The coastline to the FADs to be deployed during mostly erected and the concrete the south of the wharf has also his time in Niue. floors have been poured. In the been scoured with most vegeta- coming months the refrigera- tion gone. While in Niue, a full inventory tion equipment will be installed was made of project materials, and the processing room fitted From 24 March to 5 April 2004 which didn’t amount too much out. It is anticipated that the Lindsay assisted Niue with after the three offshore FADs processing facility will be oper- their FAD programme, as many were made up. Lindsay also ational in May/June 2004. FADs were lost due to the worked with fisheries staff to cyclone, and fish landings were collect additional catch and

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 9 SPC ACTIVITIES

Left: Alofi wharf area before Cyclone Heta Right: Alofi wharf area after Cyclone Heta showing damage

Left: Coastline south of Alofi wharf before Cyclone Heta Right: Coastline south of Alofi wharf after Cyclone Heta Below: Construction of the new tuna processing facility on Niue

10 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 SPC ACTIVITIES

FAD research project update

Five project FADs were lost off Data collection continued in The Niue community surveys Niue as a result of Cyclone both locations, although fishing scheduled to take place in March Heta, so there were only two activities in Niue were greatly were postponed to later in the project FADs on station as of 30 restricted due to the crane on year, to allow people to recover March 2004. One of these was the main wharf having been lost from the effects of the cyclone. A an original FAD deployed in in the cyclone. Improvements in funding proposal was also sub- February 2002, while the other data provision have been made, mitted to the New Zealand Pacific was a replacement FAD with good, consistent data Initiative for the Environment deployed in May 2003. In the being provided by some fisher- (PIE) fund to extend the project Cook Islands, two of the men. This data will be analysed for a further three years. The out- remaining five FADs were lost soon and given back to the fish- come of the proposal should be during the first quarter. ermen who provided it. known in May 2004.

AQUACULTURE SECTION New publications added to the aquaculture portal

1. Regional assessment of the com- pdf format (320 kb) go to the to be of high interest for mercial viability for marine following URL: aquaculture in the Pacific. ornamental aquaculture within Each species is summarised the Pacific Islands. Lindsay, http://www.spc.int/aquaculture/site/ according to its biology, cul- S.R. Ledua, E. and Stanley, J. publications/documents/ ture and marketing features. This report, commissioned Marine_Ornamental.pdf There is also an assessment by SPC, provides a regional of the advantages and disad- overview of the status of the 2. Profiles of high interest aqua- vantages for production of marine ornamental trade culture commodities for Pacific the commodity in the Pacific. and an assessment of the role Island countries. This docu- To download the document for aquaculture. The report ment was originally pro- in pdf format (357 kb) go to has a detailed profile of sta- duced as a resource for the the following URL: tistics and contacts in those 1st SPC Aquaculture Meeting, countries that are active in in Fiji Islands in 2002. http://www.spc.int/aquaculture/site/ the ornamental trade. To Regional experts wrote pro- publications/documents/ download the document in files of 17 species considered Commodity%20profiles.pdf

Project grants disseminated

Two minor project grants have been granted FJD 5000 for phase Emily McKenzie of SOPAC will been funded through SPC pro- II of development/verification undertake an economic cost–ben- gramme funds. The Institute of of the SPC Kappaphycus Seaweed efit assessment of the pearl Marine Resources at the Univer- Quarantine Protocol. The main industry monitoring systems in sity of the South Pacific has investigator is Reuben Sulu. the Cook Islands.

Attachments

In March 2004 the Aquaculture larly impressed by the new Section partially supported travel research they observed in costs for three representatives Cairns. from the New Caledonia gov- ernment to study marine finfish aquaculture developments in Australia and Bali. The three reported that they were particu-

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 11 SPC ACTIVITIES

Rural aquaculture and agriculture economic models go online

A toolkit for economic modelling integrated (i.e. agriculture/ The farm models were derived of a rural aquaculture or agricul- aquaculture) system? from consultations between an ture farm is freely available at economist from the Queensland SPC’s Aquaculture Portal web- The model is based on an MS government and Fijian repre- site (www.spc.int/aquaculture) Excel spreadsheet in a user- sentatives from the various and on CD-ROM. The farm friendly format. Values for pro- farm types. This workshop was models include freshwater duction levels, capital infra- held at the University of the Macrobrachium shrimp, black structure investment and expen- South Pacific campus in pearl, penaeid prawn, tilapia, diture costs are entered directly. September 2003 with support Kappaphycus seaweed, inshore The model automatically gener- from the USP Marine Studies fishing, copra, rice, dalo (taro) ates an analysis of data such as a Program, WorldFish Center and and sugarcane. timetable of production vol- SPC. umes, cost breakdown per unit, Terrestrial agriculture is includ- payback period, gross and net ed in the toolkit because of its revenue and inter- similarity with aquaculture pro- nal rate of return. duction systems and its poten- By estimating the tial for integration or substitu- likelihood of risk tion. The likelihood of displaced factors, such as nat- sugarcane farmers in Fiji Islands ural disasters is one example where aquacul- (flooding), theft or ture may have such a role. diseases, a graph of risk analysis show- By changing the level of inputs ing probability of or combining several farm sys- positive or negative tems, the model can provide a profit margin is quick and simple answer to fun- generated. The model damental questions such as, will be an ideal tool What is the most profitable farm for prospective farm- set-up? How does my invest- ers, government ment compare against other extension officers, or types of farming? and Would it investment bankers. be more profitable to adopt an

SPC aquatic animal health mission

In March 2004, SPC’s Aquacul- policy guidelines were devel- missioned for SPC member ture Adviser, Ben Ponia, organ- oped. The mission has identi- governments. The first risk ised an aquatic animal health fied several key areas where analysis for the Government and quarantine mission to four SPC’s technical work efforts can of Fiji Islands is the importa- member countries: Fiji Islands, be directed. tion of Litopenaeus stylirostris Vanuatu, Samoa and Cook prawn from Brunei to Fiji with Islands. Included in the team 1. Strengthen capacity in import an emphasis on pathogen were Dr Steve Angus, SPC risk analysis (IRA) and envi- risks. The second risk analysis, Veterinary Epidemiologist (Suva), ronmental impact assessment for the Government of the and Dr Ramesh Perara from (EIA) processes Cook Islands, is the importa- BioSecurity Australia, Depart- tion of Macrobrachium ment of Agriculture, Forestry • The Aquaculture section is rosenbergii from Fiji to Cook and Fisheries (Canberra). presently undertaking a consul- Islands, emphasising the eco- tancy to establish an overall logical risks. The framework The issue of quarantine and framework for import risk analy- and two import risk analyses health of aquatic organisms has sis. This framework will include are planned to be completed by been a longstanding priority for a risk analysis of the ecological the third quarter of 2004. the region, although unfortu- risks (i.e. pest, invasiveness and • After establishing a frame- nately it has hardly been the pathogen risks). work, it is intended to develop addressed. At the SPC Heads of • Under the risk analysis frame- regional guidelines for move- Fisheries Meeting in 2003, some work, two IRAs will be com- ments, incorporating the

12 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 SPC ACTIVITIES

Asian technical guidelines and broader ecological aspects. This may involve a regional consultation with experts and other organisations such as FAO Rome, possibly in mid- 2005

2. Strengthen links to animal health and quarantine organisations

• Establishment of national gov- ernment consultative groups, for example those involved in IRA communications — com- Macrobrachium rosenbergii shrimps are subject of a prising fisheries/ aquaculture, Cook Islands import risk analysis. environment, veterinary and quarantine services. Also con- sider the inclusion of private sector and university experts. • Develop stronger links to World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) and the quarterly disease report. Also contacts with experts in Australian state governments with similar tropical climates (e.g. Western Australia, Queensland) and explore potential linkage to NACA (Network of Aquaculture Centres for Asia-Pacific). • Strengthen linkages between aquaculture and agriculture services in the overlapping areas of livestock production Litopenaeus stylirostris marine prawns are the subject of a and quarantine. Fiji Islands import risk analysis. • Raise awareness of the WTO agreement on sanitary and • Key areas for development trols – translocation and end- phytosanitary measures (SPS include: improvement of use, diagnostic capacity (lab- Agreement). Also seek clarifi- extension services; reporting oratory and epidemiologi- cation of the relevance of (surveillance/monitoring); cal)/proficiency testing; and WTO membership to the risk assessment capability; industry codes of practice/con- aquaculture sector of the import controls/ quarantine duct. region. detention capability; legisla- tion – overall; emergency 3. Encourage the development response; awareness building; of a national aquatic animal international linkages, national health management plan coordination; domestic con-

