REPORT ON THE DEEP SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN FUNAFUTI, TUVALU. (18 November February 1981)

Transcription

1 REPORT ON THE DEEP SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN FUNAFUTI, TUVALU (18 November February 1981) by Pale Taumaia, Master Fisherman and Mark Gentle, Assistant Fisheries Officer South Pacific Commission Noumea, New Caledonia February 1982

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3 SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION REPORT ON THE DEEP SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN FUNAFUTI, TUVALU (18 November February 1981) by Pale Taumaia, Master Fisherman and Mark Gentle, Assistant Fisheries Officer South Pacific Commission Noumea, New Caledonia 1551/82 February 1982

4 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. BACKGROUND General Weather and sea conditions Existing fisheries 3 3. PROJECT OPERATIONS Training programme Boats and equipment Fishing methods Bait Anchor retrieval 7 4. RESULTS Number and duration of trips Areas surveyed Total catch and catch rates Catch composition Marketing of the catch DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Deep bottom resources Development potential Lagoon resources Development of the artisanal fishery SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 18 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS19 REFERENCES 20 Page Appendix 1 Topics covered in the training programme 21 Appendix 2 Individual trip records 23 Appendix 3 Species composition of catches by deep bottom handlining 25 Appendix 4 Species composition of catches by trolling and other methods 27 Appendix 5 Basic equipment list for deep bottom handreel fishing 29

5 1. INTRODUCTION In response to a request from the Government of Tuvalu for a re-evaluation of the potential for an artisanal deep bottom fishery in Funafuti, the South Pacific Commission Deep Sea Fisheries Development Project, under the direction of Master Fisherman Pale Taumaia, was based in Funafuti from 18 November 1980 to 15 February An earlier survey in Funafuti by the forerunner of the present project, the Outer Reef Artisanal Fisheries (ORAF) Project in 1976/77, met with only limited success largely because of severe logistic and weather problems (Eginton and Mead 1978). While it established the existence of a sizeable, largely unexploited, deep bottom fish resource, it failed to demonstrate the commercial viability of an artisanal fishery based on this resource. Mr Taumaia s visit was designed to follow-up this earlier work. The DSFD project evolved directly from the ORAF Project following a simplification of aims and equipment to improve flexibility and mobility. This, combined with a greater emphasis on training, has resulted in a more effective project, better suited to the needs of island fishermen and governments. Since it commenced operations in 1978, the DSFD Project has operated in 14 countries and territories in the region (see map inside front cover). The specific objectives of the present survey were as follows: To identify and re-assess the deep bottom fish resources of the outer reef slope. To provide practical training in appropriate fishing methods to local fishermen and Government personnel. To evaluate the economic viability of deep bottom fishing under local conditions. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 General The Republic of Tuvalu (formerly the Ellice Islands of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony) consists of a group of nine coral islands (Figure 1), eight of which are permanently inhabited, and which lie between 5 and 11 deg.s latitude and 176 and 180 deg.e longitude. The group has a total land area of 25.9 square km and a recently declared Deepwater Fishing Zone encompassing 900,000 square km of sea. Vaiaku, the administrative centre, lies on the main island of Funafuti, 1,200 km north of Suva, Fiji. The population of Tuvalu at the time of the 1979 census was 8,730, and that of Funafuti, 2,120 (Iosia et al 1980). 1

