GREY AND QUEEN TRIGGERFISH. Balistes capriscus (Grey) and Balistes vetula (Queen) Sometimes known as: Gray Triggerfish, Oldwife, Olewife, and Puerco

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1 GREY AND QUEEN TRIGGERFISH Balistes capriscus (Grey) and Balistes vetula (Queen) Sometimes known as: Gray Triggerfish, Oldwife, Olewife, and Puerco SUMMARY Grey and Queen Triggerfish are found on rocky and coral reefs throughout much of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. They grow at moderate to fast rates, reach sexual maturity at an early age, and can release millions of eggs. Grey Triggerfish is commercially caught in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, while Queen Triggerfish is mostly caught in the Caribbean Sea. There is little information about the abundance of either species, but one report found that Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico is overfished. Management regulations for these species include gear and area restrictions, and annual catch limits have recently been established in all regions. Most Grey Triggerfish and some Queen Triggerfish are caught with hook and line gear, which causes minimal habitat damage and moderate levels of bycatch. Criterion Points Final Score Color Life History Abundance Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts Management 2.00 Bycatch 2.00 Final Score 2.25 Color

2 LIFE HISTORY Core Points (only one selection allowed) If a value for intrinsic rate of increase ( r ) is known, assign the score below based on this value. If no r-value is available, assign the score below for the correct age at 50% maturity for females if specified, or for the correct value of growth rate ('k'). If no estimates of r, age at 50% maturity, or k are available, assign the score below based on maximum age Intrinsic rate of increase <0.05; OR age at 50% maturity >10 years; OR growth rate <0.15; OR maximum age >30 years Intrinsic rate of increase = ; OR age at 50% maturity = 5-10 years; OR a growth rate = ; OR maximum age = years Intrinsic rate of increase >0.16; OR age at 50% maturity = 1-5 years; OR growth rate >0.30; OR maximum age <11 years. Grey and Queen Triggerfish are related species, found on reefs in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Growth of Grey Triggerfish is rapid early on, reaching 20 to 25 cm in length by year 1. Males grow larger than the females, reaching sizes of 40 to 61 cm (Ofori-Danson 1989, Johnson and Soloman 1985, Hood and Johnson 1997, Escorriola 1991, Ingram 2001). Estimates of growth rate for Grey Triggerfish vary considerably, ranging from k = 0.15 to 0.43 (Ofori-Danson 1989, Johnson and Soloman 1985, Hood and Johnson 1997, Escorriola 1991, Ingram 2001). Sexual maturation occurs at around age 1 for males and ages 1-2 for females (Ingram 2001, Hood and Johnson 1997). Grey Triggerfish may live up to 16 years, but they are uncommon after age 10 (SEDAR 2006). Less is known about the life history of Queen Triggerfish. One study of Queen Triggerfish from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, estimated growth rate to be k = 0.30 with fish being 16 cm in length after 1 year (Manooch and Drennon 1987). Off the east coast of Brazil, growth of the Queen Triggerfish was estimated to be k = 0.76 (Netto and Di Beneditto 2010), while off the central coast of Brazil growth was found to be much slower, with k = 0.14 (Albuquerque et al. 2011). Estimated maximum sizes of Queen Triggerfish range from 40 to 50 cm (Manooch and Drennon 1987, Netto and Di Beneditto 2010, Albuquerque et al. 2011). Information on sexual maturation is only available from a study in Jamaica, in which size at maturity was estimated to be 26.5 cm for males and 23.5 cm for females (Aiken 1975b), which would roughly correspond to age 2 based on the growth data from the Caribbean (Manooch and Drennon 1987). Queen Triggerfish up to age 14 were found off the coast of Brazil, but few fish were older than 10 years (Albuquerque et al. 2011), and only fish up to age 7 were reported from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (Manooch and Drennon 1987). A score of 3 is awarded because both Grey and Queen Triggerfish reach sexual maturity at an early age and can grow fast.

3 Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Species has special behaviors that make it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., spawning aggregations; site fidelity; segregation by sex; migratory bottlenecks; unusual attraction to gear; etc.). Triggerfish are known to exhibit haremic spawning behavior, meaning that multiple females will spawn with a single male (Thresher 1984, Fricke 1980, Nellis 1980, Kuwamura 1997). Male Grey Triggerfish are territorial, and will prepare a number of spawning nests and then coax the females to the nests (Ingram 2001). Information on spawning by Queen Triggerfish is limited, but behaviors would be expected to be similar to that of the Grey Triggerfish. Since spawning occurs in small groups rather than large aggregations, these species are likely less vulnerable to capture during spawning compared to other species. For Grey Triggerfish, catch rates tend to decline during the spawning season (Ingram 2001). However, the Grey Triggerfish is known to show high site fidelity (Ingram 2001), and this is also likely the case for Queen Triggerfish. Site fidelity makes species vulnerable to capture since fishermen may repeatedly return to the same site to find fish. Catch rates for Grey Triggerfish are highest during the spring and autumn and low during winter and summer spawning. The higher catch rates during spring and summer are thought to correspond to periods of high growth and increased feeding activity (Ingram 2001). Since these species may be vulnerable to capture during parts of the year, but less vulnerable during other times, points will not be subtracted Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity >20 years; sequential hermaphrodites; extremely low fecundity) Species has a small or restricted range (e.g., endemism; numerous evolutionarily significant units; restricted to one coastline; e.g., American lobster; striped bass; endemic reef fishes) Species exhibits high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g. El Nino; decadal oscillations) Species does not have special behaviors that increase ease or population consequences of capture OR has special behaviors that make it less vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., species is widely dispersed during spawning) Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially resilient to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity <1 year; extremely high fecundity). The Grey Triggerfish spawns many times throughout spring and summer (Dooley 1972, Wilson et al. 1995, Hood and Johnson 1997, Ingram 2001). Fertilization is external and eggs are deposited in demersal nests, where they incubate for 12 to 58 hours before rising

