June 2003 TNC Pacific Island Countries Report No. 3/03 Kavieng Spawning Aggregation Monitoring Training Workshop Report Kavieng, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea 22-30 April 2003 Prepared by: Kevin L. Rhodes, Ph.D. Workshop Facilitator & Trainer For the Pacific Island Countries Coastal Marine Program The Nature Conservancy
Author Contact Details: Kevin L. Rhodes: Pacific Marine Science and Conservation, 160 Conaway Ave., Grass Valley, California 95945, USA. Email: klrhodes_grouper@yahoo.com Citation: Rhodes, K.L. 2003. Kavieng Spawning Aggregation Monitoring Training Workshop Report, Kavieng, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, 22-30 April 2003. Report prepared for the Pacific Island Countries Coastal Marine Program, The Nature Conservancy. TNC Pacific Island Countries Report No. 3/03. 2003 The Nature Conservancy All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior permission from the copyright holder(s). Reproduction for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder(s). Acknowledgements John Aini and Ailan Awareness for logistical support in Kavieng. Joe Aitsi, Shannon Seeto and Annisah Sapul for materials preparation and logistical support. National Fisheries College for the facilities, participants accommodation and vessel. Dyaul community for showing us the site and allowing us to use it. Lissenung Divers for tank fills and equipment repairs. Donors This workshop was made possible through support provided by the Office of Strategic Planning, Operations and Technical Support, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U. S. Agency for International Development, under the terms of Award No. LAG-A-00-99-00045-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U. S. Agency for International Development. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The Oak Foundation. Report Available From: Indo-Pacific Resource Centre The Nature Conservancy 51 Edmondstone Street South Brisbane, QLD 4101 Australia Or via the worldwide web at: www.conserveonline.org Cover and End Photos: Andrew Smith and Shannon Seeto. Fish paintings: D. Bason/TNC i
TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents... ii List of Figures... ii List of Tables... ii Background... 1 Target Fish Species... 2 Training Sessions and Materials... 3 Workshop Participants... 3 Monitoring Findings: Dyaul Island... 4 Data Entry and Analysis... 6 Workshop Discussion and Recommendations... 11 Live Reef Food Fish Trade Ban (LRFFT)... 12 Species-Specific Sales Ban During Spawning Periods... 13 Species-Specific Export and Possession Ban During Spawning Seasons... 13 Community-Based Marine Protected Areas... 13 Market- and Port-Based Monitoring and Enforcement... 13 Species-Specific Catch Ban... 14 Complete Spawning Aggregation Protection... 14 References... 14 Appendices... 15 Appendices... 15 Appendix 1: Participants in the Spawning Aggregation Training Workshop Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, 22-30th April 2003... 15 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Target species observed at the Dyaul Island aggregation and monitoring training site... 2 Figure 2: Monitoring plan for Dyaul spawning aggregations, based on surveys taken 29 April 2003... 5 Figure 3: Distribution and concentration of spawning aggregations at Dyaul Island monitoring site... 5 Figure 4: Length frequency analysis of squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) from three divers estimates taken at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site 25 April 2003.... 9 Figure 5: Length frequency estimations from all divers for squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site, 25 April 2003... 9 Figure 6: Length frequency analysis of brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) from three divers estimates taken at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site, 25 April 2003.... 10 Figure 7: Length frequency estimations from all divers for brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site, 25 April 2003.... 10 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Length frequency data from 25 April 2003...7 ii
BACKGROUND Among coral reef fishes, those most susceptible to over-fishing are some of the commercially important members of groupers (Serranidae) and wrasse (Labridae) that form spawning aggregations. These fishes, and many others, aggregate to spawn at predicable sites and times and are often heavily targeted by fishers. As a result of heavy fishing on spawning aggregations, aggregation loss, declines in genetic diversity and altered reproductive output have been recorded, with the potential for alterations in trophic food webs and coral reef ecosystems. The vulnerability of spawning aggregations to over-fishing is now widely recognized along with the need to conserve and manage them at the aggregation level. To design meaningful management and conservation protocols and examine the effects of conservation actions on aggregations, some form of monitoring is usually required. Toward this end, The Nature Conservancy is conducting spawning aggregation monitoring training workshops among areas of the western Pacific that are being affected by the Live Reef Food Fish Trade (LRFFT), including areas of Papua New Guinea. The workshops are designed to promote an awareness of the importance of spawning aggregations and their vulnerability, and to introduce local resource managers and conservationists to basic monitoring techniques for identifying, recording and responding to changes within spawning populations. 