Part I: Workshop Outputs

 

Recommendations of the Workshop

 

Preamble

 

The Workshop recognises that the expansion of the aquaculture and live fish trade of coral reef fishes in the Asia Pacific region includes the advancing of technology in breeding, nursery, and grow-out, the better understanding of the biology and ecology of the wild resources, and the addressing of environmental, socio-economic, and institutional issues.  The Workshop further recognises that in addressing these aspects, the recommendations towards the management of coral reef fish resources are holistic and ecologically sustainable.  In recognising these, the recommendations in the Workshop encompassed research, information, training/extension, and policy/legislation, among others.

 

Recommendations for Research Collaboration and Information Dissemination

 

The Workshop realises that the progress in the hatchery and culture of coral reef fishes in controlled conditions is dependent of findings from research.  The Workshop further recommends that research efforts be coordinated nationally and internationally for greater effectiveness.  Findings from the research and practical studies are disseminated through various media, training programmes, and extension activities to facilitate the progress and success in the aquaculture of coral reef fishes and the conservation of wild resources.

 

Recommendations for Policy/Legislation

 

The Workshop recognises the importance of natural ecosystems and populations and that these resources in the wild be conserved for sustainable use.  The Worskhop recommends that policy is developed and regulations are formulated to prevent the destruction of ecosystems, that support growth and reproduction, and the over-harvesting of populations.  In addition, the Workshop recommends the adoption of integrated management plans and the community-based coastal resources management.

 

Recommendations for Conservation

 

The Workshop realises that in the conservation of coral reef fish resources, socioeconomic and trade uses need to be addressed.  The Workshop recommends that adequate capital, marketing, and infrastructure support must be provided to address the poverty and lack of alternative livelihood for low-income fishers.  It further recommends that co-management between the resource-users and managers of the resources for fisheries and aquaculture.

 

Recommendations for NACA

 

In view of the international collaboration that the Workshop recommends, the specific recommendations for the NACA are:

 

 

Reports of the Working Groups

 

The following tables are the Reports of the three Working Groups on:

 

Working Group 1 – Status of Breeding, Nursery, and Grow-out

Working Group 2 – Resource Management Issues

Working Group 3 – Environmental, Socioeconomic, and Institutional Issues

 

All three working groups provided recommendations on Research, Information, Training/Extension, Policy/Legislation, and other related aspects. These recommendations are outlined below.

 

Working Group One Objective: To assess the status of breeding, nursery and grow-out technology of coral reef fishes

 

Species

Status/issues

Recommendations

Research

Information

Training/extension

Others

Grouper

1. Epinephelus coioides

2. E. malabaricus

3. E. fuscoguttatus

4. E. lanceolatus

5. Plectropomus leopardus

·          Partial success in spawning and larval rearing in some species (but not consistent)

·          Specific constraints include:

- procurement and

  management of broodstock;

- high mortality during early

  larval stages;

- larval cannibalism;

- diseases in grow-out;

- grow-out dependency on ‘trash’ fish for feed

 

·          More success (although inconsistent) with:

- E. malabaricus

- E. coioides

Research on:

-         improvement in larval rearing techniques (priority)

-         larval nutrition/physiology (priority)

-         acceptability of commonly available feed organisms

-         reduction in use of trash fish/development of grow-out feeds

-         early detection and treatment of diseases

-         seasonality and locality of spawning

 

Share information from research/practical studies to facilitate progress

 

Share information with fisheries biologists on larval/juvenile physiology, ecology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disseminate information on marine fish diseases

 

 

Snapper

1. Lutjanus argentimaculatus

2. L. johnii

Spawning technique and larval rearing reasonably well developed, and grow out technology available; specific constraints:

- aggressiveness in broodstock and young fish;

- limited market value

Research

-         fish health management and grow-out management techniques

-         stocking density

 

 

 

Seabass

1. Lates calcarifer

Spawning and culture techniques established. Specific constraints:

- some countries still have difficulties in spawning and larval rearing;

- disease in grow-out;

- low market price

Research on fish health management

 

Transfer technology/ disseminate information/train farmers on successful breeding/broodstock management and rearing techniques

 

 

Issues

Recommendations

Research

Information

Training/extension

Policy/legislation

Others?

Wrasse

1. Cheilinus undulatus

Very high value species; some success in broodstock management and spawning;  specific constraints:

- very poor larval survival;

- difficult to procure broodstock;

- inadequate information on biology, larval rearing

Research on management of spawners (see resource management recommendations)

 

Research on larval rearing and larval physiology, feeding/nutrition

 

Research on biology and rearing techniques

Share information among researchers to facilitate progress

 

 

Carangids

1. Pompano/others?

Technology available but lower market value

 

Transfer existing technology;  care needed over introduction of exotics (see working group 2)

 

 

Marine ornamentals

1. Blue surgeonfish

 (Paracanthurus hepatus)

2. White-tailed damselfish

 (Dascyllus aruanus)

3. Lemon (molucca) damsel

 (Pomacentrus moluccensis)

4. Bannerfish

 (Heniochus acuminatus)

5. Anemone fish

 (Amphiprion and Premnas)

High price, low volume fish.  No organised breeding technology

Research on biology and rearing techniques

Review existing information on breeding and rearing

 

Exchange information on biology and rearing techniques

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lack of information exchange on technology for breeding/rearing and grow out.

 

many on-going research efforts, but isolated efforts less effective than coordinated approach

 

Promote improved research coordination at national and international levels

Promote exchange and dissemination of information

 

Explore use of internet to exchange information; NACA recommended as appropriate body to develop a “grouper” homepage/WWW site

 

SEAFDEC and INFOFISH urged to provide relevant scientific information to researchers

 

Hold follow up workshop on aquaculture to examine progress and exchange information

 

Working Group Two Objective: To identify resource management issues and recommend actions required for the sustainable management of aquaculture and coral reef fisheries

 

Issues

Recommendations

 

Research

Information

Training/extension

Policy/legislation

Others?

1. Environmental interactions

a. Seed/fry supply

 

 

 

 

 

·          Irregular/insufficient fry supply and heavy dependence on wild sources; lack of information for management of wild seed supply

 

 

 

 

 

·          Recent research suggests harvesting of early juvenile stages may be more efficient. 

Research on: size and spp.., time, season, collecting technique, volume, overharvesting, life cycle, population dynamics and ecology, socio-economic aspects

 

Research on sustainable management of larval/fry supply

 

Research to determine potential/better use of fisheries resources through harvesting of post-larvae/early juvenile stages

Undertake a regional review of wild seed supply, including fishermen, growers and socio-economics (inc. women and children);  obtain information from fry, fingerling harvesters, growers  Coordinate study from a central agency (e.. g.., NACA)

 

Establish a regional database on commercial availability of fry (hatcheries): spp., quantity. Possibly by Internet.

Educate/train locals in understanding dynamics of fisheries as a basis for promoting community-based resource management

Legislate to prevent over-harvesting

Legislate with consideration of:

- restrictions on export of wild fry/species;

- licensing of only local fishermen;

- closed seasons

 

Add policy/regulations on::

- size limits, giving emphasis on protection of spawning adults/aggregations;

- research requirement before legislation;

- local control of fishing grounds; - legal recognition to locals in controlling fishing in their own area (legitimise rights)

 

Promote management at local level

 

Recognise connectivity of resources and management.

 

Explore potential for community based/co-management, including fisheries and aquaculture

 

Disseminate information on larval/fry supply issues from Australian research (at AIMS) from PNG, Solomon ,and Indonesian larval surveys

 

Improve knowledge of fishing pressures on spawning populations through dialogue with fishers


 

·          Lack of information on spawning aggregations and their role in larval fish supply genetics, and potential for sustainable supply of broodstock/egg collection

Research needed on spawning location, size, fish habits, size of spawners, seasonality

Collect useful information from local fishermen

 

Assess the potential technical, economic and environmental issues related to using spawning aggregations for collecting eggs of certain species

 

Identify and protect spawning aggregations (although properly ‘managed’ spawning aggregations may be useful for egg collection)

Identify spawning areas

 

Protect spawning areas

 

Maintain hybrid vigour of cultured stock by protecting important spawning areas

 

Promote/investigate further marine protected areas as a means of protecting adult fish populations and juvenile supply

·          Need to identify source of seeds/larvae in the region, to protect/manage in sustainable ways (research)

Research on genetic identification to trace sources.

 

Need for better understanding of larval biology/ecology

Improve information exchange between aquaculturists and larval fishery biologists (particularly on early life history stages)

 

Policy development to protect major sources of seed/larvae

 

b. Habitat degradation:

 

 

 

 

 

·          Coastal habitat degradation is impacting on fisheries resources

Need more research to define impacts (particularly in Sabah):

- reef degradation;

- mangrove-reef connections;

- sedimentation from coastal development projects;

- tourism impacting on reefs, snorkellers' damage, anchor damage

Collate and disseminate on effects of tourism, in the region and elsewhere

 

Review information on reef/mangrove interactions (for Sabah)

Conduct public awareness campaigns on the importance of coral reef environment and protection for fisheries

Apply effective EIA and monitoring.

 

Recognise potential significant impacts of development of buildings on beaches up to high tide mark

 

 

·          Damage to coastal habitats due to use of destructive fishing practices (particularly sodium cyanide).

 

 

 

Conduct education/awareness campaigns

 

Encourage community participation in enforcing regulations through environmental education and organisation

Intensify enforcement.

Regulate importation of cyanide.

Monitor distribution

Undertake a region-wide effort to monitor cyanide use

Regulate possession of cyanide

Review legislation to improve effectiveness

Promote environmentally non-destructive fishing techniques.  Seek to control through community based initiatives which provide sustainable income generating activities as alternatives to destructive fishing.

(see Johannes and Riepen, 1995 for more information)

c. Trophic and ecosystem interactions:

 

 

 

 

 

·          Concern over removal of predatory/higher trophic level fish from the system resulting in loss of genetic diversity and productivity

Research into removal of predatory/higher trophic level fish from system, fish population dynamics and impacts of removing one species on others

Obtain information on spawning aggregations, as a basis for more effective management

 

Develop legislation to protect important spawning populations.  Options include:

- ban fishing in some areas;

- seasonal closure;

- bag limits

Research ongoing in Australia (AIMS)

 

Recognise the importance of consultation with local fishermen/people in information collection/development of management strategies

·          Understanding interactions between mangrove-coral reef ecosystems in relation to fisheries as a basis for more effective management (in Sabah);

Research (in Sabah) on interactions

Source information from other countries/region

 

 

 

 

·          Sea-ranching as an alternative between fisheries and aquaculture in coral areas;

Research on potential for release of seed into the natural environment/or large enclosed areas

Undertake a review based on existing experiences

 

 

 

·          Offshore open sea cage culture for large scale aquaculture;

Study potential. for offshore cage culture

 

 

 

 

·          Water quality/bottom community affected by intensive mariculture;

Research on integrated farming/mariculture practices

 

Research on cost-effective alternatives to trash fish; and reductions in use of fishmeal.

 

Research to quantify impacts of mariculture on water quality/sediments

 

Diversify aquaculture systems to include other species lower in the food chain

Avoid most problems by having good management/site selection

 

Develop and disseminate regional guidelines for the cage culture industry, including husbandry/water quality management

 

Recommend zoning of culture areas; stocking densities of zone within carrying capacity

Deal with any local water quality/sediment problems with appropriate site selection/and management practices

·          Game fishery: environmental impact and management

 

 

 

 

 

 

·          Aquaculture to alleviate destructive fishing methods/enhance environmental protection;

 

 

 

Ensure participation of community and social equity in aquaculture projects

Promote:

- integration;

- system diversification;

- culture of species low in the food chain.

·          Use of exotic species in  marine fish aquaculture;

 

 

 

 

Utilise/develop existing protocols in assessing risks associated with introduction of exotics

 

·          Potential impacts of feeding of trash fish?

 

Undertake a regional review of trash fish/by-catch use for aquaculture; use review to determine best practices based on most-effective use of trash fish resources

 

Promote the development and use of appropriate diets (moist, dry formulated)

 

2. Resource management.

·          Lack of information on biology/ecology of major reef fish species;

Research on the basic biology and life history and local stocks of humphead wrasse

 

 

Undertake specific measures on humphead wrasse based on CITES protocols

 

 

Working Group Three Objectives:    To identify the environmental, socio-economic and institutional issues related to coral reef fish aquaculture and the live fish trade; to identify issues related to the other uses of coral reef; and to recommend strategies to address the issues identified

 

Issues/constraints

Recommendations

 

Research

Information

Training/extension

Policy/legislation

Others?

1. Environmental issues[1]

·          Adverse impacts arising from upstream/watershed

 

 

 

Integrate management plans

 

2. Socio-economic and trade issues

·          Low income of fishers/ lack of alternative livelihood

Low-input aquaculture and other alternative livelihoods

 

Conduct training to develop skills (including entrepreneurial) for alternative livelihood

 

Provide adequate capital, marketing, and infrastructure support

·          Lack of environmental education and awareness

 

Disseminate information

 

 

Evaluate existing programmes to increase effectiveness.

·          Possible differences in consumer acceptability of wild and cultured fish.

Market studies on consumer choices

 

 

 

 

·          Lack of information on values of marine habitats

Conduct valuation of marine habitats and changes associated with habitat degradation

 

 

 

 

 

3. Institutional issues

·          Lack of enforcement of regulations on destructive fishing (particularly sodium cyanide)

 

 

 

Enforce strictly ban on  sodium cyanide bans

Establish cyanide detection centres

·          Fishing rights for coastal communities

Study the feasibility of community based fisheries/coastal management

 

 

Adapt community (local) coastal resources management.

 

·          Lack of regulations/policy on fishing in spawning/fish aggregations.

 

 

 

 

See above also

·          Lack of economic instruments in managing the live fish trade.

Examine and apply economic incentives

 

Develop capacity in environmental economics

 

 

·          Weak linkages/coordination among research institutions and the private sector in developing aquaculture

 

 

 

Promote cooperation

 

·          Limited availability of statistics on the live fish trade

 

 

 

Improve data collection, as the basis for development of policy/stock monitoring.

Standardise data collection techniques for comparative studies.

 

 

4.  Broader coastal management issues

·          Coastal resource use conflicts

 

 

 

Develop policy based on multiple-use concepts.

see Kenchington, 1988; Kelleher and Kenchington, 1991

·          Lack of integrated coastal management planning and implementation

 

 

 

Promote cooperation among concerned agencies, including fisheries, in integrated  coastal management

see Ferrer, 1996;  Pomeroy, 1994;  Munro and Munro, 1994

 

 

·          Promotion of community-based coastal management.

 

 

 

Adaption of community-based resource management

 

·          Need for well-formulated development plans and/or enforcement of shoreland development regulations

 

 

 

Develop plans, zones, regulations and enforcement on development of nearshore marine areas.

 

 


[1]  Some recommendations for research are the same as those identified by Working Group 2 and are thus incorporated into Working Group 2 recommendations.