4 in the water column (Thresher 1984). The larvae are pelagic and will then settle to the bottom between 4 and 16 cm (Ingram 2001). Batch fecundity estimates for Grey Triggerfish range from 96,000 to 2,650,000 eggs, with fecundity increasing with size and age (Ingram 2001, Hood and Johnson 1997). In the Gulf of Mexico they are estimated to spawn, on average, 24 times during the spawning season, yielding an average annual fecundity of 17 million eggs per female (Ingram 2001). However, in a study on Grey Triggerfish in the South Atlantic, spawning was only found to occur 3-4 times per season (Moore 2001). Information on reproduction in the Queen Triggerfish is limited. They have been observed spawning throughout much of the year in the Caribbean, with peaks occurring in January to February and August to October (Aiken 1975, CFMC 2005).Fecundity estimates for Queen Triggerfish are not available, but since fecundity is extremely high for Grey Triggerfish, points are added Species is distributed over a very wide range (e.g., throughout an entire hemisphere or ocean basin; e.g., swordfish; tuna; Patagonian toothfish). Both the Grey Triggerfish and Queen Triggerfish are found along the coast of North and South America in the eastern Atlantic, including in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, as well as off the coast of Africa and parts of Europe in the western Atlantic (Fishbase 2011a,b, CFMC 2005). They are a shallow water species, inhabiting rocky or coral reef areas (SEDAR 2006, CFMC 2005). Relative to other species, this is considered to be a medium range, so no points are added Species does not exhibit high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g., El Nino; decadal oscillations) Points for Life History

5 ABUNDANCE Core Points (only one selection allowed) Compared to natural or un-fished level, the species population is: 1.00 Low: Abundance or biomass is <75% of BMSY or similar proxy (e.g., spawning potential ratio). Grey Triggerfish are commercially caught in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. In the Gulf of Mexico, landings prior to 1993 were only recorded for all Triggerfishes combined, but since then Grey Triggerfish have accounted for almost all of the Triggerfish landings, so it is assumed that this was also the case in previous years (SEDAR 2006). Commercial catches in the Gulf of Mexico rose in the 1980s to early 1990s, peaking at over 500,000 lbs in Since then catches have declined, varying between 150,000 to 250,000 lbs from the mid 1990s to mid 2000s (SEDAR 2006), from 80,000 to 90,000 lbs from 2006 to 2009, and catches in 2010 were only 57,000 lbs (NMFS 2011, FWC 2011). However, commercial catches only account for a small proportion of total Grey Triggerfish catches, as recreational catches are high. From 1984 to 2005, recreational catches ranged from 400,000 lbs to over 2,000,000 lbs, but have been fairly steady since then at 270,000 to 380,000 lbs (SEDAR 2006, personal communication NMFS). In the South Atlantic, Grey Triggerfish landings have varied, ranging from 100,000 lbs to 500,000 lbs from 1985 to Over the period 2005 to 2009, landings have averaged 279,000 lbs (SAFMC 2011a). Recreational catches of Grey Triggerfish in the South Atlantic have been increasing and have been around 400,000 lbs in recent years (NMFS personal communication). A 2005 population assessment done for Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico, found that biomass declined significantly during the 1960s and 1970s, rebounded some in the late 1980s, but then declined throughout the 1990s. Biomass increased slightly in the early 2000s, but then again declined in 2003 and 2004 (SEDAR 2006). The population rebounds in the late 80s and early 2000s coincided with increased recruitment in those years. In recent years recruitment has been low (SEDAR 2006). As of 2004, the spawning population biomass was at 64% of the biomass benchmark (SEDAR 2006), and in 2008 newly established overfished definitions resulted in the population being declared overfished (GMFMC 2008). Catch limits were established beginning in 2008 for both the commercial and recreational fisheries to reduce fishing pressure on the population and rebuild population biomass (GMFMC 2008). Current limits are set at 106,000 lbs for the commercial fishery and 457,000 lbs for the recreational fishery. An updated assessment for Grey Triggerfish is scheduled for The population in the South Atlantic has not been assessed. Catch per unit effort data, which may be used as an index of abundance, from the Florida commercial fishery in the Atlantic indicates declines in catch rates during the 1990s, but catch rates increased in the early 2000s and appear to have stabilized (FWRI 2010). Catch rates in the Florida recreational fishery have remained fairly stable throughout the 1990s and 2000s (FWRI 2010).