1 The following report highlights monitoring skills training exercises and findings from the 23-30 April 2003 monitoring training workshop conducted at Kavieng, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. The monitoring training program introduced basic data-gathering techniques to practitioners for managing spawning aggregations, including the determination of spawning season, aggregation area and estimating species abundance and fish lengths. The workshop and training was designed to accommodate local resource managers interested in establishing long-term monitoring programs for management and conservation purposes. The training manual used in the workshop which detailed the methods and approaches was a draft manual. Since the workshop it has been revised, although not yet finalized. Once finalized, each participant will receive a copy of the final revised manual. 1 The workshops are a part of a larger project that The Nature Conservancy has received funding from the East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI), the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Oak Foundation to conserve coral reef biodiversity by reducing the depletion of aggregating reef fish in Pacific Island countries. This project aims to improve resource management and spawning aggregation site protection, increase awareness of these resources vulnerability to over-exploitation, and enhance capacity to manage reef fish spawning aggregations and MPAs that incorporate these sites. It has three objectives: (1) to develop and facilitate the application of cost-effective management controls on the exploitation of aggregating reef fish resources; (2) to strengthen the capacity to assess, monitor, and manage aggregating reef fish resources; and (3) to raise the awareness and appreciation among stakeholders of the vulnerability of aggregating reef fish populations and associated ecosystems, the nature and significance of spawning aggregations, and options for improving management. 1
TARGET FISH SPECIES The monitoring training program focused on several species of grouper (Family Serranidae) and the humphead wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus (Family Labridae). Those species observed aggregating during training exercises include the brown-marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Figure 1.1), squaretail coralgrouper, Plectropomus areolatus (Figure 1.2), highfin coralgrouper, P. oligocanthus (Figure 1.3), and humphead wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus (Figure 1.4). Details of the aggregations are described below. Figure 1.1 Latin: Epinephelus fuscoguttatus FAO: Brown-marbled grouper PNG: big mouth Figure 1.2 Latin: Plectropomus areolatus FAO: Squaretail coralgrouper PNG: big mouth Figure 1.3 Latin: Plectropomus oligocanthus FAO: Highfin coralgrouper PNG: big mouth Figure 1.4 Latin: Cheilinus undulatus FAO: Humphead wrasse PNG: momin Figure 1: Target species observed at the Dyaul Island aggregation and monitoring training site. 2
TRAINING SESSIONS AND MATERIALS Workshop training sessions focused on the skills necessary to conduct basic monitoring of spawning aggregations. The skills sessions included: 1. Fish species identification Still photographs Plastic identification cards (SPC/TNC/IMA) PowerPoint presentations Laminated identification sheets Underwater video (Pohnpei and Dyaul) Printed references (e.g. Micronesian Reef Fishes, Robert Myers; LRFFT Awareness package poster, SPC/TNC/IMA)) 2. Fish length estimation Wooden fish models 3. Spawning signs Underwater video (Pohnpei and Dyaul) PowerPoint presentations 4. Abundance counts Underwater monitoring on aggregation sites Classroom presentation using whiteboard drawings 5. Site mapping: tools and techniques Classroom presentations Site-based mapping WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS Participants from national and local government agencies, and local and international non-government organizations (NGOs) participated in the workshop. Participants and their affiliations are as follows (contact details given in Appendix 1): 1. TNC-Papua New Guinea Joseph Aitsi, Shannon Seeto, Annisah Sapul 2. Mahonia Na Dari Chris Tumi 3. National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Papua New Guinea Leban Gisawa 4. Ailan Awareness (Kavieng) John Aini, Kilangis Komet 5. The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Caspar Dako 6. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Noel Wangunu (Papua New Guinea) 7. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Alec Hugh (Solomon Islands) 8. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Lorraini Sivo (Fiji) 9. Conservation International (CI) Jeff Kinch 10. Packard Foundation Pam Seeto 11. Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Papua New Guinea Vagi Rei 12. James Cook University / Mahonia Na Dari John Claydon 3
