ANALYSIS OF BEJUCO’S BOTTOM LONGLINE SPOTTED SNAPPER FISHERY, PACIFIC COAST, COSTA RICA

Abstract Final project report submitted to Resource Legacy Fund regarding grant #2012- 0090: an analysis of fisheries catch data collected from 2007 to 2013 as it relates to the fulfillment of Marine Stewardship Council performance indicators identified during the fishery’s pre-assessment as being likely to receive scores below 80

Written by Andy Bystrom [email protected]

Contents

Analysis of Bejuco’s bottom longline spotted snapper fishery ...... 2 Project background ...... 2 Introduction to the spotted rose snapper ...... 4 General project methods 2007-2013 ...... 4 Performance indicator results ...... 5 Outcome: stock status (L. guttatus) ...... 7 Outcome: Retained species stock status ...... 23 By-catch species: Information/Monitoring ...... 23 Ecosystem: Outcome status ...... 23 Ecosystem: Information/Monitoring ...... 23 ETP species: outcome status ...... 36 ETP species: Information/Monitoring ...... 36 Habitats: Information/Monitoring ...... 36 Retained species: Management strategy ...... 44 By-catch species: Management strategy ...... 45 Habitats: Management strategy ...... 45 Ecosystem: Management strategy ...... 45 Fishery Specific Management System: Fishery Specific Objectives ...... 46 Fishery Specific Management System ...... 46 Governance and Policy: Consultation, Roles and Responsibilities ...... 47 Governance and Policy: Long term objectives ...... 47 Governance and Policy: Incentives for Sustainable Fishing ...... 47 Discussion and next steps ...... 48 Bibliography ...... 50 Appendix 1 - project pictures ...... 54 Appendix 2 - project expenses ...... 60

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Analysis of Bejuco’s bottom longline spotted snapper fishery Since 2007 Pretoma has partnered with the Resource Legacy Fund to collect artisanal bottom longline fishery data in Bejuco, Costa Rica. Seven years’ worth of catch data is being analyzed to determine population dynamics for the fishery’s target species, the spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus), as well as for its retained and by-catch species. While the analysis process has only just begun, the fishery’s ecological impacts are beginning to come into focus. This process will lead to the development of sustainability indicators that will enhance the fishery’s application for a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Approval of Pretoma’s October 2012 proposal by RLF’s Sustainable Fisheries Fund was the third installment of funding support. The proposal addressed fishery performance indicators (PIs) that might receive pre-conditions (a score below 60) as determined by Scientific Certification System’s (SCS) pre-assessment in May 2011, thereby causing the fishery to fail a full MSC assessment. The following report details the technical progress made towards fulfilling these PI requirements.

Project background Pretoma is a small grass roots non-government, nonprofit, civil association, registered as such under the Costa Rican Public Register (#3-002-212657) on September 14, 1997, and declared of public interest in January of 2008 (Executive Decree 34150-J). Currently, Pretoma operates with a full-time staff of seven, an office in San José, and a Field Station in San Francisco de Coyote. Our mission is to protect and restore sea turtles, sharks, and other endangered marine species, by advancing a vision of sustainable fishing practices and community based conservation through policy reform, targeted media use, public education, grassroots activism, and strategic litigation. The organization’s work began with sea turtle nesting beach protection and conservation campaigns and has evolved over the past 16 to include national, regional, and global shark conservation campaigns and marine protected area development. Pretoma’s president and founder, Randall Arauz has been internationally recognized time and again for his work with shark conservation, winning the 2010 Goldman Environmental Prize, the 2010 Gothenborg Prize for Sustainable Development, the 2004 Whitley Award for Nature, among others. Andy Bystrom’s (Pretoma managing director) “Sustainable Coastal Development Model” won National Geographic’s and Ashoka Changemakers 2010 Geotourism Competition and was a finalist for The Ocean Exchange’s 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award.

In 2007 Pretoma began working in the district of Bejuco along Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coast with three bottom longline snapper fishing associations (Association of Coyote Fishers-Aspecoy, Association of Punta Coyote Fishers-Aspepuco, Association of Bejuco Fishers-Asobejuco) on the design of a replicable sustainable coastal development model. The work focuses on the socioeconomic development of small-scale artisanal fisheries through the application of sustainable resource extraction (fishing) methods and responsible local consumption trends. Pretoma has been fortunate to partner with RLF, Costa Rica’s Environmental Ministry (Minae) and its local subsidiary the Tempisque Conservation Area (ACT), Conservation International, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on this project and its mission to define and apply a solution that addresses the complex social, environmental, and economic problems that coastal community members in developing countries face.

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At the heart of this model is the ongoing design of an ecosystem management strategy for this fishery, one that includes the area’s two wildlife refuges and adjacent multi-use marine protected areas (MPA). The first of these protected areas, the Caletas-Arío National Wildlife Refuge (RNVSCA) and its adjacent Marine Protected Area (MPA), was created in 2006 with the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge (RNVSCAM) and its MPA following shortly thereafter in 2009. Both MPAs prohibit the use of certain destructive fishing techniques including trawl nets, gillnets, and surface longlines while allowing for such artisanal gear types to be used such as handlines and bottom demersal longlines. The area’s MPAs have separate management plans that are currently being reviewed by the ACT. Their expanse, however, does not include the entire Bejuco bottom longline fishery’s grounds as there is an unprotected “triangle” between the MPAs where shrimp trawlers and gillnet users abound. In order to better protect the local snapper stock, Pretoma and the local fishing associations are spearheading a campaign to “close the triangle” and create a new multi-use MPA that would include the entire unprotected area and link the existing two MPAs, thus creating one contiguously protected zone managed under an ecosystem strategy with sustainable resource use as its main objective (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Site map of the Bejuco artisanal bottom longline snapper fishery including the two established MPAs and the proposed protected “triangle”

While the fishery’s overall impact is small compared to that of Costa Rica’s industrial fleet, bottom longline fishers apply their trade up and down the country’s Pacific coast, making project replication an important component of the work’s activities, having already been replicated in Terraba-Sierpe along the country’s central Pacific coast.

Pretoma’s most recent work has focused on determining the fishery’s sustainability and overall ecosystem impact as advised by the SCS and its 2011 MSC pre-assessment. Generous project support from RLF over the past twelve months has allowed for increased data collection and a more detailed

3 analysis of the fishery’s 2007-2013 impacts on the population dynamics of its target specie and most prevalent retained and by-catch species. This analysis is being used as a means of providing information to support the application for MSC certification.

Introduction to the spotted rose snapper The spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869) is one of the most common and abundant demersal species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, occupying shallow to medium depth subtropical coastal waters stretching from the Gulf of California to Peru (Allen 1985 cited in Rojas et al. 2004, Fisher et al.1995, Vargas 1998-99, Rojo-Vásquez et al. 1999, Andrade-Rodriguez 2003, Chiappa- Carrara et al. 2004). One of ten species in the family Lutjanidae, spotted rose snappers are carnivorous fish that feed predominantly on crustaceans (Squillidae, Portunidae, Dynomenidae, Penaeidae, Sicyoniidae, Callianassidae) and are found in a wide range of habitats, including the shallow waters of estuaries and mangroves and deeper waters with rocky substrates, that correspond to different life cycle stages (Rojas 1996a, Rojas et al. 2004). In Costa Rica the natural state of these ecosystems is increasingly compromised by coastal development, pollution, and the use of trawl nets and other destructive fishing gear types (Rojas 1996a).

Being one of the most fished species by small-scale coastal fishers throughout Central America, L. guttatus is of high economic importance, if not the highest importance, to artisanal fishing communities in Costa Rica (González et al. 1993, Rojas 1996a, Vargas 1998-99, Rojas et al. 2004). While its global populations are not considered to be threatened or in danger of extinction, coastal community members are experiencing increased economic difficulties and rising instances of poverty attributed to decreasing catch amounts both in this country and along the Central American Pacific coast in general (Rojas 1996a, Rojas et al. 2004, Araya et al. 2007, Herrera-Ulloa et al. 2009, IUCN 2013). Given that these communities are already culturally, economically, and environmentally vulnerable due to a series of variables including tourism development, overfishing, illegal fishing, and the effects of climate change, further negative changes could dismember local spotted snapper populations even further (Rojas 1996b Quesada-Alpízar 2004, Alvarado et al. 2010).

General project methods 2007-2013 Quantitative fisheries data has been collected through onboard and dockside observations and purchase receipt analysis since July 2007. Onboard observations now total 166, while dockside observations surpass 400. Information detailing the way fishers perceive the economic and environmental state of their industry was collected in 2013 via a questionnaire applied to the entire population of bottom longline fishers from the three participating associations as part of Andy Bystrom’s Master’s degree thesis research (n=49). Pretoma researchers have also conducted over 20 management workshops and/or presentations since the project began. All of this information (both quantitative and qualitative) has been used in the following analysis to determine the present day state of this fishery. The project’s results have been categorized according to the individual PIs where information was previously lacking.

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Performance indicator results Table 1 is a list of PI’s likely to receive failing scores as identified by SCS during its pre-assessment of the fishery. This table was first presented in Pretoma’s 2012 proposal to the RLF and has served as a reference for all project methods and activities during the last year. Individual PIs will be referenced throughout this results section with respect to the progress made on their behalf.

Table 1. List of MSC PIs likely to receive a failing score as determined by SCSs pre-assessment

PI Description Main Issue Identified

1.1.1 Outcome: stock status The stock status should be known and biological reference points developed. The probability that the stock is currently at a level that fishing does not cause recruitment impairment are not yet calculated because the stock status is not yet known.

2.1.1 Outcome: Retained species It is recommended that some assessment of the stock status stock status of the main retained species be conducted. These are most likely the scalloped hammerhead shark, tallfin croaker and the yellow snapper.

2.1.2 Retained species: Management strategies should be developed for retained Management strategy species. While there are measures protecting retained species from overfishing are too general, there should be developed management strategies for retained non-target species.

2.2.2 By-catch species: Management Same as above. There is only a strategy for protecting sea strategy turtles, which are considered under the ETP section of this report but not other by-catch species (eels). There should be developed management strategies for by-catch species.