6 In contrast to Grey Triggerfish, Queen Triggerfish is primarily exploited by fisheries in the Caribbean. Fishery catch data in the Caribbean is limited and catches are grouped to include all triggerfish and filefish, (CFMC 2011), but most catches in this group are Queen Triggerfish (CFMC 2005). Commercial catches in the U.S. Virgin Islands have ranged from approximately 90,000 to 130,000 lbs from 2000 to 2008, and in Puerto Rico commercial catches have ranged from approximately 33,000 lbs to 122,000 lbs from 1988 to 2009, averaging 70,000 lbs since 2000 (CFMC 2011). This species is also caught in recreational fisheries. Recreational catches in Puerto Rico have averaged 37,000 lbs from 2000 to 2009 (CFMC 2011). Information on recreational fisheries from the U.S. Virgin Islands is not available. The Queen Triggerfish population in the Caribbean has not been assessed, and information on population biomass and abundance is currently not available. An assessment is scheduled for Abundance for Grey Triggerfish and Queen Triggerfish is unknown throughout most of their range. Since the only available biomass estimate is for Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico, which indicates that abundance is only at 64% of the spawning biomass target, a score of 1 is awarded Medium: Abundance or biomass is % of BMSY or similar proxy; OR population is approaching or recovering from an overfished condition; OR adequate information on abundance or biomass is not available High: Abundance or biomass is >125% of BMSY or similar proxy. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) The population is declining over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE). The generation time is short for both the Grey Triggerfish (< 15 months) and Queen Triggerfish (1-4 years) since they reach sexual maturity at an early age (Fishbase 2011a, b). The last population assessment for Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico (2005) indicated declines in abundance for the most recent years (SEDAR 2006), but information on abundance trends since 2004 is not available. In the South Atlantic abundance information is not available for the entire population, but catch per unit effort (CPUE) data from the Florida Atlantic-coast fishery indicates stable catch rates for Grey Triggerfish in recent years (FWRI 2010). No abundance estimates or abundance indices are available for the Queen Triggerfish. Due to a lack of information on current abundance trends for these species points are not subtracted.

7 -0.25 Age, size or sex distribution is skewed relative to the natural condition (e.g., truncated size/age structure or anomalous sex distribution). Available age distributions for Grey Triggerfish from commercial and recreational fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico indicate skewed age structures in the eastern region. In the eastern Gulf of Mexico fish of ages 2 to 3 dominate, while in the western Gulf of Mexico ages 5 to 7 dominate (SEDAR 2006). Fishing exploitation has been much greater in the eastern Gulf of Mexico compared to the western Gulf of Mexico (SEDAR 2006), which may explain the skewed age structures in the eastern region Species is listed as "overfished" OR species is listed as "depleted", "endangered", or "threatened" by recognized national or international bodies. Queen Triggerfish are currently listed as vulnerable by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (IUCN), although the species status had not been evaluated since 1996 (Roberts 1996). They are not listed as overfished in the U.S. Caribbean, but the population has not yet been assessed. Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico are currently considered to be overfished (GMFMC 2008). It should be noted though, that the population assessment for Grey Triggerfish will be updated in 2012 and that status of the population may change Current levels of abundance are likely to jeopardize the availability of food for other species or cause substantial change in the structure of the associated food web The population is increasing over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE) Age, size or sex distribution is functionally normal Species is close to virgin biomass Current levels of abundance provide adequate food for other predators or are not known to affect the structure of the associated food web. Both the Grey Triggerfish and Queen Triggerfish feed on a variety of benthic invertebrates. Common prey items for Grey Triggerfish include bivalves (e.g. clams, oysters, and mussels), barnacles, crabs, and lobsters (Vose and Nelson 1994, Barshaw and Spanier 1994). Major prey items for Queen Triggerfish in Caribbean waters include sea urchins, crabs, and chitons (CFMC 2005, Reinthal et al. 1984). Information on predators of triggerfish is limited, but likely includes other reef fish. Because information on abundance, and thus effects on the food-web, is mostly lacking, points are not added Points for Abundance