MONITORING FINDINGS: DYAUL ISLAND Site investigations at Dyaul Island revealed spawning aggregations of four species that have been targets for both the LRFFT and local fishers squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus), brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), highfin coralgrouper (P. oligocanthus) and humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus). Each of these species was present in densities sufficient to classify the groups of fish as spawning aggregations. Additional evidence of spawning aggregation observed at the site were color change (squaretail coralgrouper, brown-marbled grouper, highfin coralgrouper), chasing and fighting (squaretail coralgrouper and brown-marbled grouper), gravid females (squaretail coralgrouper) and bite marks (Plectropomus areolatus and P. oligocanthus). Gravid female squaretail coralgrouper with hydrated oocytes were taken from the site (purchased in Kavieng from the local market) the evening after monitoring concluded (speared about 1 a.m.). Investigations of the site showed a horizontal distribution of fish along the reef of approximately 400 m and a vertical distribution of at least 40 m, for a total minimum aggregation area of ~16,000 m 2. The area and distribution of fish varied among species (Figure 2 and 3). Squaretail coralgrouper were the most widely distributed and were distributed fairly evenly throughout the aggregation area. In contrast, the other aggregating species were concentrated in more restricted areas, both horizontally and vertically (Figure 3). Brown-marbled grouper were distributed at the south eastern end of the aggregation site in 30-40 m. Similarly, highfin grouper were found at 35-40 m approximately 50 m to the west of the brown-marbled grouper aggregation. Humphead wrasse were typically found along a point extending seaward from the wall at 25-30 m. A few (3-4) large (presumed) male and several (12-15) smaller individuals were observed at the site simultaneously. For brown-marbled grouper and highfin coralgrouper, aggregations are likely distributed and possibly concentrated deeper than recreational dive limits allowed (>35 m). Based on the distribution of fishes at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site, monitoring should be conducted over three dives along depth-stratified transects 10, 20 and 30 m. Transects should be set to 250 m long and 10 m wide (2500 m 2 ). The low abundance levels encountered at Dyaul (Figure 2) allow for the option of counting all or a sub-set of the four species during each dive. Dive monitoring at the site could be conducted during a single day and monitoring for the site would best be conducted 1-2 day prior to new moon when abundance appears to be greatest. Short-term monitoring should focus on determination of individual species reproductive season and distribution and should proceed monthly during a full year and during both full and new moon periods. Based on these patterns and the potential need for revisions in the transect design, long-term monitoring of abundance, density and length estimation should proceed. To assess reproductive seasons for individual species, market analysis should also be conducted that includes further identification of aggregation sites based on catch locations and fisher interviews. 4
Water surface PA EF Top of reef 5 m 23 9 10 m 50 6 20 m 29 47 30 m Bottom of reef Transect length: 250 m Figure 2: Monitoring plan for Dyaul spawning aggregations, based on surveys taken 29 April 2003. Transects are set at 10, 20 and 30 m and are 10 m wide with a horizontal length of 250 m. Pa=Plectropomus areolatus; Ef=Epinephelus fuscoguttatus. top of (~5 m) 10 m 20 m 30 m 250 200 150 100 50 0 Plectropomus areolatus Plectropomus oligocanthus Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Cheilinus undulatus Figure 3: Distribution and concentration of spawning aggregations at Dyaul Island monitoring site 5
DATA ENTRY AND ANALYSIS Data, once collected, can be entered into one of several databases for analysis. Among the available databases, the most common are Microsoft Excel and Access. Other programs, such as Lotus 1-2-3 can also be used with some basic skills training and are compatible with Excel. An example of data entry and output can be seen in the Pohnpei 2001 (Pet et al. 2001) monitoring training manual. For most Pacific island users, however, Excel is perhaps the best option because of its availability, ease of use and cost. The data collected at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site was entered into an Excel spreadsheet as shown in Table 1. The format for data entry is simple and can be expanded by entering subsequent months abundance, behavior or length frequency data into a separate column. The only drawback