1. Art and Diseño

3 November 2014 - 7 November 2014
Book of Abstracts
67th Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
Christ Church, Barbados
Hosted by :
The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus
via the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies
th
GCFI Gratefully Thanks the Following Sponsors of the 67 Institute
BILLFISH
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, CAVE HILL CAMPUS
CENTRE FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDIES
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
THE WAITT INSTITUTE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
CARIBBEAN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
BIOPAMA PROGRAMME IUCN REGIONAL OFFICE FOR
MEXICO, CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
CARIBBEAN LARGE MARINE ECOSYSTEM PROJECT
DOLPHINFISH
THE GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA
BARBADOS TOURISM MARKETING INC.
FLYINGFISH
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
INTERNATIONAL GAMEFISH ASSOCIATION
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAMS OF FLORIDA, PUERTO RICO AND THE
GULF OF MEXICO
CARIBBEAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK AND FORUM
CARIBSAVE PARTNERSHIP
CARIBBEAN FISH SANCTUARY PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE
CARIBBEAN NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE
BARBADOS NATIONAL UNION OF FISHERFOLK ORGANISATIONS
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT UNIT — BARBADOS
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, FISHERIES AND WATER RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT — BARBADOS
PROGRAM
TH
67 ANNUAL GULF AND CARIBBEAN FISHERIES INSTITUTE
Christ Church, BARBADOS
3-7 NOVEMBER 2014
Sunday, November 2
Pre-Meeting Activities
8:00-17:00
NOAA Workshop Evaluate the current status of and explore applications of data-limited stock
assessment methods in the larger Caribbean region
15:00
GCFI Board of Directors Meeting
19:30
Student-Board Social (for registered students and GCFI Board Members) Tiki Bar on
the beach
Monday, November 3
OPENING CEREMONY
Program Chair: Alejandro Acosta, GCFI
HONORARY
GUESTS
Opening Address
8:30
Maria Pena
UWI-CERMES
8:40
Graciela GarciaMoliner
Colin Depradine
Chair, GCFI Board of Directors
8:50
Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, UWI Cave Hill Campus
Keynote Speaker
9:00
Pomeroy, Robert S.
Linking Science to People: Applying Socioeconomic and Governance Science to
Solve Problems and Create Opportunities in Caribbean Fisheries
Question and comment period
Leroy Creswell
GCFI Executive Secretary; Opening Bell
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
i
10:00
Coffee break
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Session. Moderator: Travis Sinckler
(Sponsored by UWI Cave Hill Campus))
10:30
Inniss, Lorna
Lessons from Samoa for Marine Science and Management in Caribbean SIDS
10:45
Haughton, Milton
Food Security, The Right to Food and Fisheries Governance in CARICOM States
11:00
Walker, Laverne
The CLME+ SAP: a Strategic Action Programme for Transboundary Living Marine
Resources Management in the World's Most SIDS-rich region
11:15
Monnereau, Iris
Vulnerability of the Fisheries Sector to Climate Change in Caribbean Small Island
Developing States
11:30
Johnson, Ayana
Elizabeth
The Barbuda Blue Halo initiative: A Comprehensive, Science-Based CommunityDriven Approach to Sustainable Ocean Management
11:45
Gill, David
Solving the Mystery of MPA Performance: Linking Governance to Ecological
Outcomes
12:00
Turner, Rachel
Multi-Level Factors Influence Community Perceptions of Caribbean Coral Reef
Governance
12:15
Baldwin, Kimberly
Developing Ecosystem-Based information for Marine Spatial Planning on the Pedro
Bank, Jamaica
12:3014:00
Lunch Break
Concurrent Activity NOAA Workshop Evaluate the Current Status of and Explore Applications of
Data-Limited stock assessment methods in the larger Caribbean region. 30-50 people
AFTERNOON TECHNICAL SESSION
14:00
Introduction
Governance, Livelihoods and Organizations
(Sponsored by the CLME Project)
14:10
Debels, Patrick
Multi-Level, Nested Approach to Shared Living Marine Resources Governance in the
Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems, and Associated
Governance Effectiveness Assessment Framework
(CLME keynote)
Moderator: Laverne Walker
14:30
Phillips, Terrence
Policy Influencing and Capacity Building in Fisherfolk Organisations in the Caribbean
Community
14:40
Mallalieu, Kim
ICT in Small Scale Fisheries: Linking Governance, Livelihoods and Organizations
14:50
Arnold, William
Managing Fish Traps within a Context of Socio-Economic Sustainability in U.S.
Virgin Islands Waters
15:00
Borgonha, Maíra
Small Scale Fisheries Systems in Brazil: From Sustainability to the Collapse
Spotlight on Cases from Honduras
15:10
Box, Stephen
Equal But Not The Same: How Fishing Communities Vary in their Vulnerability to
Marine Management Policies?
15:20
Alegria, Andres
Three Tools for an Effective Marine Governance in the Artisanal Fisheries of
Honduras
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
ii
15:30
Bonilla, Sara
Improving the Management of Marine Resources without Collapsing the Local
Economy in the Moskitia, Honduras
15:40
Andino, Jimmy
Exclusive Zone for Artisanal Fishery in Moskitia Honduras: A Route Map for Social
Engagement
15:50
Vasquez, Diana
Trasendentals Changes in Management of Fisheries in Honduras
16:00
Coffee Break
Fishers forum — Session Theme: Fisheries Livelihoods: Living for the Work. Moderator: Patrick
McConney, UWI-CERMES
16:15
McConney, Patrick
Introduction to F4F and the 2014 Fishers Forum Theme
16:20
Nicholls, Vernel
Fish Processing and Marketing in Barbados: a Gender Perspective
16:30
Lay, Mitchell
A Leader’s Life: Fisherfolk Organizing and Quality Seafood
16:40
Nembhard, Nadine
Fishers’ Livelihoods under Managed Access in Belize
16:50
Walters, Trysion
A Livelihoods Perspective on the Galleon Fish Sanctuary in Jamaica
17:00
González, Claudio
Fisheries Livelihoods around the Jaragua National Park
17:10
McConney, P.,
Moderator
Discussion with GCFI Participants
17:40
Lay, Mitchell
Fisheries for Fishers and Gladding Memorial Award: Progress and Plans
18:00
Close
19:30
Informal Reception & Welcome Address, Robert Glazer, Executive Director, GCFI
Tuesday, November 4
Concurrent
Sessions:
FAO Workshop on Strengthening Organizations and Collective
Action in Fisheries: Towards the Formulation of a Capacity
Development Programme.
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Data Limited Stock Assessment Moderator: Bill Michaels, Nancie Cummings and Mandy
Karnauskas (Sponsored by NOAA)
8:15
*de Waegh, Roxane
Understanding the Current Fisheries and Available Marine Resources in
Small Island Nations of the Caribbean: the Establishment of A Baseline for
Native Governance To Manage their Marine Resources
8:30
Fajans, Jonathan
Expansion of the NOAA Crews Network for Climate Change Monitoring in
the Caribbean
8:45
Harford, William
Assessment of Data-Limited Fisheries Managed in Conjunction With Marine
Reserves
9:00
McDonald, Gavin
A Multi-indicator Framework for Adaptive Management of Data-Limited
Nearshore Fisheries
9:15
Singh-Renton, Susan
Sampling Protocols in CRFM Countries, and Associated Data Usage
Challenges
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
iii
9:30
Rindone, Ryan
Strategies for Improving Fishery-dependent Data for Use in Data-Limited
Stock Assessments in the Wider Caribbean Region
9:45
Steinback, Charles
Digital Deck: An Impact Technology Solution for Mobile Fisheries Catch
Reporting in the USVI and Puerto Rico
10:00
Coffee Break
10:15
Pelagic Ecosystem and Recreational Fisheries. Moderator: Jim Franks
10:30
de Graaf, Martin
Diversity, Spatial Distribution and Relative Abundance of Reef Sharks Using
Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video Around the Windward Islands of
the Caribbean Netherlands
10:45
Landes, Randall
Oceanic Influence on the Distribution and Abundance of Bluntnose
Flyingfish (Family Exocoetidae) Larvae in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
11:00
*Merten, Wessley
From Movements to Management: Regional Connectivity of Dolphinfish
(Coryphaena hippurus) in the Northeastern Caribbean Sea
11:15
*Marrugo Marmolejo,
Cristhian
Characterization of Technology Incorporating Gillnets Hooks in the
Traditional Fishing Related Selachii
11:30
Ishida, Mitsuhiro
Diamond Back Squid Catch Data from 2011 to 2014 in the Water of
Commonwealth of Dominica
11:45
Franks, Jim
Retention and Growth of Pelagic Sargassum in the North Equatorial
Convergence Region of the Atlantic Ocean: A Hypothesis for Examining
Recent Mass Strandings of Sargassum along Caribbean and West Africa
Shorelines
12:0014:00
Lunch
Special presentation and discussion on the Caribbean Observatory
for the Protected Areas and Biodiversity – hosted by BIOPAMA
(IUCN and EC-JRC)
14:00
Fishers field trip: visits to a selection of fish landing sites with
Conset Bay for the main fisherfolk gathering
AFTERNOON TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Continental Shelf Ecosystem: Trawl and Deep Demersal Fisheries. Moderator: Graciela Moliner
14:00
Giro , Ana
Measuring the Health of the Mesoamerican Reef Through Ecosystem Health
indicators
14:15
Clark, Randall
NOAA’S New Island-Wide Reef Fish and Coral Monitoring Program in the US
Caribbean
14:30
Donaldson, Terry
Patterns of Species Diversity in the Distribution of Estuarine, Mangrove and
Mud Flat Fishes of the Western Pacific
14:45
*Ariza Pacheco, Daniel
Alejandro
Ontogeny of Labridae Family in Shore Ecosystems in Seaflower Biosphere
Reserve, Colombian Caribbean
15:00
Valles, Henri
Do Fishpot Catches and Underwater Visual Fish Censuses Tell the Same
Story along a Gradient of Fishing Pressure in a Small Caribbean Island?
15:15
*Glenn, Hilary
Are there Demographic Differences in the Reproductive Potential of Red
Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) between Artificial and Natural Habitats in
the Gulf of Mexico?
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
iv
15:30
*Williams, Laura Jay
Fishery Independent Estimates of Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus,
Mortality using Ultrasonic Telemetry in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
15:45
Horsford, Ian
Biological and Economic Aspects of Management of the Red Hind
(Epinephelus guttatus) Fishery of Antigua and Barbuda
16:00
Coffee Break
Continental Shelf Ecosystem: Trawl and Deep Demersal Fisheries. Moderator: TBD
16:30
*Nóh-Quiñones,
Virginia
Oogenesis Spatial Development in Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)
Gonads applying a Stereological Method and Digital Image Processing
16:45
*Reynolds, Emily
Hydroacoustic and Video Surveys in the Northern Gulf of Mexico in Support
of Louisiana’s Artificial Reef Planning Area: A Comparison of Biomass and
Community Structure
17:00
*Roberts, Claire
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Analysis of Red Snapper, Lutjanus
campechanus, Tissue after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
17:15
*Taylor, Stephanie
An Examination of the Diversity and Abundance of Ichthyoplankton in the
Loop Current of the Central Gulf of Mexico
17:30
Becker, Sarah
Movement Patterns and Site Fidelity of Great Barracuda (Syphraena
barracuda) at two Caribbean Islands
19:30- Presentation and discussion on implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines —hosted by FAO
20:30
19:0021:00
POSTER SESSION with Cocktails and Snacks Hosted by GCFI
Presenters should be at odd numbered posters from 19:00-20:00 and even numbered
posters from 20:00 – 21:00
Poster session Coordinators: Read Hendon and Renata Goodridge
1
*Ahrabi-Nejad,
Sonia
Reproductive Parameters of Coastal Pelagic Fishes
2
*Barker, Benjamin
Thermal Preferences and Critical Temperatures of Invasive Lionfish Complex
(Pterois volitans/P. miles)
3
*Barker, Victoria
The Importance of Oil and Gas Platforms on the Community Structure and
Predator-Prey Dynamics of Reef-Associated Fishes in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
4
*Brown, Jonathan
Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of a Red Hind, Epinephelus guttatus,
Spawning Aggregation in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands: Using Acoustic Telemetry
for Conservation and Management
5
Bouchon, Claude
Regeneration Capacity of Artificial Lesions on the Coral Porites astreoides
(Guadeloupe Island)
6
*Buglass, Salome
A Study on the Recovery of Tobago’s Coral Reefs after a Mass Bleaching Event in
2010
7
Burrows, Felicity
Implementing the Bahamas Spiny Lobster Fishery Improvement Project to Improve
Management of the Fishery
8
Campbell, Donovan
Strengthening Climate Change Resilience in Caribean Coastal Communities –
insights From Regional Capacity-Building Initiatives
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
v
9
*Carmody, Kathryn
A Principal Component Analysis of Vertical Temperature Profiles for Tracking
Movements of Swordfish Xiphias gladius
10
Carr, Liam
A Cartographic Demonstration on the Value of Fishers' Ecological Knowledge in
Mapping Reef Fish Communities and Fishing Grounds
11
Day, Owen
Community-Based Approaches to Marine Science
12
Dromard, Charlotte
Pesticide Bioaccumulation in Pterois volitans of Guadeloupe Island (Lesser Antilles)
13
*Eger, Sondra
Perspectives on Coastal and Marine Management in Dominican Republic
14
*Foss, Kristin
Effects of Artificial Light on the Trophic Ecology of Fish Communities on Active Oil
and Gas Platforms and "Idle Iron" Platforms
15
*Garstin, Aaron
Preliminary Assessment of Shark and Ray By-Catch Using Different By-Catch
Reduction Devices in the Atlantic Seabob Trawl Fishery of Guyana
16
Harms, Chelsea
Digestion Rate Analysis of Fish and Shrimp Prey Items in Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
17
Hendon, J. Read
Habitat-Specific Growth of Hatchery-Reared Juvenile Spotted Seatrout in a
Mississippi Bay System
18
Hurtado, Julio
Molecular Markers in Mithrax spinosissimus Lamarck 1818 (Decapoda: Mithracidae)
from Colombian Caribbean Islands: Application in Population Genetics,
Phylogeography, and Ecotoxicology Studies
19
Johnson, Donald
Climate Change and the Equatorial Atlantic: Impacts on Fishery Important Habitat
of the inter-American Seas
20
Knowles, Lindy
Loss of Coastal Mangroves on the Island of New Providence, The Bahamas
21
Lopez-Rocha, Jorge
A.
Spatial Distribution of the Catchability of the Red Octopus Octopus maya in the
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
22
Macfarlan, J.A.
An Ethnographic and Ecological Study of the Artisanal Fishery for Cittarium pica in
Puerto Rico
23
Malcolm, Tashana
Understanding the Social Dimensions of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Jamaica:
An Assessment of Fishers' Perceptions and Attitudes toward Special Fishery
Conservations Areas (SFCAS) across the Islands
24
*Merten, Wessley
Migration and Life Stage Size Progression through Tagging Data for Dolphinfish
(Coryphaena hippurus) in the Western Central Atlantic
25
Noguez, Mariana
Photoperiod Effect on Lobatus gigas Behavior
26
Olaya-Nieto, Charles
W.