2.2.3 By-catch species: Management plans including at least a partial strategy to Information/Monitoring keep main by-catch species within biologically based limits should be developed so that the information collected on by- catch species can estimate the risk the fishery is causing.

2.3.1 ETP species: outcome status Direct and indirect effects of the fishery on CITES listed corals should be quantitatively estimated.

2.3.2 ETP species: Information on whether there are endangered corals in the Information/Monitoring fishing should be determined.

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2.4.2 Habitats: Management A formal strategy for protection of the marine habitat should strategy be incorporated into the Wildlife refuge management plans or the MPAs should have their own management plan that includes a formal strategy for protecting marine habitats from the impacts of hook and line fishing.

2.4.3 Habitats: Habitat types should be identified and fishing effort overlaid Information/Monitoring to determine the vulnerability of different habitat types to this fishery.

2.5.1 Ecosystem: Outcome status A quantitative analysis should be undertaken to determine whether the fishery is affecting the ecosystem especially with regard to non-target species

2.5.2 Ecosystem: Management A partial strategy to protect non-target species and habitats strategy (corals) should be developed

2.5.3 Ecosystem: Information on changes in the community structure (size, sex, Information/Monitoring CPUE) of non-target species should be collected and analyzed.

3.1.2 Governance and Policy: The fishery would need to provide evidence that INCOPESCA Consultation, Roles and regularly seeks and accepts information and considers that Responsibilities information in its management of the fishery. A consultation process should be documented.

3.1.3 Governance and Policy: Long Clear long-term objectives that guide decision making and are term objectives consistent with a precautionary approach to fisheries management should be explicit in the management policy (Wildlife Refuge or MPA management plans).

3.1.4 Governance and Policy: Evidence that perverse incentives do not arise from Incentives for Sustainable management policies should be presented. Fishing

3.2.1 Fishery Specific Management Short and long-term sustainability objectives should be made System: Fishery Specific explicit in a Management Policy specific for this fishery. These Objectives goals should be measurable.

3.2.5 Fishery Specific Management As the fisherman’s Associations become more organized as System the primary management, it is recommended that they also incorporate internal and external reviews in their processes to determine their policy effectiveness.

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Outcome: stock status (L. guttatus) Methods Morphometric variables were measured for observed specimens of L. guttatus during a seven year period from 2007 to 2013. These variables include total length (TL), total weight (TW), and gonad weight (GW) in addition to the individual’s sex and macroscopic characteristics of the gonads (shape and color).

The average TL in cm for 8,680 individual snappers was calculated, along with the maximum and minimum lengths for each year in order to determine trends in snapper size during this seven year period. Results from this analysis are represented in the form of a box and whiskers plot. Data was then analyzed with a One Way ANOVA test.

Snapper growth in terms of its relation between an individual’s total length and its total weight was calculated using the formula:

TW  aTLb where a is the Y-intercept and b is the slope of the curve for the growth relationship (Sparre y Venema 1997). Because Andrade-Rodriguez (2003) reports no statistical significance of difference between male and female spotted snapper growth curves, snapper sexes were pooled for this operation. The difference between observed and expected values was calculated using the Solver tool from Excel.

TL frequencies of snapper pooled sexes were calculated for a twelve month period between July 2007 and June 2008 (there is no data available for May), with specimens grouped into 1 cm class sizes. Data were plotted as monthly length-frequency histograms to analyze the population structure. The length frequency data were then inputted into the FiSAT II software package and submitted to a direct fit analysis with the Elefan I routine to determine L∞ and K (Pauly & David 1981, Sparre & Venema 1997). Other monthly and daily TL frequency progressions for different time periods were also calculated and inputted into Elefan I in order to identify a time series that yielded the “best” growth curve results, including both monthly and daily samples of data from November 2011 through August 2012.

Length measurement data was used to calculate the growth parameters L∞, K and t0 via Excel and its Solver tool. These parameters were then inputted into the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) used to show species growth:

Ktt0  Lt  L 1e 

where L∞ is the theoretical maximum length that an individual can reach if lived indefinitely (asymptotic length), K is a growth coefficient or curvature parameter that measures the rate at which maximum size is reached, t is the predicted age, and t0 is an individual’s length at age zero. Growth parameter values for the Solver analysis and the Elefan I analysis were compared. Elefan I parameters were used from this point forward for all procedures requiring their input.

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The determination of the VBGF allowed for a modified catch at age analysis to be done using length frequency data in the absence of age/length data. In order to estimate the age composition of the Bejuco L. guttatus stock, a random sample of 357 length frequency readings were converted to ages by means of a key (Spare & Venema 1997). The key was then used to assign ages to a much larger length- frequency sample taken from January-June 2013 (for which the age composition was previously unknown).

Growth parameter results from other L. guttatus studies of Eastern Tropical Pacific stocks were compiled and compared with the results from this study.

Because no published information is available regarding mortality patterns at age for Eastern Tropical Pacific spotted snapper fisheries, a length-converted (to age) catch curve based on the 2007-2008 length frequency progression, using Elefan I generated growth parameters, was constructed with the FiSAT II program in order to estimate total mortality:

Z  F  M where Z is the total mortality, F is the fishing mortality coefficient and M is the natural mortality for the species. M was calculated with Pauley’s empirical equation for estimating natural mortality, using a mean habitat temperature of 19o C. The exploitation ratio E (the proportion of a given population that ultimately dies due to fishing pressure) is included in FiSAT’s length converted catch curve analysis (Sparre & Venema 1997). Only points to the right descending side of the curve were used in the operation, with the rightmost point being excluded because of its unreliability (Pauly 1990).

Monthly recruitment averages, yearly peaks, and patterns were computed using FiSAT II’s NORMSEP program with the growth parameters established by Elefan I. The size and age at full recruitment was also defined through this operation.

An analysis of snapper reproductive periods was done through a determination of the monthly Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) for both males and females using the formula:

GW GSI  TW *100 where GW is the weight of an individual’s gonad. To obtain these values, gonads were removed from each animal and then weighed. This operation was done for both males and females fished throughout the study, therefor allowing for an average GSI/month for the years 2007-2013. This was done to avoid an insufficient sample size for any isolated twelve month period. In addition to this operation, the sex ratio was calculated from all observed males and females.

This study refers to the size at first maturity as the TL at which 50% of females/males have reached a physiological state in which reproduction is possible (L50). This state was determined via a macroscopic evaluation of the gonads using a modified version of Rojas’ (1997b) methods. Maturity curves were estimated for both species through the use of the equation:

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1 PSM  s(TLL  1 e 50 where PSM is the size at physiological sexual maturity, s is the slope and L50 the average TL at which 50 percent of the population has reached maturity (Kimura, 1974). The difference between observed and expected values of total lengths was calculated using the Solver tool from EXCEL. Ages were assigned to female and male L50 lengths obtained from the VBGF analysis. The percentage of immature individuals within the entire snapper catch was also calculated.

Results The average snapper TL over a seven year period from July 2007 through September 2013 was 39.69 cm ±1.58, varying between yearly averages of 37.68 cm in 2010 and 42.31 cm in 2013. Minimum TLs were between 18 cm in 2007/2010 and 25 cm in 2008. Maximum TLs fell between 60 cm in 2011 and 66 cm in 2010, the maximum size for all 8,680 individuals sampled. (Fig. 2, Table. 2). There was a statistically significant snapper TL increase of 1.51 cm between the study’s start and end date (ANOVA, p<.001).

Total length of L. guttatus 2007-2013

70

60

50

40

(cm)

TL 30

20

10 n=8,680

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year

Fig. 2. Box and whiskers plot for snapper TLs over a seven year period between July 2007 and September 2013

Table 2. Descriptive statistics analysis of snapper total lengths for July 2007 through September 2013

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Average 40.8051 40.2784 38.8422 37.6882 38.3165 39.6366 42.3193

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Min 18 25 20 18 22 22.5 23.1

Q1 35 35 34 31 32 34.6 36.825

Median 39.5 39 38 36 37.5 39.4 41.5

Q3 46.625 44 42.5 43 44 44.5 48.6

Max 64 64.5 65 66 60 63.5 62.9

25th Pct 35 35 34 31 32 34.6 36.825

50th Pct 4.5 4 4 5 5.5 4.8 4.675

75th Pct 7.125 5 4.5 7 6.5 5.1 7.1

Min 17 10 14 13 10 12.1 13.725

Max 17.375 20.5 22.5 23 16 19 14.3

Standard Deviation 8.29708 7.019174 6.412266 8.013629 7.784165 7.024599 7.140703 n 838 813 1395 1026 1214 2266 1128

The calculated weight length relationship for the species yielded the following parameters: a = 0.0245 and b = 2.790 for pooled sexes. Figure 3 presents this relationship for the total data beginning with a TL of 18 cm. The curve resulted in an R2=.907.

Weight-length relationship for L. guttatus 3500 R2=.907 3000 TW=0.0245TL2.790 p<.05 2500 n=4,205

2000

(g)

TW 1500

1000

500

0 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 TL (cm)

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Fig. 3. Weight length relationship for spotted rose snapper, Bejuco, Costa Rica

Total length pooled sex data taken from July 2012 to June 2013 (no TL data was recorded for snappers in May) represented the most complete time series (11 months) available (Fig. 4). The monthly frequency progression was grouped into 1 cm classes with n values ranging from a maximum monthly sample of 357 individuals (July) to a minimum sample of 16 snappers (December). Monthly recruitment percentages were identified through the use of this progression using NORMSEP for FiSAT II.

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Fig. 4. Twelve month grouped length frequency progression in classes of 1 cm from July 2012- June 2013 for L. guttatus, Bejuco, Costa Rica.

The VBGF resulted in different growth parameters when calculated with Excel and Solver than it did with

FiSAT’s Elefan I. Solver determined that L∞=71.5 cm, K=.30 and t0=0 compared with Elefan’s results: L∞=64.58 cm and K=.21. Figures 5 is the Bejuco snapper growth curve calculated by Solver and drawn in Excel. Figure 6 is FiSAT II’s direct fit of snapper TL data to Excel/Solver parameters, while Figure 7 is FiSAT II’s direct fit graphic of the Bejuco VBGF drawn with Elefan I growth parameters. The different curves have been included for comparison purposes.

