SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SPC ACTIVITIES

Number 96 (January–March 2001) ISSN 0248-076X

The year 2001 has gotten off to a good start and will reach its high point with the 2nd Heads of Fisheries Meeting to be held in Noumea in late July. SPC activities Page 2 In the meantime, staff at the Marine Resources Division have been hard at work. I would particularly like to call your attention to a pamphlet on News from in and around marine pollution (see article on page 5), which we have produced in collaboration with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme.The the region Page 15 problem is complex, but the message is simple: the ocean is not a trash dump, so don’t throw your garbage into it! Fisheries in Kosrae: I will leave you to reflect on this matter. traditional and modern by Rooston Abraham and Happy reading! Lyn Lambeth Page 20 Jean-Paul Gaudechoux Fisheries Information Adviser [email protected] Swordfish opportunity for Pacific Island countries and territories: How to dress swordfish for the US market? by Steve Beverly Page 24

Integrated coastal resource management in tropical seas: South Pacific group completes one-month JICA training programme in Japan by Frank Chopin Page 28

Gillnetting is a popular activity for women in Kosrae (see article on p. 20) Lyn Lambeth Lyn SPC ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY FISHERIES SECTION Kosrae fisheries workshop

In February 2001 the Community with some mixed sessions. small fish smoker. The smoked Fisheries Officer travelled to However, at the beginning of tuna was very popular and Kosrae to run a one-week work- the workshop many of the par- formed part of the feast pre- shop for men and women ticipants, both men and women, pared by the participants for the involved in small-scale fisheries asked if they could attend all closing ceremony held on the activities. The workshop was a sessions as interest in every last afternoon of the workshop. follow-up to the survey and topic was high. The workshop report for Kosrae, An Assessment was attended by 32 participants: Workshop participants were of the Role of Women in Fisheries 15 men and 17 women. asked to provide smoked fish in Kosrae, Federated States of for the opening of a marine park Micronesia. Topics included seafood quality in March. Women participants control, fish processing and also provided a fish smoking One of the recommendations of handling, small-scale marketing demonstration as part of the this report was that more train- and business skills, seafood activities organised by the Kosrae ing programmes be provided to preservation, and fisheries man- Women’s Affairs Program for those involved in subsistence agement. During the workshop, International Women’s Day in and artisanal fisheries, particu- participants built and tested a March. larly women. The SPC Community Fisheries Section agreed to assist in running a workshop targeting fish market operators and others involved in small-scale fisheries.

Kosrae requested a workshop that would include separate training for men and women, Lyn Lambeth Lyn

Workshop participants prepare a marinade for fish smoking

Maerina demonstrates her filleting technique Lyn Lambeth Lyn

2 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SPC ACTIVITIES

American Samoa community fisheries workshop

The Community Fisheries conducted by experienced was a result of recommenda- Adviser travelled to American Samoan fisheries extension tions from the draft report, Samoa in March 2001 to facili- staff, trained new extension per- Technical Input into the tate a five-day training work- sonnel at DMWR in the commu- Community Fisheries Management shop for the Department of nity-based fisheries manage- Project of American Samoa. Marine and Wildlife Resources ment process, which was estab- (DMWR) staff. The workshop, lished in Samoa. This workshop Ueta Fa’asili

Fatima Sauafea, head of the Community Fisheries Management Programme, conducting a practical exercise

Publications and Information

The report, An Assessment of the The French version of the man- Field reports for Chuuk and Yap Role of Women in Fisheries in ual, Fisheries Management by will be available soon. Kosrae, Federated States of Communities, is also available Micronesia, has been printed as a from the Section’s homepage. field report and distributed to The entire document or select Kosrae. chapters, in French or English, may be downloaded in pdf. These and other publications may be found in pdf format Publications are also available (and html for the Women in through: Fisheries Special Interest Group Information Bulletin) on the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Community Fisheries Section BP D5, 98848 Noumea Cedex homepage at: New Caledonia Telephone: +687 262000 http://www.spc.int/coastfish/ Fax: +687 263818 Sections/Community/index.html E-mail: [email protected]

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 3 SPC ACTIVITIES

Future work

Workshops for women involved the SPC Community Fisheries and Training Centre (CETC) is in small-scale fisheries activities Section, in collaboration with scheduled for publication in the in Chuuk and Yap, Federated the South Pacific Forum middle of July. The Community States of Micronesia are sched- Secretariat, is tasked with help- Fisheries Section will work with uled for May. The Forum ing address gender issues in this USP’s Post Harvest Fisheries Fisheries Agency (FFA) is plan- work. Development Project in the ning to assist Fiji Islands in delivery of this training module. developing a tuna fishing The third fisheries module for industry management plan, and the SPC Community Education

FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT SECTION Activities from January to March 2001

Fisheries Development Officer, weather, and airline flight rials for exporting tuna. PNC ‘s Steve Beverly worked with the schedules, two trips have been first two boats arrived in École des Métiers de la Mer made so far on F/V Iaai Pêche, Koumac (Northern Province) in (EMM), providing input to a resulting in a catch of 22 broad- March (Fig 2). Eight more boats forthcoming course for longline bill swordfish caught on five are due to arrive this year after skippers to be held later in 2001. sets (Fig 1). Instruction was undergoing modifications in He also helped with the layout given in locating fish, setting New Zealand. All ten boats will of vessel electronics and and hauling techniques, and in be fishing for tuna and sword- machinery on EMM’s longline how to properly clean a swordfish from Koumac, where a new training vessel, F/V Nondoue. fish for the USA market (see fea- processing plant is being built. ture article in this newsletter). In addition, Steve began a long- Fisheries Development Officer, line project with a local company, Steve also worked with a new William Sokimi, drafted reports Navimon, to look for broadbill longline company in New for his work in Nauru and swordfish in New Caledonian Caledonia, Pêcheries de Kiribati. Additional work was waters. Despite initial problems Nouvelle-Calédonie in ordering needed to finalise his Samoa with vessel breakdowns, bad fishing gear and packing mate- report, following comments Steve Beverly

Figure 1: Broadbill swordfish caught on F/V Iaai Pêche

4 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SPC ACTIVITIES

Provincial Governments, with assistance being provided through NFA’s Provincial Liaison Section (PLS). The PLS will act as the conduit between development ideas and donors. The approach is to have development ideas come from the MACs, Fishermen’s Associations and possibly Provinces to the PLS, who will assess each proposal. If the proposal is thought to be viable, the PLS will seek an appropriate donor for funding or conduct the development work. Once a donor is matched Steve Beverly to a development project, the Figure 2: Pêcheries de Nouvelle-Calédonie’s vessel F/V Kahaavha 5 PLS will pull out and leave mat- ters to the two groups con- received from the Samoan clearance. Lindsay also worked cerned to finalise arrangements Fisheries Department of the with SPC’s Graphic Artist, Jipé and implement the develop- financial figures presented in Le Bars, in the design and lay- ment work. the initial draft report. These out of an information brochure figures were corrected; the on marine debris and derelict From Port Moresby, Lindsay report finalised, printed and fishing gear, in both English and went to Kavieng for five days, distributed. French. Funding for these to set up a technical assistance brochures was provided by the project with the New Ireland William spent March in Western Pacific Regional Fish- Commercial Fishermen’s Associ- Auckland, New Zealand, study- eries Management Council ation, where he met with the ing hard with other Pacific (Hawai’i) and AusAID. Association’s executive officers, Island students, converting their to work out a programme for skippers tickets from the old Lindsay travelled to Papua New assistance. Gear lists were com- ‘South Pacific Maritime Code’ Guinea in early March, where he piled for both fish aggregating to the new ‘International Mari- met with staff of the National device (FAD) mooring materials time Organisation’ requirements. Fisheries Authority (NFA) in and fishing gear, so that orders William successfully completed Port Moresby. NFA underwent a could be placed with suppliers. the course and now has his major change in structure, Lindsay also drafted a Memo- Master Class 3 ticket recognised whereby Management Advisory randum of Agreement for this under STCW. His ticket allows Committees (MACs) were estab- project, which clearly laid out him to skipper a fishing vessel lished for different fisheries. the roles and responsibilities of of unlimited size. Each MAC has representatives both the PNG government and from different stakeholder SPC. The project was scheduled Fisheries Development Adviser, groups, involving them in the to commence in mid-April 2001. Lindsay Chapman finalised management of the fisheries. three Field Reports (Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Tonga), which The development of fisheries in have been sent out for country PNG has been devolved to the

THINK don’t THROW — a message for all those who head at sea

The Secretariat of the Pacific awareness brochure on marine ronment and the animals that Community (SPC), the South debris and derelict fishing gear. live in it. Pacific Regional Environment The brochure describes the Programme (SPREP), the West- issue of throwing or discarding A simple message is portrayed ern Pacific Regional Fisheries plastics and oils from fishing in the brochure, DON’T throw Management Council, PACPOL vessels and small-craft at sea, plastics and oily mixtures into and AusAID have published and the problems this can cause the marine environment. These their new information and to other boats, the marine envi- should be stored on board each

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 5 SPC ACTIVITIES boat and discharged onshore for and reefs around the region, this brochure. For a copy, please proper disposal. By doing this, effecting the ecosystem, and contact the SPC Fisheries Devel- marine animals such as turtles boats will have fewer problems opment Adviser ([email protected]) will not eat the discarded plastic with blocked water intakes and or the SPREP Marine Pollution or styrofoam, thinking it is food, tangled propellers. Adviser ([email protected]) or become entangled in lost netting; and there will be less Everyone who heads to sea will debris washing up on beaches find some useful information in

REEF FISHERIES ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT SECTION The Pacific Regional Marine Ornamental Workshop