World Aquaculture Conference 2004

The World Aquaculture Confer- in relation to global trends and showcase their latest products ence 2004 was held 1–5 March at new research findings. The con- or findings. Over 300 presenta- the Hawaii Convention Center ference has become the premier tions were given during 16 con- and was a valuable occasion to event for a broad spectrum of current sessions. Around 300 assess the opportunities and organisations (e.g. private sector, companies and organisations challenges in the Pacific region academic institutions, NGOs) to also provided exhibits.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 13 SPC ACTIVITIES

Trade disputes (in particular, In terms of commodities, con- promoted as an alternative to the United States anti-dumping siderable research and develop- bottlenecks facing coastal farm- dispute over Litopenaeus van- ment is being focussed on van- ing. In Hawaii, the farming of namei prawns) caused some namei prawn, tuna, grouper, Pacific threadfin (Polydactylus instability on the world mar- cobia, and the marine ornamen- sexfilis), or moi, has drawn kets. These disputes will proba- tal trade. Many countries are much interest as a model for off- bly become more frequent and investigating the domestication shore cage culture. intense as countries such as the of their indigenous species. US try to protect their domestic The conference included a day suppliers from more cost-effi- The innovativeness of the sector session for pearl culture, with cient farms, particularly in Asia is reflected in the diversity of presentations from all parts of and South America. Other farming approaches, which the Pacific. Many reported cross-cutting issues commonly include super intensive sys- progress in artificial propaga- found on the agenda were tems, low technology, rural tion techniques. Challenges in increased biosecurity, genetic applications, integrated agricul- commercialisation, economic improvement, and feed formu- ture and hydroponic systems. and marketing analysis remain. lation advances. Offshore culture is also being

Australian-funded opportunities for aquaculture research in the Pacific

A new project to support the sus- research on shrimp co-culture If you have an idea for a mini- tainable development of aqua- and/or bioremediation of project, please contact Ben culture in the Pacific Islands shrimp pond effluent. We envis- Ponia at SPC or Cathy Hair at region and northern Australia age that technical and research DPI&F (see contact details commenced early this year. The skills in aquaculture within below). Application forms are project is funded by the Aus- partner institutions will be available from SPC. Remember, tralian Centre for International upgraded through training the miniprojects must be aqua- Agricultural Research (ACIAR) associated with these compo- culture-related, target an exist- and augments the AusAID- nents. ing constraint and preferably funded Pacific Aquaculture have widespread potential Program. The lead organisation An important facet of the proj- application and benefits. On is the Department of Primary ect is its capacity to fund small completion, your results will be Industries and Fisheries in research projects via the disseminated in the region, pri- Queensland (DPI&F), working “miniprojects” component. The marily through SPC publica- in collaboration with SPC and aim of this component is to tions. We also aim to apply the the WorldFish Center. assist Pacific Island countries to results in a practical sense by carry out research on bottle- ensuring that improvements in The project, which kicked off in necks to sustainable aquacul- technology or recommenda- January this year, has a unique ture development in their area. tions are followed up through approach to the goal of promot- In particular, miniprojects ongoing SPC support. ing sustainable aquaculture in should concentrate on com- the region. By combining exten- modities where there is existing For more information or to make sion, research and training expertise and knowledge to an application to the Sustain- activities it aims to improve and build upon. Priority will be able Aquaculture Development in apply a range of appropriate given to commodities identified Pacific Islands region and north- aquaculture technologies. in the SPC Aquaculture Action ern Australia Project, contact: Plan. Ideally, the projects will Ben Ponia (Aquaculture Adviser) Part of the project involves the not only benefit the country at [email protected] or Cathy Hair extension of existing ACIAR where the research is carried out (Senior Fisheries Biologist, DPI&F, and WorldFish projects to other but will positively impact other Northern Fisheries Centre) at Pacific Island countries and parts of the region. There are [email protected] northern Australia. One of these two categories of miniprojects: is post-larval fish capture and small miniprojects will receive culture technology, the outcome funding up to AUD 5000 and of a five-year research project in have a duration of less than one Solomon Islands. The other is year; and large miniprojects will the transfer of sea cucumber receive funding up to AUD hatchery technology from New 10,000 and have a duration of Caledonia with complementary around two years.

14 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 SPC ACTIVITIES

REEF FISHERIES OBSERVATORY DemEcoFish approaching its end . . .

The two-year MacArthur-funded were followed by data entry As announced in the last DemEcoFish research project and the establishment of a data- Fisheries Newsletter, the scientific has commenced its final stage. base. Country socio-economic roundtable discussion titled The project has been extended reports have been compiled and “The status of marine resource- until mid-2004. Accordingly, submitted to respective fisheries user relationships: Bringing final project activities are under departments for approval. together socioeconomic and eco- way, including the presentation logical data to provide the basis of country reports, the holding A number of papers have been for sound management deci- of a scientific roundtable to written and submitted to vari- sions” will be held at SPC head- summarise experiences and ous regional and international quarters in Noumea, 2–4 June results, preparation of publica- journals summarising or high- 2004. Major results and experi- tions, and compilation of the lighting the project’s activities or ences from the DemEcoFish project’s final technical and components. Papers include the project will be presented and financial reports. results of methodological discussed among relevant pro- approaches tested and analysed, fessionals engaged in compara- Tonga and Fiji Islands were gender related aspects of subsis- ble or complementary activities selected for DemEcoFish field tence and small-scale fisheries, in the region. A publication in surveys. Socio-economic and economic analysis of village- the journal, Ambio of the major resource assessment were com- based fisheries, and the collation outcomes of this roundtable is pleted by the end of 2002 and of socio-economic and resource envisaged. mid-2003, respectively, and data.

COASTAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SECTION Training of trainers workshop on community-based fisheries management in Samoa

The Coastal Fisheries Manage- the Coastal Fisheries Manage- the mission to Tokelau was also ment Section held a workshop ment Section, set up communi- an opportunity for Tokelau rep- on community-based manage- ty-based projects two years ago. resentatives to be exposed to ment for American Samoan and The projects started off well, but concepts and exercises relating Tokelauan fisheries officers in implementation in some cases to setting up management Samoa from 3 to 9 March. This was hindered by a lack of com- meetings, and discussions to workshop specifically targeted mitment from community lead- facilitate drafting of manage- fisheries extension officers who ers. Most people are engaged in ment plans. normally work in communities. paid employment and are Although the section had unable to take time off to attend Because Tokelau has no fish- already introduced the pro- meetings. Getting volunteers at eries officers apart from the gramme in American Samoa, the community level has not Director of Fisheries, communi- the large turnover in staff in the been easy. The Fisheries Depart- ty representatives were chosen Fisheries Department necessi- ment was nevertheless pushing by the Taupulega, on the basis tated the running of another ahead with the project, with the of their interest in the course. workshop for new recruits. long-term goal of building up a Out-migration has always been network of community-based a problem for Tokelau, thus The four staff members who sites and increasing people’s there was very little choice as to attended the workshop were awareness of their roles in the who attended such workshops, already working on the ground future sustainability of their or who would be involved in on some community-based resources. projects in the country. Despite management projects, but need- this, participants were keen to ed to take the training course to Participants at the workshop learn and participate in all activ- assist them in implementing included four fisheries officers ities. The challenge for the com- projects in the villages that from American Samoa and six munity participants in the work- requested assistance. American representatives from Tokelau. shop was to learn about fish- Samoa, with the assistance of The workshop that preceded eries and management issues.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 15 SPC ACTIVITIES