6 Figure 1: The Republic of Tuvalu 2

7 2.2 Weather and sea conditions North-east trade winds predominate during April to November. with an average wind speed of 12 knots. The westerly season. December to March, is characterised by periods of calrn, with light variable winds, broken by intermittant periods of high winds and stormy conditions. The latter cause very rough seas in the lagoon, particularly off the western coast of Vaiaku. During this season there is no safe anchorage off Vaiaku. 2.3 Existing fisheries While most fishermen in Funafuti only fish part time, a considerable quantity of fish is landed and sold locally. SPC statistics staff estimated total sales of fresh fish on Funafuti in 1978 to be worth A$ Based on prices prevailing at that time, this would indicate an annual weight of fish sold of the order of 80 to 90 tonnes. No data are available for subsistence catches. The main fishing effort is concentrated on trolling for skipjack and other pelagics, and poling for tuna with pearl shell lures mainly from open runabouts or large canoes powered by outboard motors. The main tuna fishing area is located to the west of the atoll. Bottom handlining is not usually carried out at depths greater than 50 metres although some midwater handlining for deep-swimming pelagics is carried out in certain favourable locations ("tuna holes"). Relatively little effort is put into fishing within the lagoon itself. Monofilament nets are used to a limited extent to catch surgeon fish, mullet, goatfish, etc., but there is surprisingly little handlining. 3. PROJECT OPERATIONS 3.1 Training programme Priority was given to the training of nine Fisheries Division personnel to function as a Government Demonstration Team to continue training local fishermen after the Project's departure. In addition, interested fishermen were taken out on at least one fishing trip to demonstrate deep bottom fishing techniques. Twelve of the keener fishermen were then selected to undergo an intensive two-week training course. The training programme, conducted for the most part informally under actual fishing conditions, covered general seamanship and the safe handling of a small fishing boat at sea, the rigging and maintenance of fishing gear and boat equipment, deep bottom fishing techniques using the Samoan-type handreel, and maintenance and handling of outboard engines. Instruction was also given in handling of the catch. Topics covered in the training programme are listed in Appendix 1. 3

8 The training programme comprised four stages: (a) (b) (c) (d) (15 November 2 December 1980) Observation and assessment of existing fishing activities Mr Taumaia spent the first two weeks evaluating existing fishing activities in Funafuti, talking with local fishermen and fishing alongside them to familiarise himself with local conditions and fishing techniques. With this background, it was possible to devise a training programme tailored to meet local requirements. (3 December January 1981) Training of Government Demonstration Team During this period, nine Fisheries Division personnel were trained in deep bottom fishing techniques to provide a nucleus for a Government Demonstration Team who could provide follow-up assistance to local fishermen, and conduct similar training programmes in other centres. (14 January 31 January 1981) Demonstration of deep bottom fishing techniques to private fishermen Interested private fishermen were taken out fishing, two at a time, in an attempt to demonstrate deep bottom fishing techniques to as many fishermen as possible. (1 February 12 February 1981) Training private fishermen Twelve of the keener private fishermen were selected for a further two-week training course. As an incentive, during this period half the catch (less the amount required to cover fuel costs) was split amongst the trainees. 3.2 Boats and equipment Fishing was carried out from two boats supplied by the Fisheries Division: (1) a 28-foot FAO-design, V-bottom wooden launch with a 20 hp Yanmar diesel; (2) a 16-foot aluminium runabout powered by a 40 hp outboard. (The runabout accompanied the launch for fifteen of the first seventeen trips, but was subsequently forced out of service by mechanica1 problems.) The launch was fitted out with three Western Samoan-type wooden fishing reels (Figure 2) belonging to the project. Each reel held 500 m of 130 kg test nylon monofilament and was equipped with a wire terminal rig as shown in Figure 3. The runabout was fitted with two stainless steel handreels belonging to the Fisheries Division, each carrying 300 m of 113 kg test nylon monofilament and a terminal rig the same as that used with the wooden handreels. For fishing in shallow water, four plastic handcasting reels were used with the same length of nylon monofilament, but of 20 kg test. A similar terminal rig was employed when fishing in shallow water, using 45 kg test nylon monofilament instead of wire leader. 4

