UNPUBLISHED REPORT No. 10 REPORT ON SECOND VISIT KIRIBATI

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1 SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION UNPUBLISHED REPORT No. 10 REPORT ON SECOND VISIT TO KIRIBATI 1 April 5 September 1984 and 31 October 19 December 1984 by P. Taumaia Masterfisherman and P. Cusack Fisheries Development Officer South Pacific Commission Noumea, New Caledonia 1997

2 ii The South Pacific Commission authorises the reproduction of this material, whole or in part, in any form provided appropriate acknowledgement is given This unpublished report forms part of a series compiled by the Capture Section of the South Pacific Commission's Coastal Fisheries Programme. These reports have been produced as a record of individual project activities and country assignments, from materials held within the Section, with the aim of making this valuable information readily accessible. Each report in this series has been compiled within the Capture Section to a technical standard acceptable for release into the public arena. However, they have not been through the full South Pacific Commission editorial process. South Pacific Commission BP D Noumea Cedex New Caledonia Tel.: (687) Fax: (687) Capture@spc.org.nc Prepared at South Pacific Commission headquarters, Noumea, New Caledonia, 1997

3 iii SUMMARY The South Pacific Commission's Deep Sea Fisheries Development Project (DSFDP) visited the Republic of Kiribati for the second time between April and December The visit was conducted in two distinct phases; from 1 April to 5 September the Project was based at Tanaea on Tarawa in the Gilbert Group and operated there and at the islands of Abaiang, Abemama, Arorae and Tamana. During the second phase of the visit, after an interval of 7 weeks, the Project transferred to London village at Kiritimati (Christmas Island), in the Northern Line Islands, some 2566 km west and north of Tarawa, and operated from there between 31 October and 19 December of the same year. Because the two phases of the visit were conducted in geographically isolated locations and because the aims were significantly different this report is presented in two sections. Phase I: Tarawa, Abaiang, Abemama, Arorae and Tamana. The central aim of this part of the visit was to conduct training in deep-bottom fishing techniques for fishermen unfamiliar with the method, and to conduct survey fishing to determine the extent of deep-bottom grounds and stocks at Tarawa and four outer islands. In conjunction with these activities, the Masterfisherman was to evaluate the suitability of local canoe designs and advise on their appropriate fitting out to participate in the deep-bottom fishery, and to assess the potential economic viability of the fishery. Twenty-three fishing trips were completed at Tarawa and the other islands aboard a variety of fishing craft. Fifteen of these trips were made aboard canoe designs under evaluation, and most often with two different canoe types fishing in concert on any one trip. Fifty-seven local fishermen, including the members of a government demonstration team, participated in the trips and underwent training to some degree. Fishing effort was concentrated on bottom droplining although a small component of incidental trolling and mid-water handlining was also conducted. A bottom droplining effort of 569 reel hours produced a catch of 901 fish with a total weight of kg. The unsaleable proportion of the catch was high at 34 per cent of the total by weight and the overall catch rate for saleable species a modest 3.9 kg/reel hour. Catch rates varied considerably from island to island, with a high of 7.9 kg/reel hour for saleable species recorded at Abemama, to lows of 0.3 kg/reel hour at Arorae and Tamana. The range in catch rates appeared to be partly attributable to difficulties experienced in obtaining supplies of suitable bait at some sites, but also to the limited extent of deep-bottom grounds evident at islands, such as Arorae and Tamana. However, it is likely that bottom resources were poorer in areas of poor catch rate. The several canoe types evaluated were found to be generally suitable to the fishery although some difficulties with under-powering were noted in particular circumstances. The saleable component of the catch comprised a satisfactory proportion of the valued Lutjanids, or deep-water snappers, of the Etelinae and Apsilinae sub-families (32.1%) and it was concluded on the basis of operations in the areas surveyed that a limited number of small-scale operators using available craft and equipment could enter the fishery successfully so long as present support services were maintained, and augmented to a degree, and the development of the fishery carefully monitored.

4 iv Phase II: Kiritimati The Project's work assignment at Kiritimati included the demonstration of deep-bottom fishing techniques and the conduct of a preliminary survey of deep-bottom fishing grounds and fish stocks. As well, the Masterfisherman was to investigate the potential for utilising the facilities and expertise of Kiribati Marine Export at Kiritimati to establish export markets for the catch taken by this fishing method. Seventeen fishing trips were completed during the seven weeks of the visit. All trips were made aboard a 7 m fibreglass skiff fitted with four of the Project's Western Samoan-type wooden handreels, during which training and survey fishing was conducted at sites to the north and south of the Project base at London village, in the lee of generally strong easterly winds. A bottom-fishing effort of 185 reel hours produced a catch of 1000 fish with a total weight of 3135 kg, of which 476 kg was locally unsaleable (15.1% of the total by weight). The catch rate recorded for saleable species only was one of the highest recorded thus far by the Project at 14.4 kg/reel hour. However, 50.5 per cent of the locally saleable catch comprised Lutjanus bohar or red bass which, although it was sold and consumed at Kiritimati, would almost certainly be unsaleable on export markets due to this species widespread association with ciguatoxicity. No deep-water snappers were taken though it is possible that this may have been due to the depths fished rather than the absence of these species in the area. Attempts to trial market samples of jobfish and grouper were inconclusive as no market reaction was forthcoming before the Project's departure. It was concluded that a deep-bottom fishery at Kiritimati has good economic potential if the current availability of bait continues, if the entry of operators into the fishery is phased, in conjunction with monitoring of catches and catch rates, and if continued efforts are made to establish export markets for the species taken.

5 v RÉSUMÉ Dans le cadre de son Projet de développement de la pêche au demi-large, la Commission du Pacifique Sud a, pour la deuxième fois, entre avril et décembre 1984, mené à Kiribati une mission qui a été accomplie en deux phases distinctes. Du 1 er avril au 5 septembre, les activités se sont déroulées à Tanaea, sur l'atoll de Tarawa, dans les îles Gilbert ainsi que dans les îles d'abaiang, Abemama, Arorae et Tamana. Lors de la seconde phase, la mission s'est déplacée à London village, à Kiritimati (île Christmas), dans les îles de la Ligne (nord), à quelques km à l'ouest et au nord de Tarawa, où elle a mené ses activités entre le 31 octobre et le 19 décembre de la même année. Les deux phases de cette mission ayant été menées dans des zones géographiques isolées et leurs objectifs étant sensiblement différents, ce rapport est présenté en deux parties. Phase I : Tarawa, Abaiang, Abemama, Arorae et Tamana Cette partie de la mission a eu essentiellement pour objet d'assurer la formation aux techniques de pêche au grand fond de pêcheurs peu rompus à l'utilisation de cette méthode et de prospecter les zones et les stocks de grand fond de la région de Tarawa et de quatre autres îles périphériques. Parallèlement, le maître de pêche devait déterminer si la conception des pirogues locales leur permettait de participer à des opérations de pêche au grand fond et donner des conseils sur leur aménagement; il devait aussi évaluer la viabilité économique potentielle de cette pêcherie. Vingt-trois sorties ont été réalisées à Tarawa et dans les autres îles à bord de plusieurs bateaux de pêche. Quinze d'entre elles l'ont été à bord de pirogues dont la conception était soumise à évaluation et le plus souvent, de deux embarcations de type différent, qui pêchaient ensemble lors d'une même sortie. Cinquante-sept pêcheurs locaux, dont des membres d'une équipe de démonstration du service des pêches, ont participé à ces sorties et ont, dans une certaine mesure, bénéficié d'une formation. L'effort de pêche a essentiellement porté sur la pêche à la palangrotte de fond bien qu'accessoirement il ait été consacré à la pêche à la traîne et à la pêche à la palangrotte entre deux eaux. On a enregistré 569 heures/moulinet de pêche à la palangrotte profonde, au cours desquelles 901 poissons d'un poids total de 3 370,3 kg ont été capturés. La part invendable des prises a été élevée puisqu'elle représente 34 pour cent du poids total alors que le taux de prise global des espèces vendables n'est que de 3,9 kg/heure/moulinet. Les taux de prises ont sensiblement varié d'une île à l'autre puisqu'on a relevé des maxima de 7,9 kg/heure/moulinet à Abemama et des minima de 0,3 kg/heure/moulinet à Arorae et à Tamana. Cette disparité des taux de prises semble être en partie imputable aux difficultés d'approvisionnement en appâts appropriés sur certains sites mais également à la faible étendue des zones de grand fond dans des îles telles qu'arorae et Tamana. Cependant, il est probable que les ressources des grands fonds étaient plus pauvres dans les zones où les taux de prises enregistrés ont été faibles. Les divers types de pirogues évalués sont apparus dans l'ensemble bien adaptés à la pêcherie bien que certaines difficultés liées à une sous-motorisation aient été relevées, dans certains cas particuliers.

6 vi Parmi les poissons vendables, on a noté une proportion satisfaisante de lutjanidés profonds, qui appartiennent aux sous-familles Etelinae et Apsilinae (32,1%) et sont très appréciés; on en a conclu, à la lumière des opérations conduites dans les zones prospectées, qu'un petit nombre d'opérateurs pratiquant la pêche artisanale à l'aide des embarcations et du matériel disponibles pourrait exploiter avec succès cette pêcherie tant que les services de soutien actuels seraient maintenus, voire légèrement augmentés, et que le développement des opérations de pêche serait surveillé de près. Phase II : Kiritimati Parmi les activités menées dans le cadre de la mission à Kiritimati, figurait une démonstration des techniques de pêche profonde et la réalisation d'une étude préliminaire des zones de pêche et des stocks de poissons profonds. Le maître de pêche devait également explorer les possibilités d'utiliser les moyens et les compétences du service d'exportation des produits de la mer de Kiribati à Kiritimati afin de trouver des marchés d'exportation pour le poisson capturé grâce à cette méthode. Au cours de cette mission qui a duré sept semaines, dix-sept sorties ont été réalisées toutes à bord d'une embarcation en fibre de verre, de 7 m de longueur équipée de quatre des moulinets en bois du type Samoa-Occidental, prévus pour ce projet. Lors de ces sorties, des opérations de formation et de prospection ont été entreprises dans des zones situées au nord et au sud du port d'attache de London village, à l'abri des vents d'est généralement forts. Une opération de pêche profonde de 185 heures/moulinet s'est soldée par la capture de poissons d'un poids total de kg dont 476 kg n'ont pu être vendus sur le marché local (15,1% du poids total). Le taux de prises des espèces commercialisables, soit 14,4 kg/heure/moulinet a été l'un des plus élevés enregistré jusqu'à présent dans le cadre du projet. Cependant, 50,5 pour cent des poissons vendus sur le marché local étaient composés de Lutjanus bohar ou anglais qui, bien qu'ils soient vendus et consommés à Kiritimati, seraient presque certainement invendables sur les marchés d'exportation car ils ont la réputation d'être ciguatoxiques. Aucun lutjanidé profond n'a été capturé bien qu'il soit possible que cela s'explique par la profondeur de pêche plus que par l'absence d'espèce dans la zone. Les tentatives d'expérimentation sur des échantillonnages de mékouas et de loches vendus sur le marché n'ont donné aucun résultat puisqu'aucune réaction n'a été enregistrée avant la cessation des activités du projet. On en a conclu que la pêche en eau profonde à Kiritimati avait un bon potentiel économique si les stocks d'appâts se maintenaient au niveau actuel, si l'entrée d'opérateurs dans la pêcherie était échelonnée, en même temps que s'exerçait une surveillance des prises et des taux de prise, et si des efforts constants étaient déployés pour trouver des débouchés à l'exportation pour les espèces capturées.

7 vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The South Pacific Commission gratefully acknowledges the friendly support and assistance afforded the Project by the Government of the Republic of Kiribati and the Kiribati Fisheries Division during this visit. Particular thanks are due to Chief Fisheries Officer Mr Onorio and Senior Fisheries Officer Mr T. Tikai who assisted the Project while based at Tarawa, and Assistant Fisheries Officer Mr B. Naburennara at Kiritimati. In addition, thanks are offered to the members of the various demonstration teams who worked long and sometimes irregular hours in support of the Project, especially Mr R. Beniamana, and to the fishermen of Kiribati, without whose co-operation little could have been achieved.

8 ix CONTENTS Page PHASE I: TARAWA, ABAIANG, ABEMAMA, ARORAE AND TAMANA 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. BACKGROUND General Existing fisheries 4 3. PROJECT OPERATIONS General Boats and equipment Training activities Handling and disposal of the catch Data collection FISHING ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS General Bottom droplining Trolling FISHING AREAS Tarawa Abaiang Abemama Arorae Tamana ECONOMICS OF THE FISHERY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 20 PHASE II: KIRITIMATI INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND General Existing fisheries 23

9 x 10. PROJECT OPERATIONS General Boats and equipment Training activities Handling and disposal of the catch Data collection FISHING ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS Bottom droplining Trolling DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL REFERENCES 27 APPENDICES 1A Summary of operational aspects of fishing trips at Tarawa, Abaiang, 29 Abemama, Arorae and Tamana 1B Summary of operational aspects of fishing trips at Kiritimati Basic equipment required for deep-bottom handreel fishing Topics covered in the training programmes Standard fishing data collection form 37 5A Species composition of the bottom catch at Tarawa, Abaiang, 39 Abemama, Arorae and Tamana 5B Species composition of the bottom catch at Kiritimati 45 6A Species composition of the troll and mid-water handline catch at 49 Tarawa, Abaiang, Abemama, Arorae and Tamana 6B Species composition of the troll catch at Kiritimati 51

10 1 PHASE I: TARAWA, ABAIANG, ABEMAMA, ARORAE AND TAMANA 1. INTRODUCTION The South Pacific Commission's Deep Sea Fisheries Development (DSFD) Project is a mobile village-level rural development project which operates in Pacific Island nations at specific Government request, and which has the following broad objectives: To promote the development or expansion of artisanal fisheries throughout the region, based on fishery resources which are at present under-utilised, in particular the deepbottom resources of the outer reef slope; To develop and evaluate new simple technology, fishing gear and techniques suitable for use by village fishermen, which will enable fishermen to substantially increase catches while reducing dependence on costly imported fuels; and To provide practical training in appropriate fishing techniques to local fishermen and government fisheries extension workers. The Project has visited 17 countries and territories of the SPC region since its inception in This assignment was its 39th country visit and its second to Kiribati. The DSFDP first visited Kiribati between 23 April and 18 November 1980 following a request from the Government there for 'assistance in assessing the potential for an artisanal deep-bottom fishery in local waters'. The Project was based in Tarawa for the seven months of its stay although several survey trips were made to the islands of Maiana and Kuria. The catch rate recorded by deep-bottom handreeling, at 7.2 kg of saleable fish per reel hour, was high compared to results obtained by the Project elsewhere in the region. The report of the visit concluded that while the catch rate was good and the gear and techniques employed were suitable and effective, little was known of the extent of bottom-fishing grounds throughout the group, nor of the ability of local deep-bottom resources to withstand sustained fishing pressure. Likely restraints to successful development of the fishery were seen as the apparently limited deep-bottom fishing grounds adjacent to some islands, the presence of a high proportion of Lutjanus bohar (20% of the catch) which is generally unsaleable for export due to its reputation for ciguatoxicity, the relatively limited local market for fresh fish, and a shortage of suitable vessels and support services to enable fishermen to enter the fishery. It was recommended that catch rates and composition be carefully monitored and that development be phased gradually in conjunction with the provision of appropriate financial and technical support. (Taumaia and Gentle, 1987). The current visit was conducted following a request from the Government of Kiribati for assistance with the proper fitting out of various local canoe types for deep-bottom fishing, for further demonstration of deep-bottom fishing techniques and for an assessment of the commercial viability of the fishery at the eastern point of Tarawa and at the islands of Abaiang, Abemama, Arorae and Tamana. In response to this request one of the Project's three Masterfishermen, Mr Pale Taumaia, was assigned to work in Kiribati for approximately six months from 1 April to 5 September BACKGROUND 2.1 General The Republic of Kiribati comprises 33 islands spread over more than 5 million sq km of ocean (Figure 1). They are in three groups: the Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands. The official estimate of Kiribati's land area is 719 sq km, but this figure does not include the uninhabited

11 2 islands of Malden (81 sq km), Starbuck (16.2 sq km), Caroline (2.3 sq km), Vostok (0.7 sq km), and Flint (3.2 sq km). Kiritimati (Christmas) is the largest island with an area of 364 sq km. The islands are all of young coralline limestone, mostly forming atolls. They do not rise above 4 m except for Banaba (Ocean Island), which is an uplifted atoll rising to 81 m. The islands have sandy, rubbly, coral soils and even on islands with high rainfall drought conditions occur frequently because of the porosity of the soils. This, and the thinness of the soil layer, causes a general paucity of vegetation. Little can be grown except taro, coconuts and pandanus. The climate is influenced by the steady flow of the north-east and south-east trade winds towards the equator. These winds converge to form a band of low pressure tropical air which generally brings disturbed showery weather. Mean annual temperature is 28 C. Rainfall varies considerably and tends to increase with distance from the equator. The wettest months are from December to February; the driest are August, September and October. Population is around 60,000 (1982 SPC estimate) plus 3000 in Nauru or working elsewhere overseas. Thirty-two per cent of the population live in South Tarawa and the balance is distributed over North Tarawa and the twenty-two other inhabited islands. Ninety-one per cent of the population are Micronesian and the remainder Polynesian, European and Asian. The majority of the population live by subsistence agriculture and fishing. Some labour is employed in the phosphate working in Nauru and on overseas ships. Otherwise the work force is mainly employed by the Public Service. Main imports are food, manufactured goods, transport equipment and machinery, and fuels. Copra is the most significant export. Some income is derived from a government investment fund established with phosphate royalties and from fees from fisheries access agreements.

12 3 Figure 1. The Republic of Kiribati

13 Existing fisheries Subsistence fisheries of great diversity are widely practised, reflecting the I Kiribati reliance on their marine environment and its resources, an affinity common among Pacific territories with only little arable land. Trolling offshore and within the lagoons by sail or outboardpowered craft, shallow-water droplining, gill-netting, hand harvesting of the reef flats, spearfishing and 'kabara' or mid-water handlining are all widely conducted. Perhaps the most culturally significant fishery has been poling offshore for tunas and at Tarawa a substantial fleet of 4.8 m to 7.6 m skiffs regularly engage in this fishery to supply the considerable local demand for fresh fish, but large-scale commercial exploitation of this rich resource has only recently been developed. Since independence government policy has been one of development of local commercial fishing operations as well as licensing of foreign fleets to fish in Kiribati's waters. To date four industrial pole and line vessels have been acquired which operate under the management of the Mautari Fishing Company based at Betio on Tarawa. Catches by these vessels are generally transported to American Samoa for sale. Baitfish for industrial pole and line operations is regularly supplied by the Temaiku fish farm project which maintains 18 ponds stocked with milkfish (Chanos chanos). Fish too large for use as bait are sold locally at A$0.60/kg and the Project also sells block ice. The Kiribati Fisheries Division is headquartered at Tanaea at South Tarawa and extension officers are assigned to each of the outer islands. Support services for fishermen include the supply of fishing gear at less than retail prices, outboard motor repair facilities, and the supply of a variety of fishing craft constructed at the FAO/UNDP Artisanal Fishing Boat Project boatyard. Some effort has also been devoted to the development of a small-scale, export based seaweed farming project. 3. PROJECT OPERATIONS. 3.1 General Twenty-three fishing trips were completed during the Project's stay at Tarawa and the four outer islands visited, and in many cases trips involved two boats fishing in concert. Although weather conditions were generally fine, occasional strong north-east and south-east winds hampered fishing operations along the east coasts of some areas. Some time was lost due to mechanical breakdowns on the vessels 'Nei Problem' and 'Angiroai' and in travel between bases, and at Abemama a fuel shortage curtailed some operations. Table 1 summarises Project activities at each location. Table 1 - Summary of project activities DATES LOCATION ACTIVITIES 1 April 24 April Tarawa Preparation of vessel 'Nei Problem', recruitment of trainees. 25 April 15 May Tarawa Training of demonstration team and local fishermen. Trips 1 to May 23 May Abaiang Survey and training trips. Trips 6 to June 12 June Abemama Survey and training trips. Trips 12 to June 29 July Arorae Survey and training trips. Trips 19 to July 5 July Tamana Survey and training trips. Trips 23 to July 27 July Tarawa Training trips. Trips 27 to 29. Detailed trip records are contained in Appendix 1A.

14 5 3.2 Boats and Equipment A variety of vessels were employed during Project operations, with selection emphasising craft commonly in use by local fishermen. At Tarawa ll trips were conducted aboard a Fisheries Division craft, the 'Nei Problem'. This 8.5 m aluminium-hulled catamaran of FAO/UNDP design (Figure 2) was powered by a 25 hp Yamaha outboard motor and carried a 15 hp stand-by. The 'Nei Problem' was fitted with four FAO Western Samoan-type wooden handreels and the Project's compass and echo-sounder were mounted. At outer island locations, three different FAO/UNDP design fishing craft were employed, the 'Onauti' a KIR-I (Figure 3) design 6 m sailing canoe fitted with a 9.9 hp Yamaha outboard, the 'Angiraoi' a KIR-2 (Figure 4) design 7.3 m sailing canoe which carried a stand-by 5 hp Yamaha outboard and paddles, and the 'Temon' a KIR-3 design canoe powered by a 5 hp Yamaha and carrying paddles. Each of the canoe types were fitted with three wooden handreels of KIR design. These handreels are basically a design variation of the FAO/Western Samoan handreels though somewhat smaller in overall dimension and with an adjustable foot-brace designed to mount on various canoe types. A portable compass and the Project's portable echo-sounder were also carried on the canoes, stored in a waterproof box. As well, wooden and plastic handcasters, which are I-Kiribati fishermen's standard equipment, were carried on all trips. Movement of the Project from island to island was made aboard the fisheries extension vessel, 'Nei Tewenei' a 14.5 m steel launch powered by a 200 hp Cummins diesel engine. Owing to limited deck space the various fishing craft were towed in transit to operational bases. Figure 2. 'Nei Problem' the FAO design alia catamaran used in operations at Tarawa and Abaiang

15 6 Figure 3. 'Onauti' the FAO design KIR-1 sailing canoe used at Abemama, Arorae and Tamana

16 7 Figure 4. 'Angiraoi' the FAO design KIR-2 sailing canoe used at Abemama The wooden handreels of both designs (Figure 5) were loaded with 500 m of 130 kg test monofilament nylon line and fitted with a terminal rig bearing three Mustad tuna circle hooks, as shown in Figure 6.

17 8 All vessels were equipped with suitable anchoring gear for deep-bottom fishing as illustrated in Figure 7. This comprised a simply constructed grapnel anchor made of four 1.5 m lengths of 9 mm reinforcing bar, welded together and bent into a grapnel shape; a 5 m length of 12 mm chain shackled to the anchor; approximately 440 m of polypropylene anchor rope, of a diameter appropriate to the size of the vessel (generally 12 mm), and fitted with a "no-return" barb made of 4 mm galvanised fence wire; and an inflatable buoy of 75 kg or greater flotation, fitted with a snap shackle on a short rope eye which could be loosely clipped or shackled to the anchor rope so as to slide freely along it. Details of the basic equipment required for deep-bottom fishing are given in Appendix 2. Figure 5. FAO Western Samoan type wooden handreel used aboard the 'Nei Problem'

18 9 Figure 6. Typical terminal gear for deep-bottom fishing Figure 7. 'Self-hauling' anchor gear

19 Training activities The introduction of a relatively new fishing technique in an area where local fishermen are experienced and competent in a variety of locally well-proven and reasonably successful fishing methods presents some particular problems. It was decided in consultation with the Kiribati Fisheries Division that the most effective approach to introducing the Project's gear and methods would be to work with fishermen who expressed a real interest in entering the deep-bottom fishery. Radio broadcasts at Tarawa, and fisheries extension officers in the outer islands, were used to spread word of the training programme and recruits selected on the basis of their interest. Training was conducted very informally in the initial stages, at all locations. Most often the Masterfisherman accompanied trainees on fishing trips directed by them, during which they pursued their favoured techniques, and the introduction of deep-bottom fishing gear and methods occurred incidentally. Once the effectiveness of the technique had been demonstrated more formal training was conducted in gear rigging, the use of the handreels, the selection of suitable fishing sites and deep-bottom anchoring techniques. As during the Project's previous visit to Kiribati, time was devoted to the training of a Fisheries Division demonstration team who would be capable of continuing the training programme after the Project had departed and, in particular, introduce deep-bottom fishing techniques to outer islands not visited during this or the previous Project visit. Fifty-seven trainees participated in the programme including the demonstration team members, 10 at Tarawa, 2 at Abaiang, 13 at Abemama, 16 at Arorae, and 16 at Tamana. Appendix 3 details the topics covered during the training sessions. 3.4 Handling and disposal of the catch When ice was available at Tarawa fish were placed in a thick slurry of ice and salt-water in a portable ice-box immediately after unhooking. Gilling, gutting and washing was completed at the first opportunity and the fish then placed back in the ice-box for transport to port. However, because the Project was based at Tanaea and ice was only available from Betio, it was often not possible to obtain supplies. On trips without ice the fish were gilled, gutted and washed and stored in the shade. As the reef passage giving access to Tanaea is negotiable only at high-water and the 'Nei Problem' often had to wait for the tide before entering the lagoon some catches were landed in deteriorating condition. Ice was unavailable at all outer island sites fished and the catches there were neither gutted nor gilled, but stored in the shade and landed as soon as possible. Disposal of the catch was the responsibility of the Kiribati Fisheries Division. At Tarawa, Abaiang and Abemama, part of the catch was shared among participating trainees and the remainder sold to the public at prices ranging from A$ 0.60/kg at Tarawa to A$ 0.40/kg at some of the outer islands. Catches landed at Arorae and Tamana were shared among the trainees. Strong demand for fresh fish was evident at all sites, and local catches were seldom sufficient to satisfy this. Only oilfish, snake mackerels and sharks were unsaleable, although readily eaten if given away. The red bass (Lutjanus bohar) was readily accepted for consumption despite this species reputation for ciguatoxicity elsewhere in the Pacific. 3.5 Data Collection SPC Masterfishermen use a standard logsheet, shown at Appendix 4, to record catch, effort and other data, and make detailed notes of their daily activities and of any supplementary information required. During this Project visit, data collected for each trip comprised: time spent travelling, anchoring and fishing; fishing area, fishing depth or depth range; number of crew; quantity and type of fishing gear, fuel and bait used; the specific identity of each fish caught, where this could be determined; and the total number and weight of each species taken by each fishing method.

20 11 4. FISHING ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS 4.1 General Twenty-nine fishing trips were completed during the course of the survey and training programme, with a total of 491 hours spent at sea, discounting travel between islands. Eight trips were made at Tarawa, six at Abaiang, seven at Abemama, four at Arorae and four at Tamana. Fourteen of these trips, at Abemama, Arorae and Tamana, were made with two craft fishing in concert. Fishing activities and the gear and techniques employed varied only slightly from trip to trip, depending on the vessel in use, the requirements of the training programme, weather and sea conditions and the availability of bait. Deep-bottom handreeling was conducted during all trips, while shallow-water handlining and trolling were conducted as determined by bait catching requirements, opportunity and, often, the desire of trainees to spend some time during trips fishing by familiar techniques. Areas surveyed ranged from the eastern point of Tarawa north to Abaiang, south to Abemama and Arorae then back north-west to Tamana and Tarawa again. 4.2 Bottom droplining Bottom fishing in deep or shallow water, either drifting or at anchor, and using a multiple hook terminal rig hauled by hand or reel was conducted during all 29 fishing trips. Wooden or plastic handcasters are standard trolling and droplining equipment for I-Kiribati fishermen and were carried on all trips. The FAO Western Samoan-type wooden handreels were used when fishing from the catamaran 'Nei Problem' and the KIR design wooden handreels were generally used when fishing from the several canoe types. When the Western Samoan-type reels were mounted on the canoes, they were found to be rather more efficient and easier to operate than the smaller KIR types. These reels' extra height allowed the fishermen to stand while hauling, giving greater purchase on the reel handle, and large fish could be swung inboard more easily as well. Bottom fishing technique was basically similar whether handlines or handreels were used. When targeting deep grounds on the outer reef slope, suitable sites were identified by using the echo-sounder (target depth being around 200 m) or known grounds located by referring to landmarks and bearings. Fishing was conducted both drifting and at anchor. The technique of drifting with wind or current over suitable grounds is the bottom fishing technique most widely practiced in Kiribati. If bites were made at a particular spot and then declined as the boat moved, lines were hauled and the boat motored, sailed, or paddled back up into the wind or current and the procedure repeated. Deep-bottom fishing at anchor is the Project's standard technique and by this method, once a suitable site was located, the anchor was dropped in water shallower than that of the chosen fishing spot and in a position so that prevailing wind or current would carry the boat back over the deeper area as the anchor warp was paid out. At some sites fished, where the reef slope was of moderate gradient, the boat had to be anchored in water of the same depth as the fishing site, or even in deeper water. On some occasions sea conditions, or the preference of the local fishermen, dictated that bottom fishing be carried out in shallow waters. Once the boat was resting at anchor bottom fishing was conducted using the handreels or handlines fitted with a terminal rig and a sinker of up to 2 kg, depending on depth or current strength. The sinker was lowered to the bottom and thereafter the line kept taut by hand to allow the fisherman to respond to bites by striking and to reduce the possibility of tangling with other lines. Because of the elasticity of the long lines deployed, much reliance is placed on the 'self-hooking' qualities of the tuna circle hooks used. After fishing, or when shifting to another fishing site, a simple technique was employed to retrieve the anchor, which greatly reduced the effort required in hauling by hand. The anchor warp was tied off to the stern and the boat motored quickly ahead to break out the anchor. Forward motion was continued until the anchor streamed behind the boat and the inflatable buoy was then clipped or shackled onto the anchor warp and released. Water resistance forced the buoy back along the line until it was trapped by the 'no-return' barb. The boat was then run back along the line with one crew member feeding it inboard by hand and the

21 12 anchor, suspended at the surface by the buoy, could be easily recovered. When attempting this technique aboard the KIR 2 design 'Angiraoi' and the KIR 3 design 'Temon' it was found that the 5 hp motors fitted were often not powerful enough to break out the anchor; this was usually overcome by having two craft haul one anchor in tandem. Skipjack is regarded as the best bait for bottom fishing. While fishing at Tarawa supplies of skipjack were readily available from the pole and line vessel base at Betio. On the visits to Abaiang and Abemama enough bait was carried aboard the 'Nei Tewenei' for one week's fishing and thereafter trolling was conducted to capture bait supplies. The 'Nei Tewenei' also made one round trip between Abaiang and Tarawa to bring back additional bait. Considerable difficulty in obtaining suitable bait was experienced at Arorae and Tamana, where local custom dictates that powered craft may not troll for tunas. Tuna fishing at these islands involves either poling with pearl-shell lures or the mid-water handlining technique of 'dropping-stones', locally known as 'kabara', and the Project was occasionally able to obtain bait from local fishermen who used these techniques. One hundred and ninety-one hours of bottom fishing involving an effort of 569 reel/line hours (effort is calculated as one reel or line in use for 1 hour = 1 reel/line hour produced a catch of 901 fish with a total weight of kg, of which 1154 kg or 34 per cent comprised unsaleable species consisting mainly of oilfish, snake mackerels, and sharks. The saleable component of the catch was dominated by deep-water snappers (Lutjanidae) of the Etelinae and Apsilinae sub-families, with 468 fish landed with a total weight of kg, comprising 32.1 per cent of the overall bottom catch. The most significant species in this group were the rosy jobfish (Pristipomoides filamentosus) and the short-tailed red snapper (Etelis carbunculus). Next most significant of the saleable catch were groupers and cods (Serranidae), often of large individual size; the 162 fish taken in this group totaled 679 kg or 20.2 per cent of the overall catch. Of interest was the small component, in terms of percentage by weight of the overall catch, of red bass (Lutjanus bohar) recorded during this visit (4.3%) compared to the 1980 DSFDP visit (20.5%). A detailed record of the species composition of the bottom catch is given in Appendix 5a. The catch rate recorded for all species taken by bottom fishing, or CPUE (catch per unit of effort) of 5.9 kg, although lower than the 8.8 kg recorded during the 1980 visit, compared well with results recorded by the Project elsewhere in the Pacific and the lower figure probably reflects the range of areas fished and the difficulties experienced in obtaining bait at Arorae and Tamana. The cpue for saleable species only was 3.9 kg and the cpue excluding sharks but including other unsaleable species, 5.1 kg. Details of catch rates recorded at each island are given in Section Trolling Trolling offshore among schools of pelagic species and along the outer reef for species which inhabit the surface waters over the reef drop-off, is a fishing activity which is generally complementary to bottom-fishing. Trolling may be conducted opportunistically while travelling to bottom-fishing grounds to augment catches or specifically to capture bait. Trolling lines rigged with lures appropriate to the species targeted may be stored on handcasters, or lines so rigged may be trolled directly from the handreels. During this visit, trolling was conducted during only eight of the 29 bottom-fishing trips completed and fishing effort totaled 34 line hours. The limited trolling time comparative to time spent travelling was determined by the requirements of the deep-bottom training programme, local fishermen's obvious familiarity with trolling techniques and the fact that on many occasions bait supplied by the pole and line base at Betio was on hand. At Arorae and Tamana where bait from Betio was not available, trolling by powered craft was prohibited by local custom, based on the belief that engine noise interfered with the traditional 'kabara' fishing widely practiced there.

22 13 The troll catch of 36 fish with a total weight of 190 kg was all readily saleable and was dominated by tunas, in particular yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and the species most favoured as bottom-fishing bait, skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). CPUE recorded was 5.2 kg/line-hour. While at Tamana 'kabara' was conducted during one bottom-fishing trip in an attempt to obtain bait. Three hours fishing produced 2 yellowfin tuna with a total weight of 12 kg. A detailed record of the species composition of the troll and mid-water catch is given in Appendix FISHING AREAS 5.1 Tarawa Figure 8. South Tarawa showing the areas fished The Project was based at Tanaea, near the south-eastern point of Tarawa, for six weeks in the initial stage of the visit, during which the Masterfisherman familiarised himself with local fishing activity and markets, consulted with the Kiribati Fisheries Division concerning the Project's programme, prepared the fishing craft 'Nei Problem', and conducted training in deep-bottom fishing techniques to a government demonstration team and to local fishermen. Five trips were completed during this period. A further week was spent fishing from Tanaea at the conclusion of the Project stay during which three trips were completed. All trips made here were aboard the catamaran 'Nei Problem'. The reef passage close by Tanaea giving access to the open sea was negotiable only at high water and some shallow-water droplining was conducted while waiting for tides. Most deepbottom fishing was carried out in an area just north of the easternmost point of the island (see Figure 8) with regular passage to the Mautari Fishing Company base at Betio to pick up ice and bait. Depths fished ranged between m on most trips. Trolling was conducted only during the last three trips during the second phase of operations there. Table 2 summarises the catch and effort by bottom fishing and trolling and detailed trip records can be found in Appendix 1A.

23 14 Table 2. Summary of catch and effort at Tarawa by each fishing method Fishing N of Fishing Effort Catch cpue Method trips hours (reel/line) N Weight (kg) hours (kg) Bottom droplining Trolling Total * * Some trips combined both fishing methods 5.2 Abaiang Figure 9. Abaiang The Project transferred to Abaiang, to the north-east of Tarawa, aboard the 'Nei Tewenei' and towing the 'Nei Problem'. Six trips were completed during 10 days at the island. Most fishing was conducted along the western reef in the lee of prevailing winds. All fishing was carried out aboard the 'Nei Problem' with the 'Nei Tewenei' acting as a mother boat, storing catches and helping sound depths to identify suitable fishing sites. Target depths were around m but considerable difficulty was experienced with strong currents when attempting to anchor and drift fishing and shallow-water fishing resulted. The outer reef slope was found to be generally steep in the areas surveyed. Trolling was conducted during only one trip. Table 3 summarises the catch and effort recorded and detailed trip records can be found in Appendix 1.

24 15 Table 3. Summary of catch and effort at Abaiang by each fishing method Fishing N of Fishing Effort Catch cpue Method trips hours (reel/line) N Weight (kg) hours (kg) Bottom droplining Trolling Total * * One trip combined both fishing methods 5.3 Abemama Figure 10. Abemama

25 16 The Project transferred to Abemama (Figure 10) aboard the 'Nei Tewenei' and completed 7 fishing trips there between 1 and 12 June. All trips but one involved two craft, the KIR design sailing canoes 'Onauti' and 'Angiraoi'. Bait carried from Betio was stored in portable ice-boxes and was used while it lasted. Fishing depth averaged 150 m and some difficulty was experienced with anchoring procedure because the 'Angiraoi's 5 hp outboard was often not powerful enough to break out her anchor. Mechanical problems with this motor resulted in the 'Angiraoi' being towed to fishing sites on a number of occasions. Three trips included periods of trolling for bait. Table 4 summarises catch and effort recorded and Appendix 1 contains detailed trip records. Table 4. Summary of catch and effort at Abemama by each fishing method for both boats Fishing N of Fishing Effort Catch cpue Method trips hours (reel/line) No Weight (kg) hours (kg) Bottom droplining Trolling Total * * Trolling was conducted during 3 bottom fishing trips 5.4 Arorae Figure 11. Arorae

26 17 Four fishing trips were conducted at Arorae (Figure 11) which lies at the south-east extent of the Gilbert group. The island has no enclosed lagoon, only a fringing barrier reef. All trips involved two craft fishing in concert, the 'Onauti' and the KIR 3 design 'Temon'. No skipjack was on hand for bait, nor was trolling for bait under power permitted by local custom. Baits used were generally of inferior quality, though some fresh rainbow runner (Elegatis bipinnulatus) was obtained from local fishermen. Fishing depth ranged from 60 m to 200 m. Catches were poor and included a high proportion of undesirable oilfish, snake mackerels, and sharks. Table 5 summarises catch and effort recorded and detailed trip records are contained in Appendix 1. Table 5. Summary of catch and effort at Arorae for both boats Fishing N of Fishing Effort Catch cpue Method trips hours (reel/line) N Weight (kg) hours (kg) Bottom droplining Tamana Figure 12. Tamana

27 18 Tamana (Figure 12) which lies west of Arorae has no lagoon and only a fringing barrier reef. Four trips were completed there between 2 July and 5 July. All trips involved the two canoes used at Arorae, 'Onauti' and 'Temon', and fishing depth were generally more shallow than at other areas, with most effort around 60 m. Bait was in particularly short supply here and again local custom prohibited powered trolling. Some rainbow runner was obtained from local fishermen to use as bait and during one trip the 'Temon' landed 2 yellowfin tuna by mid-water handlining. Table 6 summarises catch and effort recorded and Appendix 1 contains detailed trip records. Table 6. Summary of catch and effort at Tamana for both boats Fishing N of Fishing Effort Catch cpue Method trips hours (reel/line) N Weight (kg) hours (kg) Bottom droplining Mid-water handlining Total * * One trip involved both fishing methods 6. ECONOMICS OF THE FISHERY The following is an examination of the likely economics of a small-scale bottom droplining operation in Kiribati, based on the operational records for the 7 trips completed during the Project's stay at Abemama, aboard the KIR-1 design canoe 'Onauti'. These trips and the craft and fishing site have been selected as being most locally typical of the Project's operations in Kiribati. It must be noted however that the good quality skipjack bait used here was purchased at Betio and that fuel use is inflated because the 'Onauti' towed its partner craft 'Angiraoi' during 4 of the trips. Table 7. Direct income and expenditure averaged for one trip by the 'Onauti at Abemama Number of trips 7 Average duration of trips 8.5 hours Average fishing effort per trip (3 reels in use) 12 reel hours Expenditure Income Average bait consumed per trip, 7.7 kg at A$0.60/kg 4.62 Average fuel consumed per trip, 25 l. at A$0.66/l Average catch of saleable fish per trip, (66% of total catch) 137 kg (5.6 kg/reel hour), at A$0.60/kg TOTAL

28 19 Taking account of the trip averages given in Table 7, Table 8 projects income and expenditure for a KIR-I canoe such as the 'Onauti' over one year, based on the purchase of a fully-equipped craft under loan for A$2, and assuming that income from catches and direct operational expenses would be similar to the figures recorded for the 'Onauti' at Abemama. The important exception is that the average fuel use per trip has been recalculated as 15 l rather than 25 l to take account of a proposed 2 man crew rather than the 4 who were generally aboard at Abemama and to discount the inflated fuel consumption resulting from towing the 'Angiraoi'. Estimates are given for secondary operational expenses and for wages for one crewman. Table 8. Projection of annual income and expenditure for KIR-I canoe with two-man crew engaged in bottom-droplining Effort Income (A$) 3 trips per week x 40 fishing weeks per year 120 trips per year x 6 hours fishing each trip 720 fishing hours per year x 2 handreels in use 1440 reel hours per year x 5.6 kg saleable fish p/reel/hr 8064 kg per year x A$0.60/kg Item Expenditure Loan repayment (5 year loan at 10% interest reducing annually) Fuel 15 l p/trip at A$0.66/l x 120 trips per year Oil and grease (estimated) Maintenance and repair, replacement of gear (estimated) Ice (20 kg p/trip at A$0.05/kg x 120 trips) Bait (7.7 kg p/trip at A$0.60/kg x 120 trips) Wages for crew (25% of gross income from sales) TOTAL SURPLUS A number of factors affecting the figures given in Table 8 would be variable in any practical fishery and should be considered in projecting the commercial viability of a fishing operation so hypothesised. Some of the variables likely to increase the economic viability of such an operation are given on the left, below and some likely to diminish it, on the right:

29 20 Factors likely to increase economic viability In the sample trips, fishing operations were restrained to some extent by the requirements of the survey and training programme. A commercial operation would fish longer, harder and with more efficiency in spots known to be productive. Bait used was purchased at Betio and carried to Abemama aboard the support vessel 'Nei Tewenei'. Bait caught locally by trolling or other methods would involve only a small fuel cost. Sharks, oilfish and snake mackerels are excluded from calculations of income from fish sales when, in fact, they would fetch some return. Fuel use was heavier than might be expected in an efficient commercial operation's because the 'Onauti' was used to survey the extent of deep-bottom grounds. Factors likely to diminish economic validity This was virtually the first exploitation of deep-bottom resources at Abemama. Sustained fishing pressure may result in a decline in catch rates. Skipjack is the bait proven most effective for deep-bottom fishing, if unavailable or difficult to capture catch rates may decline or excessive fuel use be consumed by trolling in pursuit of this species. In any small-scale operation a proportion of the catch will be consumed by the crew and a proportion will likely be shared according to local custom. A decline in catches from known sites over time might require travel to progressively more distant sites. 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The results of the fishing activities conducted during the Project's stay indicated that bottom fishing grounds of markedly different extent and with varying degrees of potential for exploitation exist at the five islands surveyed. Catches recorded at Tarawa and Abemama, taken with good quality skipjack bait, were high in comparison to results obtained by the Project elsewhere in the region, and a lively market for the catch indicated that good potential exists for a limited number of small-scale operators to enter the fishery successfully at these sites. The availability of ice and its proper use to preserve catches as well as the continuing availability of KIR-design canoes and handreels, and bait, are likely to be important factors contributing to the successful development of the fishery. Although catch rates recorded at the other lagoon atoll of Abaiang were significantly poorer, the strong winds and currents prevailing during the Project's stay there disrupted deep-bottom fishing operations considerably, and catches taken were often from more shallow depths than the ideal. It is possible that better catches would be taken in better conditions. At the islands of Arorae and Tamana, which have only fringing barrier-reefs, catch rates were particularly poor and although the most obvious hindrance to successful fishing was lack of bait, the outer reef slopes at these islands were found to be generally steep and only limited areas of depth suitable for deep-bottom fishing were noted. Available charts indicate that similar bottom topography exists at a number of other islands in the group. However, although available charts give only limited coverage of most areas, the presence of widely scattered shoals and banks suggests that as yet undiscovered deep-bottom fishing grounds may exist in unsounded areas.