Length–Weight Relationship of Barbul de Piedra in the Cordoba´s Caribbean Sea
27
Pasos-Montalvo,
Marco Antonio
Age and Growth of Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) from the Campeche
Bank
28
Pitt, Joanna
Trapping Lionfish in Bermuda, Part II: Lessons Learned to Date
29
Renoux, Romain
European Best initiative: An Opportunity to Strengthen the Conservation and
Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the European Overseas Entities in the Caribbean
30
Rojas, Anthony
Proposal for Implementing a Geovisor for the Distribution of Fisheries Information
in the Archipelago of San Andres, Providence and Santa Catalina
31
Shivlani, Manoj
Importance of Social Capital and Networks in the Maintenance of Small-Scale
Fishing Communities: Case Studies from Florida and Puerto Rico
32
VelázquezAbunader, Iván
Environmental Associations of the Red Octopus Octopus maya in the Yucatan
Coast, Mexico
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
vi
33
Ishida, Mitsuhiro
Challenge toward Measuring Indirect Input on the Strengthening Fisher Cohesion
During FAD Co-Management Project Carifico
34
Ochoa, Mariela
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: Strategies for Artisanal Marine
Resources Management in Honduras
35
*Perez, Cristhian
Designing a Participatory Fisheries Monitoring System
36
Rodriguez Gil, Luis
Alfonso
Analysis of the Catches in the Fishery of the Grouper in the State of Yucatán,
Mexico
37
Mateo, Jeannette
Preliminary Survey of Epibiota in Queen Conch, Lobatus gigas, from Two Protected
Areas of the Dominican Republic: Jaragua and Montecristi National Parks
38
Tadzio Bervoets
Using Ecosystem Valuation Tools to Establish Protected Areas, Enact Species
Conservation and Implement Resilience Management Schemes on a Small Island
Developing Nation
39
Salamanca, Eric
Public-Private Partnership towards Management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
the Case of the Turks and Caicos Islands
40
Bertoncini, Áthila
Reef Fishes of Cagarras Natural Monument, an Urban Marine Protected Area
41
Hernandez
Hernandez, Enrique
Higinio
Application of A Regional Approach to the Management of Marine and Coastal
Protected Areas in Cuba's Southern Archipelagos Region
42
Nunez, Mayra
A New Approach to Sea Cucumber Management: No-Take Reserves to Protect
Against Ecological Uncertainty in the Caribbean Honduras
43
Truelove, Nathan
Genetic Population Structure of Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) across the
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the offshore Banks of Northern Honduras, the
Bahamas and Turks and Caicos
44
Alamilla, Erika
Estimation and Analysis of Abundance of Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) in Two
Areas of Xcalak Reefs National Park, México
45
Nava, Gabriela
Monitoring Densities of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas), Through the Active
Participation of the Fishing Cooperatives in the Biosphere Reserve Banco
Chinchorro, Mexico
46
*Carne, Lisa
No Evidence of Reduced Growth Rate Trade-Off for Acropora cerviconis Harboring
Symbiodinium trenchii (cladedia) in Southern Belize
47
Reyes-Sosa, Carlos
Evaluation of Dried Sea Cucumber, Using the Traditional Method, Solar Dryers and
Electric Dryer
48
Petre, Alayna
Nekton Community Structure at Standing Oil and Gas Platforms in the Northern
Gulf of Mexico
49
*Gautier, Françoise
Trophic Interactions within Thalassia testudinum Seagrass Beds using Fatty Acid
Biomarkers and Stables Isotopes
50
Forrester, Graham
An Effective Grass-Roots Lionfish Control Program in the British Virgin Islands
51
Gonzalez, Claudio
Towards the Creation of a Strategy for the Control of Lionfish in the Mesoamerican
Reef
52
Walcott, Julian
Conservation of Endangered Caribbean Hawksbills: Making a Proposed Marine
Protected Area a Reality along the Multi-use South Coast of Barbados
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
vii
Wednesday, November 5
Concurrent Activity:
FAO Workshop on Strengthening Organizations (continued)
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Reefs and Associated Ecosystems: Invasive Lionfish Biology, Ecology, and Control (Moderators:
James Morris and Lad Akins)
8:30
Hixon, Mark (Keynote)
Invasive Lionfish: Threats and Solutions
9:00
*Fogg, Alexander
Northern Gulf of Mexico Lionfish: Insights into their Reproductive Life History
9:15
Eddy, Corey
The Feeding Ecology of Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) in
Bermuda
9:25
Chaves, Lais
The Invasion Of Indo-Pacific Lionfish Off Bocas Del Toro Archipelago, Panama:
Are Fishers Doing Their Part?
9:35
Tregarot, Ewan
Effect Of Regular Culling on the Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Population In
Martinique (FWI)
9:45
*Trotta, Kristina
Socioeconomics of the Lionfish Derby Fishery
10:00
Coffee Break
10:30
Daves, Nancy
NOAA Caribbean Strategy Approved By Administrator
10:40
Bogdanoff, Alex
The Lionfish Webportal
10:50
Green, Stephanie
Trait-Based Diet Selection: Prey Behaviour and Morphology Predict
Vulnerability to Predation by Invasive Lionfish on Reef Fishes
11:00
*Ali, Fadilah
10,000+ Lionfish Later… What Do We Actually Know About the Lionfish
Invasion?
11:15
Binder, Benjamin
Effective Management of Lionfish on Select Habitats in the Florida Keys
11:25
*Swenarton, MaryKate
Regional Comparisons of Lionfish (Pterois spp.) Population Demographics from
the East Coast of Florida
11:40
Akins, Lad
In Situ Visual and Acoustic Tagging to Assess Lionfish Growth and Movement
11:50
*Davenport, Megan
Trends in Reproductive Biology and Ethology of Invasive Lionfish (Pterois
volitans/miles) in Biscayne National Park
12:05
*Harms, Chelsea
Assessing the Effectiveness of Dedicated Lionfish Removals for the Restoration
of Ecological Function
12:2013:00
MEETING OF THE GCFI MEMBERSHIP (Everyone is welcome - Learn about GCFI)
13:0014:00
Lunch Break
14:00
Field trips: (1) History and heritage walking (2) Coastal cruising (3) Terrestrial trek (4)
Round the island
19:3021:00
CINEFISH Moderator: Janice Cumberbatch
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
viii
Thursday, November 6
7:30
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GCFI MEETING
Concurrent
Activity:
FAO Workshop on MPAs as a Potential Management Tool for
Responsible Fisheries in the Caribbean
FAO Workshop on Strengthening organizations (continued)
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation. Moderator: Bob Glazer
8:30
*Lohmann, Hilary
A Method to Measure Social Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity to Climate
Variability In Coastal Communities of The Dominican Republic
8:45
Allen, Rachel
The Fishers of The Pedro Bank, Jamaica: Their Perceptions of Climate Change
9:00
Karnauskas,
Mandy
Evidence of Climate-Driven Ecosystem Reorganization in the Gulf of Mexico
9:15
Blanchard, Fabian
Climate Change Effects For Fisheries Resources: Can We Observe it,
Anticipate and Adapt? Discussion from a Case Study in French Guyana
9:30
Baulier, Loïc
Decline in Shrimp Recruitment and Environmental Variability in French
Guiana
9:45
Shiel-Rolle, Nikita
Coral Reef Challenges Creating Conservation Opportunities: A Citizen Science
Project Building Capacity while Monitoring Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally
Endangered Corals in the Bahamas
10:00
Coffee Break
Reefs and Associated Ecosystems: Reef Fisheries and Spawning Aggregations. Chair:
Moderator: Martin Russell, Co-Chair: Yvonne Sadovy; A SCRFA Activity
10:15
Erisman, Brad
Spatio-Temporal Interactions between Fish Spawning Aggregations,
Fisheries, and Climate Change
10:30
*Tuohy, Evan
The Use of Multiple Acoustic Technologies to Characterize the Spatial and
Temporal Dynamics of Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus) at a Spawning
Aggregation in Puerto Rico
10:45
*Jossart, Jonathan
Modeling a Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) Spawning
Aggregation with Passive Acoustic Telemetry on the Grammanik Bank, St.
Thomas, US Virgin Islands
11:00
*#Rowell, Timothy
J.
Combining Acoustic Technologies to Enhance Future Protections for Spawning
Aggregations of Nassau (Epinephelus striatus) and Yellowfin Grouper
(Mycteroperca venenosa)
11:15
*Biggs,
Christopher
Movement and Resident Times of Dog and Cubera Snapper within a
Spawning Aggregation in the U.S. Virgin Islands
11:30
Luckhurst, Brian E
Aspects of the Fishery Biology of Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) at
Bermuda
11:45
Sadovy, Yvonne
Export Trade in Aggregating Species; Telling Patterns and Opportunities
12:00
Russell, Martin
Global Status of Fish Aggregations
12:15
SCRFA Student Award Presentation
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
ix
Lunch
Presentation and Discussion on Ocean Zoning — hosted by Waitt Institute
AFTERNOON TECHNICAL SESSION
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Science And Management (Sponsored by
UNEP/CaMPAM) Moderator: Georgina Bustamante, CaMPAM
14:00
Chollet, Iliana
Displacement of Fishing Effort by an Imminent MPA Closure: When is it an
Issue?
14:15
Dahlgren, Craig
Review of the Benefits of No-Take Zones
14:30
Prada, Martha
Regulated Recreational Fishing as an Alternative Livelihood in the Seaflower
MPA
14:45
Renoux, Romain
Agoa Marine Mammal Protected Area: When Biological Connectivity Creates
Collaborative Opportunity in the Caribbean
15:00
Jackson, Jeremy
Restoring the Resilience of Caribbean Coral Reefs
15:15
Jeffrey,
Christopher
Integrated Biogeographic Assessments: Objective Approaches for Managing
Coastal Resources and Conserving Biodiversity in Small Islands States
15:30
Malca, Estrella
Capacity Building in Marine Protected Areas and Connectivity in the
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System: Larval Fish Recruitment
15:45
Márquez Llauger,
Lázaro
Main Results of Planning, Management and Monitoring in Marine Protected
Area Guanahacabibes National Park, Cuba
16:00
Coffee break
Reefs and Associated Ecosystems: Marine Protected Areas (MPA); FAO Workshop on
MPAs (integrated with main session)
16:30
Torres, Ruben
New Guidelines for Monitoring Coral Reef Ecological and Socio-Economic Data
in the Caribbean
16:45
Chalifour, Julien
Light Artificial Reefs as a Biodiversity Managing Tool for the MPA of SaintMartin
17:00
Horadam, Jayson
Building an Effective Caribbean MPA Enforcement Program
17:15
Fossette, Sabrina
Humpback Whale Satellite-Tracking Reveal the Connectivity between the
Northern Lesser Antilles and the Importance of Regional Collaboration to
Conserve Marine Biodiversity
17:30
Gonzalez, Claudio
Added-Value of the Assessments of Management Effectiveness in Four MPAs
of the Mesoamerican Reef
17:45
Daniel Beckman
Effects of Artificial Reef Implementation on Fish Populations in a Jamaica
Marine Protected Area
18:0021:00
RECEPTION: Oistins excursion community cultural full moon fish
feast, transportation by bus, pay-your-way
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
x
Friday, November 7
8:00
Concurrent
Sessions:
FAO Workshop on MPAs as a Potential Management Tool for
Responsible Fisheries in the Caribbean
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Reefs and Associated Ecosystems: Conch, Lobster and other Invertebrates (I) Moderator:
TBD
8:30
Boman, Erik
Surveying Deep Water Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas) Populations using a
Towed Video System
8:40
Aldana Aranda,
Dalila
Vertical Behavior of Strombus gigas Larvae Depending on the Moon Phase and
Tide
8:50
O'Farrell, Shay
How Low Can You Go? Setting Minimum Stocking Densities for Sea Cucumbers
using Spatial Population Modelling Tools
9:00
Rodriguez Gil, Luis
Alfonso
Weight Conversion Processing to Live Weight of Sea Cucumber, Isostichopus
badionotus, by Means of the Moisture Content in the Coasts of the State of
Yucatán, Mexico
9:10
Matthews, Thomas
R.
Revisiting the Lobsters of Cayos Cochinos, Honduras after 20 Years of
Protection
9:20
Guyah, Nasheika
A Preliminary Assessment of Pot Trapping as a Monitoring Tool for Special
Fisheries Conservation Areas in Jamaica
Aquaculture Opportunities in the Gulf and Caribbean Moderator: LeRoy Creswell
9:30
Creswell, LeRoy
Developing a Regional Shellfish Hatchery for the Wider Caribbean: Assessing
its Feasibility and Sustainability
9:40
Gabbadon, Paul
Land-Based Marine Aquaculture: Pilot Study on Cobia Rachycentron canadum
in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems in Trinidad and Tobago
9:50
Haughton, Milton
Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in the
Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean
10:00
Coffee break
Reefs and Associated Ecosystems: Conch, Lobster and other Invertebrates (II) Moderator:
TBD
10:30
Macfarlan, J.A.
Isolating the Effect of Artisanal Fishing on an Intertidal Gastropod in the
Caribbean
10:45
Tewfik, Alexander
Losing the Shell Game: Coastal Seascapes without Predatory Gastropods
11:00
Nava, Gabriela
Evolution of a No Take Zone (No Fishing) of Queen Conch Strombus gigas
(2008-2014) in the Biosphere Reserve Banco Chinchorro
11:15
Lawrence, Dianne
A Proposal for Authentic Sustainability of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas)
Harvest
11:30
Thomas, Claire
Assessing Essential Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) Habitat in Eleuthera, The
Bahamas: Population Declines Suggest the Urgent Need for Changes in
Management
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
xi
11:45
Noguez, Mariana
Effect of Environment on the Behavior of Queen Conch Strombus gigas
12:00
Chavez, Jose
Francisco
Larval Development of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) in Relation with
Temperature
12:15
Lopez-Rocha, Jorge
Red Octopus Octopus maya Distribution in front of the Sisal Coast, Yucatán,
Mexico
12:30
Lunch
Concurrent
Session:
FAO Workshop on MPAs as a Potential Management Tool for
Responsible Fisheries in the Caribbean (continued)
AFTERNOON TECHNICAL SESSION
EBM, Habitat, and Coastal Management Moderators: TBD
14:00
*Spadaro, Angelo
Effects of the Herbivorous Caribbean King Crab, Mithrax spinosissimus, on
Coral Reef Macroalgal Communities in the Florida Keys
14:15
*Langland, Todd
Effects of Habitat Complexity on Reef Fish Assemblages associated with
northwest Gulf of Mexico Banks
14:30
Diaz, Nicolas
Consequences of the Contamination of the Coastal Marine Waters by Pesticides
on the Small Scale Fisheries in Guadeloupe: Initiatives to Maintain Fishing
Activities
14:40
Carne, Lisa
The Meaning of Success in Caribbean Acroporid Restoration: the First 8 Years'
Results from Belize
14:50
Forrester, Graham
The Impact of Anchor Damage Relative to other Causes of Habitat Change on
Coral Reefs
15:00
Kingon, Kelly
Do Artificial Reefs Sustain Communities Similar to Nearby Natural Reefs? A
Seasonal Study in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico
15:10
Zuckerman,
Zachary
Varying Levels of Anthropogenic Disturbance do not Affect Fish Diversity in
Mangrove Creeks of Medium Productivity
15:20
Wilmot, Fiona
Habitat Restoration Governance for Mangrove-Based Fisheries and Livelihoods
Around Jiquilisco Bay, El Salvador
15:30
Kormanec, Marshall
Age and Growth Comparisons of Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, on the
Natural Shelf-Edge Reefs in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
15:40
Moo, Alejandra
Characterization of the Habitat for the introduction of Artificial Refuges For the
Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) in the National Park Reef of Xcalak, Quintana
Roo, México
15:50
Thomas, Lennon R.
A Simple Framework for Science-Based Marine Spatial Planning: A Case
Example
16:00
Coffee Break
STUDENT AWARD PRESENTATIONS
16:30
Presentation of the Ron Schmied Scholarship
16:45
Presentation of the GCFI Outstanding Student Achievement Awards
17:00 Closing Ceremony
*Student, #SCRFA Award Winner
xii
ABSTRACTS
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Reproductive Parameters of Coastal Pelagic Fishes
Parámetros Reproductivos de Peces Pelágicos Costeros
Paramètres de la Reproduction des Poissons Pélagiques Côtiers
SONIA AHRABI-NEJAD1*, DAVID KERSTETTER2, PATRICIA BLACKWELDER1, and D.
ABIGAIL RENEGAR1
1
Nova Southeastern University, 1635 Tyler Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020 USA *[email protected]
2
Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA
ABSTRACT
The ability to manage a fish stock relies on an understanding of life history characteristics and basic
biology of the species. Numerous age-growth studies are facilitated by the relative ease of ageing fishes
through hard-part analyses. Determining reproductive parameters for fish populations is just as important
for stock assessments and management, and histological examination of gonads provides the most
accurate determination of fecundity and spawning periods. However, research in this area is limited.
Coastal pelagic fishes are often targeted commercially and recreationally due to their easy access by
private vessels. The objective of this study is to provide baseline data for two fish species important to
Florida fisheries: the coastal pelagic fishes of blackfin tuna Thunnus atlanticus, and little tunny Euthynnus
alletteratus. Histological examination of archived gonad samples for these four species from 2010-2014
will provide data on spawning periodicity (single or multiple periods per year) and baseline fecundity of
reproductive-age females. To date, 185 samples of blackfin tuna and 191 samples of little tunny have
been prepared onto slides and are undergoing microscopic evaluation to determine maturity. The
individual fish will be classified as being immature, developing, spawning capable, regressing, or
regenerating.
KEYWORDS: blackfin tuna, little tunny, gonadal maturity, histology, recreational fisheries
Page | 1
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
In Situ Visual and Acoustic Tagging to Assess Lionfish Growth and Movement
En Situ Visual y Acùstico Marcado para Evaluar Pez León Crecimiento y Movimiento
En Situ Visuels et Acoustique Marquage pour Évaluer Poisson-Lion Croissance et
Mouvement
LAD AKINS1*, JAMES A. MORRIS2, STEPAHNIE GREEN3, and JOCELYN CURTIS-QUICK4
1
REEF P O Box 370246 Key Largo, FL 33037 US *[email protected]
2
NOAA 101 Pivers Island Dr Beaufort NC 28516 USA
3
Oregon State University 3029 Cordley Hall Corvalis OR 97331 USA
4
Cape Eleuthera Institute Eleuthera Bahamas
ABSTRACT
Information on fish movement and growth is primarily obtained through the marking and tracking of
individuals with external or internal tags, which are usually affixed to anesthetized individuals at the
surface. However, the quantity and quality of data obtained by this method is often limited by small
sample sizes owing to the time associated with the tagging process, high rates of tagging-related
mortality, and displacement of tagged individuals from the initial capture location. To address these
issues, we describe a technique for applying external streamer and dart tags and internal acoustic tags in
situ, which uses SCUBA divers to capture and tag individual fish on the sea floor without the use of
anesthetic. We demonstrate this method for Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans/P. miles), species
which are particularly vulnerable to barotrauma when transported to and handled at the surface. To test
our method, we visually tagged 161 individuals at 26 sites and acoustically tagged 10 individuals at 4
sites in the Bahamas. Our method resulted in no instances of barotrauma, reduced handling and recovery
time, and minimal post-tagging release displacement compared with conventional ex situ tag application.