9 Figure 2: Western Samoan-Type Wooden Handreel 5

10 Figure 3: Typical arrangement of terminal rig for deep bottom fishing 6

11 A Furuno F11 portable echo-sounder, with a range of 0 to 640 metres, was used on board the launch to survey fishing grounds and locate suitable anchoring spots. The anchoring gear used is shown in Figure 4 and consisted of a simple grapnel-type anchor, 4 metres of 10 mm chain, and 400 metres of 12 mm diameter polypropylene anchor line. 3.3 Fishing methods Fishing methods used were the same as those used successfully by the project in other countries. Deep bottom fishing was usually carried out at depths of between 100 and 300 metres, although depths as great as 400 metres were fished on occasion. All bottom fishing was carried out with the boat anchored. Fishing locations were chosen so that the boat would be blown offshore by the prevailing wind, the anchor being dropped in about 30 metres and the anchor line paid out until the boat drifted out over a suitable depth. Shallow water handlining (60 to 100 metres) was carried out on an opportunistic basis, usually when changing wind or current conditions caused the boat to drift into shallow water and re-anchoring was not advisable. Most fishing effort was directed towards bottom fishing. Trolling was carried out simply to obtain bait. 3.4 Bait Bait used was caught by trolling using small white plastic squids (two trolling lines were normally used by each boat), or on occasion poled using pearl shell lures, usually when travelling to and from the fishing grounds. Fresh salted skipjack, Katsuwonus pelamis, is generally regarded as the best bait for deep bottom fishing and was used whenever available. Other trolled species, in particular yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares, and shark mackerel, Grammatorcynus bicarinatus, proved useful substitutes. On several occasions bait shortages were experienced, largely because no refrigerated storage facilities were available at that time for holding bait. 3.5 Anchor retrieval A simple method was used to retrieve the anchor, greatly reducing the effort involved (Figure 5). The anchor line was transferred from the bow to the stern, and the boat motored slowly ahead to break out the anchor. The anchor was then towed until, aided by the buoyancy of the polypropylene anchor line, it streamed behind the boat. A freerunning buoy was then clipped onto the line and was forced back along the line by water pressure to be trapped near the anchor by a no-return barb of galvanised wire. The anchor, supported by the buoy and the floating line, was then easily lifted into the boat or towed to the next anchoring position. 7

12 Figure 4: Suitable anchoring gear for deep bottom fishing. All shackles must be seized. 8

13 9 Figure 5: Technique of retrieving anchor used by the Project

14 4. RESULTS 4.1 Number and duration of trips Thirty-one fishing trips were completed during the twelve weeks of the survey. Full details of each trip including catches, number of hours fished, and fuel used for each boat are presented in Appendix 2. During the first two months, trips were necessarily of short duration as no ice was available. During this period Mr Taumaia and his trainees departed at or before midday, trolled for bait on the way to the fishing grounds, and then anchored and bottom-fished for four to five hours, finishing at dusk when the boats returned to shore. Total steaming time for each trip varied from two to four hours, depending on the area fished and the time spent trolling for bait. During the last month, when limited supplies of ice were available, an improvised ice box was installed on the launch, and a number of overnight trips were made, with the boat returning just before dawn. 4.2 Areas surveyed Figure 6 shows fishing grounds surveyed. Particularly productive areas were found at the south of the atoll near the southern tip of Funafara Island, off Avalau Island, and on the south-west side of the atoll near Vasafua Island. No fishing was carried out on the north-west side of the atoll (between Fuafatu and Fualifeke Islands) during the present survey, as the wind blew predominantly from this quarter throughout Mr Taumaia s visit. For comparison, those areas surveyed by the ORAF Project in are also shown in Figure 6, and highly productive locations found during both surveys marked. 4.3 Total catch and catch rates The total catch during the present survey (by both boats and all methods) was 5,011 kg(*). A summary of the total catch for each boat is given in Table 1 below. Table 1: Summary of total catches by all fishing methods for both boats Catch (kg) Boat Number Deep bottom Other of trips handlining Trolling methods(#) Diesel launch 31 3, Outboard runabout Total 4, (#) Shallow handlining, midwater handlining, and flying fish netting. (*) All catch data in this report are expressed as whole weights. 10