8 HABITAT QUALITY AND FISHING GEAR IMPACTS Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the effect of the fishing method upon the habitat that it affects 1.00 The fishing method causes great damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., cyanide; blasting; bottom trawling; dredging) The fishing method does moderate damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., bottom gillnets; traps and pots; bottom longlines) The fishing method does little damage to physical or biogenic habitats (e.g., hand picking; hand raking; hook and line; pelagic long lines; mid-water trawl or gillnet; purse seines). Grey Triggerfish are caught in coral reef fisheries in both the Gulf of Mexico and in the South Atlantic. Commercial landings have averaged 91,555 lbs in the Gulf of Mexico and 278,951 lbs in the South Atlantic from 2005 to 2010 (NMFS 2011a, FWC 2011, SAFMC 2011). In the Gulf of Mexico, 87-91% of Grey Triggerfish were taken with hook-and-line gear (electric reel, rod and reel, and hand lines) from 2000 to 2004, 3-7% with longlines, and 6-9% with traps (SEDAR 2006). Hook-and-line gear also appears to be the dominant gear used in the latter half of the 2000s, but gear types have not always been specified (FWC personal communication, NMFS 2011b). In the South Atlantic, 88% of all reef fish landings the landings have been taken with hook-and-line, 5% with longlines, and 6% with traps from 2005 to 2009 (SAFMC 2011). Most hook-and-line fishermen use electric or hydraulic reels. They may have 2 to 4 reels per boat and anywhere from 3 to 20 hooks on the lines (SAFMC 2011, NMFS 2009, 2006). There around 1,300 total vessels in the Gulf of Mexico coral reef fishery, of which about 200 land Grey Triggerfish (>100 lbs) (GMFMC 2008), and there are currently 734 permitted vessels in the South Atlantic coral reef fishery (SAFMC 2011). Queen Triggerfish are principally exploited commercially in Caribbean coral reef fisheries. In Puerto Rico, commercial landings have averaged 70,000 lbs from 2000 to 2008, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands landings have averaged 82,700 lbs in St. Thomas/St. John and 28,000 lbs in St Croix (CFMC 2011). In Puerto Rico, pots/traps have accounted for 47.5% of Queen Triggerfish catch, diving 29.3%, hand lines 17%, and gill nets and trammels nets 3% (CFMC 2011). For, St. Thomas/St. John almost all Queen Triggerfish are taken with traps (98%). In St. Croix, 37% of the catches are taken with traps, 35% by SCUBA divers, 13% with line gears, 7% by free divers, and 6% with gillnets (CMFMC 2011). The fishing vessels are small (15-30 ft) and fishing mostly occurs in shallow waters at depths of 18 to 27 m (CFMC 2005, Garcia-Sais 2008). Because most Triggerfish are caught using hook-and-line fishing gear, which causes little habitat damage, a score of 3 is awarded.

9 Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Habitat for this species is so compromised from non-fishery impacts that the ability of the habitat to support this species is substantially reduced (e.g., dams; pollution; coastal development). Grey Triggerfish and Queen Triggerfish adults are found in shallow waters, associated with rocky and coral reef habitats. (CFMC 2005, SEDAR 2006). Eggs are deposited in demersal nests in sandy areas near the reefs, where they may incubate for 12 to 58 hours (Thresher 1984) and larvae are pelagic, often associating with the seaweed Sargassum or other flotsam (SEDAR 2006). Young fish will settle to the bottom between 4 and 16 cm (Ingram 2001). Coral reefs habitats in both the Caribbean and around Florida are threatened by a variety of factors, including rising sea-surface temperatures, coastal development, pollution, disease, tropical storms, and tourism/recreational use (Garcia-Sais et al. 2008, Rothenberger et al. 2008). Reefs that were once structurally complex now have low levels of live hard coral cover and some reef-building corals have been listed as threatened (Waddell and Clarke 2008). Despite efforts to monitor reef ecosystems and improve management, declines in the health of coral reef resources have continued to occur (Waddell and Clarke 2008). The declining health of coral reef ecosystems will impact coral reef fish, but most reefs are currently not so compromised from non-fishery impacts that they cannot support Triggerfish. Therefore, no points are subtracted Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are not protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc No efforts are being made to minimize damage from existing gear types OR new or modified gear is increasing habitat damage (e.g., fitting trawls with roller rigs or rockhopping gear; more robust gear for deep-sea fisheries) If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is very slow (e.g., deep water corals; rocky bottoms) Habitat for this species remains robust and viable and is capable of supporting this species Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc. Grey Triggerfish and Queen Triggerfish are dependent on rocky and coral reef habitats (both natural and artificial). Spawning occurs in sandy areas near the reefs, and the eggs are deposited in demersal nests and guarded by the spawning adults (Ingram 2001, GMFMC 1998).

10 Essential fish habitat areas and habitat areas of particular concern have been described for reef fish species in the Gulf, Atlantic, and Caribbean and some of these areas have been protected (GMFMC 1998, 2005, CFMC 1998, SAFMC 1998). In the Gulf, fishing with bottom gears, including bottom longlines, trawls, and traps/pots is prohibited on several important coral habitats (GMFMC 2005). Two marine reserves have also been created in the Tortugas region of the Florida Keys (GMFMC 2011). In the South Atlantic many artificial reefs have been designated as special management zones, and fishing with traps, bottom longlines, and spear fishing has been prevented in those regions (SAFMC 2011b). In the Caribbean, some permanent and seasonal areas closures are in place, although only a few (CFMC 2011). Although various coral reef habitats have been afforded protection, the health of coral reefs, particularly those in the Caribbean has been declining (Garcia- Sais et al. 2008, Rothenberger et al. 2008), and further protective measures in the Caribbean appear to be needed. Thus, no points are added Gear innovations are being implemented over a majority of the fishing area to minimize damage from gear types OR no innovations necessary because gear effects are minimal. Hook-and-line fishing gear results in minimal habitat damage If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is fast (e.g., mud or sandy bottoms) OR gear effects are minimal. Gear effects are minimal Points for Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts

11 MANAGEMENT Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current management of the fisheries of this species Regulations are ineffective (e.g., illegal fishing or overfishing is occurring) OR the fishery is unregulated (i.e., no control rules are in effect) Management measures are in place over a major portion over the species' range but implementation has not met conservation goals OR management measures are in place but have not been in place long enough to determine if they are likely to achieve conservation and sustainability goals. Grey Triggerfish are managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council under the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan and by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council under the Snapper/Grouper Management Plan. Grey Triggerfish are also managed in state waters (shore to 3 miles out) by individual Gulf and South Atlantic states. Regulations for the Gulf and South Atlantic fisheries include limited fishery participation, a ban on the use of fish traps and other gear restrictions, a minimum size limit of 14 inches for the Gulf and 12 inches for eastern Florida, and several protected habitat areas (GMFMC 2011, SAFMC 2011b). In 2008, it was determined that Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico were overfished (i.e. biomass too low) and that overfishing (i.e. fishing levels too high) was occurring, so a rebuilding plan was initiated to end overfishing and rebuild the population within 6 years (GMFMC 2008). The plan set annual catch limits for both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors, that if exceeded would result in the closure of the commercial fishery and the shortening of the following recreational season (GMFMC 2008). It is currently unknown whether the population has improved, but the status of Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico is to be updated in Annual catch limits for the South Atlantic commercial and recreational Grey Triggerfish fisheries are also now in place, as of January 2012 (SAFMC 2011a). Grey Triggerfish in the South Atlantic have not been assessed so the status of the populations remains unknown. Queen Triggerfish in U.S. federal waters of the Caribbean are managed by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council under the shallow water Reef Fish Management Plan, and by the states of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are managed as a group with other triggerfish and filefish species. Management measures include gear restrictions and some permanent and seasonal area closures (CFMC 2011). Additionally, measures to implement annual catch limits for the Triggerfish/Filefish group and a recreational aggregate reef fish bag limit were recently approved (CFMC 2011). The status of Queen Triggerfish in the Caribbean is unknown, but an assessment is scheduled for In all regions, measures have recently been put in place to limit the catch of these species. However, it remains to be seen whether these management measures will be enough to meet sustainability goals, and therefore a score of 2 is awarded.

12 3.00 Substantial management measures are in place over a large portion of the species range and have demonstrated success in achieving conservation and sustainability goals. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) There is inadequate scientific monitoring of stock status, catch or fishing effort. Catch and fishing effort data are monitored for Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (SEDAR 2006, FWRI 2010, SAFMC 2011a). A population assessment was conducted for Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico in This assessment uses fishery-dependent catch rate data from the commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as fisheries-independent survey data that measures both adult abundance and recruitment abundance (age 0 fish) (SEDAR 2006). Target biomass and fishing levels have also been established for this species (SEDAR 2006). An updated assessment is currently in progress, and will be available in An assessment for Grey Triggerfish has not been conducted for the South Atlantic region. For Queen Triggerfish, commercial catch data is monitored in the Caribbean region and recreational catch data is monitored in Puerto Rico, but not the Virgin Islands (CFMC 2011). However, reliable catch data is only available for the past 10 years or so, and the data is often incomplete (CFMC 2011). There is currently no available abundance information for Queen Triggerfish, but a population assessment is scheduled for Due to discrepancies in the level of scientific monitoring among regions points will not be subtracted Management does not explicitly address fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems This species is overfished and no recovery plan or an ineffective recovery plan is in place Management has failed to reduce excess capacity in this fishery or implements subsidies that result in excess capacity in this fishery There is adequate scientific monitoring, analysis and interpretation of stock status, catch and fishing effort Management explicitly and effectively addresses fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems. Management for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic coral reef fisheries has addressed ecosystem effects. Essential fish habitat and habitat areas of particular concern have been indentified for reef fish species and measures have been implemented to protect many of these habitats, including the prohibition of many destructive gear types (GMFMC 2005, SAFMC 1998, SAFMC 2011b). In addition, measures have also been taken to minimize fishery interactions with protected species, such as sea turtles (NMFS 2011d). Ecosystem issues in the Caribbean region, however has not been adequately addressed. Essential fish

13 habitat has been described for reef fish in the Caribbean (CFMC 1998) and some protected areas are in place, but information on bycatch in reef fisheries is poor, and no measures have been implemented to reduce interactions with protected species (CFMC 2005, 2011). Since ecosystem effects have not been adequately addressed in all regions, no points are added This species is overfished and there is a recovery plan (including benchmarks, timetables and methods to evaluate success) in place that is showing signs of success OR recovery plan is not needed. As of 2008, Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico was considered to be overfished GMFMC 2008). A rebuilding plan was initiated in 2008 to reduce fishing pressure on the population, with the aim to rebuild the population within 6 years. This plan set annual catch limits for both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors and also raised the minimum size limit from 12 inches to 14 inches (GMFMC 2008). The status of the population is currently being updated, but for now it is unknown whether the population has improved since the initiation of the rebuilding plan, and thus no points will be added Management has taken action to control excess capacity or reduce subsidies that result in excess capacity OR no measures are necessary because fishery is not overcapitalized. In both the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic reef fisheries, management has taken action to control excess fishing capacity. In the Gulf of Mexico fishery, a permanent limited access permit system is in place, meaning that no new permits will be issued, but permits may be renewed and transferred (GMFMC 2011). In the South Atlantic fishery, a new permit may be only be obtained by acquiring two current transferable permits, so that fishing participation can be reduced (SAFMC 2011b). The number of permits in this fishery has declined by about 200 from 2005 to 2010 (SAFMC 2011a). A limited access system has not been established for the Caribbean region though, so points are not added Points for Management