In total 24% of visually tagged lionfish were resighted between 29-188 days after tagging. Of these, 90%
were located at the site of capture, while the remaining individuals were resighted between 200m -1.1km
from initial site of capture. In situ growth rates ranged between 0.1 - 0.6 mm/day. Acoustic tagging data
revealed variable depth movement of fish between 1 - 55 meters.
KEYWORDS: Pterois volitans, Acoustic tagging, Mark-recapture, Invasive Lionfish, fish growth
Page | 2
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Estimación y Análisis de Abundancia de Caracol Rosado (Strombus gigas) en dos Zonas del
Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak, México
Estimation and Analysis of Abundance of Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) in Two Areas of
Xcalak Reefs National Park, México
Estimation et Analyse de l'Abondance des Lambis (Strombus gigas) dans Deux Domaines
De Xcalak Parc National des Récifs, México
ERIKA ALAMILLA1* and FELIPE FONSECA2
Instituto Tecnológico de Chetuma,l Insurgentes #445, Col. Magisterial Chetumal, Q. Roo 77039
México* [email protected].
2
Comisión Nacional de áreas Naturales, Protegidas Insurgentes #445, Col. Magisterial Chetumal
Quntana Roo 77039 México
1
RESUMEN
El caracol rosado ―Strombus gigas‖ en Quintana Roo ha disminuido drásticamente, en algunos lugares se
percatan poblaciones aisladas, principalmente juveniles, que no cumplen con las condiciones necesarias
para sostener una pesquería. En el Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak se realiza un programa de
monitoreo poblacional en dos zonas una al norte conocida como ―portillas‖ y otra al sur ―punta gavilán‖.
En el trabajo de campo se colectaron los organismos y se registraron datos biométricos longitud sifonal y
grosor de labio. El principal objetivo es analizar la información capturada y conocer en que estadío se
encuentran las poblaciones (frecuencia de tallas, edad, crecimiento). El análisis de datos durante marzo
del 2013 en la zona conocida como ―Portillas‖ se obtuvo una abundancia de 798 organismos y en abril del
año 2014 se registra un incremento del 84.42 % con 5124 individuos, donde se puede reportar que hay
una mayor frecuencia de tallas con 2153 organismos que va de 103 a 113 mm y se le conoce como una
población juvenil. En los monitoreos del 2014 se percata que en Punta Gavilán se colectaron 620
organismos en enero que se toma como un 100 % de la población y en abril solo se obtuvieron 49 que
representa un 7.90%, esto indica que hubo una caída drástica de la población, casi en su totalidad debido a
la pesca ilegal. Uno de los aspectos importantes para la caracterización del hábitat fue el análisis del tipo
de sustrato para saber qué relación tiene con la presencia de poblaciones. Los resultados obtenidos de
sedimento que más predomina en las dos zonas es la arena mediana.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Poblaciones costeras, Longitud sifonal, Grosor de labio, Caracol rosado
Page | 3
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Comportamiento Vertical de Larvas de Strombus gigas en Función de la Fase Lunar y de
Marea
Vertical Behavior of Strombus gigas Larvae Depending on the Moon Phase and Tide
Comportement Vertical de Larves du Lambi, Strombus gigas de Larves en Fonction de la
Phase de la Lune et de la Marée
DALILA ALDANA ARANDA1*, CLAIRE PARIS LIMOUZY2, MARTHA ENRIQUEZ1, and JOSÉ
FRANCISCO CHAVEZ1
1
CINVESTAV IPN, km 6 antigua Carretera a Progreso, Mèrida Yucatan, Mèxico
*[email protected]
2
University Miami, Miami, Floride USA
RESUMEN
El Caracol rosa Strombus gigas presenta un estadio larval de vida pelágica,en el cual su distribución se
rige por las corrientes (de Jesús Navarrete, 1999).Se han realizado estudios sobre su abundancia larval
desde la década de los 90‘s, sin embargo no se ha correlacionado el comportamiento vertical de las larvas
de ésta especie en función de los ciclos de marea y fases de la luna. Bajo este eje de investigación, en
junio de 2014 se realizaron arrastres de plancton en Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo (20°54´34―N86°50´13―O) durante luna llena y luna nueva cubriendo dos pleamares y dos bajamar por día, en
superficie (-0.5m), media agua (-2m) y fondo (-3m) (n= 40 campañas de muestreo). las larvas de S. gigas
fueron identificadas de acuerdo a Davis et al., 1993. Se calculó media y análisis de varianza (p = α0.05)
para la densidad larval. La mayor densidad de larvas se registró durante luna llena con 1.41 larvas·10m-3,
se registró mayor densidad en superficie con 1.66 larvas/10m3, presentando mayor número de larvas
durante la pleamar (1.84 larvas/10m3). Se registró variación significativa en la abundancia larval entre
profundidades, ciclos de marea y fases lunares (p ≤ 0.0001). El comportamiento vertical será modelado
mediante el sistema HYCOM del RSMAS.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Larvae, queen conch, tides, Caribbean, Strombus
Page | 4
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Tres Herramientas para una Gobernanza Efectiva en la Pesquería Artesanal de Honduras
Three Tools for an Effective Marine Governance in the Artisanal Fisheries of Honduras
Trois Outils pour une Gouvernance Efficace de la Pêche Artisanale au Honduras
ANDRES ALEGRIA1*, STEPHEN BOX2, and GEORGE STOYLE3
Centro de Estudios Marinos (CEM), Colonia Naranjal CREDIA La Ceiba, Honduras
*[email protected]
2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
3
Address not available
1
RESUMEN
El involucramiento de los pescadores artesanales y el mandato ejercido por las autoridades, son dos
componentes esenciales para desarrollar los sistemas de supervisión y control requeridos para una
gobernanza efectiva sobre la pesca. Sin embargo, el esfuerzo pesquero en Honduras como en muchos
países en la región ha crecido incontroladamente debido a las limitadas capacidades técnicas para enlazar
estos dos componentes. Consecuentemente, en la actualidad se observa el declive de un conjunto de
especies marinas que sustentan a las mismas pesquerías. Nuestro proyecto pretende catalizar la gestión de
los recursos marinos a través con la ayuda de tres herramientas que enlazan a las comunidades locales con
las autoridades. Cada herramienta consta de un sistema para el manejo de datos, es fácil de utilizar y esta
basada en nubes de computo. Los tres sistemas son 1) el Registro General de Pescadores para facilitar las
tareas control de acceso al recurso, 2) el Sistema de Monitoreo Pesquero Participativo diseñado para
interpretar los datos en tiempo real y 3) el Servicio de Denuncias Ambientales que consta de una
plataforma on-line y telefónica para promover una cultura de vigilancia participativa. Para garantizar su
implementación en el largo plazo, se ha procurado la formalización de compromisos de uso por parte de
los usuarios. Los principales usuarios son las asociaciones de pescadores, las autoridades de pesca y el
Ministerio Público. Tras un desarrollo progresivo iniciado en junio 2013 se han involucrado a la fecha
más de 900 pescadores distribuidos en 11 de los 23 municipios de la costa norte Hondureña. La sencillez
de las interfaces y la tecnología de nubes de computo permiten la adaptación de estas herramientas en
otros países.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Monitoreo pesquero, bases de datos, denuncias ambientales, pesca artesanal,
Honduras
Page | 5
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
10,000+ Lionfish Later … What Do We Actually Know About the Lionfish Invasion?
10.000 Peces León Después ... ¿Qué Sabemos Realmente Sobre la Invasión del Pez León?
10,000+ Lionfish Plus Tard ... Que Savons-Nous Vraiment de l'Invasion de Lionfish?
FADILAH ALI
University of Southampton, 927 Pelican Road, Lange Park Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans), native to the Indo-Pacific region is currently established along the
North, South and Central American coasts, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean islands. A gluttonous
generalist diet coupled with high growth, reproductive and feeding rates and the absence of natural
enemies bequeaths lionfish with vast potential to wreak havoc and decimate native ecosystems.
Throughout the invaded region, attempts have been made to quell the lionfish invasion and mitigate
further impacts. Bonaire, an island within the Southern Dutch Caribbean is one island that can boast of a
successful lionfish management strategy. Since the confirmation of the first lionfish in October 2009,
Bonaire utilised the early and rapid response technique in managing this invasive species. The easy access
shore diving sites along with the availability of dedicated volunteer divers and a research institute has
allowed Bonaire to successfully manage and monitor their lionfish population. Since 2009, > 6000
specimens have been submitted to CIEE Research Station Bonaire so that their general, feeding and
reproductive ecology could be assessed. This research was extended to neighbouring islands; Klein
Bonaire and Curacao in 2012 so that comparisons could be made. This research has achieved great insight
into lionfish feeding ecology and preferences and what their perfect prey item may be and the consequent
impacts. Furthermore, the research highlights how instrumental volunteers are to successful management
of invasive species.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, management, control, feeding, ecology
Page | 6
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Fishers of the Pedro Bank, Jamaica: Their Perceptions of Climate Change
Los Pescadores de Pedro Bank en Jamaica: Sus Percepciones sobre el Cambio Climático
Les Pêcheurs du Banc de Pedro à la Jamaïque: Leurs Perceptions sur le Changement
Climatique
RACHEL ALLEN1* and DALE WEBBER2
Centre for Marine Science, University of the West Indies , Mona, Jamaica *[email protected]
2
Department of Life Sciences,University of the West Indies, Centre for Marine Sciences, Mona Campus,
Jamaica
1
Page | 7
ABSTRACT
The Pedro Bank, Jamaica is located 80km south of Jamaica and is the country‘s primary fishing area. The
Bank contributes 0.8% to the Gross Domestic Product of Jamaica through the export of Queen Conch
(Strombus gigas) and provides the basis of livelihoods for over 600 transient fishers. The Pedro Bank also
provides a habitat for lobster and reef fish; both which provide income for secondary and tertiary
livelihoods. Although the Pedro Bank is exposed to various natural hazards, there have been no previous
studies to determine the risk and vulnerability of the Pedro fishers to climate change. Using 154
structured interviews, the Pedro Bank fisherfolks perception of climate change was documented. The
results were used to determine the vulnerability of the Pedro fishers to climate change impacts, their
understanding of their exposure and ability to adapt to risk. A correlation between age, method of fishing
and perception of climate change was identified. The research identified the need to educate fishers on
climate change slow onset events and for the Governments of Small Island States (SIDS) to mainstream
fisher vulnerability to climate change, specifically slow onset events and balance this with realistic
adaptation strategies and equitable alternatives, where possible.
KEYWORDS: Pedro Bank, climate change, fishers, livelihoods, perceptions
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Role of Rapid Ecological Assessments and Participatory Planning to Design New
Marine Protected Areas in The Bahamas
El uso de la evaluacion ecologica rapida y la planificacion participativa en la creacion de
nuevas areas marinas protegidas en Las Bahamas
Le rôle des évaluations écologiques rapides et la planification participative pour concevoir
de nouvelles aires marines protégées dans Les Bahamas
LAKESHIA ANDERSON*, KRISTA SHERMAN, and LINDY KNOWLES
Bahamas National Trust, East Settlers Way, Freeport, GB N/A Bahamas* [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Rapid Ecological Assessments (REAs) examine the conditions of nationally important habitats,
documents the location and populations of species of concern, establishes baseline data, and describes
existing and potential threats to an area. Participatory planning involves the community and key
stakeholder groups, aimed to harmonize views and resolve user conflicts for Protected Area planning and
management. Information derived from REAs coupled with feedback from the planning process, is used
to help Protected Area managers design new Marine Protected Areas, and monitor ecological changes
over time. During 2013, two (2) REAs were conducted on Grand Bahama Island, at the Lucayan National
Park and in East Grand Bahama. A series of stakeholder meetings, workshops, one-on-one interviews,
community walk-a-bouts and site visits were also coordinated with these efforts, to engage stakeholders
on their views of expanding the Grand Bahama National Park System. The Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef
Assessment (AGRRA) methodology was used to conduct quantitative and qualitative coral, fish and
benthic surveys of reef habitats, while a combination of belt transects and roving diver fish surveys were
used to assess fish diversity, abundance and size within mangrove areas. Overall, the results of the REA
support the expansion of the Lucayan National Park, and the establishment of the East Grand Bahama
National Park, to protect critical marine habitats, endangered corals, and ecologically and commercially
important fish. Moreover, wider community support was achieved as a result of participatory planning,
with an outcome to expand proposed boundaries to encompass areas under threat by incompatible
development.
KEYWORDS: Marine Protected Area, rapid ecological assessment, participatory planning, stakeholder
engagement, Bahamas
Page | 8
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Exclusive Zone for Artisanal Fishery in Moskitia Honduras: A Route Map for Social
Engagement
Zona Exclusiva de Pesca Artesanal en la Moskitia de Honduras: Una Ruta de
Involucramiento Social
Zone Exclusive de Pêche Artisanale dans Moskitia du Honduras: Un Voie de l'
Participacion Social
JIMMY ANDINO1* and STEPHEN BOX2
Center Marine Ecology, Blvd. Suyapa Edificio Florencia. 4to piso oficina 401, Tegucigalpa DC,
Atlantida 00 Honduras *[email protected]
2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
1
Page | 9
ABSTRACT
In 2009, the Central American governments issued a regional agreement to transition for closure SCUBA
lobster fishery. As part of the strategies to phase out, in 2012 the Miskito congressman convened most of
the fishermen stakeholders and local authorities to draft a route map how to address zoning the maritime
platform of Moskitia combined with indigenous right base use approach. The Miskito coalition proposed
to create in the cays near shore a fishing area with right base use for indigenous fishermen where only
sustainable and safe fisheries will be allowed. In 2013, the project came out with an Exclusive Zone for
Artisanal Fishery (EZAF) in Moskitia Honduras. The Miskito divers association started to do meetings
with twelve local indigenous territories councils to introduce the concept and get institutional
endorsement. The Miskito association begun to advocate with the national fisheries authorities to get the
legal baseline to establish this area. Endorsement letters, press releases, local radio advertisement were
some of the tools to inform and support the initiative. It increases the local recognition where
consequently meetings with the Fisheries Minister were held advocating to create this area. Currently, a
ministerial decree is been elaborating with technical and legal guidelines to achieve this goal. This area is
the first large-scale effort for the management and access rights to the Miskito Indians in Honduras, so it‘s
an opportunity to begin reforming the country's fisheries to set up new, sustainable, profitable and safe
artisanal fisheries with local communities‘ benefits.
KEYWORDS: Artisanal, fisheries, Honduras, social engagement
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Ontogeny of Labridae Family in Shore Ecosystems in Seaflower Biosphere Reserve,
Colombian Caribbean
Ontogenia de la Familia Labridae en Ecosistemas Costeros en la Reserva de Biosfera
Seaflower, Caribe Colombiano
Ontogénie de la Famille Labridae dans Les Écosystèmes Côtiers dans la Réserve de
Biosphère Seaflower, Caraïbes Colombiennes
DANIEL ALEJANDRO ARIZA PACHECO1* and ADRIANA SANTOS-MARTINEZ2
1
Universidad Nacional de Colombia- Sede Caribe, Carretera Circunvalar, San Luis, San Andrés Island,
Colombia *[email protected]
2
Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Sede, Caribe Jardin Botanico, Carretera Circunvalar, San Luis, San
Andrés Island, Colombia
Page | 10
ABSTRACT
The current study researches the ontogenetic distribution of Labridae family in the three shore ecosystems
of mangroves, sea-grasses and reefs in San Andrés Island. For this we made visual census of juveniles
and adults from 2009 to 2012 during rainy and dry seasons and recorded the levels of some abiotic
factors. Here we found 24,828 individuals bellowing to 96 species and 30 families. From those, the
Labridae family was the second most abundant with 4,884 individuals (19.7%) and the fourth most
diverse with eight species. The species Halichoeres garnoti used all the three biotypes to develop their
juveniles, Thalassoma bifasciatum and H. bivittatus used sea-grasses and reefs, preferring the last one and
H. radiatus, H. maculipinna, Clepticus parrae, and Bodianus rufus used only the reefs. The juveniles of
H. poeyi were reported only in sea-grasses from which we concluded this biotype is essential for its
ontogenic development. T. bifasciatum shows a relative abundance of 81%, however its populations can
be threatened because comprises more than 83% of the diet of the invasive lionfish Pterois volitans.
Comparisons between biotypes manifest that the highest similarity is in reefs, followed by seagrasses and
mangroves, additionally the seascape connected biotypes showed more richness (eight species). We do
not find any relationships between climatic seasons or abiotic factors and species abundances according
with the applied statistics. This research contributes to ecosystems connectivity, which is fundamental to
guarantee the structure and functionality of marine protected areas, in Seaflower Biosphere Reserve,
Colombian Caribbean.