15 Figure 6: Map of Funafuti showing areas fished 11

16 The average catch per unit effort (marketable fish only) by deep bottom fishing for the launch (31 trips) was 8.0 kg/reel/fishing hour, and for the runabout (15 trips) 5.3 kg/reel/fishing hour, giving an overall average catch rate of 6.7 kg/reel/fishing hour. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) by trolling was very variable, as is normal with this method of fishing. Average CPUE by trolling by the launch was 17 kg/line/hour (range ) and by the runabout 8.5 kg/line/hour (range ). 4.4 Catch composition The composition of the deep bottom catch by major species or species (1) groupings is summarised in Figure 7. Deep bottom snappers, sharks and castor oil fish, Ruvettus pretiosus, made up the bulk of the catch, comprising 25 per cent, 27.6 percent and 24.3 per cent by weight of the total catch respectively. Among the deep bottom snappers, the dominant species were the short-tailed red snapper, Etelis carbunculus, the banded flower snapper, Tropidinius zonatus, the ribbon tailed red snapper, Etelis corruscans and the small tooth jobfish, Aphareus rutilans. One third (33.5 per cent) of the catch was not acceptable locally and could not be sold. Unsaleable species comprised sharks (27.6 per cent), snake mackerel, Promethichthys prometheus (3.1 per cent) and red bass, Lutjanus bohar (2.8 per cent). Yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares (55.3 per cent) and skipjack, Katsuwonus pelamis (33.1 percent) dominated catches by trolling. 4.5 Marketing of the catch Following each trip, fish were identified, weighed and sold directly to the public. Sale of the catch remained the responsibility of Fisheries Division staff. No difficulties were experienced in selling fish as demand always exceeded supply. All fish other than castor oil fish were sold at A$0.70/lb (A$1.54/kg). Castor oil fish could not be sold fresh but, when salted, found a ready market, selling at A$1.00/lb (A$2.20/kg). It is believed that shark meat could also be sold if properly prepared and if greater efforts were made to market it. 5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 5.1 Deep bottom resources The catch rate by deep bottom fishing in Funafuti, an overall average of 6.7 kg of marketable fish/reel/fishing hour, compares favourably with catches achieved by the Project in other atolls and coral islands in the SPC region (see Table 2 below). (1) One third of the total weight of shark landed was accounted for by a single large tiger shark of approximately 400 kilos. 12

17 Figure 7: Composition by weight of deep bottom catches Principal species within groupings in order of importance Deepwater Snappers (Etelidae) Etelis carbunculus, Tropidinius zonatus, Etelis coruscans Sharks (Carcharhinidae, etc) Galiocerdo cuvieri, Carcharhinus albimarginatus Groupers (Serranidae) Epinephelus morrhua, Epinephelus sp. Snappers (Lutjanidae) Lutjanus bohar, Lutjanus gibbus Miscellaneous Caranx lugubris, Caranx ignobilis, Holocentrus sp. 13

18 Table 2: Mean catch per unit effort by deep bottom fishing in some atolls and coral islands where the Deep Sea Fisheries Development Project has operated Locality Total effort Mean CPUE (reel-hours) (Kilos of marketable fish/reel/hour) Niue Truk Yap Tuvalu This catch rate is substantial1y better than that achieved during the visit of the ORAF Project in 1976/77, which recorded an average catch rate of marketable fish of 2.5 kg/reel/fishing hour. This difference largely reflects differences in objectives and fishing strategies between the two Projects. The present Project placed greater emphasis on the training and encouragement of local fishermen, with less effort devoted to exploratory fishing activities. As local fishermen gain experience in deep bottom fishing, and with the added incentive of commercial operations, it is considered that they could substantially improve on this catch rate. 5.2 Development potential. An economic assessment of deep bottom fishing with a small boat in Funafuti is presented in Table 1. The catch rate used for this assessment is the overall average (i.e. catches from both boats) achieved by the Project. In order to make the assessment as realistic as possible a figure of 105 fishing trips per year has been used. This allows for periods of bad weather, time lost through boat breakdown and other operational constraints, and the involvement of fishermen in other village activities. This assessment, while necessarily simplistic, indicates that deep bottom fishing around Funafuti using a small boat could be a profitable enterprise. The profitability of the operation should be further improved once the new ice-making, cold storage and marketing facilities(*) are operational since, with a regular supply of ice, fishermen will be able to make longer trips, while the storage and marketing facilities will provide an outlet for excess catch. The assessment is considered conservative and does not include troll catches which would further increase profitability. (*) These were being installed at the time of Mr Taumaia s visit. 14