14 BYCATCH Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current level of bycatch and the consequences that result from fishing this species. The term, "bycatch" used in this document excludes incidental catch of a species for which an adequate management framework exists. The terms, "endangered, threatened, or protected," used in this document refer to species status that is determined by national legislation such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (or another nation's equivalent), the IUCN Red List, or a credible scientific body such as the American Fisheries Society Bycatch in this fishery is high (>100% of targeted landings), OR regularly includes a "threatened, endangered or protected species." 2.00 Bycatch in this fishery is moderate (10-99% of targeted landings) AND does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species" OR level of bycatch is unknown. Grey and Queen Triggerfish are caught in coral reef fisheries which target a variety of species, such as snappers and groupers. Grey Triggerfish are commercially caught in both the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, while Queen Triggerfish is principally exploited in the Caribbean. Hook-and-line is the dominant fishing method for Grey Triggerfish (SEDAR 2006), and accounts for a smaller proportion of Queen Triggerfish (CFMC 2011). Hook-and-line fisheries are generally fairly selective, but bycatch or discards in these fisheries may include species with low economic value, prohibited species, and undersized species (GMFMC 2008, CFMC 2005). Species most commonly caught in association with Grey Triggerfish are the red snapper, vermillion snapper, red grouper, and gag grouper (GMFMC 2008). Some undersized Grey Triggerfish are also discarded in the directed fisheries (McCarthy 2005). For Queen Triggerfish fisheries in the Caribbean, bycatch data is limited. Most species are thought to be retained, but some discarding of prohibited species, such as groupers and butterfly fish, may occur (CFMC 2005). Incidental captures of endangered or threatened sea turtles and the endangered samlltooth sawfish are known to occur in coral reef fish hook-and-line fisheries of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean (NMFS 2011c, 2009, 2006). In the Gulf of Mexico, it was estimated that 39 sea turtle interactions (mostly loggerheads), resulting in 12 mortalities, and 2 smalltooth sawfish interactions would occur per year in the vertical line fishery (NMFS 2009). In the South Atlantic, 19 sea turtle interactions and 3 sawfish interactions were estimated to occur per year for the hook-and-line fishery (NMFS 2006). In the Caribbean, 53 hook-and-line related sea turtle interactions were projected to occur per year (NMFS 2011c). For all fisheries though, these interactions were determined not to be jeopardizing the continued existence of sea turtles or of the smalltooth sawfish (NMFS 2011c, 2009, 2006).

15 Overall, bycatch rates for Grey Triggerfish and Queen Triggerfish fisheries are unknown. Some interactions with protected species do occur, but since these interactions are not jeopardizing the status of the protected species, a score of 2 is awarded Bycatch in this fishery is low (<10% of targeted landings) and does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species." Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Bycatch in this fishery is a contributing factor to the decline of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" and no effective measures are being taken to reduce it Bycatch of targeted or non-targeted species (e.g., undersize individuals) in this fishery is high and no measures are being taken to reduce it. There is some bycatch of both undersized targeted species and non-targeted species in the coral reef fisheries that capture Grey Triggerfish and Queen Triggerfish. In the Gulf of Mexico handline fishery for Grey Triggerfish, it was estimated that 1,200 to 1,300 fish were discarded between 2000 and 2004, mostly due to size limit rules (McCarthy 2005). However, discards of Grey Triggerfish in the targeted fishery are not considered to be a major issue, since the Grey Triggerfish has a very low release mortality rate (1.5%) (Ingram 2001). Discards of other undersized species, prohibited species, and low economic value species may also occur, but specific bycatch rates are not available (CFMC 2005, GMFMC 2008). Circle hooks are required to be used in Grey Triggerfish fisheries, which may help to reduce mortalities of bycatch species (GMFMC 2011, SAFMC 2011b). Since bycatch rates are unknown, points are not subtracted Bycatch of this species (e.g., undersize individuals) in other fisheries is high OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, and no measures are being taken to reduce it. Bycatch of Grey Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery is high. The shrimp trawl fishery primarily captures age 0 and age 1 Grey Triggerfish, and high numbers are discarded dead. Data on discards is sparse, but from 1981 to 2004, estimates of dead discards ranged from 0.17 to 5.1 million fish, with an average of 1.25 million fish (SEDAR 2006). This means that the mortalities of Grey Triggerfish in the shrimp fishery are equal to or higher than the directed take of Grey Triggerfish in commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. Additionally, the shrimp fishery is taking many immature fish, which is likely to result in reduced recruitment. Fishing effort has declined in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery since 2003, which may help to reduce Grey Triggerfish mortalities, but specific measures to minimize bycatch have not been taken (GMFMC 2008). Additionally, increased monitoring of Grey Triggerfish bycatch in this fishery is needed (GMFMC 2008). Grey Triggerfish are also discarded in the recreational fishery, around 115,000 per year, but the majority are able to survive since the discard mortality