Growth curve for L. guttatus, Bejuco, Costa Rica 80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

-.30(t+0) 40.0 LT=71.5*(1-e )

TL(cm) R2=.963 30.0 p<.05 n=4,205 20.0

10.0

0.0 0 2 4 6 8 10 Age (years)

Fig. 5. Excel/Solver’s growth curve for Bejuco’s spotted snapper population

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Fig. 6. FiSAT II direct fit of Solver’s growth parameters into L. guttatus VBGF

Fig. 7. FiSAT II direct fit of Elefan generated parameters into L. guttatus VBGF

Age interpretation from snapper TLs can be accomplished via their input into the established VBGF equations. The smallest fish sampled in 2013 (23.1 cm) was 2.10 years old and the largest (63.5 cm) was 20.06 years of age according to the Elefan I growth parameters. Age analysis of TLs can also be accomplished through the creation of TL class sizes (Tables 3 and 4).

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Table 3. Age length key for spotted rose snapper using Elefan I growth parameters, Bejuco, Costa Rica

TL (cm) Age 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

15-20 1

20-25 0.29 0.71

25-30 1

30-35 1

35-40 0.19 0.81

40-45 0.39 0.61

45-50 0.11 0.78 0.11

50-55 0.54 0.36 0.1

55-60 0.5 0.17 0.16 0.17

60-65 1

Table 4. Age composition of total 2013 sampled catch estimated by use of the age/length key

TL (cm) Age 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Total

15-20 0 0

20-25 1 4 5

25-30 13 13

14

30-35 149 149

35-40 59 250 309

40-45 93 145 238

45-50 22 154 22 198

50-55 93 62 17 172

55-60 13 4 4 5 26

60-65 5 5

Table. 5. Literature comparison of population parameters from Pacific coast spotted rose snapper populations in Central and South America

Author Country Sex TL (cm) Maturity f/m Z/E L∞ K t0 ratio (cm)

Rojas (1996 a) Golfo de Nicoya, 1:0.81 a 12.1-60.0 a 33.0-33.9 a 1.2/0.50b 60.0a/67 b 0.30 b Costa Rica 32.0-32.9 a Vargas (1998-99b)

Soto-Rojas et al. Golfo de Nicoya, 1:1 18.0-60.0 65.9 0.13 -2.66 (2008) Costa Rica

Amezuca et al. Gulf of California, ?-48.5 0.35/0.09 66.19 .13 .23 (2006) Mexico

Andrade-Rodríguez Puerto Quetzal, 10.4-49.0 4.5 years 66.4 0.13 0.03 (2003) Guatemala

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Sarabia–Méndez et Michoacan, Mexico 1:0.96 16.0-62.0 30.6 96.6 0.22 -0.10 al. (2010)

Arellano-Martínez Guerrero, Mexico 1:0.96 18.0-60.0 et al. (2001)

Correa-Herrera & Utría National Park, 1.5:1.0 18.0-56.0 23.5 Jiménez-Segura Colombia (2013)

Present study Bejuco, Costa Rica 1:0.99 18.0-66.0 29.3/29.5 0.49/0.11 71.5/64.58 0.3/.21 0.0

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The literature review of related L. guttatus studies from the Pacific coast of Central and South America (including the present study) revealed growth parameters with a L∞ ranging between 60.0-96.6 cm, K values between 0.13-0.3 and t0 to be between 0.03 and -2.66. In studies where the Elefan I routine was applied, L∞ was in the 60 cm range with a K value between .13 and .21. Methods other than Elefan I used to determine VBGF parameters identified higher L∞ and K values. These discrepancies were reflected in the different parameters identified by Solver and Elefan I for the present study. In all studies, sex ratios favored a higher number of males to females except for the Soto-Rojas et al. (2008) study which determined an equal number of individual/sex. TLs for snappers were generally between 18 cm and 60 cm with Andrade-Rodriguez (2003) identifying smaller individuals between 10.4 and 49.0 cm. Table 5 summarizes these results.

Using a value for K=0.21, as determined by Elefan I, the natural mortality (M) was calculated to be 0.44. Fishing mortality (F) was 0.05, yielding a total mortality (Z) of 0.49 and an exploitation ratio (E) of 0.11 (Fig. 8). These mortality parameters yielded the probability of capture of L. guttatus at different ages in

the catch samples from 2007-2008 (Fig. 8).

Probability

Fig. 8. Length-converted catch curve for L. guttatus, Bejuco, Costa Rica (R2=.9116). Black circles represent the age-groups used in the regression analysis; empty circles the groups estimated by redo analysis; yellow circles the groups not considered in the regression analysis.

The length-distributions in the catches for this period suggest that full species recruitment into the fishery occurs at a TL of 39.1 cm. Using Elefan I growth parameters, this size computes to an age of 4.43 years with yearly cohort recruitment demonstrating two distinct peaks, one in October of 13.87% and one in March of 18.1% (Fig. 9 and 10).

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Recruitment for L. guttatus

20 18.1 18 14.7 16 13.87 14 12 10.8

10.15 10 8.59

% 8.18 8 6 4.24 4.83 3.53 4 3 2 0 0

Fig. 9. Monthly recruitment in percentages for spotted rose snapper, Bejuco, Costa Rica

Fig. 10. Decomposed recruitment pattern using NORMSEP for FiSAT II fitted with two Guassian distributions, the first at 3.36 months and the second at 7.81 months

A gonadosomatic index was produced for both sexes of the species from year round data reflecting individuals with fully developed gonads throughout the entire study period. Males reached an average maximum of 1.085% in September with another smaller peak of 0.6567% in January (Fig. 11). Females demonstrated accelerated ovarian growth in August-October, reaching a spawning peak in October of 2.1194% and another lesser spawning peak in January of 1.3372%. Both sexes also showed slightly higher GSI percentages in the month of April.

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Average Gonadosomatic Index for 2007-2013 2.5

2

1.5

1 %of TW

0.5

0 Ene Feb Mar Abr May Jun Jul Ago Sep Oct Nov Dic Month Males Females n=1,728 n =1,770

Fig. 11. Average GSI for males and females during 2007-2013.

The total number of males and females observed during the course of this study was 3,410 and 3,386 respectively. This yields a sex ratio of 1:0.99. While male and female gonads have been analyzed since 2007, in 2013 researchers stopped using a 1-3 maturity scale and switched to a 1-6 scale because the curve could not be fit to the previously recorded data. Changing scales has made it possible to better determine maturity and not confuse spent gonads with maturing one, something that occurred in the past. These new methods were begun in 2013 and for this reason the male n for this analysis is 542 and the female n is 510.

The PSM, or the onset of functional maturity, in males and females is estimated at L50=34.7 cm and 32.9 cm respectively (Fig. 12a and b). Hence, 18.0% of all females caught with bottom longlines are immature compared with 28.4% of males with 23.2% of the entire catch being immature. Females attained the size at onset of sexual maturity at age 2.04 as compared with males which occurred at age 2.2 (using Solver generated growth parameters).

Length at first maturity males 1

L =34.7 cm 0.5 50

0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 TL n=542

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Length at first maturity females 1

L =32.9 cm 0.5 50

0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 TL n=510

Fig. 12a and b. Length at first maturity estimates for L. guttatus, Bejuco, Costa Rica

Discussion With the possibility of climate change factors and overfishing contributing to the reduced productivity of coastal ecosystem, understanding the population dynamics of commercially exploited fish species plays an important role in the management of the fishing industry (Caddy 1989, Sparre & Venema 1997, Jackson et al. 2001, Seijo et al. 2004). An initial look at population dynamics for the economically important Lutjanus guttatus stock in Bejuco, Costa Rica has been presented for the stock status PI. Results from the analysis are compared to findings from other populations of L. guttatus in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and more importantly (to this study) Costa Rica.

In most fisheries, a simple sign of heavy fishing is a negative change in the size of fish (Dapp et al. 2013). This is not the case in Bejuco, in fact quite the opposite is happening as average snapper sizes are increasing (a sign of fishery recovery). However, there could be many causes for the increase in average snapper sizes between 2007 and 2013. Some of these may include environment-induced or genetic variability in life history characteristics, predator/prey relationships, or competitive interactions (Shin et al 2005). Because fishing is always size-selective, and given trawl nets select for smaller size snappers than artisanal longlines do, according to Andrade-Rodriguez (2003), gear use trends in Bejuco including a recently reduced trawl effort because of the establishment of the Caletas-Arío multi-use MPA (establish in 2006) and the Camaronal multi-use MPA (2010), could be yet another factor for this increase. With data collection continuing into the foreseeable future, it will be possible in the years to come to continue to monitor TL averages.

The smallest TL recorded for this study was 18 cm (one individual), conflicting with Rojas’ 1997 study where individuals of 12 cm were observed in the nearby Golfo de Nicoya. Considering this fact, the possibility that smaller snappers are caught on bottom longlines and discarded before observers have a chance to log them should be acknowledged. It is also possible that the lack of snappers ≤ 18.0 cm is due to juvenile preference for habitats outside of the fishing grounds in shallower waters (Rojas 1996b).

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While the weight-length relationship for this study resulted in an R2 over .900, other L. guttatus studies have demonstrated that smaller length frequency data can improve the fit of the curve and raise the R2 value (Andrade-Rodriguez 2003). In the case of Bejuco, its R2 value might be improved if smaller size snappers, including those obtained from the local shrimp trawl catch, are included into the sample. This also demonstrates how trawls select for smaller size snappers than artisanal techniques do.

While growth parameters a and b were similar to those established for other L. guttatus stocks in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, the b value for this study was lower than all other identified b values encountered during the literature review including those reported by Soto-Rojas et al. (2009) (b=2.82) for Costa Rica’s Golfo de Nicoya, Sarabia–Méndez et al. (2010) (b=2.96) for Michoacan, Mexico, Andrade-Rodriguez (2003) (b=2.88) for coastal Guatemalan waters, and for that of Correa-Herrera & Jiménez-Segura (2013) (b=3.09) for the Colombian Pacific. This is a sign that the Bejuco population’s biomass per unit of weight increases slightly slower than other stocks.