to using Excel is the need to re-draw graphs following each month s data entry. Analysis of long-term monitoring data from multiple spreadsheets using Excel can be cumbersome. Data collected for length frequency is shown graphically in Figures 4-7 as combined and individually collected data. Data represented in Figure 4 for squaretail coralgrouper and Figure 6 for brownmarbled grouper represent individual diver estimates. Within these graphs, a great deal of variation in length frequency estimates is shown among individual divers and supports the need for additional underwater training using wooden fish and/or the incorporation of additional training techniques or tools. For both species, monitors appear to be underestimating sizes by at least one size class. Where an active aggregation fishery is available, measuring and comparing catch to underwater individual length frequency estimates and their distribution is suggested. Simple cost-effective tools, such as laser pointers to aid in length frequency estimation are now being developed that may be distributed in the near future to Pacific island monitors. Other simple methods, such as placing 1-m stands of (1/4 ) PVC pipe along the aggregation site to gauge lengths are suggested. In the interim, monitors should spend as much time as necessary prior to beginning an active monitoring program on training in length frequency estimation. 6
Table 1: Length frequency data from 25 April 2003. Data represents length frequencies collected by three individual divers at the Dyaul aggregation site (Plectropomus areolatus and Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). Variations in length frequencies may represent errors associated with estimates from individual divers and signal a need for more skills training and improved training techniques Species: Plectropomus areolatus Species: Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Date: 25 April 2003 Date: 25 April 2003 Location: Dyaul Island SW Location: Dyaul Island SW Coordinates: Coordinates: Monitors: Monitors: Time: Time: Current, visibilty, cloud cover: Current, visibilty, cloud cover: Diver 1 Diver 1 Length freq. Number Length freq. Number 26-30 0 26-30 0 31-35 1 31-35 0 36-40 6 36-40 0 41-45 5 41-45 0 46-50 1 46-50 0 51-55 0 51-55 0 56-60 0 56-60 1 61-65 0 61-65 9 66-70 0 66-70 1 Diver 2 Diver 2 Length freq. Number Length freq. Number 26-30 0 26-30 0 31-35 2 31-35 0 36-40 6 36-40 0 41-45 2 41-45 4 46-50 0 46-50 3 51-55 0 51-55 4 56-60 0 56-60 4 61-65 0 61-65 4 66-70 0 66-70 0 Diver 3 Diver 3 Length freq. Number Length freq. Number 26-30 1 26-30 0 31-35 3 31-35 0 36-40 4 36-40 0 41-45 2 41-45 3 46-50 2 46-50 0 51-55 1 51-55 1 56-60 0 56-60 5 61-65 0 61-65 2 66-70 0 66-70 3 7
Combined total (all divers) Combined total (all divers) Length freq. Number Length freq. Number 26-30 1 26-30 0 31-35 6 31-35 0 36-40 16 36-40 0 41-45 9 41-45 7 46-50 3 46-50 3 51-55 1 51-55 5 56-60 0 56-60 10 61-65 0 61-65 15 66-70 0 66-70 4 Combined individual (Divers 1-3) Combined individual (Divers 1-4) Length freq. Diver 1 Diver 2 Diver 3 Length freq. Diver 1 Diver 2 Diver 3 26-30 0 0 1 26-30 0 0 0 31-35 1 2 3 31-35 0 0 0 36-40 6 6 4 36-40 0 0 0 41-45 5 2 2 41-45 0 4 3 46-50 1 0 2 46-50 0 3 0 51-55 0 0 1 51-55 0 4 1 56-60 0 0 0 56-60 1 4 5 61-65 0 0 0 61-65 9 4 2 66-70 0 0 0 66-70 1 0 3 8
7 6 Diver 1 Diver 2 Diver 3 5 4 3 2 1 0 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 Number 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 Length frequency (cm TL) Figure 4: Length frequency analysis of squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) from three divers estimates taken at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site 25 April 2003. Variations in estimates are apparent and signal the need for additional training. Length frequencies likely represent underestimates of 1-2 length classes. 20 15 10 5 0 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 Number 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 Length frequency (cm TL) Figure 5: Length frequency estimations from all divers for squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site, 25 April 2003. Size estimations are likely underestimated by 1-2 size classes and suggest additional training or improved training techniques are required prior to actual estimates for management purposes. 9
10 8 Diver 2 Diver 3 Diver 4 Number 6 4 2 0 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 Length frequency Figure 6: Length frequency analysis of brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) from three divers estimates taken at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site, 25 April 2003. Variations in estimates are apparent and signal the need for additional training. Length frequencies likely represent underestimates by one size class and suggest additional training prior to actual estimates for management purposes. 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Length frequency (cm TL) Figure 7: Length frequency estimations from all divers for brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) at the Dyaul spawning aggregation site, 25 April 2003. Size estimations are likely underestimated by one size class and suggest additional training or improved training techniques are required prior to actual estimates for management purposes. 10