From 4 to 9 February 2001, the of developing the Marine would carry a label that buyers Live Reef Fish Specialist, Being Aquarium Council’s Certifica- and hobbyists would recognise Yeeting, was invited to attend a tion Scheme for marine orna- and associate with the set stan- Pacific regional workshop on mentals. dards. Sustainable Management of the Marine Ornamentals Trade as a The idea behind the Certification The intent of the workshop was resource person. The workshop, Scheme is to set standards with- to bring representatives from organised by SPREP, was held in the trade that will encourage Pacific Island countries, from in Nadi, Fiji Islands. sustainable practices of collec- the industry (operators) around tion and handling, and ensure a the pacific, conservation NGOs The workshop, funded through supply of high quality products and scientists to be presented CSPOD, was part of the process to the market. The products with the Certification Scheme

6 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SPC ACTIVITIES and the concept behind it and to assist each country in managing when the US (the main market) discuss and scrutinise the Draft their Marine Ornamentals Trade imposes a ban on importing live Certification system. sustainably. The more common corals from the wild. and important issues mentioned A total of eight Pacific Island were the lack of: knowledge An interesting new WSI project member countries were represent- about existing resources; man- that is moving into the commer- ed, by personnel from Fisheries or agement plans and regulations; cial phase is their man-made Environment departments. government capacity (funds and live rock. After years of staff) to manage the trade; and research, WSI finally has found Workshop presentations were awareness by the public. All the right formula (mix) for a organised into specific topics points and ideas raised were good artificial live rock. These focussing on different aspects of recorded to develop a better artificial rocks are placed in the the Marine Ornamentals Trade. action strategy for Pacific Island sea in marked localities to allow Topics included: the known sta- countries. algae and various small marine tus of coral reefs; their values organisms to settle on. The final and sustainability in the region; As part of the workshop, there product looks very much like a the nature, scale and history of was a field trip to two facilities: wild live rock. The red color the Marine Ornamentals Trade Walt Smith International (WSI) becomes important for distin- globally and, particularly, in the and Ocean 2000. The facilities guishing between artificial live Pacific Region; and presenta- were quite different with rock and wild live rock. tions by country representatives, regards to ownership, size and on current situations, issues and the kind of technology they use. Visits to facilities were very problems, best management interesting and helpful to all practices in terms of monitoring, The foreign-owned WSI is the participants and gave a good and commercial operations. bigger facility and uses state-of- visual example of a simple, low- the art technology. Ocean 2000 budget operation and a more On the last day, the workshop is locally owned, small (com- modern one. It would be inter- broke out into smaller working pared with WSI) and uses sim- esting if a detailed evaluation groups. Each group devised a ple systems. Both concentrate and cost–benefit analysis of the list of constraints and opportu- on live rock exports. The live two operations could be done. nities in different countries and rocks currently exported are col- The information could be used noted which types of actions or lected from the wild but this for setting and developing sus- initiatives were required to might change in the near future tainable operations.

First course on underwater visual census survey techniques

Due to their comprehensive, exact and non-destructive nature, underwater visual census surveys are among the most widely used and tested reef fishery resource assessment methods. However, implementing them requires a certain number of technical skills. With financial support from the French Government, a two- week training session in underwater visual census survey techniques was held in Noumea from 2 to 13 October 2000. This was the result of numerous requests related to developing local capacities and the need to Jipé Lebars develop standardised method- ological approaches for moni- Data analysis in the SPC Training room toring reef and lagoon resources.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 7 SPC ACTIVITIES

The course primarily targeted 2) identifying fish of interest Michel Kulbicki, Head of Pacific Island fisheries staff. In for the live fish market, and, Research (IRD); Gérard Mou- all, a dozen trainees involved in in a more general sense, for Tham, Technician (IRD) reef and lagoon resource assess- marketing and/or consump- ment and management took tion; The participants’ overall reac- part in the training session. A tion clearly showed that this total of 11 Pacific Island coun- 3) implementing underwater training session had been very tries and territories were repre- visual census sampling tech- useful and follow-up activities sented at the training session. niques in the field; are now underway. A booklet The goal of the course was to describing the conditions for demonstrate the conditions for 4) organising data and carrying using and implementing these using and implementing on-site out initial calculations; and methods will be published dur- underwater visual census sur- ing the first half of 2001. It will veys. More than half the train- 5) conducting the initial result be followed by software for ing session revolved around analyses. entering data and carrying out practical exercises in the field. initial calculations, which will In this way, participants Instruction was provided by be made available for down- received instruction in: two SPC and two IRD (ex- loading over the Internet. Given ORSTOM) research and techni- the large number of applications 1) following ground rules for cal staff: Pierre Labrosse, Reef already registered, a second determining a fish resource Fisheries Management Adviser course is planned for some time sampling and monitoring (SPC); Being Yeeting, Reef during the last quarter of 2001. strategy; Fisheries Specialist (SPC);

Underwater visual census training on the barrier reef, New Caledonia

8 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SPC ACTIVITIES

AQUACULTURE SECTION New Aquaculture Adviser takes up position

Ben Ponia from Cook Islands has recently taken up an appointment as Aquaculture Adviser with the SPC Coastal Fisheries Programme. His pri- mary duties are to help design and secure funding for a future SPC aquaculture programme. It is anticipated that the aquaculture activities will focus on providing a service of regional co- ordination and technical assistance. It is hoped that long-term funding to establish this programme will become available within the next few months.

Before taking up this post, Ben was employed at the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources, most recently as the Director of Research, where part of his job involved providing Jean-Paul Gaudechoux assistance to the local black pearl industry. He has complet- Zealand, a research fellowship dissertation on pearl culture ed a BSc degree in chemistry in aquaculture at the University from James Cook University, from Waikato University, New of Hawai’i and a MSc with a Australia.

Assistance to Cook Islands

Ben Ponia, SPC Aquaculture In November 2000 a pearl dis- visit to the Cook Islands was to Adviser, visited Cook Islands in ease outbreak on Manihiki provide assistance in evaluating November 2000 and February caused enormous mortality the cause of the pearl disease 2001 to provide assistance in among adult and juvenile oys- and measures for mitigation. It relation to the pearl disease out- ters. The purpose of the first was concluded that a combina- break on Manihiki. The cultured black pearl industry, centred on Manihiki Atoll, is a major economic activity for Cook Islands with production worth about NZD 20 million per year. Cook Island News

A pearl farm on Manihiki Atoll

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 9 SPC ACTIVITIES tion of overcrowded pearl farms found that amongst the surviv- Other organisations involved and unusual weather conditions ing pearl oysters the disease during the visits included the contributed to bad water quali- was no longer prevalent and Cook Islands Ministry of Marine ty leading to a bacterial disease. infected oysters had recovered Resources, the Manihiki Island Measures to contain the disease from the disease. Based on the Council, National Institute of were put in place. In economic findings of the survey, the local Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) terms, the impact of this disease government allowed pearl in New Zealand and the South will cause a loss of production farming, which had been Pacific Geoscience Commission over the next 5 years of NZ$34 stopped when the disease out- (SOPAC) in Fiji Islands. million. break occurred, to resume. SPC is assisting Cook Islands gov- In February 2001, Ben returned ernment to establish a lagoon to Manihiki to assess how well monitoring and farm manage- the pearl oysters had recuperat- ment plan to protect against dis- ed from the disease. It was ease outbreaks. Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources Inner shell of a diseased pearl oyster (Notice Inner shell of a healthy pearl oyster brown stain on the outer edges).

TRAINING SECTION Fish cutting workshop in Samoa

For the second time, the SPC after Samoa fish exporters arranged three one-day work- Fisheries Training Section con- expressed interest in having shop sessions. ducted a national workshop on one. Peter, with the assistance of fish cutting to demonstrate Malama Siamomua from the A total of 26 participants, from quarter-loining of albacore Fisheries Division, worked on C.J. Exports & Imports, tuna. The first workshop was the planning and organisation Albacorp Enterprise Ltd., and held in Fiji Islands during July of the workshops while SPC Tradewinds & Apia Exports 1999 and was reported in organised the participation of Fish Packers, attended the Fisheries Newsletter # 90 with Frédéric Chung Shing, a profes- workshops. After Frédéric gave photographs to give some idea sional fish cutter from Tahiti, as a demonstration, he trained sev- of what’s involved in quarter- a resource person. SPC Fisheries eral workshop participants in loining an albacore tuna. Training Specialist, Teriihauroa how to properly quarter-loin an Luciani was in Samoa to super- albacore. While most partici- Peter Watt, Commercial vise the implementation of the pants were beginners at quar- Fisheries Extension Adviser of workshop and to provide trans- ter-loining tuna, there was also the AusAID Fisheries Project in lation services. Concerning the a participant who had been cut- Samoa, requested the workshop organisation, Peter and Malama ting fish for over six years with

10 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SPC ACTIVITIES very good yields. Most partici- quarter-loins for export markets their staff to get greater yields, pants and managers found the was surprised by the difference thereby increasing profitability workshop worthwhile and very in yields between the two meth- of their fish processing activi- useful. One of the companies ods. The company was grateful ties. already processing tuna into for the assistance in training

Unique in Tahiti, the fish is hanged by the tail for the initial cuts that remove the head and the half-loins from the frame Teriihauroa Luciani Teriihauroa

Coco shows a workshop participant how to do it Teriihauroa Luciani Teriihauroa

The skinned half-loin is separated into two quarter-loins using a skinning knife Teriihauroa Luciani Teriihauroa