The monthly TL frequency progression for 2012-2013 contained enough data to make recruitment identification a reality, something that the majority of L. guttatus studies fail to do because of small catch samples. This data can be built upon and used in a species stock assessment.

There continues to be a marked difference in the results from L. guttatus population dynamics studies, stemming from the methods used to calculate the species’ growth parameters. Elefan I generated parameters show fish growing at a slower rate than those identified by Excel/Solver for example. When their respective VBGF curves are compared side by side, the Elefan I curve is shallower. Elefan I parameters (because of their pre-programed growth constraints for Lutjanus guttatus) favor slower growth and identify higher ages at full recruitment and first maturity than ones generated by Solver as identified by this study and by Sarabia–Méndez et al (2010). The literature review found that both methods are used by researchers, though Elefan I parameters are referred to more frequently. For this reason, the present study chose to use the Elefan I L∞, K, and t0 in subsequent operations rather than the Excel/Solver ones (with the exception of the L50 age calculation). According to Sparre and Venema (1997), the comparison among growth parameters must be done carefully because these are very sensitive to fishing effort and may vary with the geographic distribution of the population. Longevity of L. guttatus for this study was established at 8.5 years with Excel/Solver and 22.4 years with Elefan I. These are similar to the Elefan I values from other populations from Eastern Pacific (20.4 years, Soto- Rojas et al. 2008; 23.0 years, Andrade-Rodriguez 2003) and similar to the non-linear methods used by Sarabia-Méndez et al. (2010) (7 years (76 cm)).

No otoliths or vertebrae have been collected and analyzed for the Bejuco spotted snapper stock. Doing so would provide a source of growth data that could be used to better identify growth parameters similar to the way they have functioned in other snapper studies (Andrade-Rodriguez 2003, Soto-Rojas et al. 2009). Though no age identification was done using these techniques, the age length key was constructed in order to better define and visualize snapper growth in the light of different growth parameters.

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Regarding mortality, Cushing (1968) and Gulland (1971) define a suitable E as one between 0.31-0.50. E for the Bejuco artisanal snapper fishery was 0.11, indicating low species exploitation. The fishing mortality F in the Bejuco artisanal snapper fishery was 0.05. The product of this F and M (0.44) was a total mortality Z of 0.49. These mortality-exploitation values contrast mightily with Vargas’ (1998-99) higher 1.2 and 0.50 values for Z and E, taken from the nearby Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica. The fishery’s selectivity (number of immature individuals of each sex captured on bottom longlines: 18.0% females, 28.4% males) might offer some insight into the cause of the low value for fishing mortality calculated for the Bejuco fishery (although these percentages are higher than expected). While the Golfo de Nicoya snapper stock is estimated to be at the uppermost limit of suitable exploitation, other available mortality values from Amezuca et al. (2006) taken from the Gulf of California’s stock identify Z and E values of 0.35 and 0.09 – lower than the Bejuco results, possible due to the capture of fewer immature individuals.

Recruitment percentages demonstrate two peaks during a twelve month period reflecting trends associated with fish species that spawn twice a year. A GSI that shows multiple spawning peaks during the year has been reported by Rojas (1997) during April and October, by Soto-Rojas et al. (2008) in March and September, and by Arellano-Martínez et al. (2001) in Guerrero, Mexico during March and April. This study’s GSI showed a primary peak in gonad weight in October for females and in September for males, along with another secondary peak for both sexes in January. A third increase in the GSI for Bejuco snappers occurred during the Costa Rican dry season in April, similar to the ones identified in the aforementioned studies. It is important to mention that mature males and females were observed year round. Grimes (1987) and Rojas (1996b) support this observation, linking reproduction in lutjanids to a number of environmental cues including temperature, photoperiod, lunar cycle, and the presence of food. Temperature has also been correlated with gonad development and preparation for spawning in this family and rising coastal water temperatures could be affecting (or might affect in the future) spawning seasons (Grimes & Huntsman 1980, Arnold et al. 1978 cited in Grimes 1987).

Both male and female Bejuco snapper L50 values were similar to those identified for the Golfo de Nicoya population. The recent Correa-Herrera & Jiménez-Segura (2013) study from Utría National Park, Colombia shows snappers maturing at TLs of 23.5 cm, a full 10 cm smaller than the current study’s population. A concern is that over 23% of the snapper catch is immature individuals, meaning that bottom longline “J” hooks (typically #7 and #8) partially select for immature snappers.

Over the course of history, overfishing has caused more disturbances to coastal ecosystems than any other source of human degradation (Jackson et al. 2001). An indicator of overfishing is a declining L50 value indicating that individuals mature at increasingly smaller sizes (Saba et al. 2008). Since L50 values in this study are similar to the ones identified in Costa Rica 16 years ago, the stock’s size at first maturity does not appear to have been impacted by fishing mortality rates, a positive indicator of the stock’s overall status. However, previous snapper studies in Costa Rica do not necessarily reflect characteristics of a healthy stock. In order to avoid using a shifting baseline to base ones conclusions on, continued monitoring and data collection is recommended.

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Since time lags occur between the onset of overfishing and changes in the target stock’s population dynamics, the true impacts that shrimp trawls, gillnets and bottom longlines have on the Bejuco spotted snapper stock may not be clear for many years to come. For this reason, continued monitoring of this fishery is recommended. Within these monitoring parameters, this study suggests age readings from otoliths and/or vertebrae, the results of which to be used to calibrate the findings obtained from length measurements. Because shrimp trawling and gillnet use occur within the bottom longline fishing grounds, data analysis of these sectors’ catch is crucial if a more complete understanding of the L. guttatus stock and the combined industries’ ecosystem impacts are to be understood.

Outcome: Retained species stock status By-catch species: Information/Monitoring Ecosystem: Outcome status Ecosystem: Information/Monitoring Methods The relative abundance, or catch per unit of effort (CPUE), for the number of snappers per 1,000 hooks from 2007 to 2013 was calculated with the formula: # of individuals / # of fishing trips. The number of hooks figure was calculated by averaging the amount of hooks used by each fisher. This procedure was then repeated for all recorded retained and by-catch species. Individual species’ percentages of the total catch were also calculated. When possible, by-catch species were identified with their scientific names. This was not possible, however, for all species, and in these instances locally used Spanish names were kept. Additionally, difficult to identify species have been grouped under a common genus name in order to avoid misidentification.

All species were tabulated in descending order according to their average CPUEs for the seven year period. Only on-board data was used for the CPUE analysis because dockside catch data only contains the captured species brought back to the receiving plant and does not account for discarded fauna used as bait during the fishing voyage.

The total weight in Kg for the entire 2012 snapper catch was compiled from receipts of sale obtained from the two local fish buyers. This information was then separated into months. The process was repeated for retained species with economic value in order to determine and compare production tendencies throughout the twelve month period. Total production during 2012 for each of these species was then tallied and presented graphically.

A questionnaire was applied to the entire population of current bottom longline fishers in Bejuco (n=49) during June and July 2013 in which fishers were asked to identify retained and/or by-catch species that were once prevalent in the fishery but are no longer caught in great numbers.

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GPS points taken from bottom longline sets were also mapped in order to understand the habitat locations of retained and by-catch species.

For those retained and by-catch species with enough recorded information, their growth in terms of its relation between an individual’s total length and its total weight was calculated using the same formula as was used for spotted rose snappers. Maturity curves were also calculated in the same way they were for L. guttatus.

Results Spotted rose snappers remain the target species of this fishery with their CPUEs ranging between a high of 53.29 individuals/1000 hooks in 2009 to a low of 24.73 individuals in 2011 (Table 6).

Table 6. Total L. guttatus and by-catch CPUE for 2007-2013

Total by-catch CPUE Total L. guttatus CPUE Total CPUE

2007 28.26 31.41 59.67

2008 38.22 40.93 79.15

2009 50.89 53.29 104.18

2010 41.74 33.87 75.61

2011 30.18 24.73 54.91

2012 32.47 51.37 83.84

2013 20.28 44.62 64.9

The cumulative CPUE of all by-catch and retained species not including L. guttatus reached a high of 50.89 in 2009 and a low of 20.28 in 2013 and surpassed that of L. guttatus in 2010 and 2011. Total CPUE (spotted rose snappers plus all by-catch and retained species) reached a high of 104.18 in 2009 and a low of 54.91 in 2011 (Fig. 13).

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Yearly CPUE comparison 60

50

40

30

20

CPUE/1000 CPUE/1000 hooks 10

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year

Total bycatch CPUE Total L. guttatus CPUE

Fig. 13. Yearly CPUE comparison for spotted snappers and all other species

The four most frequently caught by-catch species are all eels or morays of the Anguilliformes order with the top two (Ophichthus zophochir and Echiophis brunneus) belonging to the Ophichthidae (Snake eels) family while the third most frequently caught by-catch species, Cynoponticus coniceps, belongs to the Muraenesocidae (Pike congers) family and the fourth most commonly caught species, Gymnothorax equatorialis, is in the Muraenidae (Moray eels) family. These four species account for 24.84% of the total bottom longline catch in Bejuco. Retained snapper species (other than L. guttatus) account for less than 3% of the catch while Elasmobranchs (retained species of sharks and ray by-catch) comprise 2.91% of all animals captured (1.52% sharks and 1.39% rays) (Table 7).

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Table 7. List of species, and their associated CPUEs, composing the Bejuco artisanal bottom longline catch. Eels and morays are in red, various snapper species are in blue, and sharks and rays in green.