Community support, institu- each island was sufficient for village fishing areas, how the tions and mechanisms were no starting work. areas were marked, the improve- problem for them. ments made on the management Three fisheries officers from the sites, and how progress was The workshop covered the basic Samoa Fisheries Department measured. principles of community-based assisted in the facilitation of the management, why there is a workshop. They were Etuati On the last day of the workshop, need for community-based man- Ropeti, Talavou Taua and Iulia participants tried their hands at agement, how to initiate village Kelekolio. Foua Toloa of the facilitation, conducting meetings contacts and meetings, facilitat- IUCN World Bank programme and working through problems ing at the village level, and in Samoa was Tokelau’s facilita- to find solutions. Facilitation of steps in the development of a tor at the workshop. participants included chairing village management plan. Pro- and leading discussions, and cedures and processes to follow Formulation of a group work. when approaching communi- management plan ties was thoroughly covered, as There were also discussions on this is an important starting This was conducted by the fisheries problems in the two point for projects. There was Samoa fisheries officers who countries. Exercises on how to use also a session on bylaws and used their experiences as field the problem/solution tree were why there was a need to have officers to train participants on used, and participants were intro- village bylaws in community- the important components of for- duced to other methods of gather- based management. Although mulating a management plan. ing information. This included the the Samoa case was used as an Fisheries Department and com- use of participatory learning activ- example, participants were munities will ensure the imple- ities (PLA). Foua Toloa cited assured that the approach dif- mentation of the management examples of other management fered according to countries and plans. processes in place, including dif- social structures. In Tokelau, for ferent approaches and challenges example, the approach will be A field trip was made to some of and the benefits of some of the very different because each atoll the community-based manage- approaches used. has only one village. Therefore ment sites, to show participants approaching the Taupulega on where the sites were in relation to

16 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

SWORDFISH LONGLINE FISHERY REOPENED IN HAWAIIAN WATERS

The Western Pacific Regional However, the Council set an cerned who had worked on Fishery Management Council annual limit on the number of developing the man- and NOAA Fisheries hosted a shallow sets (2,120 sets), or half agement measures, including press conference in March this of the annual number of sets the Council, NOAA Fisheries year to announce the reopening before the swordfish closure, to and environmental NGOs. of the swordfish longline fish- be divided up among fishermen ery. Present at the press confer- expressing an interest in target- Kimberly Davis, Deputy Direc- ence were the Chair of the ing swordfish. The new man- tor of the Marine Conservation Council, Roy Morioka, and the agement measure also imposes Program of the World Wildlife Assistant Administrator for “hard caps” on the number of Fund in the United States, NOAA Fisheries, Dr. William leatherback (16) and logger- added that research on the effec- Hogarth. The Council Executive heads (17) that can be caught in tiveness of the circle hooks and Director, Kitty Simonds, intro- any one year, and 100% observ- other measures to minimize tur- duced a distinguished panel of er coverage to ensure that all tle bycatch needs to commence experts on turtle conservation interactions are monitored and in the Hawaii longline fleet as and bycatch reduction, which reported. If either cap is soon as possible. She added, included John Watson of NOAA reached, the fishery will be “the lessons learned in the Fisheries, Martin Hall of the closed for the year regardless of Atlantic must be tested, refined, Inter-American Tropical Tuna how many sets remain unused. and shared in the Pacific as Commission, Kimberly Davis of quickly as possible.” Ms. Davis the World Wildlife Fund and Council Chair, Roy Morioka, also underscored the interna- Eric Gilman of the Blue Ocean noted that “the reopening of the tional dimension of the problem Institute. swordfish fishery is the product of longline bycatch, “It is essen- of the partnership of industry, tial that we reduce bycatch not Swordfish targeting using shal- government, and environmen- only in the U.S. fleet, but in all low (<30 fathom) sets by Hawaii- tal non-government organiza- fishing fleets fishing in the based longliners has been pro- tions (NGOs)”. He applauded Pacific. WWF is hopeful that hibited by US federal regula- them for successfully develop- improvements adopted and tions since April 2001. This ban ing a fishing regime that com- refined in the Hawaii swordfish was implemented because the plements and fulfills the chal- fishery will be instrumental in bycatch of loggerhead and lenging goals of economically transforming other fleets.” leatherback sea turtles by Hawaii- viable longline fishing with Finally, she emphasized that based longliners was thought to minimal impact on turtles. reducing fisheries bycatch must be too high for the populations be part of a broader conserva- to sustain. Most of the turtle Dr Bill Hogarth stated that tion initiative, “Ultimately if we bycatch was taken by shallow “while we are reopening the are to save turtles, we need to setting swordfish longliners, swordfish fishery, it is being protect them everywhere they which bore the brunt of man- done with the utmost caution live - on beaches as well as in agement regulations designed and with significant safeguards the water.” to minimize this bycatch. to ensure continued conservation. These include the Eric Gilman, Fisheries Bycatch Fortunately, research led by strict caps on the number of sea Program Manager for the Blue John Watson with US longliners turtle interactions and a limit on Ocean Institute, added that suc- in the Atlantic has shown that swordfish sets that can be made cesses had already been the combination of 18.0 circle each season”. Like Morioka, he achieved in perfecting methods hooks and mackerel type bait praised all the individuals con- to reduce bycatch by can reduce the catch of leatherback turtles by 67% and loggerhead turtles by 92% com- pared with fishing with J-type hooks and squid bait. In November last year, Western Pacific Council recommended a conservative reopening of sword- fish longline by the Hawaii fleet Xiphias gladius using this gear combination. © Les Hata

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 17 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

Hawaii-based longline vessels, also acknowledged that, “the fisheries with further study.” through a fishing industry- reopened Hawaii longline Gilman also echoed the remarks NGO-government partnership. swordfish fleet will employ the of Kimberly Davis that an inter- This effort led to a simple but best available turtle bycatch national approach is critical due very effective method of long- mitigation methods, but as is to the highly migratory nature line deployment called “side- the case with side setting, addi- of and sea turtles, call- setting”. Gilman said, “the next tional research and commercial ing on the U.S. government and step is to establish a formal demonstrations are needed to industry to play a leadership broad trial of side-setting in the refine, improve and confirm role to catalyze bycatch mitiga- Hawaii fleet to confirm that their effectiveness.” Gilman tion research in other countries. side-setting will both nearly was, “cautiously optimistic that eliminate mortality and seabird and sea turtle mortali- (Source:Western Pacific Fisheries provide substantial operational ties can be reduced to insignifi- Management Council, March 2004) and economic benefits.” Gilman cant levels in Pacific longline

WHEN IS CORAL REEF REHABILITATION AN APPROPRIATE USE OF MPA FUNDING?

Over the past few years, a range reef to its natural condition generally excellent water quali- of coral reef rehabilitation tech- prior to damage) is an appropri- ty and abundant coral larval niques has been developed, ate intervention. In particular, availability, these rubble fields many involving the placement rehabilitation should be consid- often show no signs of natural of three-dimensional hard sub- ered in those situations where recovery on a decadal scale. strate forms (including cement, an MPA’s reefs: This is because corals recruiting rock and ceramic) in areas of to unconsolidated rubble are degraded reef. Although the sci- 1) Have suffered large-scale, quickly smothered when the ence of reef restoration ecology physical damage and show rubble invariably moves as a is truly in its infancy (and hence no signs of natural recovery result of currents or waves. This a steep learning curve is to be on an economically mean- “alternate stable state” is partic- expected), these methodologies ingful decadal time scale; ularly frustrating to those MPA have tended to draw a negative managers who have instituted response from reef ecologists, 2) Are currently well-managed, effective management but are who often compare them to the with major threats to the forced to live with legacy bomb many ill-conceived artificial reef reefs under control; damage; to them, reef rehabili- projects of the past—including tation is an enticing option. dumping of used tires to create 3) Have sufficiently good water “reefs” that aggregate fishes. quality and larval availabili- One case study is Bunaken These skeptics maintain that ty to support vigorous reef National Park in Indonesia, reef rehabilitation is expensive growth; and where has been and drains resources that would largely brought under control be more prudently dedicated to 4) Can attract dedicated fund- but large areas of rubble field better management of intact ing for reef rehabilitation remain (many blasted nearly 20 reefs, and that it is best to allow (e.g., from the private years ago). Two stakeholder natural reef recovery processes tourism sector) that would groups have shown strong inter- to run their course in degraded not otherwise be available est in rehabilitating these rubble areas. for general reef manage- fields to increase productive reef ment. area: village fishers eager for While these criticisms certainly enhanced fisheries yields and have merit and should be care- I would like to focus on one spe- dive operators hoping to spread fully considered by MPA man- cific example of this: that of effort among more dive sites agers on a case-by-case basis, I legacy blast fishing damage in and thus raise the diver carrying strongly believe that there are MPAs in the “Coral Triangle”. capacity of the park. In response situations where reef rehabilita- Across Southeast Asia, hun- to this interest, the Seacology tion (defined herein as efforts to dreds of thousands of hectares Foundation (www.seacology.org) enhance natural reef recovery of once-productive coral reefs provided a grant to the park vil- processes in areas that have suf- have been decimated by blast lage of Manado Tua to purchase fered severe degradation, with fishing, leaving vast rubble 600 ceramic “EcoReef” modules the end goal of returning the fields in their place. Despite to rehabilitate a nearly 1-hectare