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 11 SPC ACTIVITIES

A new approach to vessel and crew safety – the Safety Management Systems

A Safety Management System vessels (cargo and passenger The Nadi workshop on SMS (SMS) is an active and docu- vessels of less than 500 GT and was part of the 6th regional mented process aimed at reduc- fishing vessels) are not required maritime meeting organised by ing the risk of accidents for the to have an SMS, many countries the SPC Maritime Programme. crew, the ship and the marine are making those systems Its purpose was twofold. environment while increasing mandatory for all vessel classes. the profitability and quality of Firstly, it provided representa- the shipping (fishing) operation. In New Zealand, for instance, tives of regional maritime all commercial vessels, irrespec- authorities and training institu- An SMS includes a series of tive of their size, are required to tions with an explanation of the written procedures and records have an SMS. Vessels under 500 ISM Code and how it should be (contained in the ship’s Safety GT use a Safe Ship Management implemented. Management Manual) and reg- System (SSMS). ular inspections or audits by the Secondly, the workshop consid- authority monitoring the sys- This system, monitored by pri- ered a range of SMSs that may tem. Worldwide, SMSs are vate companies, is quite be appropriate for non-conven- replacing the ‘old annual survey detailed, and is very similar to tion vessels in the Pacific. Guest system’. The introduction of the SMS required for SOLAS speakers from the New Zealand SMS in the Pacific was the vessels. Commercial vessels School of Fisheries, the New theme of a regional workshop under 6 m have a Safe Opera- Zealand Maritime Safety held in Nadi on 29–30 March, tional Plan, a scaled-down ver- Authority and the Cook Islands and coordinated by staff of the sion of the SSMS (less complex) Ports Authority talked about Fisheries Training Section. which is monitored by ‘autho- their experience of SMS and rised persons’ accredited by the presented the different systems The International Safety Man- New Zealand Maritime Safety used in their country. agement (ISM) Code of the Authority. International Maritime Organi- While the implementation zation (IMO) requires, for coun- So far, those systems are work- process for the ISM is well doc- tries that are parties to the ing very well in New Zealand umented and seems straightfor- SOLAS Convention, that all and companies are happy with ward, there is total flexibility cargo and passenger vessels of the increased safety (fewer concerning non-convention ves- more than 500 GT adopt an injuries and accidents) and prof- sels. Some countries may wish SMS. The deadline set by the itability, despite the costs of the to make SMSs mandatory for all IMO for countries to include the system, of shipping/fishing or certain classes of vessels (in ISM Code in their legislation and operations. Having such sys- which case a range of options for shipping companies to intro- tems in place also makes it easi- exist for the type of system they duce SMSs on their vessels is 1 er and cheaper for companies to can use); in other countries that July 2002. While non-convention insure their vessels. are not interested in this approach individual companies may decide to use a SMS volun- tarily.

After the workshop presentations by guest speakers, group discussions took place to assess the relevancy of SMSs in the Pacific. Interestingly, the three local ship owners that had been invited to the workshop pushed strongly for the introduction of SMSs in the region. The results of group discussions were com- bined in a series of resolutions as follows:

12 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SPC ACTIVITIES

‘That SPC develops: Participants are now well aware Programme (RMP) and the of the ISM Code and how to Fisheries Training Section (FTS) ◆ a generic SMS legislation for implement it by July next year. was taking place to decide “who non-convention vessels for They also took home lots of ref- will do what”. FTS’s position is those countries that require it; erence materials describing a that RMP should focus on the range of SMSs for non-conven- ISM resolutions while FTS ◆ an information package on tion vessels, including a very should have a leading role in the SMS for crew, companies simple checklist system used in followup to the SSM resolutions. and maritime authorities; Cook Islands and a model Safe Operational Plan developed by Because of the Training ◆ generic Safety Management the Section for outboard-pow- Section’s previous involvement Manuals, possibly in the ered commercial vessels. The and experience in the promo- form of software; and workshop resolutions will result tion of vessel safety, our net- in a collaborative effort from the work of fishing vessel compa- ◆ a training package for mar- SPC Maritime and Fisheries Pro- nies, and the fact that most non- itime training institutions.’ grammes to prepare the ground convention ships in the region for the introduction of SMS, are fishing vessels, I believe the Participants agreed on another with the ultimate goal of Section can respond efficiently series of resolutions for SPC to increasing the safety of maritime to the meeting resolutions, in assist with the implementation and fishing operations in the close collaboration with RMP. (mandatory for SOLAS vessels) Pacific region. of the ISM Code in the region. At the time of writing this The Nadi workshop seems to report, correspondence between have achieved its objectives. the SPC Regional Maritime

In brief

◆ James Uan, Fisheries Training od of two weeks. The New albacore tunas. The footage Officer at the Kiribati Fish- Caledonian instructor will was taken during a workshop eries Division, will be apply the WEST SYSTEM® at the fishing company attached to the SPC Fisheries building technique to the Celtrock Holdings at Suva in Training Section from June to construction of a 5.7-meter July 1999. Staff of RMC will August this year. During his fishing vessel. The purpose finalise the video script and time at SPC, James will be of the project is to train staff edit the footage for the 13th exposed to the work pro- of the Santo boatyard in the ‘SPC Fisheries Training’ gramme of the Coastal WEST SYSTEM® technique, video. Fisheries Programme and increase the range of vessels will take an active role in the available to the small-scale ◆ A two week study tour of implementation of the practi- fishing sector in Vanuatu and New Zealand fisheries insti- cal fishing module of the provide the Vanuatu Mar- tutions is being organised by 2001 SPC/Nelson course. itime College with an addi- the Section and the New James will work with staff of tional training vessel. Zealand School of Fisheries. the CFP to develop a training This pilot project, funded by strategy and resource materi- ◆ Two skippers from the com- NZODA, will enable six als for upgrading the scien- pany Alatini Fisheries in Pacific Island fisheries man- tific skills of fisheries exten- Tonga have been sponsored agers to observe New sion officers in Kiribati. by the Section to attend a Zealand’s approach to fish- Class 5 Master course at the eries management. Of partic- ◆ A boatbuilding project in Australian Fisheries Acade- ular interest is the interac- Santo, Vanuatu, will be coor- my in Adelaide. The two tion between the NZ dinated by the Section in trainees successfully sat the Ministry of Fisheries and the May. This project, funded by end-of-course exams after fishing industry and the France, will consist of an five weeks of hectic studies. development of co-manage- attachment to the boatbuild- ment models. ing instructor of New Cale- ◆ The SPC Regional Media donia School of Fisheries to Center (RMC) in Suva is pro- the Santo boatyard for a peri- ducing a video on loining

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 13 SPC ACTIVITIES

OCEANIC FISHERIES PROGRAMME

It has been nearly a year since producing training and scientists at OFP, keeping both Deirdre Brogan decided to resource material, and docu- the data and any requested bio- wind-up her five and a half menting the various fishing and logical samples flowing from years as a Scientific Observer discarding practices on-board one to the other, and ensuring and take up the newly created different fleets. Now with the the quality and continuity of Fishery Monitoring Supervi- prospect of increased observer such work. By working closely sor’s position. This new posi- coverage under MHLC, there is with National Programmes it tion, funded by the United a need to build on this work and will be easy for the FMS to iden- Nations under its Global reinforce the ability of the tify problems as they arise and Environment Facility, hopes to National programmes to benefit subsequently help overcome strengthen the capacity of from the employment opportu- them with either more training Pacific Islanders to manage nities available. or new resource material as their own National Observer appropriate. It is hoped that an Programmes. The scope of the Fishery Observer Trainer and another Monitoring Supervisor’s (FMS) Observer Coordinator will be Over the last six years, Oceanic job is broad but will mostly recruited by the end of the year, Fisheries has laid most of the focus on helping the National with European funds, and the groundwork for the observer Coordinators deal with the day- three members of staff will programmes in the region: to-day running of their pro- work closely together support- training observers in conjunc- grammes. An important aspect ing and building the National tion with FFA, modifying and of the job will be to act as an Observer Programmes of the strengthening the regional data intermediary between the region. collection forms and database, National Programmes and the Jean-Paul Gaudechoux

14 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

ADB COMPLETES FISHERIES PROJECT IN FSM

The Asian Development Bank ◆ In 1999, access fees repre- ◆ re-drafting of the national (ADB) has recently completed a sented an estimated 39% of fisheries law and subsidiary fisheries management project in non-tax revenue and 22% of legislation; the Federated States of total domestic revenue for Micronesia (FSM). the national government. ◆ organisation of a coastal fisheries meeting in December The Micronesian Maritime ◆ Tuna is the top export from 2000; Authority was created in 1979 the country. to monitor and control tuna ◆ a review of the National fisheries in FSM’s EEZ. In The main goal of the ADB/FSM Aquaculture Center; October 2000 the President of fisheries project was to improve the FSM signed Public Law No. tuna management in FSM ◆ a review of the human 11-57, changing the name of the through the enhancement of the resource situation in the Micronesian Maritime Authority Micronesian Fisheries Authority. management of FSM fish- to Micronesian Fisheries Author- eries; ity (MFA). To do this, there were 36 person- months of input by consultants ◆ a study of the economic Tuna is important to FSM, as in the fields of oceanic fisheries importance of tuna in FSM; demonstrated by the following. management, fisheries institu- tion building, fisheries legisla- ◆ the production of an office ◆ During the years 1991–99, an tion, training, enterprise privati- manual for MFA; estimated 1,250,300 tonnes of sation, surveillance, and com- tuna were caught in FSM’s munication. The work was car- ◆ an analysis of the current Exclusive Economic Zone. ried out by the consultant firm access regime and options This is more than 10 tonnes for Gillett Preston and Associates. for the future; each resident of the country. The main outcomes: ◆ an analysis of the informa- ◆ FSM has received over USD ◆ a review of the structure and tion produced by the observ- 170 million in EEZ access functions of the MFA; er programme; and fees since 1979 from operators of foreign fishing vessels ◆ the production of a tuna ◆ production of 80 technical for the rights to fish for tuna. management plan; reference documents

(Source: Bob Gillett)

Tuna is very important for the Federated States of Micronesia Bob Gillett

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 15 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