Species Common name CPUE 2007 CPUE 2008 CPUE 2009 CPUE 2010 CPUE 2011 CPUE 2012 CPUE 2013 % of catch

Lutjanus guttatus Spotted rose snapper 31.41 40.93 53.29 33.87 24.73 51.37 44.62 51.45

Ophichthus zophochir Yellow snake-eel 4.07 7.05 9.07 12.32 12.36 6.03 13.85 11.33

Echiophis brunneus Pacific spoon-nose eel 6.70 2.40 11.14 0.74 0.91 0.27 0.00 5.23

Cynoponticus coniceps Red pike conger 3.00 7.30 5.54 2.19 0.00 3.15 0.00 5.19

Gymnothorax equatorialis Spotted-tail moray 1.63 3.28 5.75 0.58 0.00 2.05 0.00 3.09

Equinoderms various spiny sand stars 3.07 2.38 5.14 2.16 5.45 0.14 0.00 3.77

Diplectrum pacificum Inshore sand perch 0.93 1.70 2.86 1.48 4.09 0.27 1.35 2.35

Lutjanus argentiventris Yellow snapper 1.78 1.70 0.64 1.58 1.55 4.52 1.25 2.06

Micropogonias altipinnis Tallfin croaker 0.33 0.18 0.25 6.39 0.00 0.14 0.00 1.86

Epinephelus sp. Groupers 0.48 3.73 0.46 0.16 0.00 0.27 0.00 1.53

Arius sp. Catfish 0.19 0.43 0.07 2.58 0.09 1.92 0.38 1.03

Calamus brachysomus Pacific porgy 0.56 0.33 1.57 0.23 0.18 3.29 0.48 0.92

Haemulon sp. Grunts 0.15 0.50 0.61 1.52 0.36 1.78 0.00 0.88

Carax sp. Jacks 0.89 0.48 0.68 0.16 1.45 0.82 0.38 0.78

Rhinoptera sp. Cownosed rays 0.04 0.03 0.43 2.29 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.72

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Sphyrna lewini Scalloped hammerhead 0.11 0.53 0.00 1.65 0.00 0.00 0.19 0.65

Albula nemoptera Threadfin bonefish 0.63 0.80 0.14 0.23 0.36 1.64 0.00 0.64

Mustelus lunulatus Sicklefin smooth-hound 1.04 0.75 0.00 0.16 0.64 0.14 0.00 0.60

Ophichthus triserialis Pacific snake-eel 0.15 0.38 0.96 0.55 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.54

Lutjanus peru Pacific red snapper 0.37 0.08 0.29 0.84 0.45 1.23 0.10 0.52

Brotula clarkae Pacific bearded brotula 0.15 0.65 0.75 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.45

Cynoscion sp. Weakfish 0.04 0.05 0.79 0.13 0.09 0.27 0.87 0.34

Caulolatilus affinis Bighead tilefish 0.48 0.55 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31

Urotrygon sp. Rays 0.00 0.60 0.00 0.03 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.30

Paralabrax loro Parrot sand bass 0.37 0.23 0.32 0.16 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28

Aetobatus narinari Spotted eagle ray 0.11 0.48 0.04 0.23 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.26

Lutjanus colorado Colorado snapper 0.22 0.18 0.25 0.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.25

Umbrina sp. Drums 0.00 0.00 0.54 0.42 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.25

Selene sp Moonfish 0.00 0.55 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.19

Pomadasys macracanthus Longspine grunt 0.04 0.08 0.29 0.26 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.18

Mustelus henlei Brown smooth-hound 0.00 0.33 0.00 0.06 0.09 0.41 0.10 0.17

Lepidochelys olivacea Olive ridley sea turtle 0.22 0.05 0.07 0.10 0.36 0.14 0.10 0.16

Chiloconger labiatus Shortsnout conger 0.00 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.27 0.55 0.00 0.14

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Churros (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.25 0.11

Ophichthus ramiger Punctuated snake-eel 0.00 0.00 0.46 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.11 anguila blanca (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.43 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10

Coral unidentified species 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.39 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10

Coryphaena hippurus Common dolphinfish 0.30 0.00 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.08

Hoplopagrus guentherii Mexican snapper 0.00 0.05 0.04 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.08

Alphestes sp. Mutton hamlet 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.18 0.82 0.00 0.07

Menticirrhus nasus Highfin king croaker 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.07

Sphyraena ensis Mexican barracuda 0.04 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.14 0.00 0.06

Carcharhinus limbatus Blacktip shark 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.45 0.14 0.00 0.05

Cyclopsetta querna Toothed flounder 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.00 0.04

Haemulopsis sp. Grunts 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.03 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.04 hojas (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.18 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04

Lobotes surinamensis Tripletail 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04

Muraena argus White-spotted moray 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.68 0.00 0.04 dienton (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03

Lutjanus novemfaciatus Pacific dog snapper 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.03

Raja velezi Velez ray 0.00 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.03

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Raya grande (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03

Trachinotus kennedyi Blackblotch pompano 0.04 0.00 0.07 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03

Anisotremus interruptus Burrito grunt 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.03

Globo con espinas (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.03

Jaiba (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.03 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 chucho (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 churro (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.02

Cyclopsetta querna Toothed flounder 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.02

Narcine entemedor Giant electric ray 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02

Nasolamia velox Whitenose shark 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.03

Pacifigorgia rubicunda Wrasse 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 pallitas (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02

Rhinobatos productus Shovelnose guitarfish 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.02

Synodus scitulicep Lizardfish 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.02

Ginglymostoma cirratum Nurse shark 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02

Bothidae Flounders 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02

Botrachoides boulengeri Boulenger's toadfish 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01

Carangoides otrynter Threadfin jack 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.02

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Diodon holocanthus porcupinefish 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02

Gymnura marmorata California butterfly ray 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.01 pargo dienton (local Spanish name) 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01

Polydactylus approximans Blue bobo 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01

Roquero (local Spanish name) 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01

Sarda orientalis Striped bonito 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01

Syacium latifrons Beach flounder 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.01

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The monthly total snapper catch and total by-catch in Kg for the Bejuco artisanal fishery varied greatly during 2012 (Fig. 14). July totals reflect an equal amount of snappers and other species caught while December totals show an increase in the snapper catch with minimal increase in by-catch totals.

9000 Total L. guttatus catch vs. by-catch 8000 7000 2012 6000

5000 Kg 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

L. guttatus Bycatch

Fig. 14. Total snapper catch compared with total by-catch for 2012 in Bejuco, Costa Rica

The qualitative information garnered through the application of the social survey shows that 53% of the population of bottom longline users in Bejuco believe that certain retained species were more prevalent in the past than they are now. Of these fishers, 50% of them sited sharks (tiburones) as the type of animal whose captures reflect the largest historical decline in abundance (Fig. 15).

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12.5

10.0

7.5 Count

5.0

2.5

0.0 Tiburones Gallina Baracuda Candado Dienton Pez oja Congrio Cabrilla

Cuales especie de peces Fig 15. Fisher perceptions regarding historical declines in the abundance of individual retained species (Count = #of fishers who responded)

Fishing sites were identified through GPS data taken during onboard observations between December 2012 and February 2013. All activity was recorded between the area’s two established MPAs in the unprotected triangle (Fig. 16).

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Fig. 16. Individual bottom longline set locations. Yellow indicates Asobejuco fishers activities and red indicates Aspecoy and Aspepuco activities

Data collection over the last twelve months has allowed for weight length relationships to be calculated for the most commonly caught by-catch specie, the yellow snake-eel, and for the three most common economically important retained species, the yellow snapper (L. argentiventris), tallfin croaker (Micropogonias altipinnis), and inshore sand pearch (Diplectrum pacificum) (data deficient) (Fig. 17a-d). The average TL for O. zophochir was 53.6 cm, 49.3 cm for Micropogonias altipinnis, and 44.9 for Lutjanus argentiventris.

Weight length relationship for Ophichthus zophochir 400 R2=.920 350 TW=0.00086TL3.049 300 n=77 250 200 150 100 50 0 0 20 40 60 80

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Weight length relationship for Lutjanus argentiventris 4000 R2=.869 2.922 3500 TW=0.0182TL 3000 n=168 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 0 20 40 60 80

Weight length relationship for Micropogonias altipinnis

7000 R2=.887 6000 TW=0.0167TL2.982 n=65 5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0 0 20 40 60 80 100

Weight length relationship for Diplectrum pacificum (data deficient) 600.00 500.00 400.00 300.00 200.00 100.00 0.00 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0

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Fig. 17a-d. Weight length relationship for common by-catch and retained species of Bejuco’s bottom longline artisanal fishery

Macroscopic evaluation of the gonads of Ophichthus zophochir and L. argentiventris made it possible to identify when these species reach reproductive maturity (pooled data for both species). The L50 value for yellow snake-eels and yellow snappers was determined to be 47.6 cm and 35.3 respectively (Fig. 18a and b). 6.5% of the total observed yellow snapper catch was at or below the size of first maturity for the species as was 33.8% of the total yellow snake-eel catch.

Length at first maturity Ophichthus zophochir

1

L =47.6 cm 0.5 50

0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 TL

Length at first maturity Lutjanus argentiventris

1

L =35.3 cm 0.5 50

0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 TL

Fig. 18a and b. Length at first maturity for yellow snake-eels and yellow snapper

Discussion Researchers previously believed that other snapper species of economic value (Lutjanus peru, Lutjanus argentiventris, etc.) represented a large portion of the fishery’s retained catch. This is not true as a

35 quarter of the individuals caught on bottom longlines represent four species of eels and morays. These species have no economic value other than their occasional use as bait on portions of reset lines.

Data collection has allowed for varying degrees of population analysis to be done on the most common by-catch species and the three most common retained species. According to Fishbase.org and the IUCN’s redlist, very little growth parameter information and population status statistics exists for Ophichthus zophochir, L. argentiventris, Diplectrum pacificum and Micropogonias altipinnis. Jiménez- Prado and Béarez (2004) reported yellow snake-eels to have average TLs of 50 cm, 3.8 cm smaller than the average individual captured in the Bejuco fishery. These same authors also reported a 40 cm TL average for tallfin croaker, 9.3 cm smaller than what is now seen in Bejuco. Yellow snapper TLs are, on average, 5.2 cm larger than spotted rose snapper TLs and demonstrate a pooled sex L50 value that is 1.5 cm higher than the average size at first maturity for spotted rose snappers. A search of Fishbase.org does not reveal any published growth parameter research for yellow snappers and yellow snake-eels.