KEYWORDS: Labridae, ecosystem connectivity, ontogenetic distribution
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Managing Fish Traps within a Context of Socio-Economic Sustainability in U.S. Virgin
Islands Waters
El Manejo de Nasas de Peces en Aguas de las Islas Vírgenes Americanas dentro de un
Contexto de Sostenibilidad Socio-Economica
Gestion des Pièges à Poissons dans un Contexte de Durabilité Socio-Économique dans les
Eaux des Îles Vierges Américaines
WILLIAM ARNOLD1*, DAVID OLSEN2, and RON HILL3
NOAA NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 USA *[email protected]
2
Address not available
3
NOAA NMFS, 4700 Avenue U, Building 302, Galveston, Texas 77551 USA
1
Page | 11
ABSTRACT
The fish trap is a widely used gear for harvesting reef fish in U.S. Virgin Islands waters, but the use of
this gear continues to be controversial because of non-target species retention and possible physical
impacts to the reef. The Caribbean Fishery Management Council has partnered with NOAA‘s National
Marine Fisheries Service, the government of the USVI, and commercial fishers to implement
management measures designed to reduce ecosystem impacts of fish traps while minimizing socioeconomic costs to fishing communities. Within the context of fully implemented annual catch limits,
which have capped harvest by all gears within U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone waters, the
Council/NMFS partnership has established a prohibition on harvest of key species including large-bodied
parrotfish. Additionally, a USVI fishers/government partnership has implemented a trap reduction
program that codifies a cap on the number of traps allowed to be deployed by each fisher in territorial
waters. This program also limits entry of additional fishers, ensuring a stable if not decreasing trap
footprint in USVI waters. To manage trap impacts on ecosystem diversity, the effectiveness of various
escape vent configurations is being tested to identify a single configuration that will minimize retention of
non-desirable or non-target species with minimal reduction in catch of target species. Together, these
measures serve to reduce fish trap impacts on USVI reefs while maintaining employment within the
commercial fishing industry and food security within the communities they serve.
KEYWORDS: Trap, management, escape vent, reef fish, USVI
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Developing Ecosystem-Based Information for Marine Spatial Planning on the Pedro Bank,
Jamaica
El Desarrollo de Informaciones del Ecosistema para la Ordenación del Espacio Marítimo
en Pedro Bank, Jamaica
Le Développement des Informations Écosystémiques pour la Planification Spatiale
Maritime sur Pedro Bank, Jamaïque
KIMBERLY BALDWIN1*, STEVE SCHILL2, NATHALIE ZENNY3, and DONNA BLAKE4
CERMES, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, St Michael BB 11000 Barbados
*[email protected]
2
The Nature Conservancy, 5089 Highway A1A, Suite 200, Vero Beach, Florida 32963 USA
3
The Nature Conservancy, 255 Alhambra Circle, Suite 640, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 USA
4
The Nature Conservancy, 2 ½ Kingsway, Unit 27, Kingston, 10 Jamaica
1
ABSTRACT
In the Caribbean and around the world, human use of the coastal and marine environment is placing
increasing and often conflicting demands on natural resources. Marine spatial planning (MSP) has
emerged globally as a strategic approach to improve decision-making and deliver an ecosystem approach
to coastal and marine management. Due to a diversity of factors including the financial, technical and
human resources required for MSP, its application has been less prominent in small island developing
states (SIDS) than in developed countries. In light of resource limitations, the participation of
stakeholders in the creation of MSP information, including representation of spatial knowledge, can allow
for the production of useful information and support understanding of the linkages between marine
resources and livelihoods required for an ecosystem approach. Located approximately 80 kilometres
southwest of Jamaica, the Pedro Bank is one of the largest offshore banks in the Caribbean and comprises
a tremendous amount of biodiversity as well as the country's‘ most productive commercial and artisanal
fishing grounds. More recently increases in fishing pressure, transportation and oil exploration are being
undertaken on the Pedro Bank. As a result of the growing demand for resources, the creation of a marine
multi-use zoning design is being developed to increase Jamaica‘s capacity to protect, manage and
sustainably use the Bank's marine resources. Here we describe the various types of spatial information
required for MSP and methods applied to develop ecosystem-based information within a Caribbean SIDS
context.
KEYWORDS: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), ecosystem-based management, Small Island Developing
States (SIDS), Pedro Bank, Jamaica
Page | 12
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Thermal Preferences and Critical Temperatures of Invasive Lionfish Complex (Pterois
volitans/P. miles)
Preferencias Térmicas y Temperaturas Críticos del Complejo Pez León Invasor (Pterois
volitans/P. miles)
Préférences Thermiques et les Températures Critiques de Complexe de Rascasse Volante
Invasive (Pterois volitans/P. miles)
BENJAMIN BARKER1*, ANDRIJ HORODYSKY2, and DAVID KERSTETTER1
Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, 8000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, Florida 33004
USA *[email protected]
2
Hampton University, Department of Marine and Environmental Science, 100 E. Queen St., Hampton,
Virginia 23668 USA
1
ABSTRACT
Temperature preference and limits were determined for locally captured, juvenile lionfish at four different
acclimation temperatures (13°C, 20°C, 25°C and 32°C). Temperature preferences were evaluated using
an automated shuttlebox system that presents temperature stimuli in a subject-driven fashion. The
shuttlebox system circulates two temperatures of water within a dumbbell-shaped tank, maintaining a
difference of 3°C between sides. Movement of the subject to the ―warm‖ side increased temperature
stimulus; movements to the ―cold‖ side decreased temperature stimuli in both tanks (maintaining 3°C
differential). Subjects move between hot and cold sides, behaviorally thermoregulating within preferred
temperature ranges. Critical thermal methodology was used to determine the CTmin and CTmax of the
lionfish with loss of equilibrium as the endpoint. Temperature was increased or decreased by 0.33°C per
minute until the end point was reached. Thermal tolerance polygons will provide a visual representation
to the lower and upper thermal avoidance temperatures of the invasive lionfish, delineating the preferred
thermal range of the species. A species‘ thermal preference and tolerance are important mechanistic
drivers affecting behavior and geographic distribution and thus are relevant to fisheries management.
Thermal preference data could assist lionfish population management in pinpointing abundance hotspots,
allowing removal efforts to be more efficient. Thermal tolerance describes the range in which lionfish can
survive, and how this range changes with acclimation temperature. Due to increasing ocean temperatures,
the current range of the invasive lionfish could expand geographically into higher latitudes, similar to
expectations for native tropical fishes, with unknown implications for ecosystem processes.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, thermal, preferences, limits, critical
Page | 13
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Importance of Oil and Gas Platforms on the Community Structure and Predator-Prey
Dynamics of Reef-Associated Fishes in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
La Importancia de las Plataformas Petroleras y de Gas Natural en la Estructura de la
Comunidad y Las Dinámicas Depredador-Presa en los Peces Asociados al Arrecife en el
Norte del Golfo de México
L’Effet des Plateformes Petroliéres et Gazières sur les Communautés et les Relations
Prédateur-Proie des Poissons de Récif dans le Nord du Golfe du Méxique
VICTORIA BARKER
Louisiana State University, 2201 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana70803 USA [email protected]
Page | 14
ABSTRACT
The northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) contains approximately 2,600 oil and gas platforms, resulting in the
largest de facto artificial reef system in the world. These structures secondarily serve to increase the
amount of hard substrate and vertical relief in the GOM, providing a congregation point for fishes and
additional habitat for sessile organisms. As of 2013, 1,227 of these structures had ceased to produce oil
and have been scheduled for decommissioning and subsequent removal. These platforms are no longer
economically viable infrastructure and are therefore evacuated of crew and lit only for navigation
purposes. In an effort for resource managers to better understand the role of oil and gas platforms as
artificial reefs, many studies have been published since the 1970‘s that focus on the fish community
structure. However, no one has yet examined the potential differences in community structure or predatorprey dynamics at actively lit platforms versus those that are unlit. This study describes and compares the
pelagic fish communities residing at two active and two decommissioned oil and gas platforms in the
northern Gulf. Of particular interest are the abundance of large, predatory species and the possible effect
of light on predator-prey dynamics. The first portion of this study will examine changes in fish biomass
around the standing structures with hydroacoustics data processed with EchoView software. The second
will be carried out using high definition stereo-video camera sets post-processed with PhotoMeasure
software in order to determine fish species, lengths, and abundances.
KEYWORDS: Oil and gas platforms, fish community structure, predator-prey dynamics, Gulf of Mexico
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Decline in Shrimp Recruitment and Environmental Variability in French Guiana
Decadancia en Reclutamiento de Camarón y Variabilidad Ambiental en la Guayana
Francesa
Déclin du Recrutement de la Crevette et Variabilité Environnementale dn Guyane
Française
LOÏC BAULIER*, AMIRA MAGRAOUI, and FABIAN BLANCHARD
Ifremer, Domaine de Suzini, BP477 Cayenne, 97331 France *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The fishery of southern brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus subtilis) was the first fishery in value in French
Guiana during the 1990s. Since then, two successive drops in recruitment in 1999 and 2006 led to
decreases in stock size and hence landings of shrimp. In recent years, both stock and recruitment have
reached historical lows. However, no stock recruitment relationship emerges, though a transition in the
recruitment regime seems to have occurred since 2007. This suggests a minor influence of harvesting on
the failure in stock rebuilding. Environment instead appears to play a pivotal role here, but the observed
modification of recruitment could not be related to any of the environmental factors considered in this
study (river flow, winds, swell, turbidity, suspended matters, chlorophyll, synthetic environmental
indices). This poses serious management issues since the main driver of stock dynamics does not appear
to be harvesting and has not been identified yet. Besides, based on the knowledge of local
hydrodynamics, it is likely that the main contributor to the shrimp recruitment in French Guiana is a pool
of adults spawning off the Brazilian state of Amapá. This calls for a common assessment of the southern
brown shrimp stocks in the Guianas, in order to account for the different components of what appears to
be a shared population between several countries.
KEYWORDS: Southern brown shrimp, French Guiana, stock-recruitment, environment, shared stock
Page | 15
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Movement Patterns and Site Fidelity of Great Barracuda (Syphraena barracuda) at Two
Caribbean Islands
Los Patrones de Movimiento de Gran Barracuda (Syphraena barracuda) en Dos Islas del
Caribe
Les Modèles de Déplacement de Grand Barracuda (Syphraena barracuda) à Deux Îles des
Caraïbes
SARAH BECKER*, JACK FINN, ANDY DANYLCHUK, and ADRIAN JORDAAN
University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 58 Belmont Ave., Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Great barracuda are top predators of tropical marine systems found in a wide range of habitats. Given
their wide distribution and abundance, S.barracuda likely play an important ecological role in nearshore
ecosystems, yet very few studies exist that quantify their spatial ecology. Tracking of movement patterns
via passive acoustic telemetry is being conducted in two locations in the Caribbean with varying habitat
types and management status: Culebra, Puerto Rico and Buck Island Reef National Monument in St.
Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. To date, 12 (mean length = 105.5cm, SD = 25 cm) and 36 (mean length =
91,72 cm, SD = 16.54cm) fish are tagged in Culebra and St. Croix, respectively So far, 392,150 reliable
detections spanning 24 months in Culebra and 926,676 detections for 12 months in St. Croix have been
processed. Preliminary analyses using graph theory show large differences in habitat preference and
movement patterns among individual fish. Future analyses will examine movement patterns in relation to
habitat types, prey species assemblages, fish size, population density, and ambient environmental
conditions such as temperature, tide, and season.
KEYWORDS: Great barracuda, mesopredator, spatial ecology, telemetry
Page | 16
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Effects of Artificial Reef Implementation on Fish Populations in a Jamaica Marine
Protected Area
Efectos de la Artificial Reef Aplicación sobre las Poblaciones de Peces en un Área Marina
Protegida Jamaica
Effets de Récif Artificiel Mise en Œuvre sur les Populations de Poissons dans une Zone De
Protection Marine de la Jamaïque
DANIEL BECKMAN* and JOSHUA RUDOLPH
Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
To alleviate the problem of overfishing and habitat loss, the Jamaican government has implemented a
number of measures to assist coral reef associated fish populations rebound and expand. One of these
measures was the creation of an artificial reef within Bluefields Bay Marine Sanctuary, a newly created
no-take preserve. The purpose of the artificial reef is to provide protection and habitat for various fish
populations, with an ultimate goal of population expansion beyond the protected zone leading to an
increase harvest in surrounding artisanal fisheries. This study‘s purpose was to monitor changes in
abundance of fish populations associated with the artificial reef, natural reefs, and other habitats. Three
video fish surveys were carried out, one month before, five months after, and eleven months after
artificial reef placement. Species richness, abundance, and diversity increased over the duration of the
study at the artificial reef site as well as in other habitats in the sanctuary. The increase in fish abundance
was most substantial at the artificial reef, with the largest effects reflecting the increase in a single
species, the French grunt Haemulon flavolineatum.
KEYWORDS: Coral reef, artificial reef, marine sanctuary, marine protected area
Page | 17
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Reef Fishes of Cagarras Natural Monument, An Urban Marine Protected Area
Los Peces Arrecifales del Monumento Natural Cagarras, Una Área Marinas Protegidas
Urbana
Poissons de Récif du Monument Naturel Cagarras, Une Aire Marine Protégée en Milieu
Urbain
ÁTHILA BERTONCINI1*, CARLOS AUGUSTO RANGEL2, ALINE AUGUSTO AGUIAR2,
CASSIANO MONTEIRO-NETO3, and LUCIANO NEVES DOS SANTOS1
1
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Projeto Ilhas do Rio Travessa, Santa Rosa do
Viterbo, 32 apto. 602 Niterói, RJ 24241-030 Brazil *[email protected]
2
Projeto Ilhas do Rio Brazil
3
Universidade Federal Fluminense Brazil
ABSTRACT
We present a species checklist, characterizing the ichthyofaunal composition of four coastal archipelagos
in waters off the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were obtained from ~120h of
underwater observations, published and unpublished information, including new species records. A total
of 197 fish species (78 new records), belonging to 130 genera and 61 families, were observed. The family
Carangidae (17) dominated in number of species, followed by Labridae and Serranidae (10 each),
Epinephelidae and Scaridae (9 each). Most species are distributed along the tropical Western Atlantic
(51.8%) or on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean (20.5%). A minor part is endemic to Brazil (9.7%) or
range to temperate rocky reefs of Patagonia (6.7%). Fourteen species are threatened, according to the
IUCN, and listed under the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment red list (6.6%). Despite an increment of
fish species listed herein, and the recent establishment/creation of an MPA (Monumento Natural das Ilhas
Cagarras – MoNa Cagarras), research efforts are clearly needed along these archipelagos, as nearshore
environmental threats increase due to lack of regulatory practices. Projeto Ilhas do Rio is sponsored by
Petrobras.
KEYWORDS: Reef fish, coastal archipelago, MoNa Cagarras, Marine Protected Area, southwestern
Atlantic
Page | 18
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Using Ecosystem Valuation Tools to Establish Protected Areas, Enact Species Conservation
and Implement Resilience Management Schemes on a Small Island Developing Nation
Uso de Herramientas de Valoración de los Ecosistemas para Establecer Áreas Protegidas ,
Conservación de Especies Promulgar y Aplicar Planes de Gestión de la Resiliencia en una
Nación en Desarrollo Pequeños Estados Insulares
Utilisation Des Outils d'Évaluation des Écosystèmes pour Établir des Zones Protégées ,
Promulguer Conservation des Espèces et Mettre en Œuvre des Systèmes de Gestion de la
Résilience sur un Pays en Développement Insulaires
TADZIO BERVOETS
St. Maarten Nature Foundation/ Man of War Shoal, Welsburg Street Unit 1 Cole Bay, St. Maarten
[email protected]
Page | 19
ABSTRACT
The government of St. Maarten recently established the country‘s first national park, protecting 1,500
hectares of coral reef and sea grasses. An analysis quantifying the economic value of the proposed park,
using WRI‘s coral reef valuation method, played a key role in its establishment. Reef-related tourism is
central to St. Maarten‘s economy. Reefs and coralline beaches attract 2 million visitors yearly, and
tourism employs 75 percent of the country‘s population. Reefs and sea grass also nurture fisheries worth
US$2 million per year, providing an important source of food and livelihood for islanders. Despite their
economic value, St. Maarten‘s reefs have degraded for decades due to coastal development, climate
change and overfishing. In 2010, the St. Maarten Nature Foundation began campaigning for a protected
park, using a WRI methodology to show that marine ecosystems contribute US$58 million a year to the
country‘s economy through tourism and fisheries. After a negotiation process, the government established
Man of War Shoal Marine Park, protecting the island‘s marine habitats from over-exploitation, setting a
precedent for the wider Caribbean region. Using the results of the Ecosystem Valuation Analysis, the
Nature Foundation was also able to implement and enforce management actions to reflect the importance
of individual species. Values were placed on sharks in particular, protecting them in territorial waters.
Results of the study were also incorporated in Coral Reef Resiliency programs, in particular the Nature
Foundation‘s Coral Bleaching response Plan, which outlines management actions to ensure coral reef
resilience as it relates to climate change.