SCUBA FISHING CAUSES PROBLEMS TO REEFS IN AMERICAN SAMOA

In the past, Samoans living on three iron points. Flash-lights Other countries in the Pacific Tutuila Island relied heavily on are now made for underwater have taken steps to ban or the animals of the reef and use, which makes spearing restrict scuba fishing. The first ocean for their food. The situa- sleeping fish (such as the parrot- Heads of Fisheries meeting at tion today is different because fish) much easier. SPC included a short discussion of imported foods, damage to on scuba fishing. Countries that the reefs, and fewer fish. For many years humans were totally ban scuba fishing include Changes in fishing methods unable to breath underwater, so Fiji Islands, Tonga, Marshall have also been shown to affect fish were able to swim deeper to Islands, Solomon Islands, Palau, fish populations in American avoid getting speared. Now Niue, French Polynesia and Samoa. In particular, the use of gear allows scuba fishermen to New Caledonia. Many other scuba for fishing has been espe- catch fish at greater depths. country representatives at this cially hard on some reef meeting were interested in laws resources. Commercial scuba fishing in and steps to get scuba fishing American Samoa started around banned in their countries. 1994. The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) There is also support for ban- conducted an 18-month-long ning scuba fishing locally. In study of fuga (parrotfish) in the March through June of last year, territory, and discovered that DMWR surveyed people from parrotfish catch by weight was as 11 villages in the territory about much as fifteen times greater in fishing problems on their vil- pre-scuba times, than it is today. lage reefs. When asked about ways to improve the fishing on In 1997, almost nine-tenths of the their reefs, over 10% came up fuga catch was by scuba with the idea that banning spearfishing. It was also found scuba fishing from their reefs that some species of fuga had would improve fishing. decreased in size over time, a warning sign that scuba fishing It is clear that not doing any- was having a serious impact on thing about scuba fishing will parrotfish populations. Even have a negative impact on many more concerning was the fact that reef fish, especially fuga many fuga species were being species. Changes in DMWR reg- taken before they were large ulations regarding the use of Fishing gear has changed over enough to reproduce. As a result scuba in fishing would be wel- the years. Outboard motors of these findings, the DMWR comed by many people (and have replaced sails and paddles, fuga study suggested that “scuba fish) in American Samoa. monofilament has replaced veg- fishing should cease as soon as etable fibers in nets and lines, possible. Free diving should be (Adapted from Samoa News, and the tao mata tolu now has allowed to continue…” Wednesday, 14 March 2001)

COS SAMOA PACKING IS NOW FULLY OWNED BY THAI COMPANY

Chicken of the Sea (COS) Samoa San Diego-based owner-opera- of the sell-out partners owned Packing’s mother company is tor of a tuna-fishing fleet. about 25 per cent of Chicken of now solely owned by Thai the Sea International while Thai Union International of Bangkok, The sale was announced in Union owned the other 50 per Thailand, which bought out its December 2000 in San Diego cent. The buy-out will give Thai two partners Tri-Marine and the price has been pegged Union 100 per cent ownership International of San Pedro, at USD 38.5 million, according of the company. Partners since California and Edmund Gann, a to a San Diego newspaper. Each 1996 in the canned tuna busi-

16 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION ness, Thai Union, Tri-Marine “Chicken of the Sea is a valu- “I am confident that Chicken of and Gann purchased the assets able consumer brand and we the Sea is committed to increas- of Van Camp Seafood Co., Inc. look forward to its continued ing the value of its tuna prod- in 1997, which included the success.” ucts. This have been my long “Chicken of the Sea” brand of personal goal.” tuna. “We are grateful for the success that we were able to achieve COS Samoa Packing general “You could not have asked for with Chicken of the Sea,” said manager Herman Gebauer told better partners,” Gann reflected Tri-Marine International’s Presi- Samoa news that the change in in a press release. “Thai Union dent Renato Curto. ownership will not have an will be an extremely effective immediate impact on local can- steward of Chicken of the Sea”. According to the company’s nery. press release, Chicken of the Sea “We are thankful to Tri-Marine “presently has a 17.6 share of However it is hard to tell what and Edmumd Gann for the the US retail canned market.”” effect the buy-out will have on wonderful and gratifying expe- the cannery in the long run,” he rience we have enjoyed since “This divestiture means that Tri- added. becoming partners with them in Marine can return to it tradi- the Chicken of the Sea”, said Thai tional role as an independent (Source: Samoa News, Thursday, 29 Union president Thiraphong strategic supplier of raw mater- December 2000) Chansiri in a press release. ial to the global tuna industry,” Curto explained. “This is an exciting development in the growth of Thai “The tuna industry is changing Union,” he pointed out. for the better,” Curto continued.

ONAGA

Scientists hope cultivated red snap- ing outside the red snapper’s They said methods developed per will boost wild populations and natural reproductive season. to raise red snapper also could end up on dinner tables. be applied to opakapaka and The Oceanic Institute is leading other Hawaiian snappers and Consumers eventually may find development of the culture ornamental fish species. more red snapper available in technology in a consortium of restaurants and markets research organizations. Partners Laidley said the red snapper because of technology being include the University of project “has become a very large developed at the Oceanic Southern Mississippi’s Institute national issue, directly funded Institute to produce the fish. of Marine Sciences and the through Congress, because this Scientists at the Windward Mote Marine Laboratory in species is the No.1 commercial Oahu facility are trying to culti- Florida. and probably the No.1 sports vate red snapper in captivity for fish in all of the Gulf of Mexico. restocking of declining popula- Oceanic Institute reproductive tions in the Gulf of Mexico. In specialist Charles Laidley is Thomas Farewell, Oceanic pres- several significant break- working on spawning issues, ident and chief executive officer, throughs, they achieved the first and larval physiologist Robin said the institute’s success with recorded spawns of red snapper Shields is wrestling with chal- moi, mullet, Pacific threadfin in captivity and the first spawn- lenges of raising the larvae. and mahimahi “makes it uniquely qualified to make the break-throughs necessary to culture snappers, ornamentals and other important issues.”

He said the red snapper program is a high priority for the Oceanic Institute in a mission to address seafood shortages and Onaga environmental preservation.

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 17 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION

Brian White, OI spokesman said “We have to get the animals, That increases the costs, he said. red snapper juveniles and fin- adapt them to captivity, try to “But we know it’s worth pursu- gerlings from the Mississippi learn about their natural repro- ing. What we will achieve is control are were flown here and put in ductive cycles, their cycle in over the production process for “double quarantine” in labora- captivity, how they handle this species.” tory tanks, since they are not stress, and how to mitigate all native to Hawaii. those things.” Said Laidley, Methods developed for the red explaining that it is a slow snapper larvae diet also can be The spawning occurred over six process. applied to Hawaiian snappers days in later November, pro- and ornamental species such as ducing eggs that were up to 78 Shields said the team has man- angelfish and yellow tang, the percent fertile, he said. Many aged to take the larvae through most abundant exported fish in intermittent spawns since then metamorphosis, from raising the state, Shields said. produced more than 100,000 eggs to larvae to a small juvenile fertile eggs each, White said. snapper. But the larvae are only Laidley said the institute’s part- about 1.7 millimeters long when ners will develop stocking tech- The largest spawn produced they hatch, and finding the right nology — putting the about 150,000 eggs, Laidley said. feed for them is a problem. fish in natural waters. But OI first has to solve the puzzle of But the scientists are striving for The usual marine culture food how to culture the species. a reliable way of producing fish. organisms — brine shrimp and microscopic invertebrate ani- The consortium not only is con- “Just doing it once is a big deal,” mals known as rotifers — are cerned with technology to raise Laidley said, “but a lot more too large for tiny red snapper red snapper, but is doing it in needs to be done so we can rely larvae, he said. responsible, ecologically mind- on it”. ed manner, Laidley pointed out. The scientists are looking for He said red snapper generally alternative prey organisms that They are looking at effects on grow and adapt well in captivi- they can culture to improve the the Gulf of Mexico of stocking ty, but here are two bottlenecks production process. the fish, whether natural popu- to cultivating them: “getting lations are displaced, the poten- them to reproduce in captivity A broad research effort is under tial role of disease organisms, … and getting large numbers of way to catch plankton in local genetic diversity and other fac- larvae to survive under captive waters and isolate certain tors. methods.” species for cultivation. “It is very integrated collabora- Being able to get hatched larvae “Rearing those types of plank- tive approach,” Laidley said. makes the research easier, ton is more difficult than off- “We hope it will be a model for Shields said. “Now, we’re deal- the-shelf organisms, rotifers, the world on how to do it.” ing with locally generated mate- which we can produce in large rial rather than … shipping lar- quantities in the hatchery,” (Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin, vae all the way from Mississippi Shields said. Saturday, 3/03/01) to Hawaii to work with.”