Fisher opinions reveal that sharks have suffered the largest decline throughout the fishery’s history (Bystrom 2013). Considering that sharks only make up 1.52% of all Bejuco fishery captures, it can be inferred that this percentage was higher in the past and that certain pressures are being exerted on local shark populations, most of which are juveniles according to recorded TLs. This information, along with research identifying shark nurseries along Coast Rica’s Pacific coast, presents a concern regarding the ecosystem impacts that bottom longline use is having. Of the recorded retained and by-catch species listed in this report, the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) is listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. There is a market for all captured sharks resulting from this fishery and all individuals are retained and sold. In addition to hammerheads, the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is listed as vulnerable with a decreasing population trend per the Red List; however, nearly all of these individuals are released alive (IUCN 2013).

To reiterate a point made earlier in this report, due to the presence of shrimp trawling and gillnet use within the bottom longline fishing grounds, data analysis of these sectors’ catch is crucial if a more complete understanding of retained and by-catch population dynamics and a cross industry ecosystem impact assessment is to be had.

ETP species: outcome status ETP species: Information/Monitoring Habitats: Information/Monitoring Methods Bathymetry MPA bathymetry mapping voyages using a GPSMAP®546s were carried out from January 31 to February 1, 2013 and from February 28 to March 1, 2013 by researchers from the National University (UNA) and

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Pretoma’s staff. Three mile transects were run every 200 meters. When “accidents” or large disturbances, identified as peaks or rocky points on the sea floor, were encountered, higher resolution transects every 50 meters were run to thoroughly map the area. When possible, the area was also identified visually or with bottom samples taken with a ponar dredge. Eleven hours of work were recorded (not including voyage time both on water and on land) in the Camaronal MPA and 15 hours in Caletas-Arío. Regarding the data taken, 6512 geo-referenced points were taken in Camaronal and 8154 points in Caletas-Arío.

Sea turtle habitat Suitable near shore marine habitats for critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbircata) and olive ridley sea turtles located within the Bujuco bottom longline fishing grounds are being identified. This process requires that an 80 meter long by 8 meter wide turtle net be set at various points around the two major rock outcroppings within the fishing grounds (Coyote Point and Bejuco Point). Turtle nets have a 32 inch mesh size and are set parallel to the coast in depths of at least 12 meters in order to avoid tangling along the sea floor. GPS points are taken at both ends of the net and it is inspected every hour. Captured hawksbills are boarded and taken back to shore where their stomachs are pumped and the contents analyzed at the University of Costa Rica’s Marine Research Center (CIMAR). Eleven such turtle net sets have been carried out in 2013. Individuals are also fitted with acoustic or satellite receivers depending on availability.

A subaquatic census performed during every trimester in 2013 has been done at Coyote, Bejuco, and Islita Points to study the presence and distribution of rocky substrate dwelling sponges that comprise the diets of hawksbills. A group of 3 divers uses the classic method of placing a 1m2 quadrant (made of PVC pipe) multiple times (10 times) over a 10 meter transect. The quadrant is subdivided into 10 cm squares. Three 10 meter transects are surveyed at different depths (5 meters, 8 meters, 10 meters). Turtle movements are registered via their recorded positions and compared with the observed presence of sponges.

Physical environmental profile Seven monitoring stations have been established within the Bejuco fishing grounds (Bejuco Point, Coyote Point, Playa San Miguel, La Javilla, in from of Bejuco, in front of Coyote, at the mouth of the Bongo River) where, via a multiparameter device, water temperature, conductivity, salinity, and dissolved particles data is recorded in order to provide an idea of the physical makeup of the local water column.

Spotter snapper stomach content In order to collect more ecosystem information regarding the presence of lower level trophic organisms, stomach contents from spotted and yellow snappers, tallfin croakers, and yellow snake-eels has been collected during onboard and dockside catch revisions. Individuals from which the stomachs are removed are measured (TL), weighed (TW), sexed, and the stomachs and their contents are weighed before being frozen. Later, in CIMAR’s lab, individual contents are identified, weighed, and stomachs are rated on a scale of 1-10 in terms of their fullness. The digestive states for the consumed species are rated on a scale of 1-4 where 1 is less digested and 4 is more digested.

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Reef fish counts Relative abundance (# of individuals) and species richness (Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index) of reef fish is being calculated with visual data recorded by divers swimming established 60 meter transects of 5 meters in width. The cylinder method is also be used where fish presence is recorded throughout the water column at different depths according to water clarity conditions measured through the use of a Zecchi disk.

Results Bathymetry Through Pretoma’s participation in the Northern Pacific Marine Commission, the organization entered into a formal research partnership with UNA and experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and bathymetry mapping. In actuality, UNA researchers are collaborating with the ACT on the Caletas-Arío and Camaronal management plan review process. Pretoma has given ACT officials and UNA researchers full use of its “Chelonia” research boat and captain and therefor has participated in the acoustic sonar mapping of two MPAs. The Camaronal MPA was mapped from the surf zone out to 3 miles (Fig. 19). Sea floor slope was slight and consistent on both East and West sides of the MPA

Fig. 19. Bathymetry within the Carmaonal MPA, Bejuco, Nandayure, Guanacaste

The Caletas-Arío MPA was also surveyed from the surf zone to 3 miles off shore. Similar to the Camaronal MPA, it has a gentle sea floor slope; however, the Southeast side of the MPA contains a large content of subsurface rocky protrusions (Fig. 20).

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Fig. 20. Bathymetry within the Caletas-Arío MPA, Bejuco, Nandayure, Guanacaste

The “triangle” between these two MPAs is currently being mapped as well. This is an important project as the majority of the bottom longline fishing effort occurs in this unprotected area. GPS points taken from bottom longline sets (Fig. 16) within the “triangle” and inside the established MPA will be overlaid onto the bathymetry maps in order to understand the underwater habitats preferred by Bejuco fishery retained species and by-catch species.

Sea turtle habitat In 2013, 11 turtle net sets have been carried out by researchers for a total of 50.3 hours of active fishing. Eight turtles have been captured (2 olive ridleys and 6 hawksbills). Stomach pumping was performed on the hawksbill named “Tadd”. All captured turtles were in good health and were marked with metal tags. Two individuals (Lucrecia and Tadd) were fitted with satellite transmitters (Table 8).

Table 8. Date and GPS position of 11 turtle net sets along with species, curved carapace length (CCL) and curved carapace width (CCW), sex, and name

Fishing Date North West Species CCL CCW Sex Name hours

12-09-12 7 9.68579 85.23746 L. olivacea 64 68 female

23-09-12 3.41 9.76575 85.27512 L. olivacea 65 65.5 female

31-10-12 2.58 9.76614 85.27405 0 turtles

01-11-12 3.5 9.76503 85.27519 E. imbricata 67 57 female Lucrecia*

30-11-12 3.41 9.76589 85.27532 E. imbricata 40.5 34.5 No id Sophie

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18-01-13 4.1 9.76501 85.27525 E. imbricata 38 34 No id

E. imbricata 38 33.5 No id

E. imbricata 34.5 31.5 No id

23-01-13 5.17 9.76582 85.27387 0 turtles

25-01-13 4.33 9.7649 85.27588 0 turtles

12-02-13 5.5 9.76573 85.27393 0 turtles

13-02-13 4.22 9.76409 85.27569 0 turtles

22-02-13 7.17 9.76504 85.27506 E. imbricata 68 57.5 male Tadd*

*Turtles fitted with satellite receivers

Turtle movements (Lucrecia and Tadd) can be followed via the following link: http://www.pretoma.org/sea-turtles/sea-turtle-satellite-tracking/

It was decided to focus the subaquatic census in Coyote Point, more specifically in a site known as “El Cambute” because of its high intensity of hawksbill activity (Carrión et al. in press). Ongoing quantification of sponges of the Geodia genus and the ascidian Rhopalaea birkelandi is being done to determine their spatial dynamics as turtle dietary resources. After the study was begun, researchers decided to add samples taken from Bejuco Point and Islita Point. Sampling has occurred during the dry and rainy seasons for comparative reasons. Table 9 contains the turtle net set positions, all of which are located within Bejuco’s fishing grounds.

Table 9. GPS coordinates taken from transects at Coyote and Bejuco Points in order to determine the abundance and spatial/seasonal distribution of the principal dietary components of the hawksbill sea turtle

Latitude Longitude Sample Latitude Longitude Sample sites sites

09.76671 085.27338 Punta 9,76671 85,27351 Punta Coyote Coyote

09.76672 085.27327 Punta 9,75654 85,27463 Punta Coyote Coyote

09.76548 085.27390 Punta 9,76629 85,27468 Punta Coyote Coyote

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09.76537 085.27399 Punta 9,84310 85,40579 Punta Coyote Islita

09.76536 085.27406 Punta 9,84577 85,40562 Punta Coyote Islita

09.76543 085.27404 Punta 9,81567 85,33256 Punta Coyote Bejuco

09.76630 085.27549 Punta Coyote

09.76621 085.27555 Punta Coyote

09.76591 085.27568 Punta Coyote

09.76598 085.27570 Punta Coyote

09.81486 085.33285 Punta Bejuco

09.81480 085.33278 Punta Bejuco

09.81485 085.33277 Punta Bejuco

09.81489 085.33269 Punta Bejuco

09.81505 085.33246 Punta Bejuco

09.81519 085.33241 Punta Bejuco

Physical environmental profile Data collection has been ongoing for 9 months and is currently being analyzed by University of Costa Rica researchers. The chosen seven sites are a sampling of shallow and deeper water environments (Fig. 21).

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Fig. 21. Physical environmental variable monitoring stations

Table 10 shows the average and standard deviation (SD) of the following variables taken from the aforementioned stations: temperature, salinity, conductivity, dissolved particles. Physical environmental conditions have remained relatively stable during the study period.