19 Table 3: Economics of deep bottom fishing in Funafuti This analysis is based on use of a 28-foot, FAO-design, diesel launch, bought fullyequipped for A$7,000, and operated by an owner-skipper and two crew. Annual earnings 3 trips/week, 35 fishing weeks/year, 105 trips/year 6.7 kg/reel/hr, 18 reel-hours/trip kg/trip, 12,663 kg/year at A$1.54/kg Annual expenses Total earnings A$ 19,500 Loan repayment (#) A$ 1,848 Fuel (3 gal/trip at A$3.00/gal) A$ 945 Oil, grease A$ 200 Maintenance, repairs, gear replacement(+) A$ 600 lce (60 kg/trip at A$0.10/kg) A$ 630 Bait (estimate) A$ 2,000 Wages (33 per cent of total catch) A$ 6,435 Total expenses A$ 12,658 Profit to owner-skipper A$ 6,842 (#) Five-year loan with interest of 10 per cent, reducing annually. (+) lncludes provision for replacement of main outboard motor. Based on the catch rates achieved during the present survey therefore, the prospects for a small artisanal deep bottom fishery, supplying the local market demand, appear to be excellent. However, in view of the steep drop-off around the atoll and the limited area of suitable fishing grounds (Figure 6), it is unlikely that the resource would be sufficient to support a larger scale, export-oriented fishery. Since very little is known about the effects of increasing fishing pressure on stocks of deep bottom fishes, particularly in an atoll situation, development of this resource should ideally proceed in a gradual, step-by-step fashion, and be accompanied by the collection of at least minimal catch statistics. This will enable fisheries personnel to monitor the effects of this increasing fishing pressure on the stocks and act accordingly if overfishing appears to be a problem. 15

20 While it was not possible to survey other islands of the group, examination of available charts indicates that suitable grounds for deep bottom fishing around these islands are of limited extent. Nevertheless, deep bottom fishing could provide a useful supplement to subsistence catches and it would therefore be worthwhile for the Government Demonstration Team trained by Mr Taumaia to train interested fishermen in the outer islands in the techniques of deep bottom fishing. 5.3 Lagoon resources ORAF project personnel in 1976/77 concluded that the fish resources of Funafuti lagoon were largely underexploited (Eginton and Mead 1980). This was supported by observations during the present survey. Fishing in the lagoon is productive, does not require expensive equipment, and can be easily carried out from small boats and canoes. In line with the above, fishermen, particularly those fishing full time, should be encouraged to take advantage of all available fisheries resources, lagoon, deep bottom and offshore pelagic. 5.4 Development of the artisanal fishery The fishery resources of Funafuti remain largely underexploited, yet artisanal fishermen face difficulties in increasing catches for a number of reasons, principally: (i) (ii) (iii) the small size of the boats presently in use, with their limited range and carrying capacity; the difficulty in obtaining suitable fishing gear; the difficulty in obtaining spare parts for engines and the lack of mechanical skills on the part of fishermen. These constraints are discussed briefly below with recommendations for Government action. (i) Selection of a suitable boat Factors which need to be taken into account in introducing an improved design of boat are: cost, efficiency as a fishing platform, carrying capacity, fuel economy and safety, and acceptability to local fishermen. The high cost of fuel (the cost of petrol in February 1981 was A$3.00 a gallon) is an important factor and it would seem prudent to encourage fishermen to use fuel efficient-boats, possibly utilising sail and/or diesel engines. Among the types of boat which might be considered for use in Funafuti are: 16