CANCER INSTITUTE FINDINGS BOLSTER AQUACULTURE

Scientists at Big Isle biotech firm “Natural products are by far the Huntley says modern science Aquasearch Inc. had a hunch most successful source of new has nearly exhausted its efforts microbial plants might lead to drugs,” says Aquasearch Presi- to find new terrestrial species new drugs to treat human dis- dent and CEO Mark Huntley. with healing potential. “It’s eases. Last month, the U.S. “And among natural products, very rare to find a new plant National Cancer Institute it is plants that have produced species today,’ says Huntley. proved them right after con- more than half of today’s cur- “[Practically] nobody finds a firming anti-cancer activity in a rent prescription medicines.” new tree these days.” unique molecule from the firm’s first library of microalgae- In the past, those plants have Thus, the firm has turned to the derived compounds. been terrestrial-based. But microbial world of plant life in an

18 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 NEWS FROM IN AND AROUND THE REGION attempt to discover new disease- behave differently to see if we cess in Aquasearch’s quest for treating drugs, for which could get different bioactivity.” new microalgae-based drugs. Huntley estimates there are “This is our first try and it approximately 30,000 to 40,000 Bioactivity generally connotes worked, “says Huntley. “We’ve species that remain undiscov- some kind of drug-like activity got at least another 170 com- ered. and bioactive compounds gen- pounds we haven’t started yet. erally have a potential thera- They are unique and bioactive The 24 compounds Aquasearch peutic effect on the human and nobody has enough of the submitted to the National body, Huntley explains. compounds to make libraries, Cancer Institute were derived which is where our cultivation from astaxanthin, a microalgae- “That was our whole approach technology comes in.” based product. Researches at the to drug discovery,” Cushman institute first discovered anti- continues. “Make small libraries Two things make Aquasearch cancer activity in one of the com- of interesting compounds — of unique among its peers, says pounds in November and con- compounds we knew to be Huntley. The first is its cultiva- firmed the finding in a second bioactive — and then have them tion technology, which allows series of tests concluded in screened against various dis- the company to produce suffi- March. To make certain the eases.” cient quantities of microalgae results were not a fluke, the for pre-clinical and clinical tri- National Cancer Institute repeat- “The pretrial clinical work aver- als. The other feature is its comed the tests says Michael ages two years”, says cushman. pound libraries. “Those Cushman, Aquasearch Vice “We’ve been through almost a libraries multiply the probabili- President of Research and year so far — about nine ties for new discoveries,” says Development. The repeated tests months.” Huntley. confirmed the original findings. In January, Aquasearch signed a “The key here is this just shows Astaxanthin was among the 24 deal to house a collection of that we have a concept that compounds tested for activity more than 2,000 strains of works,” says Cushman, “and against 60 types of cancer cells, microalgae held by the we intend to apply that to more yet was found to have no anti- University of Hawai’i. Under bioactive compounds and not cancer properties. “So it was agreement, Aquasearch will just in cancer but in other dis- only by our modifying it that research and develop new phar- eases as well.” we got activity,” says Cushman. maceuticals from the microal- “Our approach was to take a gae and the university will (Source: Pacific Business News, molecule known to be already receive royalties from any new 6-Apr-2001; bioactive, but not against cancer drug candidates discovered. http://www.pacific.bcentral.com) and then we sat down and thought about how to modify The National Cancer Institute’s that in various ways to make it results are the first sign of suc-

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 19 1990s these varied techniques FISHERIES IN KOSRAE: and specialised gear had been replaced almost entirely by the TRADITIONAL AND MODERN use of monofilament gill nets (Des Rochers 1992).

The following article is extracted On Kosrae women have tradi- from An Assessment of the Role by Rooston Abraham(1) tionally been regular providers of Women in Fisheries in Kosrae, and Lyn Lambeth(2) of seafood for the family, Federated States of Micronesia through their regular netting, by Lyn Lambeth and Rooston handlining and reef gleaning Abraham. Field Report No. 3. SPC be given, earned and inherited. activities. Men’s contribution Community Fisheries Section Ownership of shallow reefs and was mainly in catching those 2001) the intertidal flats and their species that required fishing resources was traditionally held beyond the reef in boats, or in The role of men and women in by the adjacent landowner. This diving or spearfishing. providing seafood for the fami- traditional ownership is no ly was very important in the longer recognised in Kosrae and Harvesting past, before the introduction of Pohnpei, but remains to a large cash economies. Increasing degree in Chuuk and Yap Subsistence and numbers of people are now (SPREP 1993). artisanal harvesting involved in paid work and much of their food, local and Traditionally on Kosrae men The mean annual commercial imported, is now purchased were involved in farming and, production from coastal fish- from shops. However, subsis- less regularly, fishing beyond eries in FSM between 1989 and tence fishing and the collection the coral reef. Fishing in the 1994 was estimated at 637 ton- of seafood from reefs and man- shallow waters of the lagoon nes (1 mt = 1.1023 US ton) with groves still plays an important was the domain of women. Net a value of USD 1.5 million, part in providing food for the fishing was a varied and highly while the mean annual subsis- family. developed fishing activity prac- tence coastal fisheries produc- tised by Kosraean women, with tion for the same period was There is a strong demand for different nets designed for spe- estimated at 6243 tonnes with a fish and fish products in the cific fishing techniques, marine value of USD 11.2 million Federated States of Micronesia habitat, tide, and number of (Dalzell et al. 1996). For Kosrae, (FSM), and per capita consump- people fishing. Up until the the estimated artisanal landings tion has been estimated at over early 1970s over ten different was 85 tonnes compared to 250 70 kg per year (FAO 1998); net fishing techniques were in tonnes for the subsistence sec- much of this is supplied by the use on Kosrae. By the early tor. Jobs in agriculture and fish- subsistence sector. Artisanal harvesting of marine resources is also becoming more impor- Traditional management of land and marine resources tant as greater numbers of people, men and women, fish and In the past there was a king or paramount chief of the whole island collect to sell locally. The who understood ‘magically’ all the resources of the land and the sea. increasing mobility of people, He divided the island into sections, with a chief for each section.That both on land and at sea, has also chief was responsible for looking after the resources in his section, given them access to more fish- from the mountains to the edge of the reef. If the people from one ing grounds than in the past. section were chasing a fish and the fish crossed over into another section, they would have to stop chasing it at the border between the Land ownership and tenure is two sections. The paramount chief had a deep understanding of complicated within FSM and spawning times and sites, and fishing was strictly regulated according varies from state to state. to phases of the moon. If a chief failed to provide for the people in his Traditionally, the chiefs con- section he could be killed — giving him a strong incentive to succeed. trolled the distribution and use of land resources and accessible Source: Rooston Abraham, pers. comm. 2000. marine resources. Rights could

(1) Fisheries Specialist, Kosrae Fisheries Development Division, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia (2) Community Fisheries Officer, Community Fisheries Section, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia

20 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 FISHERIES IN KOSRAE: TRADITIONAL AND MODERN eries account for around 18 per Giant clams, Tridacna sp., netula, both men and women during cent of the workforce in Kosrae were an important traditional the limited open season. Kosrae (SPREP 1993). food although T. gigas has maintains sanctuary areas with- become locally extinct due to in which harvesting is not per- Subsistence and artisanal fish- overharvesting. T. maxima is the mitted. ing are important for their role most common species found in nutrition, informal employ- throughout FSM but numbers Octopus, Cephalopoda, koet, are ment and their contribution to appear to be declining. T. caught using a metal hook to the cultural identity of coastal squamosa seems to have disap- remove them from their holes. communities. The contribution peared from Kosrae though low Spiny lobsters, Panulirus sp., of subsistence activities and numbers may still be found in ungung, are speared by men informal employment to the Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei. The while diving in deep water dur- economic and social well-being four states of FSM are now ing the day, or may be speared or of Pacific Island communities is involved in various hatchery caught by hand at night during a sometimes overlooked in the and restocking projects using T. full moon at low tide. Spearfish- drive towards development and derasa, T. gigas and Hippopus hip- ing is done only by men. the management of commercial- popus supplied by the National ly important resources. Aquaculture Centre on Kosrae. Only one species of sea cucum- Giant clams are collected while ber, the curryfish, Stichopus varie- Invertebrates spearfishing outside the reef or gatus, wurur, is harvested by while reef gleaning. women for their own use in The collection of shellfish, crabs Kosrae, although other species and other invertebrates is still an Women harvest the mangrove for collected for export have important subsistence activity for clam, Anodontia edulenta, popol, been overharvested. Curryfish many women. Mangrove crabs, at low tide by searching in the internal organs are collected by Scylla serrata, powa, are a highly mud with their feet. The clams cutting a small slit with a knife, regarded food item and source are mostly used for family con- or using the finger to make a of income for many families. sumption. Trochus, Trochus hole in the underside to remove They are caught by traps, by hand niloticus, takasungai, only the intestines. The sea cucumber in the mangroves or using bait- endemic to Yap, was successful- is then returned to the water ed lines from adjacent rivers and ly introduced over 70 years ago where it regenerates its internal estuarine waters (Smith 1992). and is now found in all four organs after an unknown amount The overharvesting of mangrove states. Trochus are collected by of time. wood for firewood and building has reduced the mangrove crab’s habitat and may have led to their reduced numbers.

Land crabs, Cardisoma sp., aieng, live in burrows in the forest and come out at night to feed. These crabs migrate to the sea to release larvae from their eggs at spring tide. They emerge at dusk, a few days before the full moon. Women collect land crabs at night by hand, especially during their spawning migrations. Coconut crabs, Birgus latro, aie, are similarly collected for subsistence at night with coconut meat baits laid in the bush, or by searching for burrows with sticks during the day or night. The growth of coconut crabs is slow and recruitment is low and

highly variable, making recov- Lambeth Lyn ery of heavily exploited populations slow. Handlining on the reef flat, Lelu