KEYWORDS: Ecosystem valuation, SIDS, coral reefs, resource management, species protection
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Movement and Resident Times of Dog and Cubera Snapper within a Spawning
Aggregation in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Movimiento y Residentes Tiempos de Perro y Cubera Snapper dentro de una Agregación
de Desove en las Islas Vírgenes de EE.UU.
Mouvement et Résidents Temps de Chien et Cubera Snapper dans une Agrégation de Frai
Dans les Îles Vierges Américaines
CHRISTOPHER BIGGS
University of the Virgin Islands, CMES #2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, USVI 00802 USA
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Spawning aggregations represent a reproductive strategy utilized by many fish species. Fish tend to
aggregate at the same site annually and this site fidelity puts spawning aggregations at risk from fishing
pressure. The fishing of aggregations has often resulted in declining populations and skewed sex ratios.
Marine Protected Areas (MPA) have been successful in protecting spawning aggregations, but the
efficacy is dependent on several factors including the placement of the MPA boundaries. Dog snapper
(Lutjanus jocu) and Cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus) have been observed forming aggregations
within a seasonal closure area in St. Thomas, USVI. The purpose of this study is to describe the
movement of dog and Cubera snapper as it relates to the spatial and temporal extent of the spawning
event and closure area. Currently, I have surgically implanted passive acoustic tags in 25 dog snapper
and 19 Cubera snapper. The data collected from these tags will allow me to calculate residency times and
identify differences in timing and habitat use between species and sexes within species. This information
will be used to assess the level of protection dog and Cubera experience from the closure area.
Specifically, I expect that male and female snapper will display different patterns of movement and
residency times and as a result, experience a different amount of protection. As dog and Cubera snapper
are important fishery species, these results will be useful in the design and implementation of protected
areas for spawning aggregations throughout the Caribbean and may be applicable to other Lutjanidae.
KEYWORDS: Acoustic Telemetry, Reproduction, Marine Protected Areas, Movement Patterns,
Caribbean
Page | 20
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Effective Management of Lionfish on Select Habitats in the Florida Keys
Gestión Eficaz de los Peces León en Seleccionar Hábitats en los Cayos de Florida
Gestion Efficace des Poissons Lion sur Sélectionnez Habitats dans les Keys de Floride
BENJAMIN BINDER*, JEFFREY RENCHEN, and ALEJANDRO ACOSTA
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2796 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, Florida 33050 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Scientific findings have shown that eradication of the lionfish population is unattainable due to both
financial and logistical limitations. Nevertheless, there is considerable interest in developing management
strategies to mitigate the ecological impacts of lionfish on native coral reef ecosystems. Consequently, the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has initiated targeted removal efforts to detect
recolonization rates on six different hard-bottom habitat types representative of the Florida Keys. The
habitats include Gulf of Mexico reefs, solution holes in near-shore hard-bottom, near-shore patch reefs,
Hawks Channel patch reefs, the offshore forereef and artificial habitat (30 – 40 m). In order to detect
recolonization rate and estimate carrying capacities, three removal treatments were applied to the sample
locations (continuous removal, one-time removal and no removal). At one-time removal sites, lionfish
abundance rebounded to pre-removal levels in approximately three months, but has not exceeded preremoval abundance. Additionally, abundance at non-removal locations has been stable since November.
These results along with observations from continuous removal sites indicate that monthly removals have
the capability to considerably decrease and control local lionfish populations in the habitats sampled. An
acoustic tracking experiment was also implemented to observe lionfish behavior and movement patterns
on selected sites during June 2014. Data collected provided movement and residence patterns that aided
in identifying habitats affected by lionfish. Results from these experiments will provide managers and
stakeholders with guidelines to prioritize locations for lionfish management.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, management, colonization, tracking, removals
Page | 21
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Climate Change Effects for Fisheries Resources: Can We Observe It, Anticipate, and
Adapt? Discussion from a Case Study in French Guyana
Efectos del Cambio Climático en los Recursos Pesqueros: ¿Podemos Observarlo,
Anticiparse y Adaptarse? Discusión de un Caso de Estudio en la Guyana Francesa
Effets du Changement Climatique sur les Ressources Halieutiques : Peut-On l’Observer,
l’Anticiper et s’Adapter? Discussion à Partir d’un Cas d’Étude en Guyane Française
FABIAN BLANCHARD
IFREMER, Domaine Suzini BP 477 Cayenne Cedex, French Guiana 97334 France
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Marine fish species are subject both to the effects of fishing and climate change that interact. Hence, longterm changes are observed in fish communities but disentangling climate and fishing effects remains
challenging. Climate change modifies the relative biomass of the species within marine communities
(Poulard and Blanchard, 2005) and their spatial distribution (Cheung et al., 2009). Moreover, in a first
step small species react more rapidly to climate change as compared to large ones (Perry et al., 2005).
Ecosystems effects of fishing activities are well documented, unfavouring large long-lived predator
species while small short-lived prey species were relatively favoured (Pauly et al., 1998). However, there
are very few studies of climate or fishing effects on tropical fish community structure. Within this
context, we investigated the temporal variations of the sea surface temperatures (Reynolds data set) and
fishing effort as forcing factors in the French Guyana shelf and temporal variations of the demersal fish
community structure of the shrimp trawling grounds, using data sets from surveys carried out at sea in
1993, 1994, 2006, and 2007. We identified an increase in the sea surface temperatures, a decrease of the
fishing pressure on the continental shelf, and changes in the fish community structure. A traits-based
approach (maximal individual length, biogeographic origin) was used to relate the community changes to
fishing and temperatures as hypothetical causes of these changes. In countries were economic
development and food security are required, some conclusions are brought in terms of adaptation to
climate change in fisheries.
KEYWORDS: Climate change, tropical fisheries, ecosystem effects of fishing, adaptation, food security
Page | 22
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Invasive Lionfish Webportal: A One Stop Shop for all Things Lionfish
El Pez León Invasor, Portal Web: Una Ventanilla Única, todo sobre el Pez Leon.
Le Envahissantes Lionfish Webportal: A One Stop Shop pour toutes les Choses Lionfish
ALEXANDER BOGDANOFF1,8, LAD AKINS2, DAYNE BUDDO3, FRANCISCO RICARDO GOMEZ
LOZANO4, BOB GLAZER5, STEPHANIE GREEN6, LEROY CRESWELL7, and JAMES MORRIS8
1
North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 USA
[email protected], [email protected]
2
Reef Environmental Education Foundation, 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, Florida 33037 USA
[email protected]
3
The University of the West Indies at Mona, Centre for Marine Sciences, Discovery Bay Marine
Laboratory, Discovery Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica [email protected]
4
Comision Nacional De Areas Naturales Protegidas, Cancún, Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo.Mexico
[email protected]
5
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 2796
Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 USA [email protected]
6
Oregon State University, Department of Zoology, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
[email protected]
7
Sea Grant College Program 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce Florida34945 USA [email protected]
8
NOAA National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 101 Pivers Island Road,
Beaufort, North Carolina 28516 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) were first sighted off the Florida coast in 1985 and have since
become one of the most abundant top level predators on some reefs in the Western Atlantic. Over the last
fifteen years, researchers and managers from a wide range of institutions across the invaded region have
allocated a great deal of resources to better understand the invasion. As a result of these efforts, a diverse
wealth of invasive lionfish knowledge has been translated into a variety of products including fact sheets,
training videos, management plans, and peer-reviewed literature. Having a way to manage and centralize
this information has not been realized until now. We have created an Invasive Lionfish Webportal that
serves as a clearing house and repository for all things pertaining to the invasion. The Webportal is
broken down into a home page and four topic-focused interior pages including Education & Outreach,
Research & Monitoring, Control, and Management. Each of the four sections has been built out into
several content containing sub-sections with various features such as the Lionfish Literature Database,
which is a searchable, query generating database of nearly 200 lionfish papers. In contrast to similar sites
on the web, all of the information on the Webportal has been vetted by experts in the field, and the site is
updated and maintained monthly. As the invasion continues, the Webportal will serve as a platform from
which the public, researchers, and managers alike can retrieve and exchange the most up-to-date invasive
lionfish information to better control and manage this invasive species.
KEYWORDS: Invasive lionfish, webportal, management, invasive species control
Page | 23
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Survey of Deep Water Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas) Populations Using a Towed Video
System
Una Encuesta sobre Poblaciones de Lambi (Lobatus gigas) en Aguas Profundas Utilizando
un Sistema de Video
Una Encuesta sobre Poblaciones de Lambi (Lobatus gigas) en Aguas Profundas Utilizando
un Sistema de Video
ERIK BOMAN
Wageningen University, Upper Round Hill, Oranjestad, St Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Dive surveys is the conventional method used to assess population density and abundance of Queen
Conch (Lobatus gigas) today. This method has its limitations and populations below 25m are seldom
assessed thoroughly with this method due to diving limitations imposed by depth. In order to survey adult
Queen Conch populations at larger depth, we developed a light, low cost towed video system based on the
design of Stevens (2006) and Sheenan et al. (2010). The video system is towed behind a boat at low
speeds and hovers over the bottom, filming with an attached camera a 1m wide transect indicated by two
lasers. The video system can be used on all habitats without high structures e.g. sand, rubble, low patchy
reef. In order to compare the towed video method with the more conventional method where a diver is
used, a number of calibration dives/video tows were made in different habitats. The transect was surveyed
simultaneously by both the towed video and a diver. In 2013, the towed video system was successfully
used in the waters around the island of St Eustatius survey an area of 4 ha, were more than 1.4 ha was in
depths > 25 m and with maximum survey depth of 55m. Densities varied between 0 and 950 adult conch
per ha and with a mean density of 115 adult conch per ha.
KEYWORDS: Queen Conch, Lobatus gigas, survey method, towed-video system, deep-water population
Page | 24
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Mejorando el Manejo de los Recursos Marinos sin Colapsar la Economía Local de la
Moskitia Hondureña
Improving the Management of Marine Resources without Collapsing the Local Economy in
the Moskitia, Honduras
Amélioration de la Gestion des Ressources Marines sans s'Effondrer l'Économie Locale
dans la Mosquitia, Honduras
SARA BONILLA1 and STEPHEN BOX2
1
Centro de Ecologia Marina, Edificio Florencia, Oficina 401-403, Tegucigalpa, FCO Honduras
[email protected]
2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
Page | 25
RESUMEN
La langosta espinosa es la pesquería con mayor valor comercial en Honduras, en el 2012 el país exportó
1.5 millones de kilogramos de langosta, lo que representó USD 39.7 millones. Esta pesquería genera
aproximadamente 3,500 empleos directos para la región de la Moskitia. Sin embargo, existe una creciente
preocupación a nivel nacional e internacional por los impactos que tiene la pesca industrial de langosta
utilizando buceo con tanque tanto para los ecosistemas marinos, como para vida de los buzos y los medios
de vida de las comunidades de la Moskitia en Honduras. El presente estudio presenta evidencia del costo
social de esta pesquería y los impactos resultantes sobre los medios de vida locales. Con base en los
resultados, la literatura disponible, y el uso de un marco de medios de vida, este estudio identifica y
analiza la transición de esta pesquería industrial a una pesquería artesanal con un enfoque de manejo
basado en derechos de uso, como una alternativa para mejorar el manejo de los recursos marinos y
promover el desarrollo económico local. Asimismo, explora las implicaciones políticas de esta transición,
considerando que las alternativas que se implementen en respuesta al cierre de esta peligrosa pesquería
deben: (1) fortalecer la base de activos de los medios de vida locales, (2) facilitar el acceso de las
comunidades a los recursos naturales, (3) mejorar la productividad de los recursos naturales de los que
dependen las comunidades, y (4) aumentar la participación de la población local en la resolución de
problemas y la toma de decisiones relacionadas con la gestión de recursos naturales.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Manejo comuntario, derechos de acceso, desarrollo local, pesca responsable,
empoderamiento
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Small Scale Fisheries Systems in Brazil: From Sustainability to the Collapse
Sistemas de Pesca de Pequeňa Escala en Brasil: De la Sostenibilidad al Colapso
Systémes de Pêche Artisanale au Brásil: De la Durabilité à l'Effondrement
MAÍRA BORGONHA and CASSIANO MONTEIRO-NETO
Universidade Federal Fluminense Instituto Mero do Brasil, Outeiro São João Batista, s/nº IOuteiro São
João Batista, s/nº Niterói, RJ 24001-970 Brazil [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Local ecological knowledge is an important source of information to create strategies to biodiversity
maintenance and management of resources from local and regional fisheries. In Brazil, since de 1990s
Local Ecological Knowledge studies have been shown its importance through the implementation of
participatory management and sustainable use of fisheries resources. This study aims to investigate the
multiple aspects, which contribute to the cause of fisheries depletion three distinct places along the
Brazilian coast: São Francisco do Sul (South - 26°26‘S); Armação de Búzios (Southeast - 22°44‘S) and
Caponga (Northeast - 4°2'S). In each place the fisheries is the main living source of local people, which
has been suffering with some aspects like changing technology, increasing of capture, absence of
adequate management laws. The data collection has been based in participatory research using an
Etnoecological approach. The comparative analyses are using Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques and
Sustainable Livelihoods Approach as well. It is expected to find relations between aspects that shape
and/or influence the depletion of these important mall scale fisheries systems.
Sponsorship: Coordenadoria de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES).
KEYWORDS: Ethnoecology, socio-economic issues, participatory approach, cultural key-species,
sustainability
Page | 26
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Regeneration Capacity of Artificial Lesions on the Coral Porites astreoides (Guadeloupe
Island)
Capacidad de Regeneración de Lesiones Artificiales en el Coral Porites asteroides (Isla de
Guadeloupe)
Capacités de Régénération ee Lésions Artificielles sur le Corail Porites astreoides
(Guadeloupe Island)
CLAUDE BOUCHON1*, MALIKA TROUILLEFOU1, SOAZIG LEMOINE1, MIREILLE
GUILLAUME2, HENRICH BRUGGEMANN2, AURÉLIEN JAPAUD1 and YOLANDE BOUCHONNAVARO1
1
UMR BOREA-DYNECAR, Labex CORAIL Université Antilles - Guyane Campus de Fouillole BP 592
Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), 97159 France *[email protected]
2
UMR - BOREA, Labex CORAIL, Université de la Réunion, Saint-Denis (La Réunion) 97400 FRANCE
ABSTRACT
The decay of corals in the Lesser Antilles due to tissue necrosis is nowadays a worrying phenomenon, and
their capacity of regeneration is a key determinant of coral reef resilience. To estimate the healing
capacity of lesions in a common coral species of Caribbean reefs, artificial lesions (15 mm in diameter
and 2-3 mm deep) were created on 12 colonies of Porites astreoides (15 to 20 cm in diameter) with a
pneumatic drill. The 12 colonies located on a reef flat, within an area of 10 m, were monitored durig 5
months. Pictures of the lesions were taken at 14 periods from day 0 to day 150. New polyps and
coenenchyme rapidly colonized the edge of the lesions, but after some weeks the lesion healing slowed
down: the barren coral skeleton was colonized by algal turf and Cyanobacteria that also trapped sediment.
At the end of the experiment (150 days), none of the artificial lesions completely healed. Among the
colonies, 6 of them presented some trace of healing (never above 28,5%) and 6 of them showed
expansions of the lesion size (65,4 % maximum). The global result was an average increase of the lesions
size of 15%. This experiment suggests that Porites astreoides presents a low healing capacity to recover
from physical injury. This phenomenon seems to be linked to the high competitive capacity of turf algae
and Cyanobacteria to colonize the barren coral skeleton, thus compromising the resilience of coral
populations.
KEYWORDS: Corals, Caribbean, healing, algal competition, resilience
Page | 27
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Equal But Not The Same: How Fishing Communities Vary in their Vulnerability to Marine
Management Policies
Iguales, Pero No Lo Mismo: Cómo Varía la Vulnerabilidad de las Comunidades Pesqueras
Frente a las Políticas de Manejo Marino
Égal, Mais Pas La Même: Comment les Communautés de Pêche Varient dans leur
Vulnérabilité aux Politiques de Gestion du Milieu Marin
STEPHEN BOX1*, MANUELA FUNES1, SARA BONILLA2, ALEXANDER TILLEY1, MAYRA
NUÑEZ2, and DIANA VASQUEZ2**
1
Smithsonian Institution, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Fl 34949 USA *[email protected]
2
Centro de Estudios Marinos, Tegucigalpa, Honduras **[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The reliance of coastal communities on small scale fishing can vary greatly depending on localized
cultural and socioeconomic circumstance and their access to different marine resources. Marine
management, however, often homogenize this inherent diversity into a generic ―artisanal fisheries‖
policy. A mismatch between the spatial scale of policy and the socioeconomic and ecological variability
across an area risks creating unequal pressure on individual communities due of their degree of
vulnerability to specific regulations. Here, we describe a spatially explicit model to categorize the relative
vulnerability of coastal communities to existing or proposed fisheries regulations. We use data on the
diversity of small scale fisheries collected from 139 communities along the Honduran Caribbean to
explain its application as a decision support tool. Ten distinct fisheries supporting over 5,200 fishers were
identified that together extract over one hundred different species of fish and invertebrates from five
different marine systems; lagoons, nearshore alluvial, coral reefs, deep shelf and open pelagic
environments. We score communities on their spatial dependence, gear diversity, and the species richness
of their fisheries and combine this with the contribution of fishing to both the household and communitywide economies.We then assess the vulnerability of these communities by ranking their exposure and
susceptibility to changes in resource access bought about by different marine regulations, such as
prohibiting specific gears, moratoria on species or establishing no take areas. We review existing and
proposed fisheries legislation to visualize their local impact across the coastal zone and identify hotspots
of vulnerable communities.