21 the FAO-design diesel-powered V-bottom launch, as used in this survey. (Fiji Fisheries Division is now building a modified, wider beam version of this design which appears to be a better sea boat; the FAO-design alia catamaran (a suitable sail plan for this vessel has been designed by FAO)(*); the large Tongan-built catamaran at present undergoing tests in Funafuti a new vessel type, specifically designed for anticipated operating conditions in Tuvalu. Whichever type of boat is selected, it would be an advantage to standardise the type of engine used so as to minimise maintenance problems. A further problem in Funafuti is the absence of a safe anchorage during the westerly season. Consideration should therefore be given to installing heavy permanent moorings off Vaiaku, as well as a winch and roller system so that boats can be hauled up the beach in bad weather or for maintenance. (ii) Supply of suitable fishing gear There is a critical shortage of suitable fishing gear in Funafuti and fishermen complained of the difficulty in obtaining even basic equipment such as hooks and monofilament line. Following Mr Taumaia s departure, the Commission donated a limited supply of fishing gear to the Government to enable the Government Demonstration Team to continue with follow-up training. Government should give consideration to establishing a gear store to supply fishermen with appropriate fishing gear at reasonable prices, with preference being given to the more active fishermen. Appendix 5 lists suggested basic gear requirements for deep bottom fishing, for the Government Demonstration Team and local fishermen. (iii) Spare parts and maintenance for engines Many of the outboards on the island were found to be out of action because of mechanical problems and the difficulties in obtaining spare parts. Most local fishermen seem to have insufficient mechanical knowledge to enable them to keep their outboards in running order. To remedy this situation, Government could promote the establishment of a well-equipped marine engine service centre and arrange for the training of mechanics to staff such a centre. It would also be beneficial to run regular workshops to teach fishermen outboard maintenance. (*) The marine ply version of the alia would probably be more suitable for use in Tuvalu since repairs could readily be carried out locally, whereas with the aluminium version special welding facilities would be needed 17

22 6. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Prospects for the development of a small-scale artisanal deep bottom fishery in Funafuti, supplying the local market, appear to be excellent. However, in view of the relatively limited area of suitable fishing groups it is unlikely that the resource could support a larger scale, exportoriented fishery. Since little is known about the effects of increasing fishing pressure on stocks of deep bottom fish, development of the deep bottom fishery should be in a planned, step-by-step manner, with collection of at least minimal catch statistics. There would also seem to be potential for increased exploitation of fish resources within the lagoon and local fishermen should therefore be encouraged to exploit ail available fishery resources: deep bottom, lagoon and offshore pelagic. To assist the development of the artisanal fishery it is recommended that: the government team trained by Mr Taumaia train interested fishermen in the outer islands in the techniques of deep bottom fishing, and, that Government give consideration to: introducing and promoting low-cost, multi-purpose, fuel efficient fishing boats; installing permanent moorings in the lagoon off Vaiaku as well as a winch and roller system so that boats can be hauled up on the bench when necessary; establishing a gear store to supply fishermen with suitable fishing gear at reasonable cost; promoting the establishment of a well-equipped marine engine service centre, staffed by competent mechanics, and running regular workshops on outboard maintenance for fishermen. 18

23 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Project would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Chief Fisheries Officer, Mr Elisala Pita and by the then Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Natural Resources, Mr S.S. Tafaki. Thanks are also due to all the staff of the Fisheries Division and in particular to Mr Sataraka, and boat skippers Mr Meneua Feagai, Mr Polau Fepuari, Mr Ioapo Tapu and Mr Lota Vakai. 19

24 REFERENCES Eginton, R., and Mead, P., (1978). Report on the South Pacific Commission Outer Reef Fisheries Project in Funafuti (Tuvalu), 21 September March 1977, Noumea: South Pacific Commission. Iosia, S., Macrae, S.E., Bailey, K., and Groenewegen, K., (1980). Report on the results of the census of the population of Tuvalu 1979, Funafuti: Government of Tuvalu. 20