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 21 FISHERIES IN KOSRAE: TRADITIONAL AND MODERN

Shells are collected by people used by some people to catch walking over the sand or coral fish. Under national and state at low tide or, for the larger law the use of poisons is prohib- shells, by diving in deeper ited, but reporting of infringe- water. Ornamental shells such ments is rare and enforcement as cones and cowries, various difficult. Flying fish (Exocoetidae), mokol, shells used in handicrafts ik sok, are caught by scoop net at (money cowries and helmet Locally made canoes are still night, with one boat able to catch shells), and specimen and rare popular for fishing, with or up to 200 flying fish in one night. shells such as the golden cowry without an outboard motor. are collected for the tourist mar- Night spearfishing is best done In Malem district there is limited ket (Smith 1992). without the use of an outboard reef area compared to other dis- motor. Men and women use tricts, and no channel or har- Fish canoes, though women less bour. This restricts the fishing in often and almost always with- that area and the residents tend Inshore fish species, harvested out an outboard motor. to target different species from mainly by women using mono- other districts. Very small fish filament gillnets, include snap- Trolling is mainly practised by species such as gobies pers (Lutjanidae, srihnac, men, although sometimes (Gobiidae), ik sroso, and dam- niahluh), emperors (Lethrinidae, women will accompany them to selfish (Pomacentridae), sruh, srinkap), groupers (Serranidae, catch tuna. Species caught generally not eaten in other kalsrik), parrotfish (Scaridae, include: yellowfin (Thunnus areas, are caught by women in mwesrik), rudderfish (Kyphosidae, albacares, olwol), skipjack Malem using hands and sticks. won, ikensahk, eloh), rabbit- (Katsuwonus pelamis, katsuo), Saltwater eels (Muraenidae), fish (Siganidae, mulap, mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affi- semis, and freshwater eels mweosra, luhluhk), surgeon- nis, makurul), dogtooth tuna (Anguillidae), ton, are also tar- fish (Acanthuridae, kaput), (Gymnosarda unicolor, silo), alba- geted nowadays not only by trevallies (Carangidae, lalot, core (T. alalunga), bigeye (T. obe- people in Malem but those in srapsrap), mullet (Mugilidae, sus), frigate tuna (Auxis thazard) other municipalities. The area ac, kuhraf), squirrelfish and bullet tuna (Auxis rochei). outside the reef flat is particular- (Holocentridae, ollol), and ly good for fishing, presumably goatfish (Mullidae, futfut). Albacore, bigeye, frigate and because the lack of access has bullet tunas are not common prevented heavy fishing, and Handlining on the inner reef flat and have no Kosraean names. people from other areas travel is popular with both men and When caught, albacore and big- by boat to fish there. women, and in areas such as eye may be referred to as olwol, Walung women often provide frigate and bullet tunas as References enough fish for the family in a makurul. Dolphinfish (Cory- few hours of fishing. Species phaena hippurus, sirami), bar- Dalzell, P., T.J.H. Adams and caught include emperors, racuda (Sphyraenidae, tola) and N.V.C. Polunin. 1996. Coastal groupers, snappers and trigger- wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri, fisheries in the Pacific Islands. fish. Small fish, curryfish al) are also commonly caught Oceanography and Marine intestines or tuna meat can be by trolling. Biology: an Annual Review used for bait. Spearing is often 34 395–531. done at night, using torches.

Poison fishing with the roots of Fishing Medicine and Magic Derris sp., op, a traditional prac- tice once used with hibiscus As in many areas of the Pacific, Kosrae had a number of beliefs and fibre handnets, is still used in practices concerning fishing.The belief in the use of special medicines some areas today. The root is and magic for fishing may have been popular in the past but this is not gathered and placed in a small the case today. In the past, some families were known to have special bundle, pulverised to release a medicine and magic for fishing. For example, women were able to call milky sap and then fanned near eels to them, or used secret recipes to attract fish to their net.The a rock or coral head. The use of local or traditional medicine for the treatment of injuries from drugged fish are then caught fish or other marine resources may still be practised today. with a gill net or picked up off the surface (Des Rochers 1992). Source: Rooston Abraham, pers. comm. 2000. Liquid bleach is also reportedly

22 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 FISHERIES IN KOSRAE: TRADITIONAL AND MODERN

Des Rochers, K. 1992. Women’s Smith, A. J. 1992. Federated SPREP. 1993. Nationwide Envi- fishing on Kosrae: a descrip- States of Micronesia marine ronmental Management tion of past and present resource profiles. FFA Report Strategies (NEMS). The South methods. Micronesica No. 92/17. 107 p. Pacific Regional Environment 25(1):1–22. Programme. 154 p.

FAO. 1998. Fishery country pro- file. FID/CP/PAL. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. 10 p.

List of commonly caught fish and invertebrates

English name Scientific name Kosraean name

Fish

Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares olwol Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis katsuo Mackerel tuna Euthynnus affinis makurul Dogtooth tuna Gymnosarda unicolor silo Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus sirami Barracuda Sphyraenidae tola Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri al Flying fish Exocoetidae mokol, ik sok Snapper Lutjanidae srihnac, niahluh Emperors Lethrinidae srinkap Groupers Serranidae kalsrik Parrotfish Scaridae mwesrik Rudderfish Kyphosidae won, ikensahk, eloh Rabbitfish Siganidae mulap, mweosra, luhluhk Surgeonfish Acanthuridae kaput Trevallies Carangidae lalot, srapsrap Mullet Mugilidae ac, kuhraf Squirrelfish Holocentridae ollol Goatfish Mullidae futfut Gobies Gobiidae ik sroso Damselfish Pomacentridae sruh Saltwater eels Muraenidae semis Freshwater eels Anguillidae ton

Invertebrates

Mangrove crabs Scylla serrata powa Land crabs Cardisoma sp. aieng Coconut crabs Birgus latro aie Spiny lobsters Panulirus sp. ungung Giant clams Tridacna sp. netula Mangrove clam Anodontia edulenta popol Trochus Trochus niloticus takasungai Octopus Cephalopoda koet Curryfish Stichopus variegatus wurur

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 23 above 0.5 to 1.0 parts per million SWORDFISH OPPORTUNITY (ppm) is too high. To enter the US market a certain number of FOR PACIFIC ISLAND fish must pass mandatory testing, after which the exporting COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES: company will be issued a “Green Card” and all further shipments will be allowed entry but still be HOW TO DRESS SWORDFISH subject to spot testing. The best way to get a Green Card is make FOR THE US MARKET contact with a fish wholesaler in the US who deals in swordfish and has had overseas importing Longline fishing for broadbill by Steve Beverly, experience. swordfish (Xiphias gladius) can Fisheries Development Officer, be very lucrative but can also be SPC, Noumea, Generally, about 500 kg of fish very risky. Swordfish are gener- New Caledonia weighing between 30 and 100 ally not as high valued as sashi- kg each and sent in three sepa- mi tuna but, although there is rate shipments need to pass the more labor involved, they are region can easily be converted mercury tests before a Green easier to handle on-board and to make the switch from tuna Card is issued. Aside from pass- during shipping as they are longlining to swordfish longlining the test for mercury, one of more “durable” than tuna. ing. All that is needed, besides the most important concerns for squid bait and lightsticks overseas markets is proper on- They are, however, more expen- (chemical or electric) and differ- board handling of the catch. sive to catch. The cost of squid ent hooks (9.0 swordfish hooks), bait and chemical lightsticks, is a switch in fishing strategy US markets have certain guide- both necessary for swordfish and knowledge of how to lines for dressing swordfish. longlining, makes operating process and market swordfish. Fresh swordfish are marketed as expenses high for a swordfish fully dressed trunks, that is, all trip. Because of these costs, few The biggest difference in fishing fish are headed and gutted and Pacific Island longline fisheries strategy is that swordfish gear is finned. The main focus of this pursued swordfish in the past. set at night, nearer the surface article is to outline the proper than tuna gear, and is hauled in procedures for on-board dressing Costs, however, have come the morning. This is just the of swordfish for the US market. down recently. Chemical light- opposite of tuna longline gear, sticks, which used to be priced which is generally set in the As with other pelagic longline at around USD 2.00 each, are now morning and hauled in the species, swordfish should be about USD 0.30 each. Market evening. gaffed in the head, not the body. opportunities have also improved. After the fish has been gaffed A recent court decision in Fishing is also done around the and landed, it should be Hawai’i has closed the fishery full moon, and swordfish boats clubbed or spiked if it is alive, for all Hawai’i-based longline are usually back in port during although swordfish usually boats from the equator to the the new moon. Additionally, come up dead on the hook. north pole. The Hawai’i longline more attention is paid to sea sur- fleet was a major supplier to the face temperature and boats Bleeding is not necessary. The US mainland market. The US search for temperature breaks, hook should be removed and market is still very hungry for or places where the temperature the fish should be laid out on a swordfish, however. What this rises or falls one or more degrees means to the rest of the Pacific is (Celsius) in a short distance. that this could be a good time to be getting into this fishery. The main marketing concern is access. In the past, swordfish Stocks of swordfish have been have been suspected of having identified in or near numerous unacceptable levels of methyl Pacific Island fisheries, includ- mercury in their flesh, usually in ing those of Fiji Islands, Tonga, larger fish only. Different coun- French Polynesia, and New tries have different acceptable Caledonia. Longline boats in the levels, but generally, any amount

24 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SWORDFISH OPPORTUNITIES FOR PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES: HOW TO DRESS SWORDFISH . . . padded surface such as a carpet for dressing. Swordfish do not bruise easily like tuna but care should still be given not to dam- Steve Beverly age the flesh or mark the skin unnecessarily by rough handling. The necessary tools for dressing the fish and a sea water hose should be nearby. Tools include: a saw for cutting the head and fins, a sharp knife for cutting the gill membranes and Figure 1: anal opening, and a stiff brush Cut head on line or large spoon for scraping of 2nd gill cover away blood and slime. Gloves should be worn at all times when handling swordfish.

The first step is to remove the head. This is done by cutting straight through the head at a 90 Steve Beverly degree angle to the body exactly on the line formed by the second gill cover (Fig 1). This cut removes the head but leaves the pectoral girdle intact. This is important for preserving the overall shape of the dressed fish. Figure 2: It is also important not to Remove all fins remove too much flesh from the dressed fish. A cut farther back would waste several kgs of good meat. A cut farther forward would result in a higher air- freight bill. Steve Beverly

The next step is to remove all fins (Fig 2). This is usually done with a meat saw but can also be done with a heavy chopping knife. The tail is cut off in one piece just behind the caudal Figure 3: keel (Fig 3). There is an indenta- Cut tail behind tion on both sides of the fish caudal keel between the caudal keel and the tail. This indentation should be used as a line to guide the cutting. The result is what some buyers call the “Boston cut”. After this cut is made, the fully Steve Beverly dressed trunk can still be lifted by a tail rope as the caudal keel will hold the rope in place.