KEYWORDS: Honduras, Caribbean, artisanal, fishing, displacement
Page | 28
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of a Red Hind, Epinephelus guttatus, Spawning
Aggregation in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands: Using Acoustic Telemetry for Conservation
and Management
Las Características Temporales y Espaciales de una Cierva Roja, Epinephelus guttatus, La
Agregación de Desove en St. Croix, Islas Vírgenes Estadounidenses: Utilizando Telemetría
Acústica para la Conservación y la Gestión
Les Caractéristiques Temporelles et Spatiales d'un Arrière Rouge, Epinephelus guttatus,
Frayère à Sainte-Croix, Îles Vierges Américaines: Aide de la Télémétrie Acoustique pour la
Conservation et la Gestion
JONATHAN BROWN1* and RICHARD NEMETH2
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, Uni Bureau of Fisheries, U.S. Virgin Islands Department,
2 John Brewers Bay, 6291 Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, 00802 USVI *[email protected]
2
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, 2 John Brewers Bay, St.
Thomas 00802-9990 USVI
1
ABSTRACT
A comparative study of two seasonally protected spawning aggregations of red hind, Epinephelus
guttatus, located in St. Thomas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, revealed significant differences
between the two after 10 years of protection. Red hind abundance and fish size in the St. Croix
aggregation was significantly less than that of the St. Thomas aggregation (Nemeth et al., 2006). This
contrast in population response is hypothesized to result from an interaction among temporal and spatial
movements of red hind, and the marine protected area. In testing this hypothesis we established an
acoustic array comprised of ten receivers and tagged eight (n = 8) red hinds with transmitters for
monitoring their spatial and temporal characteristics. The study will encompass two spawning seasons
during the months of December through February. Currently, movement patterns and population
demographics are available from the 2013 - 2014 spawning season. Preliminary data show a significant
increase in size for both female and male, and a 20% reduction in total density between the 2003-2004
and 2013 - 2014 spawning seasons. Marine protected areas have been effective in protecting and
recovering depleted spawning aggregation stocks (Beets and Friedlander 1998, Nemeth 2005). We
believe the same success can be accomplished provided the temporal and spatial movements of red hind
are incorporated within the established management framework of the Lang Bank Red Hind Spawning
Aggregation Area of St. Croix.
KEYWORDS: Epinephelus guttatus, spawning aggregation, marine protected area, acoustic telemetry,
fisheries management
Page | 29
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Study on the Recovery of Tobago’s Coral Reefs after a Mass Bleaching Event in 2010
Evaluación de la Recuperación de los Arrecifes Coralinos de Tobago a Causa del
Blanqueamiento Masivo en el 2010
Étude de la Croissance des Récifs Coralliens de Tobago Suite à un Épisode de
Blanchissement Massif en 2010
SALOME BUGLASS
University of British Columbia 405, 1768 West 8th Avenue Vancouver, British Colombia V6J 5l2 Canada
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
In 2010, coral reefs across the Caribbean suffered from a mass coral bleaching event. This study evaluates
the recovery of scleractinian coral communities across three major reef systems in Tobago that differ in
their exposure to sediment deposition as a result of different adjacent land use practices. At two sites of
each of the three reef systems assessments were done on 1) adult colony population structure, in 2010,
2011 and 2013 to analyse temporal changes among coral populations, 2) density and composition of coral
juveniles (< 5 cm in size) to characterise the levels of successful sexual recruitment, 3) sediment
accumulation rates and composition to understand its potential impact on each reef. The study found that
three years after the bleaching event, most of the adult coral population distributions became more
positively skewed, due to an increase in smaller size colonies. By 2013, Siderastrea siderea and Agaricia
spp population distributions differed significantly and their mean size had significantly declined among
most reef sites. Juveniles were found in low density (5.41 ± 6.31/m2), especially at sites nearest to urban
developed land, and were dominated by brooding genera; broadcasting genera like Montastrea and
Diploria, which predominate in the assessed adult community, were rare. Sedimentation rates were below
< 5 mg/cm2/day at all sites but one, and sediment grain size distribution profiles differed per reef system.
Overall, we found that large size colonies are declining among most taxa and that Tobago‘s coral reefs are
not relying on sexual reproduction for post-disturbance recovery.
KEYWORDS: Post-bleaching recovery, recruitment, Tobago, sedimentation, coral population structure
Page | 30
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Implementing The Bahamas Spiny Lobster Fishery Improvement Project to Improve
Management of the Fishery
Aplicación de Las Bahamas Espinosa de Mejoramiento de Pesca De Langosta del Proyecto
Para Mejorar la Gestión de la Pesca
Mise en Ouvre du Projet Bahamas Langouste Pêche Amélioration pour Améliorer la
Gestion de la Pêche
FELICITY BURROWS1* and WENDY GOYERT2
The Nature Conservancy, 6 Colonial Hill Plaza, Thompson Boulevard , Nassau, Bahamas
*[email protected]
2
World Wildlife Fund, Major Buyer, Fisheries, Washington, DC USA
1
ABSTRACT
The Bahamas is recognized for its industrious spiny lobster (Panularis argus) fishery and is one of the
main exporters of lobster tails globally. Though the fishery seems stable, threats such as illegal,
unregulated, and unreported harvesting of lobsters still exist. To enhance management and sustainability
of the lobster fishery, The Nature Conservancy, The Bahamas Department of Marine Resources, The
Bahamas Marine Exporters Association (BMEA), and other conservation partners are working with the
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to implement a fishery improvement project (FIP) for the Bahamian lobster
fishery. The FIP‘s goal is to work with stakeholders to advance the fishery toward meeting sustainable
fisheries standards set by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) while preserving a healthy marine
ecosystem. Feedback from stakeholders and experts were used to develop a workplan emphasizing major
activities that must be to address the gaps identified in the lobster fishery management structure. Some of
these activities include collecting fisheries dependent data; conducting outreach efforts; improving
monitoring, enforcement and management and; conducting a stock assessment. To date, The Bahamas
has implemented a catch certificate program; a zero tolerance policy within the BMEA against the
harvesting and buying of illegal size lobsters; conducted a lobster stock assessments and; established a
Government appointed Spiny Lobster Working Group consisting of various stakeholders that will advise
the Government of schemes that aim to better management and governance. The expected outcomes of
the FIP will consist of improved documentation and management of lobster stocks, sustained lobster
populations and, greater environmental stewardship.
KEYWORDS: FIP, Lobster, MSC
Page | 31
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Strengthening Climate Change Resilience in Caribean Coastal Communities – Insights
from Regional Capacity-Building Initiatives
Fortalecimiento de Resiliencia al Cambio Climático en el Caribe Comunidades Coastal Análisis de las Iniciativas Regionales de Creación de Capacidad
Renforcer la Résilience Face aux Changements Climatiques Caribean Communautés
Coastal - Aperçus des Initiatives de Renforcement des Capacités Régionales
DONOVAN CAMPBELL1*, SIMONE LEE1, OWEN DAY2, JUDI CLARKE3, NIKKI HASSELL3**,
and NICHOLAS FIELDS3
1
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2 1/2 Kingsway, Unit 27 Devon House, East Kingston, 10 Jamaica
*[email protected]
2
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2nd Floor St. Andrews House, Station Road East, Canterbury, Kent,
England CT1 2WD
3
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, Hastings House, Balmoral Gap, Christ Church, Barbados
**[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Caribbean coastal communities and the ecosystem services they depend upon are at the frontline of some
of the most serious threats from environmental change. Anthropogenic activities related to fishing and
tourism, and the environmental pressures of climate change poses challenges for coastal livelihoods, food
security and conservation of marine biodiversity. The CARIBSAVE Partnership has embarked upon three
coastal projects to assist communities confront the effects of climate change, by providing resources,
training and support (financial, managerial, operational and technical) to coastal micro, small and
medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) including fisheries and tourism. The Caribbean Fish Sanctuaries
Partnership (C-FISH) Initiative works with four Caribbean countries and over eight communities to
increase resilience through improved fish sanctuary management. The Greening MSMEs project assists
MSMEs across Barbados (three communities) to implement technologies and behavioural changes in their
businesses which reduce their overall carbon footprint and facilitate livelihood changes that are
economically and environmentally sustainable. The Climate Change, Coastal Community Enterprises,
Adaptation, Resilience, and Knowledge (CCCCE-ARK) project provides MSMEs from eight
communities in four Caribbean countries the opportunity to exchange experiences, build networks and
relationships, produce adaptation plans, and explore ways of adapting their livelihoods to climate change,
under the guidance of experts at local institutions at the forefront of this work in the region. Preliminary
insights of these three ongoing projects show that transformative impacts on livelihoods can be achieved
through enhanced capacity, information sharing and strengthening opportunities for alternative
livelihoods within and between sectors, thus encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to combating
climate change.
KEYWORDS: Climate change resilience, capacity building, livelihoods, transformative change,
multidisciplinary approach
Page | 32
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Principal Component Analysis of Vertical Temperature Profiles for Tracking
Movements of Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Un Análisis de Componentes Principales de Los Perfiles Verticales de Temperatura para
los Movimientos de Seguimiento del Pez Espada Xiphias gladius
Une Analyse en Composantes Principales des Profils Verticaux de Température pour
Analyser les Mouvements des Xiphias gladius d'Espadon
KATHRYN CARMODY1*, ARTHUR MARIANO2, and DAVID KERSTETTER1
Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA
*[email protected]
2
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker
Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149 USA
1
ABSTRACT
Light-based algorithms using pop-up satellite archival tag (PSAT) technology has successfully derived
geolocation estimates along the course of the deployment track. However, the diel behavior of swordfish,
and other commercially viable highly migratory species (HMS), precludes this methodology because of
the lack of ambient light data. Advances in geolocation methods have allowed coordinate estimates of
swordfish to be within 0.3° longitude and 0.7° latitude under optimal conditions. A principal component
analysis (PCA) of temperature profiles is used to estimate the movement between the initial location of
release and the location of tag release and transmission. PSAT data from swordfish (n = 3) and blue
marlin (n = 3) tagged within the Caribbean and Northwest Atlantic, were used to generate daily
coordinate estimations. The blue marlin data included light information sufficient to derive geolocation
estimates using the TrackIt model, while the PCA model was used to derive comparison estimates.
Comparisons of the two models show an average root mean square error of 32.9 km, demonstrating that
the PCA model can be used to extract the movement of tagged fish. This study shows the feasibility of
using temperature and depth data instead of light levels to allow effective track derivation for swordfish
and as an additional datastream for refining the tracks of other electronically tagged fish.
KEYWORDS: Pelagic, tracking, swordfish, fisheries, management
Page | 33
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Meaning of Success in Caribbean Acroporid Restoration: The First 8 Years Results
from Belize
El Significando del éxito en la Restauració de Acropóridos del Caribe: Resultados de los
Primeros 8 Años en Belize
Le Sens De La Réussite dans les Caraïbes Acroporid Restauration : Les Résultats de Belize
Des 8 Premières Années
LISA CARNE1* and LES KAUFMAN2
Fragments of Hope, Ltd., General Delivery - Placencia Village, N/A Belize *[email protected]
2
Boston University, Marine Program Conservation International, 5 Cummington Mall, 2022 Crystal
Drive, Boston Massachusetts 02215 USA
1
Page | 34
ABSTRACT
Coral restoration efforts have become accepted widely as an active management tool but still lack a
realistic sense of scale, achievable goals and success indicators. Since the Caribbean acroporids are listed
by the IUCN as ‗Critically Endangered‘, a general goal of restoration efforts is to prevent their extinction.
More specific goals are to restore lost ecosystem services like shoreline protection, fisheries
enhancement, biodiversity preservation, and provisioning of aesthetic and economic services for the
tourism industry. Continuity is key to ecosystem service values, which requires that the restored coral
community be (1) self-sustaining and self-propagating, and (2) resilient against persistent insults. Genetic
diversity must be addressed regardless of propagation methods (sexual versus asexual). Longevity may be
increased by identifying coral genotypes that are resilient to thermal stress, disease and/or predation. How
much genetic diversity is needed? What amount of coral coverage, and placed where, is needed to trigger
natural regenerative processes at larger scales? Presented here is eight years‘ of acroporid restoration
efforts at Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Belize, where over 11,000 nursery-grown acroporid
fragments are out-planted. Data were acquired on host and algal clade diversity, rates of growth and
survival, bleaching history, reproductive (spawning) indicators, methods for measuring live coral cover
over time, methods to assess changes in fish biomass on out-planted sites, and mechanisms to include
local community members in the work. We suggest realizable goals and success indicators, offer
guidance for expanding restoration efforts to new sites, and recognize Marine Protected Areas as key to
coral restoration.
KEYWORDS: Coral restoration, Caribbean acroporids, genetic diversity, success indicators, ecosystem
services
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
No Evidence of Reduced Growth Rate Trade-Off for Acropora cervicornis Harboring
Symbiodinium trenchii (Clade D1a) in Southern Belize
No Hay Evidencia de Compensacion Reducia de la Tasa de Crecimiento de Acropora
cervicornis Albergar Symbiodinium trenchii (Clade D1a) en el Sur de Belice
Aucune Preuve De Réduction de leur Taux de Croissance du Commerce de Acropora
cervicornis Abriter Symbiodinium trenchii (Clade D1a) dans le Sud du Belize
LISA CARNE1* and LEANDRA CHO-RICKETTS2
Fragments of Hope, Ltd., General Delivery - Placencia Village, N/A Belize *[email protected]
2
University of Belize, Environmental Research Institute, Price Centre Road, Belmopan, Belize
1
ABSTRACT
Active restoration began at Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP) in 2006 and six in-situ nurseries
were established in 2009 to scale up the effort. Host and symbiont genetics were analyzed on 23
acroporids. Corals housing Symbiodinium Clade D spp. purportedly have high resistance to what are now
semi-regular bleaching events. Because this thermal tolerance is thought to come with a trade-off of
reduced growth rates, experiments in 2012 compared growth rates between multiple Acropora cervicornis
genets housing Clade A3 or S. trenchii (D1a) cultured on ropes in two nurseries. The corals harboring S.
trenchii (D1a) symbionts (n = 61) grew an averaged 2.8 cm/month +/- 0.08 cm/month; corals harboring
A3 symbionts (n = 61) averaged 2.4cm/month growth +/-0.07cm/month; t(60) = -3.15, p < 0.0025.
Growth rate experiments using Total Linear Extension (TLE) were repeated in 2013, using only two
distinct genotypes of A. cervicornis harboring either symbionts A3 or S. trenchii, in two nursery locations.
There were significant differences in growth rates when the two host-symbiont combinations were
compared. The corals housing S. trenchii (D1a) (n = 60) averaged 19.3 cm/month +/- 1.2cm/month and
the corals housing A3 (n = 55) averaged 13.9 cm/month +/- 1.0 cm/month; t(54) = -5.44, p < 0.0001.
When growth rates between two nursery sites, one at 2m, one at 5m, were compared independent of
clade, there were also significant differences, with all corals growing faster at the shallow nursery. These
results suggest that there are few trade-offs in growth for colonies of A. cervicornis harboring populations
of stress-tolerant Symbiodinium trenchii, in these in-situ nursery conditions in southern Belize, and that
here, shallow nurseries promote faster growth than deeper sites.
KEYWORDS: Caribbean acroporids, climate change, reef restoration, thermal tolerance, Symbiodinium
Clade D1a
Page | 35
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Cartographic Demonstration on the Value of Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge in Mapping
Reef Fish Communities and Fishing Grounds
Una Demonstración de Cartografía en el Valor del Conocimiento Ecológico Pescadores En
Communidades Peces de Arrecife Cartografía y Motivos de Pesca
Une Démonstration Cartographie sur la Valeur des Pêcheurs Connaissances Écologiques
dans la Cartographie Communautés de Poissons et de Pêche
LIAM CARR
22 Shirley Ln., New London, Connecticut 06320 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
In 2010, NOAA conducted a rigorous fish trap survey of the nearshore and shelf-edge waters of St. Croix,
U.S. Virgin Islands. At the same time, and independent of the NOAA-funded study, a study quantifying
the fishers‘ ecological knowledge (FEK) of the St. Croix commercial fishing community was underway.
As part of the FEK study, community participants were asked to draw cognitive maps of their primary
fishing grounds, based on their own understanding of species, seasonal, and geomorphological
information and interactions. These cognitive maps were digitized, analyzed, and then compared to the
reef fish community maps produced by the NOAA study. There is high agreement between the NOAA
and FEK maps, affirming that fishing community members can provide valuable insights for researchers
that improve our understanding of reef community dynamics. The scientific value of FEK is particularly
relevant for reef systems that are under-studied, lack historical records, or face insufficient research and
management resources. Researchers should continue pursuing opportunities to study and utilize FEK.
KEYWORDS: Fishers' ecological knowledge, reef fish communities, mapping, cognitive mapping
Page | 36
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Récif Artificiel Léger Comme Outil De Gestion De La Biodiversité Au Sein De L'amp De
Saint-Martin
Light Artificial Reefs As A Biodiversity Managing Tool For The Mpa Of Saint-Martin
Arrecife Artificial Ligero Como Herramienta De Gestión De La Biodiversidad Para La
Amp San Martin
JULIEN CHALIFOUR
Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Saint-Martin, AGRNNSM Résidence les Acacias Anse Marcel, SaintMartin 97150 France [email protected]
RESUMÉ
Située entre Anguilla et Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Martin (93 km2) abrite depuis 1998 une Réserve
Naturelle Nationale marine, terrestre et lacustre (3 054 ha). Cette AMP (97% marine) gérée selon un Plan
de Gestion fixant des objectifs sur 5 ans, a été reconnue par l‘attribution des labels RAMSAR et SPAW
reconnaissant la valeur écologique et de la gestion de zones humides d‘intérêt internationale. La gestion
de la réserve met l‘accent sur la préservation et le suivi de l‘état de santé des récifs coralliens, dans un
contexte de dégradation et de raréfaction généralisé au sein de la Caraïbe. Or, la préservation de la faune
associée aux récifs favorise la lutte contre la prolifération des macroalgues limitant la résilience des
écosystèmes coralliens. Cette dernière est bien souvent limitée par la disponibilité en habitat influençant
la survie au recrutement. Le récif artificiel est un outil favorisant le développement de biodiversité et de
biomasse en renforçant la réussite du recrutement, mais également par son pouvoir agrégateur. Son
utilisation reste limitée par son coût et ses contraintes logistiques liés au dimensionnement du projet. La
RNNSM pour augmenter la résilience des fonds marins teste une solution technique de déploiement de
récifs artificiels dont la colonisation est suivie. 5 modules de 215 parpaings ont été déployés et suivis sur
6 mois. Les premiers résultats démontrent une diversité spécifique multipliée par 6 (32 espèces), des
densités multipliées par 25 (151 indiv./100 m²) et une biomasse multipliée par 7 (45,1 kg/100 m²)
principalement du fait des langoustes (P. argus). Le projet se poursuit pour à terme disposer et suivre
l‘évolution de 2 récifs artificiels légers positionnés à 15-21 mètres, chacun composé de 9 modules.
MOTS CLÉS: Récif, artificiel, giodiversité, AMP, gestion
Page | 37
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Invasion of Indo-Pacific Lionfish off Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama: Are
Fishers Doing Their Part?
La Invasión del Pez León del Indo-Pacífico en el Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro, Panamá
¿Están los Pescadores Haciendo su Parte?
L'Invasion de Poisson Lion de l'Indo-Pacifique dans Archipel Bocas del Toro, Panama: Les
Pêcheurs Font Leur Part?
LAIS CHAVES1*, JOAO FEITOSA2, CARLOS ORMOND2, and ISABELLE Côté1
Simon Fraser University, University Drive 8888, Burnaby, British Colombia V5A 1S6 Canada
*[email protected]
2
Tropical Conservation Consortium, PO Box 40007, San Francisco, CA 941400007 USA
1
ABSTRACT
Lionfish was first reported in Panama in 2009, and has been regarded as abundant in the Bocas del Toro
archipelago, though previous tournaments decreased their populations. This invasion could have dramatic
effects on local reef community structure, which is already under pressure as a result of overfishing,
pollution, coral disease, and unordered tourism development, which on the other hand, have deviated
traditional fishers to tourism activity. To date, few restaurants in the area have offered lionfish on their
menu, and other locals are reticent to prepare/eat it because of its menacing, venomous spines. Local
indigenous communities are taking a step forward on selling a considerable amount of whole fish to at
least one restaurant willing to buy every amount offered. Diveshops eventually remove lionfish during
their activities. This study used intensive search of lionfish within 60 sites throughout the archipelago
accounting for several paramenters that would predict lionfish occurrence (depth, wave exposure, habitat
quality, removal type, distance from coast). Lionfish abundance was linked to type of removal (by diver,
by fisher, none, both) and distance from coast (the nearest fishing community/diveshop), indicating that
associated trip cost could be a limiting factor for local fishers/diveshops, and providing important avenues
for management. Our results suggests small-scale removals as an efficient tool to manage for lionfish
control and can help identify critical areas for directing monitoring and control efforts. Promoting
consumption of lionfish among the local community and at restaurants frequented by tourists could
encourage an increased fishing effort.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish invasion, population control, resource viability, removal efforts
Page | 38
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Desarrollo Larval del Caracol Rosa (Strombus gigas) en Función de la Temperatura
Larval Development of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) in Relation to Temperature
Le Developpement Larvaire de Lambi (Strombus gigas) en Fontion de la Température
JOSE FRANCISCO CHAVEZ*1, MARTHA R. ENRIQUEZ DIAZ, and DALILA ALDANA ARANDA
1
CINVESTAV-IPN, Unidad Merida Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso Merida, yucatan 97310 Mexico
*[email protected]
RESUMEN
A fin de conocer el efecto de la temperatura en el desarrollo larval de Strombus gigas, se colectaron
masas ovígeras recién desovadas de S. gigas en la caleta de Xel-Há, las cuales fueron cultivadas en cuatro
tratamientos de temperatura: 28, 29, 30 y 31°C. Diariamente se observó el desarrollo de órganos y se
midió el crecimiento de la concha (30 larvas por día). En general, las larvas presentaron su segundo par de
lóbulos velares a partir del día 4, aumentando a 6 lóbulos entre los días de cultivo 5 y 6. El desarrollo del
velum fue mayor ante 31°C y 30°C, respectivamente. Las larvas eclosionaron con 1.5 espiras de concha,
observándose la segunda espira el día 3, aumentando a 2.5 espiras el día 5 y a 3 espiras durante el día 16
sólo para 31°C y 30°C. Las tallas registradas fueron: 262.0 - 514.0 µm (28°C), 260.0 - 534.6 µm (29°C),
264.0-560.0 µm (30°C) y 268.0-610.0 µm (31°C). La tasa de crecimiento diario fue de 20 30µm/día (para 28, 29 y 30°C) y de 20-40 µm/día (31°C). Se registró variación significativa en el
desarrollo del velum y crecimiento de la concha entre días de desarrollo y temperaturas (p ≤ 0.0001). El
desarrollo larval de S. gigas fue mayor para 30°C y 31°C.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Desarrollo, larvas, temperatura, Strombus gigas
Page | 39
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Displacement of Fishing Effort by an Imminent MPA Closure: When is it an Issue?
Desplazamiento de Esfuerzo Pesquero Debido a una AMP Inminente: ¿Cuándo es un
Problema?
Déplacement de L'Effort de Pêche en Raison de L'AMP Imminent: Quand Est-Il un
Problème?
ILIANA CHOLLETT1*, STEPHEN J. BOX1, and PETER J. MUMBY2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
*[email protected]
2
University of Queensland, University of Exeter, Goddard Building, St. Lucia, Geoffrey Pope Building,
Stocker Road Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
1
Page | 40
ABSTRACT
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are the most common management tool used for the conservation of
marine resources. Although MPAs are well known as a tool for the preservation of biodiversity, there are
large concerns about MPA placement due to the resulting displacement of fishing effort, when fishing
rights are removed from those who traditionally fished within the area. In general, displacement is a
problem that needs to be ‗dealt with‘ even before is quantified, which represents a large problem, given
that the number of MPAs will inevitably increase in the following years in the race to meet the targets of
the World Summit on Sustainable Development and United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
Here, we present a protocol for supporting MPA placement that assesses the likelihood of conflict with
the fishing sectors due to displacement and lack of mobility (or their ability to fish in other locations), and
plans for their compensation or adaptation in a targeted manner. Implementation of the protocol requires
solely maps of fishing effort such as the ones produced from Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data,
increasingly available by fisheries monitoring centres worldwide. We showcase the stepwise method in
Honduras, where the largest MPA in Central America is going to be placed and VMS data is available for
six fisheries and three fishing seasons.
KEYWORDS: Displacement, mobility, vessel monitoring system, adaptation, Honduras
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
NOAA’s New Island-Wide Reef Fish and Coral Monitoring Program in the US Caribbean
Un Programa de Monitoreo de la NOAA de Nuevos Peces de Arrecife De Toda La Isla y Coral en el
Caribe Estados Unidos
La NOAA Island-Wide Nouveaux Poissons de Récifs Coralliens et Programme de Surveillance dans
les Caraïbes Nous
RANDALL CLARK* and JENNIFER SCHULL
NOAA, 129 Woodruff Dr., Slidell, Louisiana 70461 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
NOAA‘s Coral Reef Conservation Program has developed a national coral reef fish and coral monitoring
plan throughout the US Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean. The goal of the monitoring plan is to use
consistent and standardized approaches to collect biological, oceanographic, and socioeconomic
information at island-wide scales that will help coastal managers gauge the status, trends, and conditions
of US coral reef ecosystems. Biological monitoring of fish and benthic communities began in 2013, and
will occur bi-annually in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Southeast Florida reef tract, and Flower
Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Monitoring occurs through in-situ visual scuba surveys based
on stratified random sampling designed for hardbottom areas up to depths of 100‘ (30.5 m). Abundance
and size structure of all fish species and trophic groups are being recorded as well as percent cover of
dominant benthic communities (corals, sponges, gorgonians). Additionally, fish diversity metrics (e.g.
richness) and key species (groupers/snappers) will be key indicators of ecosystem status. Coral
abundance, size structure, and condition are also being monitored independently from fish surveys.
Collectively these data are meant to complement existing jurisdictional monitoring that when combined
can provide meaningful status and trends information at island scale. Here, we present preliminary data
from our USVI 2013 surveys and provide guidance and information on logistics, coordination, and
partnership development. We also demonstrate the utility of these data to inform coastal managers about
the status and condition of coral reef ecosystems within their jurisdictions and the need for collaboration.
KEYWORDS: NOAA, fish, coral, monitoring, ecosystem
Page | 41
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Developing a Regional Shellfish Hatchery for The Wider Caribbean: Assessing Its
Feasibility and Sustainability
Desarrollo de un Criadero de Moluscos Regional para el Caribe: Evaluar su Viabilidad y
Sostenibilidad
Développement d'Une Écloserie de Mollusques Régional pour la Région Des Caraïbes:
Évaluer sa Faisabilité et la Durabilité
LEROY CRESWELL1*, SAMIA SARKIS2, and LOVATELLI ALESSANDRO3
Florida Sea Grant, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Ft. Pierce,
Florida 34945 USA *[email protected]
2
Department of Conservation Services, 40 North Shore Road, Flatts, Bermuda
3
Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, FAO, Viale del Terme di Caracalla, Rome 00153 Italy
1
ABSTRACT
The growth of the aquaculture sector in the Caribbean region has been inhibited by lack of technical
expertise, infrastructure, capital investment, and human resources. Furthermore, seed supply for native
shellfish species relies, for the most part, on natural collection, subject to wide fluctuations in natural
population abundance. The centralizing of resources available in the Region into a shared hatchery
facility, supporting sustainable aquaculture through the seed production of native shellfish species was the
topic of an FAO workshop convened in Kingston, Jamaica. Issues associated with development of a
regional shellfish hatchery facility were identified: 1) prioritizing target species as culture candidates; 2)
establishing operational hatchery protocols; 3) selecting a suitable site; 4) ensuring sustainability based on
a sound business plan; and 5) funding the implementation and operation of a regional shellfish hatchery.
Representatives from 10 Caribbean governments established the following recommendations: 1) Select
culture candidates from target species identified, prioritizing candidates on the basis of culture know-how,
market value, market demand and availability of broodstock. Mangrove oyster and lion‘s paw scallop
were identified as the first candidate species, followed by pearl oyster, West Indian top shell, and
echinoderms (sea urchin and cucumber). 2) Establish operation protocols in consideration of population
level genetics, and prevention of pathogen and disease proliferation during transfers of shipment of living
aquatic organisms. 3) Base site selection on specific criteria – infrastructure, occurrence of target species,
ease of access, technical support. 4) Develop a 5-year business plan with defined break-even point and
timeline for financial sustainability.
KEYWORDS: Aquaculture, shellfish, regional hatchery, Wider Caribbean, feasibility
Page | 42
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Caracterización Tecnologica de las Redes de Enmalle que Incorporan Anzuelos en la Pesca
Artesanal Asociada a Elasmobranquios
Characterization of Technology Incorporating Gillnets Hooks in the Traditional Fishing
Related Selachii
Caracterisation de la Technologie Incorporation Maillants Crochets dans les Liées à la
Peche Selacies Traditionnelle
MARRUGO MARMOLEJO CRISTHIAN EDUARDO
Universidad del Magdalena, GIEEP carrera 28 #21-44, Santa Marta, Colombia
[email protected]
RESUMEN
La actividad pesquera artesanal asociada a elasmobranquios en el Golfo de Salamanca al Norte de
Colombia ha impactado potencialmente, donde el aumento del esfuerzo pesquero y la tendencia que
advierte una disminución en su biomasa ha despertado el interés en estudiar la las características
constructivas y operacionales de los sistemas de extracción; en efecto, los pescadores han continuado
modificando sus sistemas de pesca para mejorar el rendimiento de las capturas, lo cual ha contribuido a
incrementar la capturabilidad en detrimento de la selectividad del arte. Un análisis de los parámetros
constructivos y operativos de las redes de enmalle evidenció cambios históricos que han aumentado el
poder de pesca reduciendo el tamaño de la malla y destacándose la reciente incorporación de anzuelos
tradicional atunero y tradicional Kirby o tipo ―J‖ anudados a las boyas de las redes aumentando la
eficiencia en la captura de este grupo taxonómico, que bien se puede describir que existe una pesquería
incidental en el caso de la redes de enmalle y otro caso de una pesca dirigida en los anzuelos que hacen
parte del arte de pesca. Además se determinó que la frecuencia de captura en las rayas se da por parte de
las redes de enmalle y los tiburones en los anzuelos.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Artisanal fisheries, operational characteristics, constructive characteristics,
incidental fishery, directed fishery
Page | 43
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Review of the Benefits of No-Take Zones
Revisión de los Beneficios de las Zonas de Restauraciones Pesqueras
Examen des Avantages de Zones d'Interdiction de la Pêche
CRAIG DAHLGREN
247 High Country Rd., Fayston, Vermont 05673 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are now widely used for marine conservation and fisheries management,
but the effects and benefits of MPAs may depend on what uses they allow or restrict. For many
conservation and fisheries management goals, no-take zones or fully protected areas can provide the
greatest benefits. As part of Belize‘s expansion of its network of No-Take Zones to include 10% of its
marine territory, a global review of the benefits and potential costs of no-take zones was conducted. This
comprehensive review compiles and builds on over 20 years of research into the efficacy of no-take zones
with respect to conservation benefits, fishery benefits, ecosystem benefits, social and economic benefits
and the ecological and socio-economic factors that affect the ability of no-take zones to produce these
benefits. Key findings of this review are presented with a focus on examples from Belize and throughout
the wider Caribbean region, including examples of how no-take zones may be effective for conservation
and fishery management of key species like queen conch, Caribbean spiny lobster, and grouper. The role
of no-take zones in support of ecosystem function and coral reef resilience is discussed for Belize and the
region. The economic costs and benefits of implementing no-take zones are also examined and
recommendations are made for the design and implementation of no-take zones for Belize with
implications for the wider Caribbean region. A copy of the complete report is available through the
Wildlife Conservation Society‘s Glover‘s Reef website, http://www.wcsgloversreef.org/belizes-lobsterconch-and-fish-populations-rebuild-in-no-take-zones/.
KEYWORDS: MPA, no-take, conservation, fisheries, ecosystem
Page | 44
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Trends in Reproductive Biology and Ethology of Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles)
in Biscayne National Park
Tendencias de la Biología Reproductiva y Etología del Invasor Pez León (Pterois
volitans/millas) en el Parque Nacional Biscayne
Tendances en Matière de Biologie de la Reproduction et de l'Éthologie Envahissantes
Lionfish (Pterois volitans /miles) dans le Parc National de Biscayne
MEGAN DAVENPORT1*, CHRIS LANGDON2, VANESSA MCDONOUGH3, and EVAN
D'ALESSANDRO2
1
University of Miami, RSMAS, Biscayne National Park, 12000 N. Bayshore Drive, Unit 301, North
Miami, Florida 33181 USA *[email protected]
2
University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149 USA
3
Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328 Street, Homestead, Florida 33033 USA
Page | 45
ABSTRACT
The invasive populations of Pteroid fishes (Pterois volitans/miles) have exhibited a variety of biological
and ethological distinctions from the native Red Sea and Pacific populations of these same species.
Previous studies have cited differences in feeding ecology, growth, size, weight, and biomass of fish in
the native versus invasive populations, but few studies compare the reproductive biology and behavior of
invasive and native lionfish. This study aims to identify trends in reproductive biology and ethology of
invasive lionfish in Biscayne National Park, which encompasses 172,000 acres of mangrove, seagrass,
and coral reef habitats in South Florida. Park managers have removed over 3500 lionfish since the first
documented sighting in 2009. As part of the park‘s ongoing lionfish management efforts, data were
collected from specimens to classify sex and reproductive status and identify temporal (diel, lunar,
seasonal), and environmental (depth, temperature) conditions which may influence spawning.