25 TOPICS COVERED IN THE TRAINING PROGRAMME 1. Handling of a fishing boat APPENDIX 1 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) Safety at sea Knots and splices for mooring and anchor lines Making a grapnel anchor Use of equipment checklist before departure Anchoring in order to fish at the right depth Compass use Marking of good fishing spots by landmarks or compass bearings Simplest method of retrieving the anchor Gare and maintenance of boat after fishing trip 2. Handling of equipment and fishing gear (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Safety during fishing operations Use of Western Samoan-type handreel Use of hand-casting reel Applicable knots and rigs for monofilament nylon, wire leaders and traces Technique for handling large fish Operation of echosounder Care of gear to prevent rust How to rig gear so it is in tackle-balance (appropriate sizes of hooks, line and swivels) 3. Handling of an outboard motor (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Starting procedure Fuel mixture Emergency spares and tool kit General care and maintenance procedures Layup procedure Treatment for engine accidentally dropped into sea. 21

26 APPENDIX 2 DSFDP TUVALU INDIVIDUAL TRIP RECORDS A. DIESEL LAUNCH Trip Trip Deep bottom Reels Reel Deep bottom catch Troll Bait Fuel No. hours fishing hours (kg) Catch (kg) (US hours Sa1eab1e Unsa1eab1e (kg) gal.) ENGINE OU T OF ORDER (1) (1) 8 kg of flyingfish caught by handnetting. 23

27 B. OUTBOARD RUNABOUT Trip Trip Deep bottom Reels Reel Deep bottom catch Troll Bait Fuel No. hours fishing hours (kg) Catch (kg) (US hours Sa1eab1e Unsa1eab1e (kg) gal.) (1) (1) (2) _ (3) ENGINE OU T OF ORDER 13 ENGINE OU T OF ORDER Summary of deep bottom handline catches Diesel launch Average catch saleable fish per trip Average catch saleable fish/reel/fishing hour Outboard runabout Average catch sa1eab1e fish per trip Average catch sa1eab1e fish/ree1/fishing hour 74.5 kg 8.0 kg 53.1 kg 5.3 kg (1) (2) (3) 3 kg of saleabe fish and 91 kg of unsaleable fish caught by shallow water handlining. 78 kg of saleable fish caught by shallow handlining. A 17 kg bluefin tuna was caught by midwater handlining. 24

28 APPENDIX 3 SPECIES COMPOSITION OF CATCHES BY DEEP BOTTOM HANDLINING (Includes opportunistic catches by shallow handling) A. MARKETABLE CATCHES Total % Total % Scientific name Eglish name Tualuan name Weight By Numbers By (kg) Weight Numbers CARANGIDAE Caranx ignobilis giant trevally lua C. lugubris black trevally tafauli C. melampygus bluefin trevally ulua C. sexfasciatus bigeye trevally ulua Elegatis bipinnulatus rainbow runner kamai Seriola rivoliana deep water amberjack Trachinotus bailloni blackspotted dart ETELIDAE Aphareus rutilans small tooth jobfish palusega Aprion virescens green jobfish utu Etelis carbunculus short tailed red snapper palu malau E. coruscans ribbon tailed red snapper palu malau Paracaesio kusakarii fusilier Pristipomoides auricilla gold tailed jobfish P. filamentosus rosy jobfish palu matu Tropidinius zonatus banded flower snapper palu savane GEMPYLIDAE Ruvettus pretiosus castor oil fish palu HOLOCENTRIDAE Adioryx spinifer soldier fish Holocentrus sp. soldier fish LABRIDAE Cheilinus undulatus humpheaded wrasse tagafa LETHRINIDAE L. chlororhynchus L.IkAllopterus yellow spotted emperor L. miniatus long nosed emperor filoa L. reticulatus reticulated emperor L. variegatus variegated emperor L. xanthochilus Lethrinus sp LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus gibbus paddle tail taea PENTAPODIDAE Gnathodentex large eyed sea bream mossambicus SCOMBRIDAE Gymn osarda unicolor dogtooth tuna valu Scomberomerus spanish mackerel palu commerson Thunnus albacares yellowfin tuna tavataua