The gill covers are cut off next (Fig 4) and the gill membranes are cut all the way around (Fig 5). Figure 4: Cut gill covers

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 25 SWORDFISH OPPORTUNITIES FOR PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES: HOW TO DRESS SWORDFISH . . .

Then the fish is turned so it is facing belly up and a circle, or “donut hole”, is cut around the anal opening without cutting Steve Beverly through the intestine (Fig 6). A cut is then made from the donut hole forward along the belly and ending just behind the pectoral girdle (Fig 7). Care should be taken not to cut through the pectoral girdle, as the fish will lose its shape if this is cut. The gills and guts can then be pulled Figure 5: Cut gill out in one piece through the membranes front opening to the body cavity (Fig 8). All loose bits of gill membrane tissue should then be cut away.

The next procedure is to thor- Steve Beverly oughly clean the inside of the body cavity. This is accom- plished by first cutting away the bloodline from the backbone (Fig 9). Parallel cuts can be made on either side of the bloodline and the tissue can be pulled away in one piece. Care should be taken not to cut into Figure 6: the flesh on either side of the Cut circle around backbone. All remaining tissue anal opening and blood needs to be brushed or scraped away from the backbone and the gut cavity lining using a brush or large spoon and lots of seawater for rinsing (Fig 10). Steve Beverly The gut lining should be free of slime, and clean white bone should be showing along the backbone (Fig 11). The entire trunk should be rinsed but the outside does not need to be scrubbed. The result is a fully dressed trunk ready for icing and ready for the US fresh swordfish market (Fig 12). Dressed trunks are usually placed in polyethylene “body bags” before being iced. The body bag prevents melt water from the ice from seeping into the flesh and also helps to pre- serve skin color.

Figure 7: Fresh swordfish trunks can be Slit belly up to shipped in the same “wet lock” pectoral girdle cartons that are used for tuna, or

26 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 SWORDFISH OPPORTUNITIES FOR PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES: HOW TO DRESS SWORDFISH . . .

they can be packed directly into swordfish trunks according to Note: all photos were taken during an LD-3 airline container, as their weights. Fish over 100 lbs two swordfish trips on the Navimon long as the container is lined (45 kg) are called “markers”. (New Caledonia) longliner, F/V with waterproof insulation. Fish between 30 and 100 lbs (14 Iaai Pêche. Many thanks to the Requirements may differ so air- to 45 kg) are called “pups” and captain and crew. lines and freight forwarders fish under thirty lbs (14 kg) are should be consulted on specific called “puppies” or “rats”. The shipping instructions. The US most desired fish are markers. market labels fully dressed Steve Beverly Steve Beverly

Figure 8: Remove gills and guts Figure 9: Cut bloodline from backbone Steve Beverly Steve Beverly

Figure 10: Brush and rinse, removing all slime Figure 11: White bone should show Steve Beverly

Figure 12: Fully dressed trunk ready for icing

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 27 populations, urbanisation, tourism INTEGRATED COASTAL and industrial development have had a significant impact on the nat- RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ural environment resulting in a loss of habitat and biodiversity, IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH land and water pollution, and coastal erosion. Observing these impacts and studying how local PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES governments and island communities have tried to mitigate these ONE-MONTH JICA TRAINING problems through restoration and awareness programs provided some PROGRAMME IN JAPAN valuable lessons regarding rehabilitation of coastal resources and cooperation between ministries of environment, fisheries, tourism Summary and industry. by Frank Chopin, In November 2000, nine people Adviser for Training and Participants returned to Tokyo for from South Pacific countries visit- Development completion of their training and pre- ed Japan to participate in the group Japan International Cooperation sentation of their action plan for inte- training course on Integrated Agency grated coastal resource development. Coastal Resource Management. This one-month course combines The participants classroom-based seminars and the Okinawa Island group, the attending the training workshops with field trips to Miyako Island group, and the coastal communities and fishing Yaeyama Island group. In the two years the course has grounds. Participants visited two been operating, JICA has distinct subtropical island groups Participants visited the capital, accepted seventeen participants located in Japan’s southern island Naha, Iheya, Miyako and Ishigaki from ten countries (see table chains. Islands. In some areas, the higher below)

Chichi-jima, in the Ogasawara group, is located 1000 km south of Name Country Occupation Year Tokyo and is characterised by a vol- Suresh Chand Fiji Islands Asst Manager (Inshore), Fish. canic topography, limited coral reef Division 1999 Apolosi Ralawari Turaganivalu Fiji Islands Acting Principal Fisheries Officer, development, low population, and Fish. Division 1999 subtropical climate. There are 30 Philip Polon PNG Executive manager, Research & islets in this group whose isolation Management Divn., National Fisheries Authority 1999 from the Asian continent has Pouvave Fainuulelei Samoa Senior Fisheries Officer, Fisheries resulted in a unique flora and Division 1999 fauna. They are also the breeding Peter Ramohia Solomon Islands Senior Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Division 1999 grounds of the humpback whale Bernard Telei Solomon Islands Principal Environment Officer, from December to April. A strong Environment / Conservation Division 1999 sense of conservation and a precau- Henry Toropasi Solomon Islands Senior Tourism Officer, Dept. of tionary approach to island develop- Commerce & Tourism 1999 ment has resulted in an all-out ‘Ulungamanu Fa’anunu Tonga Principal Fisheries Officer, Ministry of Fisheries 1999 effort by islanders to protect the Fritzgerald Niffon FSM Marine Specialist – Chuuk Dept. region’s natural beauty. Marine Fisheries 2000 Romio Osiena FSM Deputy Director – Chuuk Dept. Marine Fisheries 2000 The second part of the program took Tiemaua Tebaitongo Kiribati Asst. Fisheries Officer, Fish. Divn. 2000 participants to several islands in Lara Atto Nauru Women’s Fisheries Development Okinawa Prefecture, Japan’s south- Officer, Fisheries & Marine Authority 2000 westernmost prefecture, consisting Lora Demei Palau Fisheries Officer, Divn. Marine of 50 inhabited and 110 uninhabit- Resources 2000 Jesse Sengebau Palau Asst. Laboratory Technician, ed islands scattered over 1000 km Environmental Quality Protection in an east–west direction and 400 Board 2000 km from north to south. The islands Glen Alo Vanuatu Fisheries Extension Officer, Fisheries Department are divided into three major groups: 2000

28 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES . . .

Training Objectives pocket beaches and limited • Habitat degradation on land shallow water areas and pre- and loss of biodiversity on To improve the strategic plan- sents the island community reefs due to sedimentation – ning policy and management with distinct problems relat- Mr Inaba, Ogasawara capabilities of personnel in ed to coastal erosion and Marine Conservation Centre industry and government that management of coastal fish are involved in development populations; • Deep-sea vertical longlining and use of coastal resources in in Ogasawara – Mr Pacific Island countries. It will 3. even though Ogasawara has Nishikiori/ Nozawa, Ogasa- achieve these objectives by pro- a small population (<2000), wara Fishery Centre viding participants with analyt- it has a local capacity for ical tools for problem solving monitoring, researching and • Constraints to fishery devel- (PCM Method), case-based managing its fragile natural opment in Ogasawara – Mr learning seminars on the prob- resources. Self-reliance, nat- Ono, Ogasawara Fishery lems of managing natural ural beauty and sustainable Cooperative Association resources, comparison of coastal development are the key ele- field sites, hands-on experience ments of the trip.” • Whale Watching Association in sustainable development and Ecotourism – Dr Mori, activities and workshops where Ogasawara Island Ogasawara Whale Watching participants propose a plan for program Association development of a specific resource sector. During the stay in Ogasawara, • Analysis of tourism data – experts from the island con- trends and opportunities in Departure to ducted seminars and field trips Ogasawara – Mr Yamada, Ogasawara on various aspects of natural Ogasawara Tourism Associa- resource management includ- tion After a short orientation pro- ing: gram at JICA Tokyo Inter- Marine turtle national Training Centre (TIC), • Self reliance and subsidies – conservation participants boarded the 6670- Mr Baba ton ferry Ogasawara Maru for a A study tour was arranged to 25-hour trip to Japan’s southern • Island community develop- the Ogasawara Marine Centre, island, Chichi-jima. Course ment – Mr Savory / Suzuta which has researched marine Leader, Mr Hideyuki Tanaka Industry Tourism Division, turtles for 18 years and has (previously in charge of FAO – Ogasawara Village Council released over 130,000 juveniles South Pacific Aquaculture to date. Researcher Manami Project), Frank Chopin (JICA • Habitat degradation by feral Yamaguchi described the Advisor) and Mitsuhiro Osaki goats and rehabilitation research programme for moni- (JICA Training Officer) accom- results– Mr Kase, National toring turtle populations and panied the participants to the Parks, Ogasawara how the Centre works with Ogasawara Island group. Mr Naoyoshi Sasaki, Managing Director of JICA Kanagawa International Fisheries Training Centre (KIFTC) commented that “We included a trip to the Ogasawara Island group for three reasons:

1. its remoteness from the mainland and strong emphasis on marine and land conservation by the island community have resulted in a precautionary approach to

industrial development; Frank Chopin

2. the island’s topography is Mr Kase presents data on the impacts of feral goats on volcanic with steep terrain, soil erosion and the rehabilitation programme

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 29 INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES . . .

lines on the deep sea fishing grounds off the west coast of Ogasawara using 18–metre FRP boats.

Although, the trip was very short (depart 04h30 return 13h00) participants on both boats could experience the handling, shooting and catching of large pelagic fish. Swordfish and tunas were carefully han- dled and processed to ensure maximum prices at the Tokyo market. Mr Nishikiori’s lecture

Frank Chopin describing how fishers had switched from heavily fished Manami Yamaguchi describes the breeding programme shallow water reef areas to tar- and age of tagged turtles get large marlin and tuna was well demonstrated.