16 rate of Grey Triggerfish in hook-and-line fisheries is very low (1.5%) (GMFMC 2008). Information on bycatch of Queen Triggerfish in other fisheries is not available. Since high numbers of age 0 and age 1 Grey Triggerfish are discarded dead in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery, which may potentially inhibit the recovery of this species from its overfished state, points are subtracted The continued removal of the bycatch species contributes to its decline. Grey and Queen Triggerfish fisheries may result in bycatch of some prohibited or overfished species. For example, in the Gulf of Mexico, red grouper and gag grouper, which are both being fished above sustainable levels, are often caught in association with Grey Triggerfish, and the red snapper is considered overfished (GMFMC 2008). In the Caribbean reef fisheries that capture Queen Triggerfish, bycatch may include prohibited species, such as the Nassau grouper and goliath grouper (CFMC 2005). Many of the captured species though, may be able to be returned to the ocean alive. Information on the extent of bycatch for these species is not available, so no points are subtracted Measures taken over a major portion of the species range have been shown to reduce bycatch of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" or bycatch rates are no longer deemed to affect the abundance of the "protected" bycatch species OR no measures needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear). In the hook-and-line coral reef fisheries that capture Grey and Queen Triggerfish, some interactions with protected sea turtles occur. These fisheries have adversely impacted sea turtles in the past, but were determined not to be threatening the continued existence of sea turtle species (NMFS 2011c, 2009, 2006). Reef fish vessels in both the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic are required to carry approved dehooking devices on board, and follow proper release protocols for sea turtles, in order to minimize sea turtle mortalities (NMFS 2011d). Sea turtle conservation measures have not been implemented in the Caribbean, but the National Marine Fisheries Service is working to educate fishermen on proper sea turtle release methods, vessel strike avoidance methods, and the benefits of using circle hooks (NMFS 2011c). Some interactions with the smalltooth sawfish also occur in the hook-and-line Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic coral reef fisheries. Proper release protocols have been issued to fishermen participating in these fisheries, and must be followed to minimize mortalities (NMFS 2011d). These fisheries were not found to be affecting the continued existence of the smalltooth sawfish (NMFS 2009, 2006). Since measures have been taken in most areas to minimize bycatch with protected species and since bycatch of the protected species is not jeopardizing the status of their populations, points are added.

17 +0.25 There is bycatch of targeted (e.g., undersize individuals) or non-targeted species in this fishery and measures (e.g., gear modifications) have been implemented that have been shown to reduce bycatch over a large portion of the species range OR no measures are needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear) Bycatch of this species in other fisheries is low OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, but effective measures are being taken to reduce it over a large portion of the range The continued removal of the bycatch species in the targeted fishery has had or will likely have little or no impact on populations of the bycatch species OR there are no significant bycatch concerns because the fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear) Points for Bycatch REFERENCES Aiken KA (1975b) The Biology, Ecology, and Bionomics of the Triggerfishes, Balistidae (J.L.Munro, ed.) ICLARM Studies and Reviews 7. Manila, Philippines: International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management. October. Albuquerque CQ, Martins AS, Liete Jr. NO, Araujo JN, Ribeiro AM (2011) Age and growth of the queen triggerfish Balistes vetula (Tetradontiformes, Balistidae) of the central coast of Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography 59: Barshaw DE, Spanier E (1994) Antipredator behaviors of the Mediterranean slipper lobster, Scyllarides latus, Bull. Mar. Sci. 55: Caribbean Fisheries Management Council (CFMC) (1998) Essential fish habitat generic amendment to the fishery management plans of the U.S. Caribbean including a draft environmental assessments. CFMC. October CFMC (2005) Comprehensive amendment to the fishery management plans (FMPs) of the U.S. Caribbean to address required provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. CFMC & National Oceanic and & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), May 25, CFMC (2011) Comprehensive annual catch limit (ACL) amendment for the U.S. Caribbean. CFMC & National Oceanic and & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), September 22, Escorriola J (1991) Age and growth of the gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus, from the southeastern United States. M.Sc. thesis, University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Fishbase (2011a) Grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus. Online at