18 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION rubble field in return for the vil- the modules has been rapid, socioeconomic impacts of the lagers’ commitment to set aside with coralline algae, bryozoans, project for the next three years this area as a no-take zone. While vermetid worms, tunicates, and to gauge cost-effectiveness of this rehabilitation effort is hard coral recruits now cover- this technique. Villagers, dive focused upon fisheries enhance- ing the modules. Perhaps most operators and park manage- ment (the area is off-limits to encouragingly, over one hun- ment are pleased with the divers), local dive operators dred coral fragments trans- results to date and hopeful that donated nearly 300 hours of planted to the EcoReef modules within five years’ time, the dive time to install the EcoReef (by simply wedging between ceramic modules will no longer modules to help determine if the ceramic spines) have shown be visible—overgrown by a this methodology is one in 100% survival, with nearly two- thriving reef with high fisheries which they might invest to thirds of the fragments cement- productivity. The potential for restore other degraded sites. ing to the modules and laying such a result certainly seems down new tissue over the worth the effort. Completed in mid-January ceramic in the first two months. 2004, the results to date have Additional transplantation is Photos and video of the already been impressive. The scheduled for May 2004. Manado Tua installation are ceramic “snow-flakes”, designed viewable at www.ecoreefs.com. to mimic a branching coral To be sure, the verdict on the thicket, immediately attracted success of this reef rehabilita- (by Mark Erdmann, Bunaken large numbers of both schooling tion project will not be clear for National Park, Indonesia) and sedentary fishes to the pre- 3–5 years. A grant from the viously barren and lifeless rub- Packard Foundation will permit (Source: MPA News,Vol. 5, n¡9, ble field. Benthic recruitment to us to monitor the biological and April 2004, reprinted with permission)

WORKSHOP ON ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING

A workshop on illegal, unreported of IUU fishing activities on efficiency of measures adopt- and unregulated (IUU) fishing was resource sustainability, biodi- ed nationally and interna- held on 19 and 20 April 2004 at the versity and economic and social tionally to secure Organisation for Economic Co-oper- sustainability. In many cases, for the future. ation and Development (OECD) the burden is borne by the fish- headquarters in Paris, France. The ing industry. • IUU activities also have objective of this workshop was to adverse effects on the marine gather information and data on the The workshop was organized ecosystem, notably on the pop- extent of IUU fishing and identify around 4 sessions addressing: ulations of seabirds, marine the economic and social drivers to the state of play of IUU fishing; mammals, sea turtles and IUU fishing. Around 120 experts data and information needs; bio-diversity as a whole (dis- from OECD and non-OECD coun- economic and social drivers; cards, etc.). tries, regional fisheries manage- and possible future actions. The ment organisations, international following observations and • IUU fishing distorts compe- governmental organisations, non- findings from the Workshop tition and jeopardizes the governmental organisations and have been compiled by the economic survival of those academia attended the workshop. Workshop Chairs. who fish in accordance with the law and in compliance The following is the summary of The state of play with relevant conservation the discussions and conclusions of on IUU fishing and management measures. the workshop, reprinted with per- mission from OECD. • IUU fishing is a world-wide • There are important social problem, affecting both costs associated with IUU The issue of illegal, unreported domestic waters and the high fishing as it affects the liveli- and unregulated (IUU) fishing , and all types of fishing hoods of fishing communi- has moved to the forefront of vessels, regardless of their ties, particularly in develop- the international fisheries policy size or gear. ing countries, and because agenda in recent years. Govern- many of the crew on IUU ments around the world have • IUU fishing is harmful to fish fishing vessels are from poor recognised the negative effects stocks and undermines the and underdeveloped parts

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 19 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

of the world and often work- impacts. This is compound- the relative benefits and raise ing under poor social and ed by the varying level in the costs of IUU fishing. safety conditions. quality, accessibility, reliabil- • The demonstration effect ity and usefulness of the achieved by government • The impact of IUU fishing available data. and RFMO efforts in fighting for some species (primarily IUU activities is significant. tuna and tuna-like species) is • There are a number of interna- This will provide positive global, whereas that for tional instruments addressing signals to legal fishers and other species (e.g., Patagon- the collection of fisheries send the message to IUU ian toothfish and Orange information and statistics. fishers that their products roughy) is specific to those However, these need to be will be excluded from the areas where such species integrated and further, there international market and occur. This means that global remains a need for improve- that their activities will not and local solutions are ment in national statistics on be tolerated. required, as well as solutions trade in fish and fish prod- tailored to specific species. ucts, especially in relation to • Inefficient domestic fisheries IUU fishing. management may work as a • There is a concern that driver for IUU fishing activi- excess capacity in fisheries in • There is a diversity of actors ties; the more economically OECD countries can lead to involved in gathering, pro- efficient management is the a spillover of capacity into cessing and disseminating higher the fisher income will be IUU fishing activities. information on IUU fishing and thus lessen the incentive activities—governments, to engage in IUU activities. • IUU fishing is a dynamic and intergovernmental organiza- multi-faceted problem and tions, RFMOs, RFBs, NGOs • The size of penalties and the no single strategy is sufficient and industry. risk of being apprehended is to eliminate or reduce IUU not generally a sufficient fishing—a concerted and • Trade-tracking and the result- deterrent to IUU fishing multi-pronged approach is ing accumulation of informa- activities. This is complicat- required nationally, regional- tion by market countries are ed by the ease of re-flagging ly and internationally, and by an enormous task but it is vessels and the difficulties in type of fishery. The full range very important for the cre- tracking company structures of players should be involved ation of effective measures to and identifying beneficial in helping bring forward combat IUU fishing. owners of IUU vessels. The solutions to the IUU problem. lack of harmonisation of • There is a need to broaden the penalties across countries is • Many developed and devel- scope of the information gath- also a concern. oping states have not been ered so it covers activities and fully responsible in comply- situations “upstream” and • IUU fishing inflicts damage ing with their responsibili- “downstream” of the IUU on a law abiding fishing ties as flag states, port states, fishing operations them- industry aiming at sustain- coastal states, states of vessel selves. This will help to better able exploitation. owners and trading nations. define the nature and scope of IUU fishing and to improve • IUU fishing activities also • The FAO International Plan knowledge of the economic make it harder for countries of Action to combat IUU and social forces which drive to strike a balance between fishing contains tools to IUU fishing in order to help food security and protection tackle the IUU issue. The target future actions. of the marine environment. question is to find ways to better implement such tools. Economic and social Possible actions drivers Information and data • There is a wide range of pos- needs • Under current conditions, sible measures that can be IUU activities can be extreme- undertaken to address the • In spite of recent improve- ly profitable due, amongst problem of IUU fishing. ments in information collec- other factors, to lower cost These will need to cover tion, there remains a lack of structures than for compliant legal, institutional, economic systematic and comprehen- fishing activities. Strategies to and social dimensions and sive information on the combat IUU fishing need to will require the involvement extent of IUU operations and include measures that reduce of multiple players in the

20 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

national, regional and inter- • There is also a need to high seas IUU activities and national fisheries sectors. improve the monitoring of lists of vessels that are • Determining the cost-effec- the provision of at-sea serv- authorized to fish. The use of tiveness of alternate approach- ices and transhipment of fish positive and negative lists of es to addressing IUU fishing and . IUU fishing vessels and com- problems should be under- panies is strongly encour- taken to help identify priori- Coastal state actions and aged in this regard. ties amongst the possible international trade responses • The creation of a global options so that the best record/register of authorised results can be obtained from • It is necessary to augment fishing vessels that are tech- limited resources that are monitoring, control and sur- nically capable of engaging available to national govern- veillance capacities and in high seas fishing should ments and international improve fisheries manage- be considered. organizations. ment across the board, but in particular in developing International coordination Flag state actions countries. • Improving and extending • Resources matter: more tech- • Links between flags of con- the use of catch and trade nical and financial resources venience and tax havens documentation schemes could are needed for capacity have been established and a help provide additional infor- building, in particular in the more concerted approach mation on IUU activities. developing states for moni- towards both could be • Fair, transparent and non-dis- toring, control and surveil- undertaken. criminatory countermeasures lance, and in all activities in • There is a need to improve should be adopted, consis- combating IUU activities. transparency on the proce- tent with international law, • The international communi- dures and conditions for re- against countries that do not ty should move to ratify rel- flagging and de-flagging. comply with the conserva- evant international treaties • More countries could useful- tion and management meas- on labour and working con- ly investigate the possibilities ures adopted by RFMOs or ditions in the maritime sec- for applying extra-territorial fail to effectively control the tor in order to strengthen rules for their nationals. vessels flying their flag in international hard and soft • The penalties for IUU offences order to ensure they comply laws to protect fishing crews should be significantly with the conservation and in general. increased and harmonised management measures adopt- • Improved monitoring for- between jurisdictions. ed by RFMOs. eign direct investments (out- • Countries should identify going and in-coming) in the Port state actions the area of catch and name of fishing sector will assist in fishing vessel and its past tracking potential IUU fish- • The development of mini- history (of name and flag) in ing operations. mum guidelines for port order to collect information • Work should be undertaken state controls and actions necessary for better fisheries nationally and multilaterally against IUU fishers, particu- management and elimina- to lift the veil of corporate larly with respect to the use tion of IUU fishing. secrecy surrounding the of prior notice and inspec- companies undertaking IUU tion requirements (including RFMO actions fishing activities and related health and safety condi- services. Partnerships between tions), should be encour- • Strengthening the mandate public authorities and busi- aged. The harmonisation of and role of RFMOs and RFBs, nesses offer important scope these controls and actions in particular their possibili- in the fight against IUU. In this should be a priority. ties for tracking IUU fishing, regard, the OECD Guidelines • There is a need to ensure a is an important requirement. for Multinationals offers broader use of port state con- • There is a need to improve some possibilities that could trol measures including information sharing and be followed-up by national inspections, preventing access cooperation among RFMOs, regulatory authorities. to services and goods of IUU particularly in terms of link- • A major effort is required, in vessels. ing and integrating their data particular by regional fish- • There needs to be an agree- on IUU fishing activities. eries management organisa- ment to make it illegal to • More RFMOs should consid- tions and market countries, tranship, land and trade in er publishing lists of compa- to collect and disseminate IUU fish. nies and vessels engaged in relevant information.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 21 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

• The efforts already underway nesses engaged in IUU activ- tributors and consumers. to improve information at all ities to determine if alterna- Such activities will help raise levels and mechanisms to tive means of getting IUU awareness of the problem share information need to be vessels out of the business and improve the knowledge supported and strengthened. can be found. of the social, economic and • There should be continued environmental consequences NGO and private sector efforts to communicate the of IUU activities. actions IUU problem, for example • Industry and NGOs should through promotional/edu- be encouraged to continue to • Whenever possible, govern- cational campaigns with the self-organise their response ments should consider bilat- market including intermedi- to IUU fishing and informa- eral consultation with busi- ate buyers, processors, dis-

TUNA FLEET HIT LOW PRICES, RISING COSTS

Fishing boat operators at up to 15 of the 40 boats in the Minister for Fisheries Senator Mooloolaba [Queensland, Aus- fleet went under. Ian McDonald about assistance tralia] are struggling to keep to help the industry through its their heads above water as a raft “Tuna prices are down in Japan toughest period in years. of circumstances combine to because of oversupply from fish beset the industry. farm operators, the Aussie dol- The tuna and billfish industry is lar’s rise hasn’t helped, fuel and worth an estimated $35 million Five boats are believed to have insurance costs are up, and the in direct export earnings to the already been repossesed by cost of bait (squid from Mooloolaba operators, and as banks with several more likely Argentina) is up because of a much as that again in flow-on to suffer the same fate. sever undersupply,” he said. benefits to employees in associ- ated businesses. Other owners have elected to “As well as that, annual licence leave their vessels tied up in fees have jumped from $6000 a Mr Taylor said he expected the port for weeks on end, con- boat two years ago to $14,000, situation to remain tough for vinced that option is cheaper some of our fishing areas have another 12 months, adding he was than taking them to sea to chase been closed and the catch is confident the industry would tuna or swordfish. down perhaps as much as 25% survive once the tide turned. in the past six months for rea- Brett Taylor, managing director sons we’re not sure about.” (Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, of 4 Seas, one of four major Wednesday, 7 April 2004, exporters operating at Mooloolaba, Mr Taylor said he had flown to reprinted with permission) said he wouldn’t be surprised if Canberra last week to talk to

SAFETY AT SEA, A PRIORITY SMALL FISHING BOATS A TARGET

Far too often we read about on search and rescue attempts, of the serious incidents offshore. small boat fishermen in the while families ashore become An FAO (Food and Agricultural Pacific Islands being lost at sea, frantic over their fate.The size of Organization) survey conduct- or if they are lucky being rescued the problem is difficult to esti- ed in 2003 showed that in most after drifting at the mercy of the mate since statistics on small countries small fishing vessels wind and weather. The usual sit- boat accidents at sea are not kept are not even covered by their uation is a small outboard-pow- by most countries of the region. safety legislations. ered open fishing boat develop- ing engine problems or running In Samoa where some data In response to the problem, the out of fuel while fishing or trav- exists, 38 lives have been lost Food and Agriculture Organiza- elling outside the reef. and 107 search and rescue inci- tion of the United Nations and dents recorded since 1995. What the Secretariat of the Pacific The fishermen may drift for is clear from the information Community (SPC) have been days, weeks, or months as gov- available is that it is the small working to improve the safety ernments spend scarce money fishing vessels that cause most of small fishing boats.

22 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

An FAO survey in the early lem. To help with this, countries standards for small vessel con- 1990s suggested that public need to record information on struction in the region. The stan- awareness programmes on sea sea safety incidents. This infor- dards should include plan safety would be worthwhile. mation will be a valuable tool approvals, construction specifica- SPC has subsequently produced for creating greater awareness tions, built-in buoyancy, engine and distributed a wide range of and the political will to address size limits and colour of hull. safety awareness materials sea safety issues and provide throughout the Pacific islands. the necessary resources. Finally, while the realities of life in The materials are aimed at remote islands where many inci- changing attitudes to sea safety Reliable data can also assist dents occur make regulation diffi- and include posters, stickers countries in working out the cult, appropriate sea safety regu- videos, radio materials, lami- dollar and human costs associ- lations can dramatically improve nated cards, and TV clips. ated with sea accidents and to small fishing vessel safety. assess if the resources commit- FAO and SPC recently brought ted to sea safety are being used Samoa serves as a prime exam- together a group of specialists effectively and efficiently. ple of how safety improvements in Suva in a workshop environ- by appropriate regulations has ment to see what further steps Like road safety programmes, reduced loss of lives. Specialists should be taken to improve the there is no “quick fix”to reducing felt that even where safety legis- safety of small fishing boats. loss of life at sea. Sea safety aware- lation for small boats is difficult ness needs to be approached with to enforce, there is still value in The unique gathering drew on a view to long term strategies having appropriate and publi- expertise in the fields of fish- that really make a difference at cised legislation to act as a target eries, maritime law, search/res- the level of small boat operators. to aim for, a basis for local rules, cue, community development, and a useful standard, which training, accident investigation, Fishermen and others who use can be a requirement for a fish- and boat building and design. small boats must be made aware ing licence and loan approval. Participants included village- of the very real dangers they face level fishermen and survivors each time they put to sea. These regulations should be of long drift voyages, one of Initiatives to raise awareness simple, easy to interpret and whom told of his harrowing tale should focus on why so many drafted in plain words. So, of survival in an open boat for accidents occur and be directed where to go from here? The more than 100 days. not just at fishers but also at studies have been done, the communities and governments. results have been discussed and The meeting discussed and now it is up to the governments made recommendations on four Not all boats are created equal of the region to decide the significant ways to improve with some small fishing vessels resources needed to improve sea small boat safety. Firstly, if we being built more strongly and safety for small-scale fishermen. are to devise effective ways of providing greater levels of safety tackling loss of life at sea, it is than others. To help raise sea safe- (Source: Bob Gillett/ essential to better understand ty standards there is a need to Islands Business, May 2004) the extent of the sea safety prob- develop mandatory construction

Increased public awareness through educational programmes and publicity will be one of the means to lower the number of accidents

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 23 giant clam restocking pro- AQUACULTURE UPDATES: gramme run by the Fisheries Department was also affect- SAMOA ed by the cyclones. Under an AusAID project, a stock enhancement programme was In October 2003, SPC’s Aquacul- recommenced, leading to the ture Adviser and Officer, Ben by Ben Ponia,Aquaculture Adviser and Satya Nandlal,Aquaculture Officer establishment of the Toloa Ponia and Satya Nandlal, visited SPC, Noumea giant clam hatchery in 2000. Samoa to review programme activ- New Caledonia ities and participate in a one-day • Trochus (T. niloticus) were aquaculture workshop. During their introduced in 1990 by an visit they were updated on various however, to stimulate any FAO project for reseeding. ongoing developments in Samoa private sector interest. • The freshwater crayfish red- History of aquaculture • In 1982, green mussel (Perna claw (Cherax quadricarinatus) viridis) spat was imported was introduced by a private There has been a long history of from French Polynesia with entrepreneur for commercial aquaculture research and devel- the assistance of the prede- culture in 1993 together with opment in Samoa, stretching cessor organisation to IFRE- C. destructor. Culture trials over several decades. MER. Culture trials revealed resumed with a second good growth despite prob- introduction in 1995 of C. • In 1954 SPC investigated the lems with poaching. quadricarinatus, with success- potential for aquaculture. That ful propagation reported at led soon after to the introduc- • In 1990 culture trials of the the Fisheries hatchery. Growth tion of the Mozambique Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was reported as excellent. tilapia (Oreochromis mossambi- were initiated. Although cus). In 1991 the Samoa Fish- growth was satisfactory and Institutional arrangements eries Department introduced several markets were identi- the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). fied, constraints in produc- The Fisheries Department is the tion could not be overcome. main government agent respon- • Seaweed (Kappaphycus sp.) sible for aquaculture develop- was introduced in 1975. • Giant clam (Tridacna derasa) ment. Within the department a Culture trials by the Fish- were imported from Palau in small aquaculture section has eries Department recom- 1982. This led to a private been recently established under menced in 1991 but stopped commercial farm being the management of Senior not long after. established, which was later Fisheries Officer, Malwine Lober. closed after cyclones in 1990 Support is provided by the • In 1978, the FAO/UNDP- and 1991 destroyed it. A department’s extension services. funded pilot trials for top minnow (Poecilia mexicana) as bait for the pole-and-line fishery. Polyculture trials were most successful with milkfish. By 1983 the proj- ect was abandoned because it was not economically feasible.

• Post-larval giant freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium rosen- bergii) and giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) were imported from French Poly- nesia to the Samoa Fisheries Department hatchery in 1980, and were successfully propagated. The project failed,

Samoa Fisheries Department giant clam hatchery at Toloa

24 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 AQUACULTURE UPDATES: SAMOA

The Toloa hatchery operated by reserves that have been reseed- bique tilapia introduced in 1950s Fisheries is the main centre for ed with giant clams produced at is an important artisanal fishery research. At the the Tolao hatchery. The majority and fishers with their canoes time of our visit the hatchery of restocking is with Tridacna and nets are a common sight. was focused mostly on giant derasa, a fast-growing clam The Fisheries Department prefers clam propagation. Around highly valued for its meat, and to restock the estuary with Nile 60,000 juveniles (around 4 cm) which is now extinct in Samoa. tilapia from the hatchery were being cultured onsite. At In addition, there are several because, unlike the Mozambique the hatchery, a JICA scientist is sites along the fringing reef tilapia, the Nile tilapia breed in conducting trials for sea urchin where trochus recently intro- freshwater so it is less likely for aquaculture. After Cyclone Heta duced from Vanuatu under an populations to establish them- in January 2004 many of the ACIAR project are being reseed- selves in the marine coastal areas. giant clam for the ed. Trochus shell has a well Also, Nile tilapia has superior Toloa hatchery perished. established market in the button growth characteristics com- industry and could provide an pared with Mozambique tilapia. The Fisheries Department in economic opportunity for Apia has a series of concrete Samoa. In 2004, the Fisheries Depart- raceways that serve as a tilapia ment (with SPC’s assistance) hatchery. In 2004 the depart- Savaii is fortunate in having an plans to increase the number of ment plans to increase its tilapia abundant source of freshwater Nile fingerlings to be stocked in fingerling production. This from underground springs that this estuary. This will be an effort will be supported by SPC, could support fresh and brack- interesting case study as the which in December 2003 pro- ish water aquaculture including success of the programme will vided a small financial grant to restocking of fisheries resources. require the combined manage- upgrade the hatchery and has ment effort of all villagers who programmed some assistance in One of the major estuaries on have access to the estuary. For training and extension. Savaii is shared by several vil- example, a short ban on har- lages including Salotepai and vesting will probably be Savaii Island Safai. Freshwater is provided by required in order to allow the springs on the inland side and first cohort of maturing fish to Along the Savaii Island coast- seaweed enters with tidal flows breed. Fortunately it appears line there are 15 village marine from the lagoon side. Mozam- from our meetings with village

Nile Tilapia at Samoa Fisheries Department hatchery

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 25 AQUACULTURE UPDATES: SAMOA chiefs that an inter-village fish- nearly been fished out. One tonne of shrimp was harvested. eries management council is option is to raise juveniles at the According to project reports, the already in place and could Toloa giant clam hatchery. A few site has 74 hectares suitable for implement controls. months after our visit, SPC com- farming and there is an ade- missioned a consultant from the quate water supply from the At Sapapalili village a small Cook Islands to visit the pro- river that runs through the freshwater pond, 20 x 20 m, was posed pearl farm and provide property. Several large earthen constructed by the Fish-eries technical advice. ponds from the trial still remain Department and stocked with although the land has been several hundred Nile tilapia. Upolu Island reclaimed for cattle farming. The source of water for the There are private sector inter- pond is an underground spring Like Savaii, the main island of ests that wish to re-examine the with brackishwater intrusion Upolu has many village marine feasibility of shrimp farming. from the coast. From visual reserves where giant clams from observations the fish appeared the Fisheries hatchery are being The University of the South to be in excellent health and restocked. Pacific campus at Alafua has an there was a high survival rate. It emphasis on agriculture and, was reported that a 47 cm, 1.1 Fisheries have been conducting with similarity between aqua- kg fish had been caught recent- a small growth trial on mud culture and livestock or crop ly. Given the high quality of crab with the assistance of a production, the institution water, a pond of this nature local businessman. The trial is could assist in aquaculture could be intensively stocked located on the coastal mangrove development. Dr Ajuyah, a lec- with up to 2000 fish. area and fenced off with plastic turer, provided a tour of the mesh. Design features are being campus set-up, including a Close to the main town of tested to minimise escape of duck farm with tilapia ponds. Salelologa is the site of a pro- crabs during the high tidal flow, One of his MSc students, posed black pearl farm. The site and to protect them from the Evangeline Singh, aims to study already has land-based infra- sun. Preliminary results suggest the productivity of an integrat- structure in place and has iden- that the omnivorous mudcrab ed agriculture–aquaculture sys- tified a section of the lagoon will react positively to a diet of tem (taro, duck and tilapia), where the oysters will be held. household scraps and trash fish. which will be modelled on typi- A bottleneck facing the farm is a cal rural village conditions. sufficient supply of pearl oyster Freshwater Macrobrachium shrimp stocks because the wild oyster were farmed in Solau in the populations on Samoa have early 1980s, and more than a

Artisanal fishers netting freshwater tilapia at Sapapalii village in Samoa

26 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 munities, NGOs and private sec- REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE tor companies and individuals.