Table 10. Average and SD of temperature, salinity, conductivity, and dissolved particles for seven sample sites

Site Boca Sirial Caletas Javilla Bejuco Javilla Cambute Bongo Estero Temperature 27.7 27.9 27.88 28.01 27.74 27.96 27.9 (1.93) (1.87) (1.88) (1.82) (2.06) (1.81) (1.55) Salinity 30.81 30.95 30.94 30.9 30.67 30.97 30.78 (1.39) (1.11) (1.09) (1.12) (2.23) (1.09) (1.08) Dissolved 28.64 28.79 28.77 28.75 28.55 28.78 28.86 particles (3.89) (3.90) (3.88) (3.87) (4.14) (3.89) (3.78) Conductivity 49.86 50.26 50.23 50.29 49.81 50.32 49.96 1 (1.26) (0.96) (0.96) (0.98) (3.21) (1.81) (1.74) Conductivity 47.47 47.70 47.64 47.59 47.32 47.71 47.50 2 (1.84) (1.48) (1.44) (1.49) (3.14) (1.43) (1.44)

Spotted snapper stomach content A database of fish capture positions from which stomach contents were sampled is being constructed. Sampled stomachs are frozen and being kept at CIMAR’s facilities. Pretoma is working with the

42 university to design the next portion of this project and name a team of researchers who will analyze the sample’s contents.

Reef fish counts Five sampling days have occurred during which eight transects were performed. The first two sampling days were confronted with a red tide and little (1-2 meter) visibility, making fish counting difficult to perform. In January Pretoma was fortunate to receive a site visit by Dr. Boris Worm from Dellhousie University, Canada. During this visit Pretoma was advised to change its methodology to one using thinner transects and the cylinder method described earlier. This new design was applied beginning in February 2013. Transect sights have been established and counts are ongoing (Table 11).

Table 11. Dates, positions, and depths of established fish count transects

Date North West Depth (m)

29-05-12 9.76392 85.27472 6

15-06-12 9.76482 85.27454 3

9.76508 85.27531 8.5

9.76502 85.27561 9

24 -11-12 9.764496 85.27405 3

9.76535 85.27497 6

22 -02-13 9.76467 85.27472 4

23-02-13 9.76525 85.27503 7

Discussion Pretoma’s participation in the identification of hawksbill habitat is part of a larger project by UNA researchers titled “Dietary selectivity of the hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus 1766)”. In fact, much of Pretoma’s work is in close partnership with UNA and CIMAR. The organization is facilitating several research projects, all of which are providing valuable information concerning the near-shore marine ecosystem within the Bejuco fishing grounds. As both the Camaronal and Caletas- Arío MPA management plans are under review, it is hoped that the information collected in these studies will contribute to an ecosystem management component for the two protected areas as well as serve as a starting point for the development of an integrated management plan for the currently unprotected “triangle” between the two MPAs.

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Retained species: Management strategy Discussion As of yet, fishery co-management systems or the notion of territorial user rights for fishers (TURFS) do not exist in Costa Rica. Fishery governance in this country is decidedly top down and centralized. While local management strategies are still not observed by Costa Rica’s National Fisheries Institute (Incopesca), a list of minimum size requirements (MSRs) for commonly caught marine species of economic value was approved in March 2013 (La Gaceta 2013). Common retained species of the Bejuco fishery included in this list are Lutjanus guttatus (spotted snappers, 34 cm), L. peru (Pacific red snappers, 23 cm), L. argentiventris (yellow snappers, 33 cm), Micropogonias altipinnis (tallfin croaker, 50 cm), and Brotula clarkea (Pacific bearded brotula, 62 cm).

While these regulations have been approved, they will not be enforced until March 2015. Furthermore, there is a “margin of tolerance” between 20-25% of the established MSR for snappers, meaning that fish sizes as small as 25.5 cm will be permitted because they are within 25% of the established 34 cm requirement (the MSR for spotted snappers). MSRs have also been established for the other species mentioned above, all within the same percent range. Pretoma believes that these margins of tolerance completely defeat the nature of Incopesca’s regulation to protect fish stocks and the NGO is using the technical analysis (presented in this report) to justify its submission of a law suit against Incopesca over its negligence of the management of the country’s marine resources.

It is Pretoma’s opinion that the minimum size requirement for L. guttatus be raised to 35 cm given that males reach an L50 at 34.7 cm. Our findings also show that L. argentiventris does not reach a length at first maturity until the species reaches 35.3 cm and its minimum should be raised to 36 cm to reflect this. While data is insufficient to determine L. peru’s L50, it is of the expert opinion of Pretoma researchers that an established limit of 23 cm is well below the species’ length at first maturity.

Retained species of sharks related to the Bejuco bottom longline fishery with MSR’s include Sphyrna lewini (common hammerheads, 46 cm), Carcharhinus falciformis (silky sharks, 80 cm), and Mustelus henlei (brown smooth-hounds, 43 cm). All shark species have margins of tolerance between 10-30%. It is also Pretoma’s expert opinion (and based on a literary review including Branstetter (1987)) that a size limit of 46 cm for S. lewini is below its L50 size regardless of its margin of tolerance.

Shark retained catch, while not a large contributor to the Bejuco bottom longline fishery’s CPUE, is a burning political topic in Costa Rica, and Pretoma is involved in the administrative process to review Incopesca’s established limits and provide more scientifically viable minimum size requirements based on sizes for first reproduction for commonly caught shark species by the Costa Rican commercial fishing fleet (of which many of these species are also a small part of coastal artisanal fisheries including bottom longline fisheries). This agenda is being pushed by the Vice Ministry of Oceans and is one that prohibits the catch of certain overexploited species (including CITES species) including the common hammerhead Sphyrna lewini (species exists in the Bejuco fishery), nurse shark Ginglymostoma cirratum (species exists in the Bejuco fishery), oceanic white tip Triaenodon obesus, tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier and other species not associated with the Bejuco fishery. The Vice Ministry and Pretoma are also working on

44 establishing more scientifically based MSRs (many of which are for shark species inherent in the Bejuco fishery), including silky sharks Carcharhinus falciformis and those pertaining to the Mustelus genus.

By-catch species: Management strategy Discussion Because of the depths at which bottom longlines are set in Bejuco (between 30-50 meters), most individuals are pulled dead from the water. But because Bejuco is also a subsistence fishery, most species with no commercial value are consumed locally and/or traded for other goods and services (Bystrom 2013). The exceptions to this are eels, sea snakes, and congers, as well as certain types of rays. The majority of these animals, however, survive the ascent to the surface and can be released alive. In the past, general fisher practice dictated that the heads of eels and sea snakes and the tails of rays be cut off before the hook was removed. To prevent 100% mortality of these species, techniques are being developed for the safe removal of the hook. Results are varied because of the damage hook removal causes to the organism, but release protocols are at the very least being established.

Habitats: Management strategy Ecosystem: Management strategy Discussion Areas of critical habitat for endangered species within the Bejuco fishing grounds have been identified. In addition, two multi-use MPAs within the grounds prohibit the use of gillnets and shrimp trawls but allow for bottom longlines to be used. These management tools are protecting habitats by not allowing trawls nets to be drug across the sea floor or unselective gillnets (and trawl nets for that matter) to result in large quantities of by-catch to be set. The near coastal bathymetry of these MPAs has also been mapped and the area between the protected areas is scheduled to be mapped as well. When this is done, all fishing activity can be overlaid to determine the exact locations of the geographic preferences of the area’s marine fauna.

Perhaps the largest contributor to both the habitats and ecosystem management strategy is the community based campaign (supported by Pretoma) to “close the triangle” and establish one contiguous multi-use MPA that encompasses Bejuco’s entire fishing grounds. This campaign has included a festival in the town of San Francisco de Coyote on April 6, 2013, where Pretoma has its field station, to promote the creation of a new Marine Management Area. Activities including dances, food, music, games, presentations, and educational activities were held all day. Year-to-date, over 17,600 signatures have been gathered on the campaign’s Causes page to support the creation of the area http://www.causes.com/actions/1732037-apoye-la-creacion-de-una-area-marina-de-manejo-en- nandayure-guanacaste-costa-rica. In addition, a combined 3,000 signatures were collected at the April

45 festival in Coyote and at other rallies in the area’s smaller coastal communities and during other campaign activities. Pretoma has also written a formal proposal to create this new protected area. It has been sent to various project stakeholders for comment and will be formally presented to the ACT before the end of 2013 (see Word document: Propuesta AMM Los Pargos 24 9 13).

Pretoma has also funded and spearheaded the production of campaign promotional materials including 100 t-shirts to create a new Marine Management Area (t-shirts were given away free to community members during the April festival) and 1000 stickers pertaining to the development of the new area. An additional workshop was also held on July 13, 2013 to discuss community opinions and expectations regarding coastal marine management the development of a new MPA.

Effective protection of five sea turtle nesting beaches (Corozalito, Bejuco, San Miguel, Costa de Oro and Caletas) along the 30 km stretch of beach where the project is developed has long since been developed. One of the main justifications to push for an ecosystem based managed fishery is not only the presence of nesting turtles and the threat that shrimp trawling poses to them, but also the impact of unsustainable fishing practices on the coastal communities that are learning to make a sustainable living through sea turtle conservation. San Miguel has enjoyed uninterrupted protection since 1998, Caletas since 2002, Corozalito and Costa de Oro since 2009, and Bejuco since 2011.

Pretoma is also a founding member of the unofficial North Pacific Marine Commission, the creation of which was urged by the ACT to improve marine conservation activities in Guanacaste. Other members of the Commission include the ACT, the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), UNA, and the Leatherback Trust. Meetings are held bi-monthly and the Commission is currently trying to obtain an official status through the publication of an Executive Decree to strengthen the organization’s positions based on technical criteria.

Fishery Specific Management System: Fishery Specific Objectives Fishery Specific Management System Discussion Fishers are moving forward with the initiative to create new markets for sustainably caught snappers. Not only this, but fishery association representatives, local buyers, and Pretoma consultants invited businessman Demian Geneau of the company Product-C to share his thoughts regarding the commercialization of certified fish during a May 24, 2013 dinner. Demian has an up-scale seafood restaurant in San José and is interested in purchasing high quality, fresh fish particularly if it is certified. During the dinner, Demian prepared different kinds of fish that up until now have little commercial market value and are only consumed locally. Fishers were amazed at the potential value of certain by- catch species and talks have begun between the parties regarding not only the sale of certified snappers, but other species as well.