Participants were particularly impressed with the simple but effective 600–metre drop lines fished in water depths of 1200 metres.

Subtropical aquaculture

Kimura Johnson of the Ogasawara Fisheries Centre described the subtropical aquaculture research conducted by the Centre and how information is passed to the Sea Farming Association for commercial development of aquaculture species. Mr Johnson discussed

Frank Chopin with participants the problems of early life rearing in tanks and Jesse from Chuuk helps to measure turtles showed them around the in the Conservation Centre Centre’s laboratory and holding tanks. island fishers to collect adult eries, culture and resource sus- females for egg laying. The tainability. We hope the partici- There was also a tour of the Sea facility tour was followed by a pants can get an idea of this par- Farming Association’s facilities visit to a nesting beach to see ticipatory approach to manag- and sea cages anchored in the how research data is collected ing natural resources and the bay. Participants observed the and how each nest site is sur- importance of sharing informa- feeding of two species of fish, veyed for survival/mortality tion and ideas.” kampachi (amberjack) and ratios. “This centre is more than shima aji (striped jack). just involved in the research of Offshore fishing for turtles,” said Manami tuna and marlin using “Rearing fish in these pure Yamaguchi. small boats warm waters requires special care. We are particularly con- “We try to bring all members of The Ogasawara fishery cooper- cerned about diseases that can the island community together ative arranged for participants be introduced through ballast to listen, see, learn and discuss to spend a day fishing for tuna water from visiting boats or the issues of traditional fish- and marlin using vertical drop through juveniles transported

30 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES . . . from the mainland.” Kimura Johnson said. “Also, we have focused on species that are suit- ed to the warm waters of the island and also in producing fish without using medicines to control stress or disease. Using simple but labour intensive freshwater bathing, we have managed to control and mini- mize ectoparasite problems,” Johnson said.

Garbage recycling facility

A short observation tour was arranged to visit the island garbage recycling facilities and to view the efforts made on the island to minimise the impacts of waste disposal. All cans and plastics are separated and pack- aged for recycling off the island. Burnable garbage is reduced to ash and held in closed contain- Frank Chopin ers for burial without the possi- Electric hand reels for hauling droplines bility of leaching into the soil. Scavenging systems remove noxious gases from the incinera- tor flu. In addition, refrigerant gases, glass, old cycles and other equipment are all recycled.

A brief tour was also made of the marine park to show how coral reefs can be viewed by glass bottom boats — a potential source of income for fishers involved in tourism activities. The participants also experienced swimming with dolphins and visited small-scale souvenir making of salt and hand-paint- ed paper coral reef fish.

Okinawa coral reef resources

After returning from Ogasa- wara, participants traveled to Okinawa for seminars and lectures related to coral reef ecosystems. Despite the passage of a typhoon through Ishigaki and

Miyako Islands, the group visit- Frank Chopin ed various places including, fisheries cooperatives, aquacul- Early morning catch of marlin ture centres, ecotourism sites, using droplines in 600 metres

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 31 INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES . . .

become aware of what the fishery cooperatives are trying to achieve by releasing young fish”, said Fritz Niffon from Chuuk FSM. “Also, the replant- ing of mangroves by the community fishers and the importance of re-forestation that we observed is very important”, he said.

Preparation of participants’ action plan – using PCM Method

Although the course was very intensive, JICA requested each participant to prepare an action

Frank Chopin plan for development for the sector each participant was Feeding amberjacks at the Sea Farming Association working in. JICA requested this grow out cages in Ogasawara work start in the home country with each participant bringing marine parks, processing coop- • Administrative constraints to Japan a list of problems and eratives, processing companies on fisheries development in constraints to developing a par- and a fish market. Lectures and Okinawa ticular coastal sector. This basic seminars included: data was analysed using Project • Administration of tourism Cycle Management (PCM) tools • Marine Parks in Japan department – coexistence of such as problem tree and objec- fisheries and tourism tives analysis to determine • Characteristics of Okinawa cause-and-effect relationships Islands • Concept of ecotourism and between problems and to focus development on solving a particular core • Development potentials of problem each participant was subtropical islands • Case study of fisheries facing. resource management • Use of deep-water resources Participants share Dr Ian Woesik prepared a lec- their ideas for • Policy and strategy for ture describing the importance development coastal fisheries manage- of coral reef ecosystems and the ment relationship between “source Mr Tanaka worked with each and sink” regions of the reef participant through group • The FAD fishery system. “These lectures were workshops in Tokyo, on the boat appreciated because they show trip to and from Ogasawara and • Marine Festival the relationship between activi- in the hotels in Okinawa. ties such as fisheries, tourism, Individual support was also • Policy and strategy for con- sand mining and the need to provided as each participant servation of coral reefs monitor all activities“ said Katri had a different focus for their Walenska from Tonga. action plan. Participants pre- • Inshore resource manage- sented their plan during a one- ment for conservation of The role of the community in day workshop attended by JICA mangrove forests becoming more aware of the HQ staff and expert commenta- importance of seed release pro- tors invited from the private sec- • Fisheries in coral reefs – grams was well illustrated in tor and government institutions. Local economy and market- the “release of juvenile fish” cer- “These workshops are to share ing emony by village members, old development approaches and to and young. “It is a great way for discuss how problems are per- • Protection of coral reef from children and other non-fishing ceived by different resource sec- red-soil flow members of the community to tors. Cross-fertilisation of ideas

32 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES . . .

Coastal JICA country

natural resource management

Concept of training and preparation of action plans by training participants from different sectors and differ- lessons from Okinawa and importance of integration of ent countries in the region make Ogasawara Islands. Without fisheries, tourism and environ- for very interesting discus- efforts towards an integrated ment and to some extent have sions,” said Mr Sasaki of KIFTC. approach, such ocean islands achieved the objectives of “The participants’ presentations will turn to ocean deserts in the increasing awareness of the demonstrate their increased near future. Aquaculture or need for this approach” said Mr awareness of the problems that stock enhancement practices are Sasaki. “However, our target of can result from inappropriate just two of many alternatives. I attracting participants from development and how impor- appreciate JICA offering such a tourism and the environment tant it is for projects to develop catalytic course, and wish sectors and creating a balanced through a participatory JICA’s future collaboration in training group has not been process,” he said. implementation of field projects realised. In retrospect, we prob- that help in this respect. ably placed too much emphasis Pacific Islands need an on fisheries and not on the integrated approach Lessons learned from process of integration. So next 1999 and 2000 and year we will amend the curricu- Mr Tanaka, who arranged the future planning lum to illustrate more clearly program curriculum noted that, the integrated approach.” This “Coastal resource management Based on evaluations of the two point was echoed by Mr Mikuni is the most vital issue of the courses, JICA is in the process of who noted that “Ogasawara Pacific Islands. Because of many re-designing its program for fis- and Okinawa have practical similarities, the Pacific Islands cal year 2001. “We have tried to examples of integrated and sus- could learn many good and bad develop a course that shows the tainable use of natural

SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 33 INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES . . . resources. For example, the the need for an integrated that act as contacts for assis- presence of turtles and their approach to conservation. This tance by the Japanese embassies relationship to island food cul- has included establishing and /or JICA offices.The results ture, ecotourism, coastal habitat marine parks, developing rules of these surveys are reflected in and sustainability is a case in for harvesting, turtle conserva- the upcoming fiscal year alloca- point.” Mr Mikuni illustrated tion education programs in tion of training seats,” this point by referring to the schools, release programs for explained Mr Mikuni. information shown in Figure 15. islanders and tourists, protection of beaches, recycling of Details of the group training The presence of turtles around plastics, and research and early courses, such as this one, are the islands has created multiple life protection for hatched tur- summarised in the General opportunities for various indus- tles. Sustainability and multiple Information booklet. These book- try sectors to benefit from their use can only be achieved when lets are sent to aid coordinating existence. Island fishers need a everyone understands the organisations prior to the course regular supply of turtles if food issues,” said Mr Mikuni. commencement date, and traditions are to be maintained; describe the conditions and tourists come to Ogasawara to How to apply for next qualifications for participating have a chance to see nesting tur- year’s course in a course, course objectives, tles or the chance to photograph curriculum and other important them on a scuba diving tour; “Each year JICA conducts sur- information. and turtles contribute to the bio- veys among the different coun- diversity of the island and tries asking the types of training Applications are available from maintaining biodiversity is an they would like to see in the Japanese embassies, JICA offices important element of all the coming fiscal year. These sur- and national aid coordinating island communities. To achieve veys are sent to the national organisations in each country. a balance, the island recognises organisations of each country Each applicant must have their

Handicrafts

Relationships between the industry sectors utilising the presence of turtles in Ogasawara

34 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001 INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TROPICAL SEAS: SOUTH PACIFIC GROUP COMPLETES . . . application authorised by the • be a university graduate; There are only a limited number organisation they are affiliated of places available for this train- with and the coordinating • be engaged in fisheries, ing program and we are looking organisation. This authorised tourism or environment pro- for persons who are involved in form is then sent to the JICA tection of coastal areas; and design, implementation or eval- office. uation of policy, or development • complete the A2/A3 form projects in fisheries, tourism and Come and join the 2001 and associated information environment sectors. Course! included in the General Information Booklet. JICA invites persons to apply for the next training course starting in October 2001. Participants should: Frank Chopin

Another beautiful day for participants on Ogasawara Island

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Original text: English

Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Marine Resources Division, Information Section, P.O. Box D5, 98848 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia Telephone: +687 262000; Fax: +687 263818; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: http://www.spc.int/coastfish/index.html

36 SPC Fisheries Newsletter #96 — January/March 2001