COMMERCIAL VIABILITY FOR An economic assessment was made in order to provide an MARINE ORNAMENTAL insight into the region’s opportu- nities and constraints in develop- AQUACULTURE WITHIN THE ing marine-based industries; information has also been pro- PACIFIC ISLANDS vided on current demands for each aquaculture commodity currently cultured within the This report was commissioned by region. Economic opportunities the SPC Aquaculture Section and by S.R. Lindsay, E. Ledua are closely related to marine and provides a timely and useful update and J. Stanley coastal resource endowments of on the status of the ornamental each nation, which vary consid- industry in the Pacific region and erably within the region. the prospects for aquaculture. The ties, to supply the export following is the edited executive demand for the international The wild collection and subse- summary of the publication. The aquarium markets. The review quent export of marine com- full document in pdf format (320 team was also tasked with rec- modities for the international kb) can be downloaded at: ommending mechanisms and marine ornamental trade is cur- approaches that can be under- rently an ongoing successful http://www.spc.int/aquaculture/ taken to enhance the production income earning industry and a site/publications/documents/ of existing and new aquaculture provider of employment within Marine_Ornamental.pdf commodities for member coun- the region. The industry has tries of the Secretariat of the expanded over the past decade The Pacific region consists of 22 Pacific Community (SPC). with those Pacific Island coun- countries and territories, and is Specifically, six aquaculture tries having access to interna- made up of 2700 islands. Coral commodities were assessed tional air transportation links reefs dominate the inshore (giant clam, hard coral, soft actively participating in the marine ecosystems and provide coral, fish, live rock and shrimp). industry. Fiji dominates the both subsistence and commercial industry within the Pacific, with income opportunities. Expand- Work by the review team was a market share of approximate- ing populations and urbanisa- done between July and Novem- ly 75% of all trade, annual tion, which create related needs ber 2003. The team met with rel- export earnings of USD 19 mil- for cash incomes, are placing evant government agencies, lion (2001), and employment of ever increasing demands and non-governmental organisa- over 1000 individuals. pressures on the region’s coastal tions, private sector marine resources. Striking the balance exporters and aquaculturists in The marine ornamental indus- between environmentally sound the Marshall Islands, Federated try is, however, based on reef resources and economically States of Micronesia, Palau, resource extraction (approxi- viable marine industries is Samoa, Fiji Islands, Vanuatu mately 95% by volume), and important to securing long-term and Tonga. Discussions with issues about the long-term sus- income generation and better individuals and agencies in six tainability and health of these standards of living for the other Pacific Island countries natural resources is a Pacific region’s people. Pacific Island were held by telephone, fax and regional and global concern. states have identified maricul- email. Country visits were Management protocols are ture of marine ornamental com- based on current levels of activ- under development throughout modities as a potential opportu- ities associated with the marine the region in order to provide a nity that can be further devel- ornamental trade. Additional mechanism that allows the sus- oped to meet these objectives. desk study summaries of the tainability of the wild collection remaining Pacific nations that industry. Wild collection replace- This review has been undertak- have been involved in this trade ment with aquacultured prod- en to provide a regional assess- have been included. Information ucts is a viable alternative for ment of the level of marine orna- obtained for this review was organisms that can be cultured. mental commercial culture, as sourced from a wide range of well as the economic and the publications and stakeholder An industry of marine aquacul- biological viability of culturing discussions, including regional ture products developed for marine ornamental commodi- and government agencies, com- and traded in the marine orna-

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 27 REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY FOR MARINE ORNAMENTAL AQUACULTURE WITHIN THE PACIFIC ISLANDS mental industry from the Pacific of T. crocea, T. maxima, and T. demand and market trends for Islands region is in its infancy squamosa attain the highest these commodities. It is, howev- and currently commands a very prices and this demand trend is er, envisaged that, as produc- small share of the market com- expected to continue in the fore- tion increases with a subsequent pared with wild collected seeable future. At time of the increase in product quality and marine commodities originat- writing of this report, T. crocea has diversification, cultured corals ing from the region. In general, yet to be cultured in commercial will assume a larger proportion cultured products are labour numbers. Tonga and the Marshall of the market. intensive, have higher risk fac- Islands, to a smaller extent, are tors, and incur time delays in currently the largest producers of Cultured “live rock” is present- profit earnings when compared cultured giant clams for the ly produced only in Fiji, with an with the wild collection of simi- marine ornamental trade. estimated 50,000 pieces under lar products. Nevertheless, the cultivation. Although the demand further development of existing The production of cultured hard for live rock is large with and new aquaculture commodi- and soft corals is currently in its demand increasing consider- ties destined for the internation- infancy and is limited. Corals ably over the past decade, al marine ornamental industry are cultured commercially in Fiji demand for cultured live rock is is potentially a viable economic Islands, Marshall Islands and small and restricted to specialty prospect for the Pacific Islands Vanuatu. Fiji has the largest markets. Price, quality and region. The currently traded commercial hard coral farm in quantity of wild harvested rock aquacultured commodities the region, with a current esti- currently available to the marine (giant clam, hard and soft coral, mated production figure of ornamental industry are not and live rock) have established 25,000 individual pieces made conducive to the development markets, albeit small, within up of 40 different species. The of cultured live rock. Demand this industry and it is envisaged demand for hard and soft corals by the industry for cultured live that, as the quantity and quality in the marine ornamental trade rock products may change if of these products develop, mar- is huge, comprising a large pro- Asian and Pacific Island nation ket share, market acceptance portion of all invertebrates trad- producers adopt legislation that and commodity prices will ed. Demand for corals over the strictly controls or bans the wild increase. Proven technology for past decade has expanding collection of live rock (as in the culture of marine finfish and annually, with this trend envis- Florida, USA). marine ornamental shrimp has aged to continue in the future. yet to be realised. The develop- Cultured corals make up a very The current biological knowl- ment of aquaculture commodi- small proportion of products edge and economic activity ties to complement the correct traded at the present time and undertaken clearly indicates utilisation of wild harvested therefore it is difficult to predict that the culture of a limited products will assist in the devel- opment of the industry within the region while contributing to the ecological sustainability and environmental integrity of the resources.

The annual export of both cul- tured and wild harvested giant clams from the Pacific over the past decade has been on the order of 20,000–35,000 speci- mens, with approximately 85% being wild harvested. Giant clams are cultured in the major- ity of Pacific Island nations and are the largest aquaculture com- modity currently traded in the international marine ornamen- tal industry. The culture of giant clams requires the use of land based hatchery facilities and ocean based grow-out sites. The smaller, brightly coloured species Live rock being cultured in Tongatapu Islands, Tonga

28 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY FOR MARINE ORNAMENTAL AQUACULTURE WITHIN THE PACIFIC ISLANDS number of marine ornamental and multilateral donor organi- ments, need to be further devel- commodities is an economic sations, regional agencies, oped to allow the sustainable prospect for the Pacific region. national governments, NGOs management of the industry for However, additional develop- and the private sector is the long term. Concerns and con- ment in all aspects of the indus- required to successfully develop straints raised during stakeholder try is required before industry this industry. The consultants discussions throughout the region goals can be fully attained. recommend that SPC, through are highlighted and discussed These include: human resources; its Aquaculture Section, take the within the text and a series of biological and technical knowl- lead role in coordinating the approaches are recommended to edge; infrastructure; marketing development of this industry. address these concerns. and business; policy, manage- ment and enforcement. At present, regulatory mecha- A number of recommendations nisms within Pacific Island based on the results of this The exact requirements of each nations are not adequate to sus- study are presented in the nation will vary depending on tainably manage this trade, for report. These have been provid- current activities in place as both wild and cultured com- ed to assist each nation and well as related capacities. modities. Therefore, user-friend- regional agencies to assess their Furthermore, an integrated ly management systems, includ- capacity to develop this indus- approach including bilateral ing quarantine and CITES require- try.

Top: Giant clam destined for the aquarium trade being raised on beachside raceways in Tarawa Left: Soft coral being cultured in Palau

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 29 and is also responsible for the COMMUNITY-BASED FISHERIES enforcement of resource use mechanisms. Continued respect MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR for traditional institutions in Tokelau has ensured the sur- TOKELAU vival of such traditional man- agement mechanisms, despite changes to fishing practices in Fishing is an integral part of the the past few decades. lives of Tokelauan people and is by Aliti Vunisea, Coastal Fisheries Management Officer an activity pursued almost daily SPC, Noumea In March 2004, SPC’s Coastal by men. While most women do New Caledonia Fisheries Management Section not fish regularly as in other and the Samoa Fisheries Depart- Pacific islands, they do take part ment assisted Tokelau1 in devel- in all post harvest activities. Tokelau, a strong traditional oping community-based fish- Fishing has been and continues institution and resource use ethic, eries management plans for each to be part of Tokelauan cultural and a participatory approach to of the three atolls: Nukunonu, heritage and is important for management already exist. Fakaofo and Atafu. The imple- subsistence consumption and, mentation and success of these to a certain degree, in the In Tokelau, the lafu system — plans will depend significantly exchange system between rela- where reefs, lagoons or general on the Tokelauan people and tives living in Samoa and New fishing areas are tabu for certain how committed they are to fol- Zealand. Any changes within lengths of time — has existed lowing through with proposals the fisheries sector will certainly for generations and has ensured they made in the management affect people’s lives. continued resource use and sus- plans, which are written in the tainable harvest mechanisms. Tokelauan language. Through- A community-based manage- As in other parts of the Pacific out community consultations, it ment approach to fisheries these tabus were, in most cases, was stressed that the plans depends significantly on tradi- implemented to ensure contin- belonged to the people and it tional institutions and the ued food supply and to protect was up to them to implement implementation of socially fishing areas. Resource manage- them, and that the SPC and the acceptable laws and regulations ment is therefore not a new con- Samoa Fisheries Department to monitor resource use. In cept to the Tokelauan people. The officers were merely facilitators village mayor, of the process. The Faipule or Pulenuku, (chiefs) of each island were very has the task of optimistic about the success of overseeing vil- the plans and did not foresee any lage activities immediate problems at the

The reserve or lafu area in Fakaofo. There are no markers but people are familiar with tabu areas, as the bound- aries are the islets, the divide between the oceanic and lagoon sides of the islands and reefs. Reefs close to the islands at the far side of this photo are where people can fish. The tabu also covers a part of the oceanic side of Rubbish disposal, as in the above photo, was a the lagoon problem common to all the islands

1 SPC s Coastal Fisheries Management Officer acknowledges the assistance of: Samoa Fisheries Officers Etuati Ropeti, Ulia Keleoli and Tanielu Talavou; and two representatives from each of the three atolls: Katieli Peleti and Telesoni Mika from Fakaofo, Peni Teaku and Ropati Toma from Atafu and Peter Alesana and Hehilia Lemisio from Nukunonu.

30 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 COMMUNITY-BASED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR TOKELAU implementation stage, as these Tokelauan people understand in general. Field surveys were plans were simply modern ver- the Samoan language, there was made of areas that were current- sions of their traditional man- no need for translations, which ly designated as reserves. agement systems. greatly facilitated interactions during these meetings. At the Amidst all the work being done According to Pio Tuia, the end of three weeks, the draft in the fisheries sector in Faipule of Nukunonu, “We management plans were pre- Tokelau, the atolls are also already have traditional man- sented to the entire village on undergoing changes to their agement systems that were each atoll for comments and governance systems. While the practised by our forefathers; endorsement. team was in Atafu, the first only now we have a proper meeting of the Council for the of written plan, which we can Also occuring at the time the on-going Government of check what we have achieved community-based management Tokelau was held. This council, against. We also need this plan plans were being developed, a larger forum that includes the now as resources are not in the were discussions on a National Pulenuku, Faipule and advisers, state they used to be before, so Inshore Fisheries Management has replaced the previous this plan is timely for us.” Plan for Tokelau2. Discussions Council of Faipule (chiefs). This Community-based fisheries focused on the need for a council will now be the body management maximises tradi- national vision for the future of that makes decisions for the tional institutions, beliefs, skills Tokelau’s inshore resources, country when the General Fono and knowledge, and norms, and what the Taupulega and (parliament) is not in session. In making it easy for people to people see as the future of their addition to these changes, the more readily accept and under- fisheries. This also included Taupulega, as of July 2004, will stand what the plans entail. looking at the current structure have more statutory powers of the Tokelau Fisheries Depart- and will have the public service During the development of the ment and determining if there in their respective islands under fisheries management plans, was a need for additional fish- their jurisdiction. Thus, the three Samoa fisheries officers eries officers. Transportation work on the community-based worked with a Tokelauan coun- difficulties and the distance fisheries management plans terpart for several weeks on each between each atoll make it very and other developments at the atoll, participating in meetings, difficult for a single officer, as is island level will depend signifi- discussions and interviews. the current situations, to imple- cantly on the Taupulega and the Meetings targeted the major ment and monitor projects and traditional authorities. political and community groups fisheries development in the in the villages, including the three atolls. On Atafu, there was also a meet- Taupulega (council of elders), ing of the Fatupaepae from the Aumanga (men’s group), During discussions about the three atolls. This meeting — Fatupaepae (women’s group) and National Inshore Fisheries which had been reconvened the youth groups. Because the Management Plan, there was after 15 years — was useful as considerable interest shown in SPC’s Coastal Fisheries Officer aquaculture, sea safety, and and the three Samoan fisheries the development of fisheries officers were able to discuss the intended projects on Tokelau with the women of Fatupaepae before they went back to their villages.

Left: Women in Atafu preparing food for the meetings Middle and right: Tanielu Talavou and the Tokelau counterparts Peni and Ropati conducting survey work in the reserve areas in Atafu

2 The community-based fisheries management plans for each atoll fall under the overall National Inshore Fisheries Management Plan for the country.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004 31 COMMUNITY-BASED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR TOKELAU

After the meetings on each atoll sometimes viewed as a game or harvesting, rubbish disposal, with different community sport, and becomes more a test petrol spills, small mesh sizes, groups, various committees of skills rather than a need to and a lack of awareness of exist- were selected to collate informa- procure fish for consumption. ing rules and regulations. In tion gathered from discussions, Wastage is very common, with addition, Fakaofo people were which would then presented large amounts of fish thrown concerned about fish poisoning; back to the people at a later away almost daily, and some the wreck of the Ai Sokula on a meeting. People on all three people fishing primarily to feed nearby fishing reef, was identi- atolls described what in their their pigs. Fish are plentiful in fied as a likely contributing factor. view contributed to resource Tokelau and even very young depletion. children catch fish around the On Nukunonu, highlighted village boundary, so the prob- problems were nearly the same, On Atafu, these problems lem of declining resources is not and more in-depth surveys, included net size restrictions not a reality to most of the people. training and awareness work being strictly enforced, the effect were identified as urgently need- of petrol from boats on the Village elders, however, recall ed. Village meetings were held marine environment, rubbish larger populations in the past of with specific groups, including disposal and a lack of proper certain fish species, clams and the Taupulega, Aumanga and the dumping areas, lack of aware- coconut crabs. Most of the solu- Fatupaepae. Nukunonu’s reserve ness of rules relating to fisheries tions proposed by people were area has many clams and there resources, and overharvesting. activities they themselves could are signs of regeneration. Tabus A declining clam population do, as well as to support all of are well respected on Nukunonu was a concern, also raised on the these, were suggestions for addi- and people do not fish in areas other two atolls. Over-harvest- tions to existing by-laws to include declared tabu. ing appears to occur for two specific fisheries regulations. main reasons: 1) clams, coconut Most of the problems identified crabs and certain fish are sent Most of the problems that were in the community fisheries overseas to relatives in Samoa or identified in Atafu were also management plans were com- New Zealand; 2) fishing is raised in Fakaofo, including over- mon to all three atolls. With more than 5000 Tokelauans liv- ing abroad in New Zealand and only 1500 at home, the pool of qualified and specialised per- sons with fisheries develop- ment or management expertise is very limited. Thus, training is needed for community repre- sentatives and people living in Tokelau, to look after the resources themselves.

The community fisheries man- agement plans are to be finalised and presented to the General Fono in June of this year.

The Village Management Committee in Fakaofo

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32 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #108 - January/March 2004