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Pretoma, in its role as facilitator, believes that any potential buyers that benefit from a product certification should not only realize the value this fishery has, but they should also define their roles as project stakeholders who re-invest in the fishery, the certification process, the chain of custody certification, and in maintaining these certification once they have been attained through financial support of continued fishery monitoring and improvements.

Regarding a documented management plan formed by the fishers themselves, Pretoma is working with local fishery managers to follow the 4-step framework for evaluating and managing data deficient fisheries (Honey et al. 2010). Fishery managers are being encouraged to develop a scorecard to measure the data richness or quality and quantity of snapper stock data in their possession. This will serve to define their needs as well as to identify what types of fishery related information would need to be collected in the future. Examples of these like the one presented by Honey et al. (2010) is being changed to fit the Bejuco fishery’s exact needs with regards to fishery dependent information, and fishery independent information (socio-economic, management and governance, ecosystem, etc.).

It is important to note that at the present time this fishery still does not have a written management plan.

Governance and Policy: Consultation, Roles and Responsibilities Governance and Policy: Long term objectives Governance and Policy: Incentives for Sustainable Fishing Discussion In the absence of recognized co-management systems in Costa Rica, long term fisheries governance and policy building depends on the political will of Incopesca, an entity controlled by industrial fishing interests. To better prove this point one needs to look no further than the shrimp trawl fleet which now targets snapper, not shrimp, and in doing so catches unsustainable numbers of immature spotted rose snappers. Because the industry’s interests are represented among the majority of Incopesca’s board members, the two year implementation delay and margin of error regarding MSRs are attempts to protect shrimp trawl earnings at the expense of the country’s artisanal snapper fishery simply because the trawl fleet could ever comply with a minimum size regulation that adequately protects against the commercialization of immature snappers.

The existence of private interests among Incopesca’s board members that influence the development of nationally recognized (and effective) spotted snapper minimum size limits is one of many examples of the institute’s inability to manage fish stocks in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. It is also an example of how co-management systems could be developed to better manage coastal snapper stocks exploited by the artisanal fleet. For this very reason Aspecoy, Asobejuco, Aspepuco, and Pretoma are working together to “close the triangle” and develop an ecosystem management plan for the new Marine Managed Area that is recognized and administered by Incopesca, ACT, and local fishers.

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Years of fisheries policy work on behalf of Pretoma has made both Costa Rican decision makers and the general public aware of the conflict of interest that exists between Incopesca’s Board of Directors and the small-scale fishing industry. The organization will continue its public policy campaigns as they pertain to Incopesca’s reform. This work is supported by President Laura Chinchilla as shown by her assignment of a Presidential Consultative Council called “The Prominent Costa Rican Council,” constituted of well-known politicians of different ideologies and charged with the task of identifying changes needed in the government’s structure to improve national governance. When its final report was issues in January 2013, one recommendation stood out: Boards of Directors of autonomous institute like Incopesca must be eliminated.

To add to the justification to reform Incopesca, on January 19, 2013 President Chinchilla made strong and serious statements in support of the proposal to eliminate certain Boards, because many “forget they are here to serve the public interest in favour of corporate interests” and “some of these Boards and handled like true feudal systems,” using Incopesca as a main example of an institution that required serious reform.

For the first time ever, political will exists to reform Incopesca and rip the decision making processes from the greedy hands of industrial fishers who have had control over the entity. As of October 2013, a proposed bill to reform the Law of Creation of Incopesca has been written by the Ministry of Agriculture, and is circulating among different entities of the Executive Branch. Through Pretoma’s relationship with the Vice Minister of Seas, José Lino Chaves, the organization has been invited to comment on the draft. The bill proposes to eliminate the Board of Directors and replace it with an Executive President, assigned by the President, and a Manager who would be appointed by the Government Council (the President and his/her Ministers). Pretoma sees this as a positive step forward towards domestic and regional fisheries policy reform.

Discussion and next steps Complex models that require large amounts of data are used the world over in commercial fisheries to formulate management decisions (Honey et al. 2010). But in the case of nearly all small-scale fisheries in the developing world, such decisions are most often made without their use due to a lack of data (if these decisions are even made at all) (Gasalla et al. 2010).

In the case of Bejuco, growing socio-economic concerns from local fishers make it imperative that new management strategies be reached and put into action. However, a major concern is that the seven years of snapper data is partial and does not include snapper captures from the shrimp trawl fishery, an industrial fishery that no doubt has a profound impact on the local stock. While there is always room for improvement as far as fisheries data collection is concerned, the Pretoma database for the Bejuco L. guttatus stock, along with anecdotal observations and local knowledge about this target stock, is one of the largest and most complex in Central America and is sufficient enough to employ certain assessment techniques.

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A Productivity and Susceptibility Analysis (PSA), an analytical method useful in determining potential conservation measures and management decisions that can be used to identify the spotted snapper stock’s relative vulnerability to fishing pressure, can be assessed through this study’s determination of basic life-history characteristics of the population including growth rate, age at maturity, mortality, and fecundity to determine potential stock responses to fishing pressure (Honey et al. 2010, Patrick et al. 2009). Pretoma researchers are looking into the feasibility of using NOAA’s fisheries analysis tool box available at http://nft.nefsc.noaa.gov/ to perform this analysis.

Favorable stock status indicators such as a rising average snapper TL, consistent L50 sizes, and relatively low mortality rates in part suggest that the fishery’s Fmsy, or the maximum sustainable fishing related mortality that a stock can withstand, might very well be within optimal limits (excluding the influence of environmental factors). Still, because it is known that more individuals are fished than what are included in the available data base, this information must be obtained in order to make an accurate assessment. High TLs at first maturity and increasing snapper sizes are snapshots of a healthy fishery and suggest that the bottom long line, gillnet and trawl fisheries combined impact might be within sustainable levels. Still, firsthand fisher testimonials compiled by Bystrom (2013) paint a different picture entirely as they reveal that while snapper sizes have not decreased over the last 10 years, the total catch has declined and fishers must fish longer with longer lines and more hooks (increased effort) in order to catch similar amounts than they did a decade ago. This anecdotal historical reconstruction of the fishery as it was before data collection began can be taken as a warning sign that Fmsy is being exceeded through the combined effort of all three fisheries (line, trawl, and net).

An additional concern is that almost 50% of the entire bottom longline catch is composed of immature spotted snappers (23.2%) and eel/sea snake/moray/conger by-catch (24.84%). Not only this, but because of the nature of this fishery, release of these individuals is difficult to perform. Since Mongeon et al. (in press) has shown how larger hook sizes select for larger snappers in this fishery, it is recommended that fishers use larger hooks (#8 and above) to reduce the number of immature individuals caught and to possible reduce by-catch amounts as well.

Regarding Incopesca’s established margins of tolerance, in all actuality the Bejuco fishery operates within the high end of the 20-25% established MSR for snappers. In order to be consistent with its campaign against these margins of tolerance, Pretoma and the Bejuco fishery must design a strategy to reduce the capture of immature spotted rose snappers.

The maturation of Pretoma’s analysis of the Bejuco bottom longline fishery’s catch data throughout this project is impressive. However, the organization is reaching the end of its analysis abilities and needs further training in order to continue with this stock’s analysis and ultimately the development of reference points and catch limits for the population. Having said this, there has never been a stock assessment done in Costa Rica. Already, this project’s data base and analysis is ground breaking, but the organization now needs outside consultation from leading fish stock academics in order to further its findings.

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In addition to the technical analysis portion of the project, is the political situation in Costa Rica. Incopesca reform was cited by SCS as a major impediment to management plan development and overall certification of the fishery. While strides have been made towards the institute’s reform, there are still obstacles to overcome before this becomes a reality.

MSC certification is a real possibility now with the information obtained/analyzed by Pretoma. The remaining few PIs that are data deficient do not mean that the fishery does not qualify for certification. In fact, the MSC has a developing assessment methodology that takes into account the absence of data in some fisheries, especially small-scale fisheries, and allows for certification to be extended to a fishery as long as its preexisting conditions (PIs that have scored lower than 80) demonstrate a plan and time frame for their development.

Pretoma would like to thank RLF and its SFF for the financial support it has extended to the organization since 2007. Without this backing, the project would not have been possible. Pretoma researchers also look forward to receiving RLF’s comments regarding this project’s progression.

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Amezcua, F., C. Soto-Avila & Y. Green-Ruiz. 2006. Age, growth, and mortality of the spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus from the southeastern Gulf of California. Fisheries Research 77: 293–300.

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Arellano-Martínez, M., A. Rojas-Herrera, F. García-Domínguez, B. P. Ceballos-Vázquez & M. Villalejo- Fuerte. 2001. Ciclo reproductivo del pargo lunarejo Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869) en las costas de Guerrero, México. Revista de Biología Marina y Oceanografía 36 (1): 1 – 8.

Arnold, C. R., J. M. Wakeman, T. D. Williams & G. D. Treece. 1978. Spawning of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus in captivity. Aquaculture 15: 301-302.

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Appendix 1- project pictures

Petition signing during the April 2013 festival in Coyote to support the campaign to create of a new Marine Management Area within the Bejuco bottom longline fishing ground

Logo created to promote the campaign to “close the triangle” and establish a new Marine Managed Area

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Workshop to develop a market for certified spotted snapper and its direct sale between fishers and local hotels (Flor Blanca hotel February 2013)

Dockside spotted snapper data collection in Coyote (2013)

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Installation of a new stainless steel counter in Bejuco for dockside data collection and improved fish production (2013)

Workshop with the ACT and Bejuco fishers to discuss the area’s MPA management plan review process (December 2012)

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Spotted snapper ovary weight data taking

Baited bottom longline

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Social survey application in Bejuco (June 2013)

Bottom longline set

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By-catch

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Appendix 2 – project expenses

The file Pretome_SFF_Budget_Report_Oct 2013 is a comparison of the project’s expenses and its proposed budget. Because the proposed project was for 12 months beginning in January 2013 and ending in December 2013, there is a surplus of $5,476. This surplus will cover ongoing data collection and analysis during the months of November and December. A final budget can be submitted to RLF in January upon request.

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