WORKSHOP DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The monitoring of spawning aggregation sites is an important component of effective marine resource management, particularly for documenting the effects of aggregation fishing. Aggregations are sitespecific and are typically comprised of a substantial portion of the total number of fish spawning within the local population. Formation of these aggregations is typically brief, e.g., 1-2 weeks over only a few months and around particular lunar cycles (full or new moon). Aggregations likely represent the period during which total reproductive output for the species occurs and it is during these times that the fish are highly vulnerable to over-fishing due to their brief and predictable nature. Direct (area) or indirect (e.g. market, export) protection of the aggregation is therefore of the utmost important to stock maintenance, food security and economic stability. At Dyaul, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea, two of three reported spawning aggregation sites were investigated during the approaching new moon period between 24 and 30 April 2003 (new moon = 1 May). Both sites appeared to be located at promontories along the barrier reef. The third site was also reported to be at a promontory, but was not investigated owing to time and logistical constraints. All sites were reportedly fished during the previous few years by the LRFFT that was located nearby on Dyaul Island. The LRFFT fished the aggregation using traps. The total number and volume (weight) of individual species taken is unknown. The company has since abandoned the site owing to a disagreement between local fishers and local operators and the imposition of a national moratorium. During monitoring dives, remnants of traps were frequently encountered. Local fishers continue to fish the site using spears and focus fishing during the period of peak abundance in the evenings just before the new moon. Of the two sites investigated, only one site had sufficient numbers and densities of fish to be characterized as a spawning aggregation. At this site, spawning aggregations of squaretail coralgrouper, Plectropomus areolatus, brown-marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, highfin coralgrouper, Plectropomus oligocanthus, and humphead wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus were observed. Only two individual camouflage grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion, were noted during the same period. From monitoring dives, a maximum of 73 squaretail coralgrouper and 62 brown-marbled grouper were counted, while maximum counts of 12 and 14 humphead wrasse and highfin coralgrouper were observed, respectively. These counts were made two days prior to new moon, which was considered to be the period of peak abundance. The fishing pressure at the Dyaul aggregation site(s) has been and remains substantial, given the small number of fish observed during the monitoring period in relation to the total number extracted during a single fishing trip (i.e. 73 observed and ~30 captured squaretail coralgrouper). To ensure aggregation persistence at Dyaul, changes to the fishery and cooperation between local fishing communities, buyers and conservation organizations will be required. To this end, a local fish buyer and exporter (Emirau Marine Products, P O Box 500, Kavieng) has already agreed to assist in conservation efforts by (1) requiring fishers to bring fish in ungutted for gonad inspection or (2) stop buying fish, or at least squaretail coralgrouper, from Dyaul. The first measure will allow species-specific spawning seasons to be determined. Once spawning seasons are known, the viability of seasonal market bans can then be discussed. (Note: Plectropomus areolatus and other species may form monthly spawning aggregations, as reported by local fishers in Dyaul and Manus 2 ). The second option would eliminate sales to the buyer and may reduce fishing at the site, but may not entirely eliminate fishing, since the fishers can sell the catch elsewhere. Other possible options to explore are limited pulse fishing in alternate months or a voluntary closure by the Dyaul fishing community on one or all aggregation sites. Regardless, for any option to be entirely effective, educational awareness will be required. Ailan Awareness participated in workshop training exercises and is a good candidate for providing 2 Lyle Squire, Cairns Marine Aquarium Fish, personal communication, 7 May 2003. Monthly spawning in local aggregations of grouper may impede the effectiveness of sales or catch bans, since an annual or total catch ban would be needed to fully protect spawning aggregations. If local aggregations are shown to form monthly, a partial or seasonal sales and catch ban combined with area closures may be necessary. 11
educational awareness to local communities. Community participation is an integral component of aggregation protection, since effective monitoring and enforcement by NFA is unlikely owing to resource limitations. In lieu of, or in addition to community support, market-based controls should be instituted. Failure to achieve local community action will require intervention from the Provincial fisheries and the National Fishing Authority (NFA), such as area and seasonal closures. From the initial monitoring trials, spawning aggregations in the Kavieng area of New Ireland (that have previously been fished by the LRFFT) appear to be under serious threat of extirpation. Although the monitoring period was limited and only two potential spawning sites were investigated, indications are that past and present fishing by the LRFFT has severely damaged spawning stocks and even eliminated at least one aggregation. At the current abundance levels, even low fishing pressure for subsistence or local commercial purposes threatens aggregations (e.g. Dyaul). With the lifting of the live reef food fish moratorium, aggregations are likely to be under further threat of extirpation, even with new regulations prohibiting direct fishing on aggregations and the ban on trap fishing. This viewpoint comes in recognition of a persistent failure by the LRFFT to abide by restrictions on its fishery in general and the current limitations in monitoring capacity of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) over such a wide geographic area. To enhance the protection of aggregations, to maximize the potential for sustainable fishing during non-reproductive periods, and to enable effective management and monitoring of spawning aggregations, several steps are recommended for Papua New Guinea that are not exclusive to New Ireland. LIVE REEF FOOD FISH TRADE BAN (LRFFT) Renewed licensing of the LRFFT operation is based on several conditions and an assumption of sustainability for the fishery that in all likelihood cannot be achieved. Sustainability has never been shown for any live reef food fishing operation, with the exception of Australia, where local (Australian government) oversight on all aspects of the fishery and where enforcement and monitoring resources at the point of catch, sale and export are substantial. Recent reports from Australia suggest the trade may not be sustainable there in the long-term and some aggregations have shown declines. Indeed, the return of the LRFFT to PNG and expansion into areas even further a field clearly demonstrates the unsustainable nature of the trade. Further, frequent violations of licensing agreements have occurred and destructive fishing and over-fishing are common (e.g. Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, Philippines, Solomon Islands). In Kavieng, recent operations appear to have compromised the integrity of spawning aggregations and appear to have resulted in the extirpation of at least one Dyaul aggregation, with a second site likely to fail if local commercial (and possibly subsistence) fishing persists. Aggregation extirpation catalyzed by the LRFFT will substantially reduce future income opportunities to the community. It is unlikely new regulations to restrict aggregation fishing and fishing with traps will prevent overfishing of local spawning populations or be effective in preventing aggregation failure. As a precautionary approach, a total ban on the live reef food fish trade is recommended in Dyaul and other areas of PNG. In lieu of this, a total catch and outof-country export ban during reproductive seasons for individual species (currently unknown) is needed in view of the current monitoring or enforcement limitations. Should species be shown to spawn monthly, a partial catch and export ban is recommended, for example of 4-6 months. Fishing within the Kavieng area of New Ireland is unlikely to supply the LRFFT with sufficient volumes of fish to meet industry demands (or the minimum shipping volumes of about 15-20 tonnes of fish per shipment), given the obviously compromised nature of the local spawning stocks. The combination of the LRFFT with local subsistence and local chilled export market will likely result in severe stock depletions within the area and reduce the potential for sustainable catch for local consumption. Stipulations within the Fisheries Management Act (1998): The National Live Reef Food Fish Fishery Management Plan, for LRFFT operations provide for regulation, monitoring and assessment of LRFFT impacts. Currently, neither species-specific baseline studies nor identification of vulnerable spawning aggregations have been conducted. Therefore, it is unlikely that direct or indirect impacts to 12
either local populations or spawning aggregations can be detected. In this regard, it appears premature to begin licensing of operations for the LRFFT. In addition, the Management Working Committee (MWC) could be greatly improved in its advisory capacity by the inclusion of at least one scientific advisor familiar with the target species, the trade and its activities. Finally, it is not clear how a total allowable catch (TAC) will be set or how it can be monitored given the clear lack of scientific data on target species, for example, species-specific and area-specific population sizes or recruitment potentials. The institution of total allowable catch (TAC) is a questionable option for coastal reef fish management. A single port of export with mandatory inspection is suggested for the LRFFT for monitoring the trade. SPECIES-SPECIFIC SALES BAN DURING SPAWNING PERIODS In Papua New Guinea, species-specific sales bans during reproductive seasons are recommended to ensure aggregation protection. This type of ban is particularly effective in controlling over-harvesting of targeted fish stocks when local market sales contribute substantially to the total demand for reef fish. To implement sales bans at the species level, reproductive seasons must first be identified. Ironically, the identification of reproductive seasons for individual species is most easily accomplished by macroscopic examination of gonads (reproductive organs) from market catches. The identification of reproductive activity is relatively simple, but requires some formal training over short periods. For Kavieng, the April new moon has been identified as a spawning month for squaretail coralgrouper and brown-marbled grouper, two of the target species for the LRFFT and frozen/chilled export trade. It is not clear that camouflage grouper normally spawns during April or even new moon. Training is recommended during a known reproductive month to ensure that all stages of gonad development are available with which to train. Once trained, market-based monitors (see Market-monitoring and enforcement below) can greatly assist in aggregation understanding and protection away from the site. In the event that spawning is monthly in commercially important species, other options, such as partial sales, catch and export bans or total or seasonal area closures should be examined. SPECIES-SPECIFIC EXPORT AND POSSESSION BAN DURING SPAWNING SEASONS In Papua New Guinea, a species-specific export and possession ban for target fishes during the reproductive season is perhaps the most effective method for eliminating or reducing impacts on spawning aggregations by the LRFFT. This tactic is highly recommended given the current lack of information on spawning aggregation sites and lack of available resources to actively monitor and enforce the trade on a daily basis. The type of ban, however, requires knowledge of spawning seasons by species to be useful as an effective method of conservation and management. As with any marketbased ban, information on the spawning season for individual species is required. The ban should include possession or holding of fish in pens during the stipulated ban period. COMMUNITY-BASED MARINE PROTECTED AREAS In line with other types of management concerning local fish stocks, communities should be directly involved with the placement, enforcement and monitoring of marine protected areas. Fishers, in particular, are acutely aware of spawning aggregations within local waters and can typically identify not only sites, but also pathways of movement of spawning individuals to the aggregation site. For this reason, fishers and fishing communities should be enlisted whenever possible to identify likely boundaries for aggregation protection, particularly when the LRFFT is operating within the vicinity. In addition, community-based monitoring of fishing activities by the LRFFT is recommended, particularly if locals are not directly involved in the trade. MARKET- AND PORT-BASED MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT Site-based monitoring, while important in assessing changes in local spawning populations, is often a luxury that is unaffordable to many island countries and local fishing communities. For this reason, a more cost-effective alternative for spawning aggregation conservation is market- and port-based 13
monitoring and enforcement when species-specific bans are in place. This type of management is particularly effective where there are few or even a single point of export or sales. As with any species-specific ban, the spawning season must be known. Market- or port-based monitors can be any individual that is not directly linked to the LRFFT. In Kavieng, Ailan Awareness is a likely candidate for market monitoring. SPECIES-SPECIFIC CATCH BAN Catch bans act to prevent or reduce fishing on spawning aggregations in a similar manner to sales bans. However, catch bans can be less effective, except in instances where fishing areas are actively patrolled and inspection of catch is agreed to by the fishers. In developing island countries, catch bans are often less effective in preventing over-fishing owing to the limited resources available to enforcement agencies to patrol vast coastal marine and open ocean areas. COMPLETE SPAWNING AGGREGATION PROTECTION Spawning aggregations within a given area represent the current and future fish on the reef (for those fish aggregating). Specifically, all mature individuals within the local population gather at spawning aggregation sites where they are potential targets of local and commercial fishers. By targeting fish at these sites, the opportunity to build or maintain a sustainable fishery is severely reduced. Therefore, in the interest of sustainable fishing, all available methods of restricting access to spawning aggregation sites should be instituted. In particular, the first phase for spawning aggregation species (i.e. target species for the LRFFT) protection should be to identify species-specific spawning times and implement specific harvest, sales and export bans during these periods. The second phase should be the identification and inclusion of individual spawning sites into marine protected areas. Site-specific protection is given secondary priority as a general case for Papua New Guinea owing to the vast reef area, apparent limited fisher knowledge of sites, and the time, labor and cost requirements for their location, monitoring and enforcement (i.e. by NFA and Provincial Fisheries). As a specific case, known sites, such as the one at Dyaul, should be given high priority as a protected area with local community cooperation, if possible. The third phase should combine market, sales, catch and export bans where appropriate to reduce the effects of fishing on spawning aggregations from the LRFFT and local export trade. REFERENCES Pet., J., A. Muljadi and K. Rhodes. 2001. TNC Pohnpei Workshop: Grouper Spawning Aggregation Site (SPAGS) Conservation and Monitoring. TNC Workshop Report, March 2001. National Fisheries Authority. 2002. Fisheries Management Act 1998. The National Live Reef Food Fish Fishery Management Plan, February 2002, 11 p. 14
APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Participants in the Spawning Aggregation Training Workshop Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, 22-30th April 2003 Name Title/Positions Contact Address Alec Hugh Marine Conservation Officer World Wildlife Fund P.O. Box 97, Gizzo, Western Province Solomon Islands Tel: +677 60191 Email: mastaliu@hotmail.com Annisah Sapul TNC Intern Kimbe Bay Marine Project, P.O. Box 267, Kimbe, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea Tel/Fax: +675 983 4783 Email: (send to Joe Aitsi's email) Casper Dako Technical Officer Motupore Island Research Centre P.O. Box 320, University, NCD, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 3254725/ 326 7317 Email: Chris Tumi Jeff Kinch Conservation & Community Outreach Officer Community Development & Artisanal Fisheries Specialist Mahonia Na Dari P.O. Box 267 Kimbe, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 9834241 Fax: +675 983 4241 Email: marine_comnd@global.net.pg Conservation International P.O. Box 804, Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 641 0349 Fax: +675 641 0359 Email: jkinch@conservation.org John Aini Ailan Awareness Officer Ailan Awareness P.O. Box 337, Kavieng, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 984 2266 (c/- Hugh Walton) Email: kavlab@daltron.com.pg or Hwalton@fisheries.gov.pg John Claydon Research in Residence, Mahonia Na Dari Mahonia Na Dari P.O. Box 267 Kimbe, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 983 4241 Fax: +675 983 4241 Email: Or Department of Marine Biology James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia Tel: +61 (7) 6781 4193 Joseph Aitsi Marine Conservation Officer Kimbe Bay Marine Project, P.O. Box 267, Kimbe, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea 15
Name Title/Positions Contact Address Tel/Fax: +675 983 4783 Email: jaitsi.tnc@global.net.pg Kilangis Komet Ailan Awareness Officer Ailan Awareness P.O. Box 337, Kavieng, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 984 2266 (c/- Hugh Walton) Email: kavlab@daltron.com.pg or Hwalton@fisheries.gov.pg Loraini Sivo Marine Conservation Officer Wildlife Conservation Society 11 Maafu Street, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 331 5174 Email: l_sivo@hotmail.com Noel Wangunu Marine Conservation Officer World Wildlife Fund Pacific Ecoregional Centre, Private Mail Bag, Madang, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 852 3720 Fax: +675 852 3721 Email: nwangunu@wwfpacific.org.pg Shannon Seeto TNC Project Coordinator Kimbe Bay Marine Project, P.O. Box 267, Kimbe, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea Tel/Fax: +675 983 4783 Email: tnckimbe@global.net.pg Vagi Rei Marine Scientific Officer Department of Environment & Conservation P.O. Box 6601, Boroko, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 325 0195 Email: vagirei@yahoo.com.au Staff: Kevin Rhodes Andrew Smith Fish Ecologist Workshop Facilitator & Trainer Director, Pacific Island Countries Coastal Marine Program Pacific Marine Science and Conservation 160 Conaway Av e. Grass Valley, CA 95945, USA Tel: Fax: Email: klrhodes_grouper@yahoo.com The Nature Conservancy P.O. Box 1738, Koror, PW 96940, Palau Telephone: +680 488 2017 Fax: +680 488 4550 Email: andrew_smith@tnc.org 16
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