29 Total % Total % Scientific name English name Tualuan name Weight By Numbers By (kg) Weight Numbers SERRANIDAE Cephalopholis aurantius orange rock cod gatala C. miniatus blue spotted rock cod Epinephelus chlorostigma brown spotted grouper feata E. fasciatus black tipped grouper E. hoedti purple rock cod E. fuscoguttatus flowery cod E. morrhua curve banded grouper Epinephelus sp Variola louti lunar tail cod SPHYRAENIDAE Sphyraena sp. barracuda TRIAKIDAE Mustelus griseus deep water dogfish mago B. UNSALEABLE CATCHES CARCHARHINIDAE Carcharhinus albimarginatus silvertip reef shark mago C. macrurus mago C. melanopterus blackfin reef shark mago C. amblyrhynchos grey reef shark mago Carcharhinus sp. mago Galiocerdo cuvieri tiger shark mago Isurus sp. mako shark mago Unknown species mago GEMPYLIDAE Promethichthys prometheus snake mackerel palu kanane LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus bohar red bass fakamea

30 APPENDIX4 SPECIES COMPOSITION OF CATCHES BY TROLLING AND OTHER METHODS (Midwater handling; Flying fish fishing) Total % Total % Scientific name English name Tualuan name Weight By Numbers By (kg) Weight Numbers CARANGIDAE Decapterus sp scad Elegatis bipinnulatus rainbow runner kamai EXOCOETIDAE Cypselurus sp. flying fish isave SCOMBRIDAE Euthynnus affinis mackerel tuna Grammatorcynus bicarinatus double lined mackerel Gymnosarda unicolor dogtooth tuna valu Katsuwonus pelamis skipjack atu Thunnus albacares yellowfin tuna tavataua Thunnus thynnus bluefin tuna

31 APPENDIX 5 BASIC EQUIPMENT LIST FOR DEEP BOTTOM HANDREEL FISHING LIST OF FISHING GEAR GOVERNMENT REQUIRED TO SUPPLY DEMONSTRATION NEEDS OF FISHERMEN TEAM IN TUVALU Monofilament 130 kg test 4 x 1000 m 50 x 1000 m Monofilament 20 kg test 2 x 1000 m 30 x 1000 m Lockfast swivels 4/0 or Corkscrew equivalent 1 gross 2 gross Berkley-McMahon swivels size # 1/0 1 gross 2 gross Berkley-McMahon swivels size # 4/0 1 gross 2 gross Mustad Tuna Circle Hooks: # # # # # # # 12 or equivalent Turimoto Galvanised 3 x 3 No.29 wire ) 3 coils 24 coils 220 m coils) Anchor rope 10 mm 4 coils 30 coils Thimbles suitable for anchor rope 4 only 24 only Shackles 3/8" galvanised 2" 24" 5/16" galvanised 2" 24" Compass (small multipurpose) 2" 12" Lures - Pearl Head Squids (colours: white and blue / white and red) # 35 3 doz. 12 doz. # 40 1 doz. 12 doz. # 80 (colours: red or orange) 2 only 2 doz. red and white) 2 oz. ruby eye feather lures 2 only 2 doz. 4 oz. ruby eye feather lures 2 only 2 doz. 2 hooks for each lure Double hooks suitable for above Echo sounder Anchor buoys Bolts for hand reels Insulators 29

32 Reports on SPC bottom fishing projects Outer Reef Artisanal Fisheries Project Hume, H. 1975: New Hebrides Hume, H. 1976: Cook Islands Hume, H. and Eginton, R. 1976: Western Samoa Eginton, R. and Mead, P. 1978: Tuvalu Eginton, R. and James, R.H. 1979: Solomon Islands Deep Sea Fisheries Development Project Fusimalohi, T. 1978: Niue Mead, P. 1978: American Samoa Fusimalohi, T. 1979: Tanna (New Hebrides) Mead, P. and Crossland, J. 1979: Kosrae (TTPI) Mead, P. and Crossland, J. 1980: Yap (TTPI) Fusimalohi, T. and Grandperrin, R. 1980: New Caledonia Fusimalohi, T. and Grandperrin, R. 1980: West New Britain (PNG) Mead, P. 1980: Tonga (second visit) Mead, P. 1980: Fiji Taumaia, P. and Gentle, M. 1980: Tuvalu