Characterization and management of the commercial sector of the Pohnpei coral reef fishery, Micronesia

• DOI: 10.1007/s00338-007-0331-x
• Publication Date: 2007-11-08T07:27:50Z
• Authors: K. L. Rhodes; M. H. Tupper; C. B. Wichilmel
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 14. Life underwater; 01 natural sciences

Commercial coral reef fisheries in Pohnpei (Micronesia) extract approximately 1,521 kg of reef fish daily (*500 MT year -1 ) from 152 km 2 of surrounding reef. More than 153 species were represented during sur- veys, with 25 species very common or common within combined-gear catch. Acanthurids contributed the greatest to catch volume, with bluespine unicornfish, Naso uni- cornis, and orangespine unicornfish, Naso lituratus, among the most frequently observed herbivores. Nighttime spearfishing was the dominant fishing method and inner lagoon areas were primarily targeted. A seasonal sales ban (March-April), intended to reduce pressure on reproduc- tively active serranids, significantly increased the capture volume of other families. Catch was significantly greater during periods of low lunar illumination, suggesting higher fishing success or greater effort, or both. The marketed catch was dominated by juveniles and small adults, based on fishes of known size at sexual maturity. Artificially depressed market prices appear to be catalyzing (potential or realized) overfishing by increasing the volume of fish needed to offset rising fuel prices. These results support the need for comprehensive fisheries management that pro- duces sustainable fishing and marketing practices and promotes shared management and enforced responsibilities between communities and the state. To be effective, management should prohibit nighttime spearfishing.