18 Fishbase (2011b) Queen triggerfish Balistes vetula. Online at Fricke HW (1980) Mating systems, maternal and biparental care in triggerfish (Balistidae). Z.Tierpsychol., 53: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) (2011) Commercial fisheries landings data by coast: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, FWC website research/saltwater/fishstats/commercial-fisheries/landings-in-florida/ FWC. Personal communication. 11/02/2011. Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) (2010) Species account- finfish: Triggerfish. FWC website Garcia-Sais J, Appeldoorn R, Battista T, Bauer L, Bruckner A, Caldow C, Carrubba L, Corredor J, Diaz E, Lilyestrom C, Garcia-Moliner C, Hernadnzed-Delgado E, Menza C, Morell J, Pait A, Sabater J, Weil E, Willams, E, Williams S (2008) The state of coral reef ecosystems of Puerto Rico. In: J.E. Waddell and A.M. Clarke (eds.), The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 73. NOAA/NCCOS Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment s Biogeography Team. Silver Spring, MD. 569 pp. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) (1998) Generic amendment number for addressing essential fish habitat requirements, in the fishery management plans of the Gulf of Mexico. GMFMC & NOAA. October GMFMC (2008) Reef fish amendment 30A. GMFMC & National Oceanic and & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), February GMFMC (2005) Generic amendment number 3 for addressing essential fish habitat requirements, habitat areas of particular concern, and adverse effects of fishing in the fishery management plans of the Gulf of Mexico. GMFMC & NOAA. March GMFMC (2011) Reef Fish Management Plans. GMFMC website fishery_management_plans/reef_fish_management.php Hood PB, Johnson AK (1997) A study of the age structure, growth, maturity schedules and fecundity of gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus), and vermillion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) from the eastern Gulf of Mexico. MARFIN Final Report. Ingram, GW (2001) Stock structure of gray triggerfish, Ballistes capriscus, on multiple spatial scales in the Gulf of Mexico. PhD Dissertation, Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama. 229pp.

19 Johnson AG, Saloman CH (1984) Age, growth, and mortality of gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus, from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Fish. Bull. 82: Kuwamura T (1997) Evolution of female egg care in haremic triggerfish, Rhinecanthus aculeatus. Ethology 103: Manooch CS, Drennon CL (1987) Age and growth of yellowtail snapper and queen triggerfish collected from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Fisheries Research 6: McCarthy K (2005) Estimates of greater amberjack, vermilion snapper, and gray triggerfish discards by vessels with federal permits in the Gulf of Mexico. SEDAR 9 Data Workshop Report 17. NOAA Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division. 16 p. Moore JL (2001) Age, growth and reproductive biology of the gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) from the southeastern United States, Master s thesis, University of Charleston, Charleston. Nellis DW (1980) Reproduction in the ocean triggerfish, Canthidermis sufflamen. Carib. J.Sci. 16:167. Netto RF, Di Beneditto APM (2010) Growth, mortality, and exploitation rates of queen triggerfish Balistes Vetula (Tetradontiformes:, Balistidae) in the Brazilian East coast. Cahiers de Biologie Marine 51: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (2006) Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation on the continued authorization of snapper-grouper fishing under the South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan (RFFMP) and Proposed Amendment 13C. Biological Opinion. June 7. NMFS (2009) Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation on the continued authorization of reef fish fishing under the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (RFFMP) Biological Opinion. October 13. NMFS (2011a) Annual commercial landings statistics: Grey Triggerfish 1993 to NOAA Fisheries, Office of Science and Technology, Fisheries Statistics Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Online at gov/st1/commercial/ NMFS (2011b) Annual commercial landings by gear type: Grey Triggerfish 1993 to NOAA Fisheries, Office of Science and Technology, Fisheries Statistics Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Online at NMFS (2011c) Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation on the continued authorization of reef fish fishing under the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (CRFFMP). Biological Opinion. October 4.

20 NMFS (2011d) Fishery Regulations: Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf, and South Atlantic. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 50 CFR Part 622. September 12, NMFS. Personal Communication. Fisheries Statistics Division. Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) query results: Grey Triggerfish annual landings 1981 to [downloaded October 26 th, 2011] Ofori-Danson PK (1989) Growth of grey triggerfish, Balistes capriscus, based on checks of the dorsal spine. Fishbyte. December 1989, p Reinthal PN, Kensley B, Lewis SM (1984) Dietary shifts in the Queen Triggerfish, Balistes vetula, in the absence of its primary food item, Diadema antillarum. Roberts C (1996) Balistes vetula. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version Downloaded on 18 October Rothenberger P, Blondeau J, Cox C, Curtis S, Fisher WS, Garrison6 V, Hillis-Starr Z, Jeffrey CFG, Kadison E, Lundgren I, Miller WJ, Muller E, Nemeth R, Paterson S, Rogers C, Smith T, Spitzack A, Taylor M, Toller W, Wright J, Wusinich-Mendez D, Waddell J (2008) The state of coral reef ecosystems of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In: J.E. Waddell and A.M. Clarke (eds.), The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 73. NOAA/NCCOS Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment s Biogeography Team. Silver Spring, MD. 569 pp. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) (1998) Habitat plan for the South Atlantic regions: essential fish habitat requirements for fishery management plans of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. SAFMC & NOAA. October SAFMC (2011a) Comprehensive annual catch limit amendment for the South Atlantic region. SAFMC & National Marine Fisheries Service. October SAFMC (2011b) Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council website aspx Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) (2006) Stock assessment report of SEDAR 9 Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish. SEDAR 9 Assessment Report 1, Charleston, SC. Thresher RE (1984) Reproduction in Reef Fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Ltd., Hong Kong. 399 pp. Vose FE, Nelson WG (1994) Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) feeding from artificial and natural substrate in shallow Atlantic waters of Florida. Bulletin of Marine Science 53: