UNPUBLISHED REPORT No. 4 REPORT ON THIRD VISIT TO VANUATU

Transcription

1 SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION UNPUBLISHED REPORT No. 4 REPORT ON THIRD VISIT TO VANUATU 10 January 5 April 1983 and 8 May 22 July 1983 by L.B. Chapman Masterfisherman and P. Cusack Fisheries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the reproduction of this material, whole or in part, in any form provided appropriate acknowledgement is given This unpublished report forms part of a series compiled by the Capture Section of the South Pacific Commission's Coastal Fisheries Programme.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 Vanuatu for the third time between 10 January and 22 July 1983, with an interval of approximately one month between early April and early May, under the supervision of SPC Masterfisherman Lindsay Chapman. Priority activities during the visit included: conducting training courses in fish handling and processing at newly opened fish markets in Port Vila and Luganville, vertical longlining trials around FADs, and training in deep-bottom droplining techniques at outlying districts in conjunction with the establishment of artisanal village fishing projects. Other activities included FAD-associated and openwater trolling, experimental trials in gill-netting around FADs, and mid-water shark fishing. The Project operated at Port Vila (Efate), Lamen Bay (Epi), Tahi (Paama), Luganville, Hog Harbour and Port Olry (Espiritu Santo), Atchin Island (Malekula) and again at Port Vila. During the 22 weeks of the visit, 56 fishing trips were completed for a total catch of kg. All fish were gilled and gutted before landing, with an estimated average weight loss of 25 per cent from whole weight, while sharks were dressed (gutted, head and fins removed) with an estimated weight loss of 50 per cent. The various fishing techniques contributed to the catch as follows (in whole weight): - deep-bottom droplining 3,806.0 kg in 39 trips totalling fishing hours for a catch rate of 8.2 kg/reel hour; - FAD-associated trolling 2,135.7 kg in 35 trips totalling fishing hours; - open-water trolling kg in 52 trips totalling fishing hours; - vertical longlining kg in 14 trips totalling 74 fishing hours; - and gill-netting, mid-water shark fishing and bait-trapping contributed 1,420.6 kg. A total of 48 individuals participated in training sessions mostly conducted at village locations in at least one fishing method, or in fish handling and processing. In support of the Vanuatu Government's Village Fisheries Development Project the Masterfisherman surveyed potential deep-bottom fishing sites and made an assessment of deep-bottom resources at all six village locations visited. He also investigated the commercial viability of these projects and evaluated the suitability of the vessels currently in use in this fishery. The Masterfisherman also advised on aspects of fish marketing and presentation, and prepared recommendations for the Department of Fisheries in regard to the local FAD programme and the Village Fisheries Development Project. It was concluded that the areas in the north and central districts visited did hold commercially exploitable deep-bottom resources; that the village projects were likely to remain commercially viable in the near future; that the vessels in use were adequate, though not entirely suited to the fishery; that FAD-associated trolling and vertical longlining showed promise and were worthy of further development, in conjunction with an on-going FAD deployment programme; and that improved shipping and handling procedures would be necessary to ensure the commercial success of the newly established fish markets. It was cautioned that deep-bottom catch rates might decline under increased fishing pressure, with a possible change in species composition, and that the rapid expansion of the Village Fisheries Development Project might strain or outstrip the level of support available.

4 v RÉSUMÉ Sous la direction du maître de pêche de la CPS, Lindsay Chapman, les responsables du projet de développement de la pêche au demi-large de la Commission du Pacifique Sud ont séjourné pour la troisième fois à Vanuatu, entre le 10 janvier et le 12 juillet 1983 avec une interruption d'environ un mois entre début avril et début mai. Au nombre des activités prioritaires conduites lors de cette mission, on peut citer des cours de formation en manipulation et en transformation sur les marchés aux poissons récemment ouverts de Port-Vila et de Luganville, des essais de pêche à la palangre verticale autour des DCP et la formation aux techniques de pêche à la palangre par de grandes profondeurs, dans des régions reculées, parallèlement à la création de projets de pêche artisanale en milieu villageois. Parmi les autres activités entreprises, il y a lieu de citer la pêche à la traîne à proximité des DCP et en pleine eau, des essais de pêche au filet maillant autour des DCP et la pêche des requins entre deux eaux. Les activités ont été conduites à Port-Vila (Efate), à Lamen Bay (Epi), à Tahi (Paama), à Luganville, à Hog Harbour et à Port Olry (Espiritu Santo), à Atchin Island (Malicolo) et à nouveau à Port-Vila. Lors de cette mission d'une durée de 22 semaines, 56 sorties ont été effectuées pour un volume total de prises de 8 354,4 kg. Tous les poissons ont été vidés et éviscérés avant leur débarquement, ce qui représente une perte de poids moyenne estimée à 25 pour cent du poids total, tandis que les requins ont été apprêtés (c'est-à-dire éviscérés, ététés et les nageoires coupées), ce qui représente une perte de poids estimée à 50 pour cent. Les diverses techniques de pêche ont permis d'obtenir les résultats suivants (prises en poids entier) : pêche de grand fond à la palangrotte : kg en 39 sorties pour un total de 461,5 heures de pêche, soit un taux de prise de 8,2 kg/heure moulinet; pêche à la traîne autour des DCP : 2 135,7 kg en 35 sorties pour un total de 237,5 heures de pêche; traîne en pleine eau : 537 kg en 52 sorties pour un total de 155,4 heures de pêche; pêche à la palangre verticale : 451,1 kg en 14 sorties pour un total de 74 heures de pêche; pêche au filet maillant, pêche du requin entre deux eaux et pêche de l'appât : 1 420,6 kg. En tout, 48 personnes ont participé aux séances de formation à une méthode de pêche au moins ou à la manipulation et à la transformation du poisson; ces actions se sont surtout déroulées dans les villages. À l'appui du projet de développement de la pêche en milieu villageois mis en place par le gouvernement de Vanuatu, le maître de pêche a étudié des sites potentiels de pêche par grands fonds et il a procédé à une évaluation des ressources halieutiques de grand fond dans les six villages visités. Il a également étudié la rentabilité de ces projets et il a vérifié dans quelle mesure les navires actuellement en service étaient adaptés au type de pêche pratiquée. Le maître de pêche a également donné des conseils aux stagiaires sur la commercialisation et la présentation du poisson et il a préparé, à l'intention du service des pêches, des recommandations sur le programme local de DCP et sur le projet de développement de la pêche en milieu villageois. De cette mission, il ressort que : i) les zones septentrionnale et centrale disposent de ressources halieutiques de grand fond commercialement exploitables, ii) les projets villageois devraient rester rentables dans un proche avenir, iii) les navires employés sont acceptables, quoiqu'ils ne soient pas tout à fait adaptés à la pêche profonde et à la pêche du thon, iv) la pêche à la traîne autour des DCP et la pêche à la palangre verticale sont prometteuses et méritent d'être perfectionnées parallèlement au programme de mouillage de DCP en cours, et v) une amélioration des procédures de transport et de manipulation s'impose pour garantir le succès commercial des marchés de poissons qui viennent d'être mis en place.

5 vi Le maître de pêche a formulé deux mises en garde : i) les taux de prises de poissons de grands fonds risquent de baisser en cas d'intensification de la pêche, ce qui pourrait modifier la composition par espèces, et ii) l'expansion rapide du projet de développement de la pêche en milieu villageois pourrait absorber une grande partie, voire la totalité, de l'aide disponible.

6 vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The South Pacific Commission acknowledges with gratitude the friendly support and assistance afforded the Masterfisherman by the groups and individuals associated with the Deep Sea Fisheries Development Project while in Vanuatu. The following individuals are deserving of special thanks: Jim Crossland, Director of Fisheries for his assistance in setting up and implementing the Project programme; Canadian volunteers Maurice Theriault, Dayle Blackburn, Peter Watt, Neil and Joan Crysler, and Wayne Howell, for assistance in the field, providing accommodation and organising village groups to fish with the Project. As well, Richard Stevens, Chris Bowley and Andrew Poulfreman assisted with setting up village fishing groups and the fish markets. Boat skippers and fishermen, who worked long and irregular hours on experimental fishing techniques, included Walu Sak, Andrew Firiam, Rave Robin, Karie Kalo, Sam Wass and Philemon Aaron, as well as other Fisheries Division staff. Particular thanks to the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu for its co-operation during the visit.

7 ix CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. BACKGROUND General Existing fisheries 3 3. PROJECT OPERATIONS General Boats and equipment Fishing techniques Data collection Training activities Disposal of the catch Post-harvest activities FISHING ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS Deep-bottom droplining FAD-associated trolling Open-water trolling Vertical/horizontal longlining and bait trapping FAD-associated gill-netting Single-hook shark float SPECIES COMPOSITION OF THE CATCH FISHING ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS AT EACH LOCALITY Efate Port Vila Epi Lamen Bay Paama Tahi Espiritu Santo Hog Harbor Espiritu Santo Port Olry Espiritu Santo Luganville Malekula Atchin Island THE ECONOMICS OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION Revenue and operating expenses at Port Vila and Luganville Revenue and operating expenses at village locations CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS General Recommendations REFERENCES 29 Page

8 x CONTENTS (Continued) APPENDICES 1. Standard fishing data collection form 31 2A. Species composition of the bottom catch 33 2B. Species composition of the FAD-associated troll catch 39 2C. Species composition of the open-water troll catch 41 2D. Species composition of the vertical longline catch 43 2E. Species composition of the catch by other methods 45 3A. Trip records for Port Vila 47 3B. Trip records for Lamen Bay 51 3C. Trip records for Tahi 53 3D. Trip records for Hog Harbour 55 3E. Trip records for Port Olry 57 3F. Trip records for Luganville 59 3G. Trip records for Atchin Island 61

9 1 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 objectives: To promote the development or expansion of artisanal fisheries throughout the region based on fishery resources which are at present under-utilised, and in particular the deep-bottom 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 workers. The current Project visit commenced on 10 January 1983 and operated in the Port Vila area for three months. During the initial phase the Masterfisherman engaged in gear development trials and trolling targeted on fish aggregation devices (FADs), as well as deep-bottom droplining. A further two months were spent at six village locations throughout the Central and Northern islands, working in conjunction with Canadian volunteers in the establishment of government-sponsored village fishing projects. The final two weeks of the visit were spent in Port Vila conducting training in fish handling and processing for the staff of the then newly established fish market. Although the visit was originally scheduled to conclude in mid-may, an urgent request from the government of Fiji to SPC for assistance following severe cyclone damage required the Masterfisherman to travel to Fiji for cyclone rehabilitation work between 5 April and 8 May. Operations in Vanuatu were therefore extended from 8 May until 22 July. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 General The Republic of Vanuatu, formerly the Condominium of the New Hebrides, consists of thirteen large, mountainous islands and about sixty smaller islands and islets forming a Y-shaped archipelago, with centrally located Efate island lying at 17 6' south and 168 4' east. Total land area is some 13,500 sq km. Sixty-four of the islands are permanently inhabited, in the main by the indigenous Melanesian population, who number around 108,500. Ni-Vanuatu are culturally and linguistically diverse. The common language in use is Bislama, the national pidgin tongue, which contains elements of both the official languages, French and English, although both of those languages continue to be used as the media of instruction in schools. A further population of around 4,000, combining Asians, Europeans and other Pacific islanders, is mainly congregated in the urban centres of Port Vila (on Efate), Luganville (on Espiritu Santo) and on Malekula (Figure 1).

10 2 Miles Approx positions of FADs Project bases Route of masterfisherman by inter-island cargo boat overland and by plane Figure 1: The Republic of Vanuatu showing the movements of the Project

11 3 Agricultural production is the mainstay of Vanuatu's domestic economy and generates most overseas earnings. In 1981 total domestic exports were valued at 1,402 million Vatu, with 75 per cent of this derived from copra sales. Other major exports include beef, cocoa and timber, with tourism playing an ever-increasing role. In addition to its domestic exports, Vanuatu re-exports fish landed by foreign longlining vessels through the Japanese-managed South Pacific Fishing Company based at Palekula on Espiritu Santo. A levy is imposed on the company's transhipments, which in 1981 totalled 4,840 tonnes of frozen fish valued at 826 million Vatu. 2.1 Existing fisheries Most of the islands in the group are surrounded by fringing reefs, with only small lagoons (or no lagoon areas at all) and possess only limited inshore shallow-water resources. Outer reef-slopes tend to be of moderate gradient and deep-bottom fishing areas exist close to shore in many locations. Artisanal fisheries within the group are poorly developed by Pacific standards, reflecting the traditional preoccupation with agriculture typical among populations having large areas of arable land available. The ni-vanuatu, in particular, tend toward agricultural pursuits, although fishing activities such as the collection of reef shellfish, and shallow-water handlining have played an important part in subsistence food gathering. Commercial domestic fisheries throughout the group, which were confined to a limited deep-bottom fishery at Port Vila before the DSFD Project visit, have developed quickly to include deepbottom fishing operations in nine locations on six northern islands, under the Government of Vanuatu's Village Fisheries Development Project (with more planned for late 1983 and early 1984) as well as a small trolling operation conducted by the Vanuatu Department of Fisherie's vessels at Port Vila and Luganville, and an expanding deep-bottom fishery in these locations. Under the Village Fisheries Development Project programme, boats produced at Luganville are made available to selected village fishing groups at half their value. A group wishing to participate in this scheme is required to raise 100,000 Vatu as a deposit and send four fishermen to Port Vila to undertake a two-week training course supervised by the Department of Fisheries. Trainees meet their own travel expenses but receive a 500 Vatu per day stipend. The potential of each village fishing group is assessed by senior fisheries staff and, if the assessment is favourable, a recommendation may be made for the group to be granted a bank loan to finance the cost of a subsidised boat. In the villages, Canadian volunteer workers have been assigned to supervise the setting up of the local fishing projects, or to work with them full-time. Additional support includes the supply of fuel at subsidised prices, the supply of kerosene freezers or diesel-powered ice makers, and technical assistance with gear rigging and repair. The opening of fish markets at Port Vila and Luganville has provided a ready market for sales of both surplus and premium quality fish. Most village projects have access to air services one to three times a week and the local carrier 'Air Melanesie' offers a 10 per cent reduction on freight rates for consignments over 100 kg. Other commercial activities include the export of some trochus and green snail shell, the sale of dried shark fins, and the local sale of small quantities of coconut crab, crayfish and inshore fishes. Demand still exceeds supply in most areas, although the establishment of the fish markets in Port Vila and Luganville has done much to relieve this situation in those urban centres.

12 4 3. PROJECT OPERATIONS 3.1 General The Deep Sea Fisheries Development Project (DSFDP) superseded the Outer Reef Artisanal Fisheries Project (ORAFP), which operated for four years until Both projects had operated in Vanuatu prior to the current visit. From August 1974 until February 1975 the ORAFP was based at Lamap, on Malekula, where local resource assessment and training activities were conducted (Hume, 1975). The major recommendations arising from that visit were: that more local people should be trained as fishermen; and that technical and financial assistance should be provided to assist trainees to enter local fisheries. In May 1975, shortly after this visit, the Condominium Administration established a fisheries school at Lamap, which conducted eight-month courses in a variety of fishing activities. The school was moved to Port Vila in 1977, but was closed shortly afterwards due to a lack of resources. The DSFDP first visited the New Hebrides between September and December 1978, and from February to March 1979 (Fusimalohi, 1979). The primary objectives of that visit were the identification of suitable deep-bottom fishing areas around Tanna, and the demonstration of effective deep-bottom fishing techniques to the traditionally agrarian Tannese people. The recommendations arising from the visit related specifically to the practical aspects of establishing community-based fishing operations and, in particular, to vessel-handling and safety along the exposed parts of the coast. The DSFDP's second operation in the then newly independent Republic of Vanuatu ran from August to December 1980, and from February to June 1981 (Fusimalohi & Preston, 1983). The priority objectives of this visit were to give formal training to selected villagers in deep-bottom fishing techniques in five locations in Vanuatu's Northern and Central Districts, and to conduct trials of bottom longlining gear. The current visit operated in a number of locations (Figure 1 and Table 1). Movement of the Project from one location to another was most often effected by local cargo vessel, though road transport was used on Espiritu Santo and air transport on the final return leg. At each location the Project operated from the local village fishing project's vessel. Only a little time was lost in transferring between locations, apart from a delay at Port Vila caused by bad weather. Weather conditions were generally satisfactory, in that some area of sheltered waters was usually within range of the vessels in use. While in Port Vila the Masterfisherman was assisted by several members of the Department of Fisheries staff, in particular by Mr Walu Sak, an extension officer who had undergone training in DSFDP techniques during previous visits. During operations in the northern and central areas, assistance was given by Canadian volunteers attached to the various village fishing projects and at Hog Harbour the Masterfisherman worked directly with an operator setting up a private fishing venture.

13 5 Table 1: Project locations. Localities Dates (1983) Days Efate (Port Vila) 17 January 6 April 9 May 16 May 88 Epi (Lamen) 18 May to 30 May 13 Paama (Tahi) 31 May to 8 June 9 Espiritu Santo (Hog Harbour) 10 June to 16 June 7 Espiritu Santo (Port Olry) 17 June to 25 June 9 Espiritu Santo (Luganville) 26 June to 1 July 6 Malekula (Atchin Is.) 2 July to 6 July 5 Efate (Port Vila) 7 July to 22 July Boats and equipment The Department of Fisheries made four craft available during the Project's operations at Port Vila. These included two 8.9 m plywood catamarans, Samcat and Aika; each fitted with four FAO, Western Samoan-type wooden handreels and with 4 m trolling booms. The craft were powered by 25 hp Yamaha outboard motors and carried small standby outboards as well. The other craft used were a 10 m, FAO-designed aluminium catamaran, the Niwon, powered by twin 10 hp single-cylinder diesel engines and fitted with four handreels and twin trolling booms, and a 5.5 m Yamaha fibreglass skiff powered by a 15 hp Evinrude outboard. Most fishing operations at Port Vila were conducted on board the Samcat; the Niwon being used during two trips and the fibreglass skiff on three occasions. Figure 2 shows a plan of the Samcat. Additional deck gear included several small ice-boxes. During operations in the villages, alia catamarans were occasionally used, but the craft most in use by the village fishing projects were 4.8 m, Hartley-design, plywood monohulls powered by 15 hp Yamaha outboards. These boats were outfitted with two Western Samoan-type handreels and a pair of 3.5 m trolling booms. Although layout varied slightly from boat to boat a typical arrangement is shown in Figure 3. The boat used at Hog Harbour had the same hull design, but lacked a cabin or trolling booms. In Luganville the local fisheries office made available an 8 m Yamaha fibreglass skiff, powered by a 25 hp Yamaha outboard and fitted with two wooden handreels set diagonally opposite each other. This boat also carried a pair of 6 m trolling booms and a removable killing box. The components of the bottom-fishing gear were uniform on all vessels. The Western Samoan- type handreels (Figure 4) were loaded with 500 m of 130 kg test nylon monofilament fitted with a terminal rig carrying three Mustad tuna circle hooks on short wire traces, as shown in Figure 5. During all bottom-fishing operations the Project's JMC portable echo-sounder was used to locate areas of suitable fishing depth.

14 6 Figure 2: The Samcat

15 7 Figure 3: Layout of 4.8 m skiff

16 8 Figure 4: Wooden handreel used by the Project for deep-bottom droplining and for trolling Figure 5: Typical deep-bottom terminal rig

17 9 Anchor gear for deep-bottom fishing, which was carried on all fishing operations, consisted of 440 m of 8 12 mm diameter polypropylene anchor line (actual diameter being determined by boat size), a simple grapnel anchor made up from a 6 m lenght of 10 mm diameter steel reinforcing bar, a 6 m length of 10 mm chain and an inflatable 'Polyform' buoy of around 200 cm circumference; this gear was rigged as illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 6: 'Self-hauling' anchor gear Vertical longlining gear comprised a 300 m mainline of 6 mm kuralon rope, a 2 4 kg sinker and one or two 'Polyform' floats. Longline snoods were made up from 6 m lengths of 130 kg test nylon monofilament fitted with a patent longline clip for attachment to the mainline, and terminating with a No. 4 Mustad tuna circle hook. Trolling was carried out from the catamarans using the forward pair of wooden handreels loaded with standard 130 kg test monofilament and with the line run out through guides at the tip of the trolling booms. Fixed lines of 200 kg test 'Supertoto' braided cord were also trailed from the stern. Traces were made up from 125 kg test, 7 x 7 strand, stainless steel wire, though occasionally lighter trace wire or nylon monofilament was used to encourage strikes. Figures 2 and 3 show how trolling lines were rigged on the various boats. The gill-net used was donated to Vanuatu under a Japanese aid programme and was made up of three 35 m lengths of 15 cm stretched mesh, 210/27 ply multifilament nylon; net depth being 100 meshes. In addition to the standard floats and sinkers fitted, extra inflatable buoys and 2 kg sinkers were used during the trials with this gear. A single hook shark float illustrated in Figure 7 was also used occasionally.

18 10 Figure 7: Single-hook shark float 3.3 Fishing techniques A wide variety of fishing techniques was employed during this visit, ranging from deep-bottom droplining and surface trolling, both around FADs and in open-water, to experimental work in vertical longlining, bait trapping, gill-netting and mid-water shark fishing. Most of the experimental work was conducted in the vicinity of FADs. Details of each fishing technique and the results recorded are contained in Section Data Collection SPC Masterfishermen use a standard logsheet (shown at Appendix 1) 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 by each fishing method; 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. During this visit, catch data were also made available to the French scientific organisation Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique Outre-Mer (ORSTOM), which works closely with the Vanuatu Department of Fisheries. An ORSTOM logsheet was completed at the conclusion of each trip. On droplining trips out of Port Vila, gonads, and guts containing gonads, were retained for ORSTOM analysis. In addition, otoliths were collected and fork-lengths recorded for all bottom-fish caught from Fisheries Department vessels, and fork-lengths recorded for all troll-caught fish. While the Project was based in the village locations, a separate ORSTOM logsheet was kept for all trips; which detailed measurements of nine commonly caught deep-bottom fish, total catch weight of bottom-caught fish, total weight of trolled fish, fishing location on an area basis, date, and weather and sea conditions.

19 Training activities During the Project's stay in Port Vila, the Vanuatu Fisheries Division conducted a programme of training in trolling and deep-bottom fishing supervised by senior staff members. The SPC Masterfisherman therefore restricted his training activity to demonstration of the experimental, and improved fishing techniques particular to the Project's aims. During 88 fishing days at Port Vila, eight Fisheries Division staff, three Canadian volunteers and five village trainees underwent training in those techniques. When the Project moved to the village locations formal training activities were increased, and included rigging and maintenance of gear, correct handling and cleaning of fish, and, where ice was available, proper methods of icing and storing fish. A good deal of effort was devoted to locating fishing sites using the Project's echo-sounder and to demonstrating gear which might be of assistance to the village fishing projects. A total of 48 people underwent formal training to one degree or another. Details are in Table 2. Table 2: Formal training activities. Location No. of village trainees No. of volunteers No. of Fisheries staff Total Efate (Port Vila) Epi (Lamen Bay) Paama (Tahi) Espiritu Santo (Hog Harbour) Espiritu Santo (Port Olry) Espiritu Santo (Luganville) Malekula (Atchin Island) Efate (Port Vila) 2 0 *1 3 TOTAL **55 * Refers to fish market staff who were trained in fish handling procedures only. ** This figure represents total training sessions; some volunteers and Fisheries Division staff underwent training on more than one occasion. The total number of individual trainees was Disposal of the catch All fish were presented to market gilled and gutted, and sharks were dressed. At Port Vila and Luganville, disposal of the Project catch was handled by the Fisheries Division. Prior to the opening of the fish markets, all fish had been sold directly to hotels, restaurants, government institutions, local wholesalers, or to the public, at a fixed rate of 200 Vatu/kg for 'poulet' (deep-water snappers) and other premium fish, 150 Vatu/kg for skipjack tuna and second-grade fish, 100 Vatu/kg for grouper ( Vatu/kg filleted) and Vatu/kg for shark. Once the markets were established, fish were sold to the markets at these same prices and retailing left to the management. Funds derived were put towards the Project's operating expenses. Some of the catch landed at the various village fishing project sites was sold locally by the managers at around half the price obtainable in the urban centres. Premium fish, such as the deep-water snappers, were often airfreighted to Port Vila; the price obtained, after paying freight charges of up to 50 Vatu/kg, gave a better return than that obtainable locally.

20 12 Both shark and grouper, which are locally regarded as low-grade fish, became more readily marketable when filleted and presented properly at the urban markets. The only species which could not be sold at all were oilfish (Ruvettus pretiosus) and eels. In the village locations sharks were generally not accepted for sale though some were readily consumed by the boat crews and by local villagers if given away. Large sharks were sometimes discarded after removal of the marketable fins. 3.7 Post harvest activities Part of the Project's brief in Vanuatu was to provide training in proper fish handling and processing as a support service to the new fish market in Port Vila. A training programme was conducted during the final two weeks of the Project's stay; shortly after the market first opened. The two staff and the acting manager were instructed in filleting, boning, skinning, slicing and steaking procedures, as well as in effective presentation of fresh fish products. Training was also given in icing, freezing, storage, processing and presentation of frozen fish products. 4. FISHING ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS 4.1 Deep-bottom droplining During deep-bottom droplining operations suitable fishing areas were located using the echo-sounder, target depths during this visit being m. Whenever possible the anchor was dropped in water shallower than that of the chosen fishing sites and in a position selected so that wind and/or current would carry the boat over the target area as the anchor warp was paid out. However, in very calm conditions or when the bottom was more or less level, it was sometimes necessary to anchor in the same depth as the fishing site or even in deeper water. Once the boat was in position, lines were lowered to the bottom from the handreel and thereafter kept taut by hand to allow the fisherman to respond to bites by striking. Due to the elasticity of the long lengths of lines deployed, great reliance is placed on the 'self-hooking' qualities of the Mustad tuna circle hooks used. The preferred bait for deep-bottom droplining is fresh skipjack, and this or other tuna was used whenever possible. At Port Vila and Luganville good bait supplies were derived from trolling around FADs, while at the village locations bait was either flown or shipped in. A simple technique was used to retrieve the anchor after fishing, which considerably reduced the effort involved in hauling by hand. By motoring rapidly forward the anchor was broken out and towed until it streamed behind the boat. While still under way, the free-running `Polyform' buoy was shackled onto the anchor warp and released. The buoy was then forced back along the line by the boat's forward motion until it was trapped by the 'no-return' barb whipped onto the warp close to the anchor. The boat was then run back along the line with the line being fed in board by hand. The anchor and buoy, suspended at the surface, could than be easily recovered (see Figure 6). Primary target species for this fishing method are deep-water snappers (Etelis spp.), jobfish (Aphareus, Pristipomoides spp.), deep-water groupers (Epinephelus spp.) and fusiliers (Paracaesio spp.), although a wide variety of other species are also commonly taken, including less desirable sharks and eels. Total catches at each location varied a good deal, as did catch rates, and this may be explained in part by variations in the length of time spent at each location, the bottom configuration (which caused variations in species caught and subsequently in overall weight), and weather conditions; as well as reflecting the state of local deep-bottom resources. Two locations fished during this visit, Efate and Paama, were also fished during the 1978/79 visit, when catch rates of 3.1 kg/reel-hour and 9.8 kg/reel-hour were recorded respectively. During the current visit Efate recorded 9.1 kg/reel hour and Paama 8.9 kg/reel-hour. Variations in areas fished,

21 13 bait used, effort expended and fishing activity during the interim, may be expected to have played a part in the difference in catch rates recorded for the two visits. Catches and catch rates from the seven locations (on five islands) in which the Project operated on this visit are detailed in Table 3. Table 3: Summary of deep-bottom droplining catch at each location. Effort(reelhours) Catch Location Number of trips Fishing hours * Number Weight CPUE ** Per trip *** Port Vila (Efate) 15 Jan. 5 April Lamen Bay (Epi) May Tahi (Paama) 31 May 7 June Hog Harbour (Santo) 9 16 June Port Olry (Santo) June Luganville (Santo) 26 Jun. 2 August Atchin Island (Malekula) 2 7 August TOTALS: * Effort (reel-hours)= Number of reels in use x number of hours fishing ** CPUE= Catch per unit of effort in kg *** Total catch includes kg of sharks and kg of unsaleable species Average CPUE for all trips More than 80 per cent of the overall dropline catch was marketable and comprised 47.6 per cent deepwater snappers and 13.4 per cent emperors and shallow-water snappers. Of the total bottom catch, sharks comprised 12.4 per cent, and oilfish 4.5 per cent. Sharks caught at Port Vila were locally acceptable and were sold (10.3% of the total), while in the outer island locations, consumer resistance meant that although sharks were eaten they could not be sold. The species composition of the catch is detailed in Appendix 2A. Fishing effort at each location varied according to vessel type and on-board equipment (number of handreels etc.), available crew, and weather and sea conditions. On a per trip basis the average droplining effort was 11.8 reel-hours for an average catch of 97.6 kg. In some areas droplining operations were conducted on unexploited resources and the relatively high catch rates recorded might be expected to decline under sustained fishing pressure, possibly with a correlating change in species composition. Further exploration and development of this fishery would seem worthwhile however. Table 4 compares the results of this project visit with those obtained previously by the Project at other Pacific Island locations.

22 14 Table 4: Deep-bottom catch rates recorded by the DSFDP in selected Pacific countries and territories Deep-bottom catch rate (kg/reel-hour) Location Year and report Total Excluding sharks Vanuatu (this visit) Vanuatu 1978/ Vanuatu 1980/ Fiji 979/ Fiji 1981/ Tonga Tonga 1980/ * Western Samoa 1982/ * Not available 4.2 FAD-associated trolling Trolling in the vicinity of FADs was a major activity while the Project was based at Port Vila and at Luganville. Initial passes were usually made quite close to the raft and effort thereafter concentrated up-current of it, where some per cent of the trolled catch is estimated to have been taken. In the event that birds were marking surface schools, passes would be made in that area too, with regular changes of lures and trace types until bites were made. The most effective lures tried were 10 and 15 mm pearl-heads dressed with 115 mm and 230 mm octopus skirts, respectively, and 45 g and 60 g feather lures rigged with double hooks. Colour combinations of red/white, blue/white, green/white, orange/white and solid pink were regularly used. These lures were usually rigged on 3 4 m leaders and trolled m astern. Trolling speed was maintained at around 5 6 knots until fish were hooked; the boat was then slowed so as to be almost stationary while the fish were hauled. When handling fixed lines or wire traces gloves were worn. As soon as fish were boated the speed was quickly increased, because, as some lines were usually still in the water, more strikes often followed immediately. The practice of slowing the boat was found to be necessary to land the relatively soft-jawed tunas, particularly if the fish were on the fixed lines. Target species for this fishing method around FADs are the surface-schooling tunas such as skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuma (Thunnus albacares), as well as other pelagic species including dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus), barracuda (Sphyraena spp.), and wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri). Open-water trolling and coastal trolling were also conducted using the same gear and techniques, but usually on an opportunistic basis when travelling to and from FADS or bottom-fishing sites, and in pursuit of bottom-fishing bait. FAD-associated trolling occupied 13 per cent of overall fishing time and produced 25.7 per cent of the total catch. Overall catch rate recorded was 9.0 kg per line-hour and all fish taken were saleable. This catch rate was encouraging and compared well with deep-bottom fishing results, though operating costs were higher.

23 15 During the Project's stay there were four FADS in place: three off Port Vila and one off Luganville. Three of these FADs were fished and Table 5 summarises trolling activities at each FAD. Table 5: Summary of trolling catch at FADs Number of trips Fishing hours Effort (line-hours) * Number Catch Weight CPUE ** Per trip Location Port Vila FAD Port Vila FAD Luganville TOTALS: * Effort (line-hours)= Number of lines in use x number of hours fishing ** CPUE= Catch per unit of effort in kg As tables above shows, FAD 2 produced the largest catch and was observed to hold fish more consistently than FAD 1. A third FAD was deployed off Port Vila during the Project's stay but had not 'matured' before fishing operations ceased. The catch was dominated by skipjack tuna, which made up 52.7 per cent of the total, and yellowfin tuna (35.7 %). One small shark was taken which was readily sold at the Port Vila market. The species composition of this catch is detailed in Appendix 2B. In initial trials three lines were trolled, and this was later increased to four lines as procedures were improved. On a per trip basis, average effort was 6.8 reel-hours and the catch average 61.0 kg. Trolling operations were quite successful, and although only surface trolling was attempted it may be useful to explore the use of weighted lines for sub-surface trolling, especially through the midday hours when the pelagic species appear to swim at lower levels. 4.3 Open-water trolling Thirty per cent of the overall fishing hours was spent in coastal trolling or trolling opportunistically when travelling to FADs or other fishing sites. This activity produced 6.4 per cent of the total catch. Table 6 details the catch at each location fished. The species composition of this catch is detailed in Appendix 2C. Most effort in this fishing method was made at Port Vila, although it should be noted that in fishing FADs there, each trip involved about 3.5 hours travelling time and lines were always trolled while travelling. In all other areas, except Luganville where FAD fishing was also conducted, open-water trolling was conducted to capture bait for droplining. As with FAD trolling, lines were run only at the surface and it would be worthwhile to test weighted lines in this operation as well.

24 16 Table 6: Open-water trolling Location Number of trips Fishing hours Effort (line-hours) * Number Catch Weight CPUE ** Per trip Port Vila Lamen Bay Tahi Hog Harbour Port Olry Luganville Atchin Island TOTALS * Effort (line-hours)= Number of lines in use x number of hours fishing ** CPUE= Catch per unit of effort in kg 4.4 Vertical longlining and bait trapping Vertical longlining trials were conducted on fourteen occasions in conjunction with trolling trips to FADs. The mainline was kept coiled in a plastic fish box with the 4 kg sinker attached at the lower end and with coloured whipping marking the 15 m intervals where snoods would be connected. Snoods were stored separately, wound clip to hook on a handcaster and were removed and baited only when longlining commenced. In the initial trials the boat was made fast to a 20 m length of line permanently trailed from the FAD. As one crew member slowly lowered the mainline a second placed the baited hooks in the water well clear of the mainline and then clipped the snoods to it. It is important for safety to have the hooks clear of the boat before clipping-on in case early strikes are made. Once the line was down with all snoods attached, a small buoy was clipped-on to the end of the mainline. A second, larger buoy was attached by a 15 m length of line and this in turn was made fast to the line trailing from the FAD. The mainline buoy not only supported the longline but provided adequate 'give' once fish were hooked. Once the gear was set the boat usually continued trolling. In order to haul the longline the larger buoy was detached from the FAD line, the boat made fast in its place and the longline then pulled in toward the boat. The longline was coiled in the fish box as it came inboard, each snood being unclipped in turn. Snoods holding fish were not unclipped until the fish were boated and killed or, in the case of sharks until they were secured alongside. A second method of setting the longline employed the same rig, but with the longline set untethered about 500 m up-current from the FAD so as to drift by it. As before, trolling continued while the longline drifted. Hauling was carried out in the same manner, but with the boat drifting. A further variation in gear was used later in the trials, subsequent to most fish being taken on the upper half of the line. Only fifteen snoods were set on the vertical line with seven more set horizontally and supported by three floats. Species targeted by this technique include those sought by trolling, but in particular the deepswimming tunas.

25 17 Vertical longlines were set only at the two FADs off Port Vila. A number of problems were encountered during the trials; including the taking of both baits and hooked fish by sharks, the taking of bait by large numbers of Canthidermis maculatus (oceanic triggerfish) and difficulties in obtaining suitable bait. The problem with sharks was largely overcome by adding a 1 m length of `Turimoto' longline wire to each snood so that sharks could be landed and eliminated. To avoid triggerfish taking the baits, the longline was set away from the FAD and allowed to drift past, as earlier described. Early trials using cut skipjack as bait produced catches of sharks only, but when Japanese saury were obtained and used as bait more desired species were taken. As a supplementary bait-taking method, an experimental bait trap was constructed and set below a FAD, supported by a large buoy. The trap was in place for three weeks before being lost during heavy weather, and during that time captured only triggerfish (17.3 kg). Although no suitable bait was taken the trap did show promise as a means of controlling the triggerfish population below the FAD and consequently the problem of losing bait to them. Overall longlining catch was kg taken in 14 trips over 74.5 hours of fishing, with an average catch per trip of 32.5 kg. All fish taken were saleable, even though sharks comprised 62.0 per cent of the catch and by weight and tunas only 11.1 per cent, because these catches were made in the vicinity of markets where shark was acceptable. 4.5 FAD-associated gill-netting Preliminary gill-netting trials were conducted around FADs 1 and 2 off Port Vila. The net was set from a 5.5 m skiff, which was towed to the FAD by the larger vessel in use. The skiff was tied up to the line trailing from the FAD and the larger vessel then usually continued with other activities. Once in position the skiff crew tied the head rope of the net to the mooring line trailed from the FAD and then allowed the skiff to drift as they paid out the net. Longline floats and 2 kg sinkers were clipped onto the head and foot ropes of the net, respectively, as the net was deployed. Once the net was set the skiff crew were picked up, leaving the skiff secured to the end of the net head rope and other fishing continued. Setting was usually carried out at dusk and hauling at first light. A crew of three was required to haul the net successfully; one handling the head rope, one the foot rope, and the third gathering in the belly. The net was hauled by hand over the side of the skiff with sinkers and floats being unclipped and stowed as they came inboard. Netted fish were also removed from the net as it came inboard, with the exception of sharks which had rolled themselves in the mesh. It was found to be easier to untangle these in the water before killing and landing them. Once the skiff reached the mooring line it was secured to await pick-up by the larger boat. The most significant feature of the gill-netting trials was the damage done to the gear by sharks. When strong currents were running and the net was taut between the mooring rope and the skiff, sharks readily breached it. In slack current sharks tended to roll in the net and cause less damage. Rough conditions made the net both difficult and dangerous to handle from the skiff, especially at night. The weighting was uneven and the net did not hang properly, making it less effective. On the third set the head-rope parted after two hours in the water and later inspection revealed a number of other damaged areas, possibly attributable to rats gnawing the net while it was stowed ashore. Three gill-netting trips totalling 28.5 hours fishing resulted in a catch of 27 fish with a total weight of 1,041.3 kg. Apart from a small number of tunas the main component of this catch was sharks (80.1% by weight). 4.6 Single-hook shark float The catches by longlining, trolling and gill-netting often became the subject of shark attack, resulting in losses of both catch and gear. When losses were severe, and for the purpose of experimentation, a single tuna circle hook was rigged, attached to two longline floats, baited and set to drift. Hooked sharks were usually left to fight the resistance of the floats until they were exhausted. It was necessary to keep the floats under observation as sharks tended to swim away from the area of the FAD when hooked.

26 18 Sharks were landed during intervals in other fishing activity by picking up the floats with a gaff or boathook, the sharks hauled to the surface, tailroped and killed by clubbing or piercing the back of the head, and then bled by cutting through the narrow part of the tail. During overnight longlining trials when the boat was tied up to the FAD a single hook shark line was occasionally set fixed to the stern. Hooked sharks were left to quieten before killing and landing. As a good deal of time and effort was usually involved in killing and landing hooked sharks the line was used only when necessary to prevent heavy catch losses. Shark lines were set for a total of 30.5 hours resulting in a catch of 6 sharks with a total weight of 362 kg. 5. SPECIES COMPOSITION OF THE CATCH The species composition of the total catch by all fishing methods is detailed in Appendices 2A, B, C, D, and E. Table 7 below gives a summary of this information. The groupings used are loosely based on a combination of species taxonomy, habitat and marketability. Figures for each group are given by the two main fishing methods, droplining and trolling, and the balance represented by the 'Other methods' column. Table 7: Species composition of the catch by fishing method. Bottom catch Troll catch Other methods Total Group No. Weight No. Weight No. Weight No. Weight Deep-water snappers Emperors/ shallow-water snappers Groupers Tunas Other pelagic fishes Other fishes Sharks TOTALS Notes: Deep-water snappers, which accounted for 21.0% by weight of the total catch, comprised 46.1% of the bottom-catch. Tunas, which accounted for 29.8% of the total catch by weight, comprised 93.1% of the troll catch. Unsaleable species, excluding sharks, comprised 3.9% of the total catch by weight and including Ruvettus pretiosus, Conger cinereus, and Muraenesox cinereus 6. FISHING ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS AT EACH LOCALITY 6.1 Efate Port Vila The Project was based in the Port Vila area (see Figure 8) between 17 January and 6 April, between 9 May and 16 May and again between 7 July and 22 July Efate Island is mountainous, with a generally rugged coastline and a very narrow fringing reef in most places. Weather during the stays