Additionally, this study is an ethological examination aimed to detect courtship and reproductive
behaviors of lionfish within Biscayne National Park across a twenty-four hour period. These data
contribute to a greater understanding of the natural history of invasive Pterois spp. and are compared with
prior studies of conspecifics in their native range. Results collected on reproductive biology will be used
to assess population parameters, while comparative knowledge of the reproductive biology and ethology
of invasive lionfish can shed light on factors which influence their unprecedented success as aquatic
invaders, and can guide management efforts to better control their impact.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, reproduction, ethology, invasive species, population
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
NOAA Caribbean Strategy Approved by Administrator
Estrategia Caribe NOAA Aprobado por Administrator
Stratégie Caraïbes NOAA Approuvé par Administrator
NANCY DAVES
NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 10660 F/IA, Silver
Spring, Maryland 20910 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
On June 23, 2014, NOAA Administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan approved the NOAA Caribbean Strategy.
The Caribbean Strategy is intended to better coordinate and integrate the abilities of all NOAA offices to
address regional issues and improve partnering, mission effectiveness, and international cooperation in
the Caribbean region. The diverse cultures and economies of the Caribbean rely on healthy and
productive coastal and marine ecosystems for food security, income, protection from hazards, recreation
and tourism, and other vital services. Caribbean reef ecosystems provide employment and livelihood
opportunities for the inhabitants of the Caribbean and serve as critical habitat for economically, culturally,
and ecological important marine species. The strategy, which can be accessed at
http://www.regions.noaa.gov/main/index.php/highlights/noaa-caribbean-strategy-approved-byadministrator/, has three interconnected goals and includes the following key actions relevant to NOAA
Fisheries:
• Increase partnerships with domestic and international entities and fishermen to collect, compile,
synthesize, and share existing and new information relevant to Caribbean fisheries, economy and
community;
• Establish and train response teams to identify and respond to living marine resource disease
outbreaks, bleaching events, and physical impacts; and
• Work with partners to develop management tools and a regional response strategy for invasive
lionfish in the Caribbean. The United States is a Caribbean nation.
Through the NOAA Caribbean Strategy, we are committed to working internally and with regional
partners to ensure a healthy Caribbean ecosystem that is well understood and supports the safety and
livelihoods of its inhabitants.
KEYWORDS: Caribbean Sea, Wider Caribbean Region, NOAA
Page | 46
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Community-Based Approaches to Marine Science
Los Enfoques Comunitarios a Ciencias del Mar
Les Approches Communautaires à Marine Science
OWEN DAY1*, NEWTON ERISTHEE2, SIMONE LEE2, DONOVAN CAMPBELL2 and MICHELLE
MCNAUGHT2
1
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2nd Floor, St. Andrews House, Station Road, East Canterbury, United
Kingdom *[email protected]
2
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2 ½ Kingsway, Unit 27, Devon House, East Kingston, 10 Jamaica
ABSTRACT
The importance of effectively engaging local stakeholders in the management of their natural resources is
well established (Ostrom, 1990). This approach encourages benefits such as community buy in, increased
compliance, alternative livelihood opportunities, understanding and awareness inter alia. Considering
these benefits, the Caribbean Fish Sanctuary Partnership (C-FISH) Initiative has embedded communitybased and participatory approaches to research in its 4-year fisheries support programme. Each of the
seven Jamaican fish sanctuaries partnered with the C-FISH Initiative have had community members and
sanctuary stakeholders trained in data collection. Each sanctuary conducts a catch and release fish
monitoring (Community-based live fish Monitoring or ‗CLIF‘) semi-annually (approximately 140 fish
traps drawn every round) recording fish biomass data for inside and outside sanctuary boundaries. The
communities are also responsible for administering socio-economic surveys annually. To date, the
sanctuaries have satisfactorily provided combined data for 16 rounds of CLIF data, and 8 rounds of socioeconomic data. This data is analysed by The CARIBSAVE Partnership and presented to the communities.
Preliminary results have shown that coastal communities can be effective participants in fisheries research
and monitoring programmes, and that using this approach to marine science creates opportunities for
increased income, but also spin-off successes through greater sense of ownership, improved capacity for
time bound and robust data collection in conjunction with use of digital equipment (GPS, cameras, scales)
and increased awareness on fisheries management issues.
KEYWORDS: Community-based Approach, marine science, data collection, capacity building,
stakeholder participation
Page | 47
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Diversity, Spatial Distribution, and Relative Abundance of Reef Sharks using Stereo Baited
Remote Underwater Video around the Windward Islands of The Caribbean Netherlands
Diversidad, Distribución Espacial y Abundancia Relativa de Tiburones de Arrecife Usando
Estéreo Ceban Remoto Video Submarino alrededor de las Islas de Barlovento de Los
Países Bajos del Caribe
Diversité, Distribution Spatiale et l'Abondance Relative des Requins De Rédif à l'Aide de
Stéréo Appatés Distant Vidéo Sous-Marine Autour des Îles du Vent des Pays-Bas des
Caraïbes
MARTIN DE GRAAF1*, INGRID VAN BEEK1, WOUTER VAN LOOIJENGOED2, TIEDO VAN
KUIJK2, TWAN STOFFERS2, and LEO A.J. NAGELKERKE3
1
IMARES, P.O. Box 68, IJmuiden, 1970 AB Netherlands *[email protected]
2
IMARES, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands 3Wageningen
University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands
Page | 48
ABSTRACT
The most likely cause for the decline of many elasmobranchs is the combination of high fishing
pressure and slow reproductive life-history characteristics. Akey ambition of the Dutch
Caribbean Nature Policy Plan 2013-2017, is the effective implementation of shark protection.
The first step towards effective protection is to conduct a base-line survey and to develop robust,
quantifiable objectives and reference points for conservation (and fisheries) in order to be able to
evaluate the performance of management actions. Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video
Survey (BRUVS) is a non-invasive method to study species richness, relative abundance and
accurate length frequency of fish species such as sharks. In this study we used BRUVS to
conduct a base-line survey of sharks on St Eustatius, Saba, and the Saba Bank. Shark
assemblages were structured by habitat complexity, depth and to a lesser extend management
zone. Overall, the shark populations appeared to be in reasonably healthy state. Relative
abundance of the different shark species was higher than reported for similar BRUV studies
within the Caribbean. A possible explanation for the current status of the shark populations in the
Caribbean Netherlands is the lack of destructive industrial-scale fishery practices (directed shark
fisheries, shark finning, long-lining, or gillnetting). The establishment of a formal shark
sanctuary in the Caribbean Netherlands would prevent the future development of such
destructive fishery practises without completely restricting the occasional landing of sharks as
by-catch in the existing artisanal, small-scale fisher.
KEYWORDS: Elasmobranchs, conservation, fisheries, Saba, St Eustatius
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Understanding the Current Fisheries and Available Marine Resources in Small Island
Nations of the Caribbean: The Establishment of a Baseline for Native Governance to
Manage Their Marine Resources
Comprensión de las Actuales Pesquerias y de los Recursos Marinos Disponibles en las
Pequeñas Islas Naciones de los Caribes: Establecimiento de una Base de Referencia para
los Gobiernos Locales en Fin de Gestionar sus Recursos Marinos
Une Compréhension des Pêcheries Actuelles et des Ressources Marines Disponibles dans
les Petites Iles-Nations des Caraïbes: L'Établissement d'une Ligne de Conduite pour les
Gouvernements Autochtones dans la Gestion de Leurs Ressources Marines
ROXANE DE WAEGH
The Billfish Foundation, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 6850 SW 45th Lane
Apartment #3, Miami, Florida 33155 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Caribbean island nations appear to have a sparse amount of knowledge on their own fish stocks. In order
for any management plan to be successful, there is an essential need for all sectors within the fishing
industry to be aware of the current fisheries and available marine resources. The Billfish Foundation
(TBF) has investigated through previous research in Australia and Bermuda the importance of local
stakeholders involvement when it comes to policy and decision-making. In these places, a top-down
approach seems to be unsuccessful and is why TBF believes that research, communication and action
must start with a bottom-up approach. When local governance is disregarded, stakeholders loose their
pride and incentives to protect their own resource. Such self-importance is critical for the local sectors as
ultimately they are the ones who will be managing their fisheries. TBF understands the importance of
artisanal fishermen seeks to collaborate with them in hopes of obtaining a baseline of statistical catch
data. Without a baseline composed of actual numbers, there is no ground for policy makers or fisheries
managers to stand on. TBF is engaged with stakeholders to collect relevant data in order to establish a
model and creating a way for native governance to manage their marine resources. Data collection will be
gathered from native fishermen, since many of them could account for a majority of fish caught in their
respective region. Through discourse with relevant stakeholders and local officials, TBF hopes to
encourage active regional participation in fisheries management issues.
KEYWORDS: Data collection, billfish foundation, small scale fisheries, bottom-up approach, regional
participation
Page | 49
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Multi-Level, Nested Approach to Shared Living Marine Resources Governance in the
Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems, and Associated Governance
Effectiveness Assessment Framework
Los Recursos Marinos Vivos Compartidos en los Grandes Ecosistemas Marinos del Caribe
y de la Plataforma Continental del Norte de Brasil: Arreglos Anidados y de Múltiples
Niveles Para su Gobernanza, y Marco Conceptual para la Evaluación de su Eficacia
Arrangements Imbriqués et à Plusieurs Niveaux pour la Gouvernance des Ressources
Marines Vivantes Partagées dans les Grands Ecosystèmes Marins de la Mer des Caraïbes
et du Plateau Continental du Nord du Brésil, et Cadre Associé pour l'Evaluation de
l'Efficacité de la Gouvernance
PATRICK DEBELS
Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Projec,t United Nations Office for Project Services, c/o IOCARIBE,
Edificio Chambacu, Office 405 Cartagena, Colombia [email protected]
Page | 50
ABSTRACT
The Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) concept, developed by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), defines a meaningful geospatial unit for the implementation of an ecosystembased management (EBM) approach. Since 1995, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has provided
financial support to cover the initial incremental costs of enhancing the transboundary collaboration
required to adopt this approach in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf LMEs. Scientific and technical
fact-finding through the Transboundary Diagnostic Analyses conducted under the GEF/UNDP ―CLME
Project‖ pointed to weaknesses in governance arrangements as the over-arching root cause for priority
problems such as pollution, habitat degradation and unsustainable fisheries. A 10-year Strategic Action
Programme for sustainable shared living marine resources management, the ―CLME+ SAP‖, was
consequently developed in 2013 and politically endorsed at the regional level. The SAP has been shaped
on a proposal for a multi-level, nested Regional Governance Framework. Renewed financial support from
the GEF will see the implementation of the SAP becoming catalysed through the follow-up ―CLME+
Project‖ (2015 - 2019). The comprehensive Governance Effectiveness Assessment Framework ties
governance processes to expected ecological and social outcomes, and has been adopted as a reference
framework for the design of four demonstration sub-projects that will foster the implementation of the
ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) and ecosystem-based management (EBM) in the region.
KEYWORDS: LME, Governance, CLME+, SAP
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Bridging the Science-Policy Gap in Shared Living Marine Resources Governance:
Institutionalization of the Global Environment Facility Supported Large Marine
Ecosystems Approach
Cerrando la Brecha Entre la Ciencia y la Política para la Gobernanza de los Recursos
Marinos Vivos Compartidos: Institucionalización del Concepto de Grandes Ecosistemas
Marinos del Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial
En Comblant le Fossé Entre la Science et la Politique dans la Gouvernance des Ressources
Marines Vivantes Partagées: Institutionnalisation du Concept des Grands Ecosystèmes
Marins Appuyé par le Fonds pour l'Environnement Mondial
PATRICK DEBELS
Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Project, United Nations Office for Project Services, c/o IOCARIBE,
Edificio Chambacu, Office 405 Cartagena, Colombia [email protected]
Page | 51
ABSTRACT
The collaborative development and political endorsement of a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) based
on the results from scientific and technical fact finding through Transboundary Diagnostic Analyses
(TDAs) has been promoted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a means to catalyse the
transition towards an ecosystem-based management approach, and to help bridging the gap between
science and policy making. Such 10-year Strategic Action Programme for the management of shared
living marine resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (jointly further
referred to as ―CLME+‖) received region-wide and high-level political endorsement in 2013. The
permanent adoption and mainstreaming of the above approach within the long-term agenda of those
organizations and institutions with a formal mandate or broadly recognized supporting role for ocean
governance and marine resources management in the CLME+, will constitute a critical step towards the
further consolidation of this important shift in marine resources governance practices. A periodic,
collaborative reporting exercise on the ―State of Marine Ecosystems and associated living marine
resources in the CLME+ region‖, to be supported by the forthcoming ―CLME+‖ (2015 - 2019) and
―CMA2 – Caribbean Marine Atlas‖ (2014 - 2017) Projects, will build upon and complement existing
formal mandates in the region and further support the development of a knowledge and data/information
exchange network, shaped on the regional, multi-level and nested governance framework adopted under
the CLME+ SAP.
KEYWORDS: Strategic Action Programme, science-policy interface, CLME+
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Consequences of the Contamination of the Coastal Marine Waters by Pesticides on the
Small Scale Fisheries in Guadeloupe: Initiatives to Maintain Fishing Activities
Consecuencias en la Pesca de la Contaminación de las Aguas Marinas Costeras por
Plaguicidas en Guadalupe: ¿Cuales son las Soluciones para Mantener las Actividades de
Pesca Artesanal?
Conséquences sur la Pêche de la Contamination du Milieu Marin Côtier Par Les Pesticides
en Guadeloupe : Quelles Solutions pour le Maintien des Activités de Pêche Artisanale?
NICOLAS DIAZ*, CÉDRIC JUDITH, and DAVID FOSSIEZ
CRPMEM des Iles de Guadeloupe, 2 bis rue Schoelcher Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe 97110 France
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
French West Indies Marine coastal waters are contaminated with chlordecone, a pesticide used in the
bananas plantations decades ago. Chlordecone concentrations detected in the marine commercial species
led to health prevention measures banning totally or partially the fishing in large coastal fishing grounds
from 2008. This situation generates dramatic socio-economic consequences on the traditional activities of
small-scale coastal fisheries communities. Studies held by the regional Committee of fisheries of
Guadeloupe and its partners tries to adress the socio-economic consequences of this contamination on the
livelihood of fishing communities in Guadeloupe. Actions are conducted or proposed for the
diversification of the fishing activities and to manage the contaminated areas within the national
chlordecone plan.
KEYWORDS: Contamination, coastal waters, fisheries, pesticide, Guadeloupe
Page | 52
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Patterns of Species Diversity in the Distributions of Estuarine, Mangrove and Mud Flat
Fishes of the Western Pacific
Patrones de Diversidad de Especies en las Distribuciones de peces en Estuarios, Manglares
y Lodazales en el Pacífico Occidental
Modèle de Diversite de Espéce en le Distribution des Poissons de Estuaire, de Mangroves et
de Plage de le Pacifique-Ouest
TERRY DONALDSON1* and ROBERT F. MYERS2
University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station Mangilao, Guam 96923 USA
*[email protected]
2
Seaclicks/Coral Graphics, 9273 Silent Oak Circle, Wellington Florida 33411-6634 USA
1
Page | 53
ABSTRACT
We examined the patterns of biogeographic diversity in estuarine, mangrove, and mud flat
fish assemblages found in the tropical, subtropical, and warm and cool temperate western Pacific,
including the Indo-Malayan Triangle where Pacific and Indian Ocean species occur in an area affected
greatly by historic changes in sea level. In particular, we focused upon patterns of species richness,
diversity and similarity in assemblage structure at 24 geographic subregions. Our examination of a data
set of more than 2,500 species of inshore fishes from the region found 723 species that we considered to
be estuarine, mangrove and mud flat species. Species richness and diversity were greatest in the IndoMalayn Triangle and subregions bordering it. This level of diversity was attributed to geographic
position within this well-known center of species diversity, to the tropical and subtropical environments
found there, and to watershed development. In contrast, oceanic islands supported moderate to low levels
of estuarine, mangrove,and mud flat& species. Our results offer a basis for comparisons of fish
assemblage structure found in other regions, such as the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and the western
Atlantic.
KEYWORDS: Diversity, geographical distribution, habitat, inshore fishes, species richness
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Pesticide Bioaccumulation in Pterois volitans of Guadeloupe Island (Lesser Antilles)
Bioacumulación de Pesticida en Pterois volitans de la Isla de Guadeloupe (Antillas
Menores)
Bioaccumulation ee Pesticides par Pterois volitans en Guadeloupe (Petites Antilles)
CHARLOTTE DROMARD*, YOLANDE BOUCHON-NAVARO, SOAZIG LEMOINE, SÉBASTIEN
CORDONNIER, and CLAUDE BOUCHON
UMR BOREA-DYNECAR, Labex CORAIL Université Antilles - Guyane Campus de Fouillole BP 592
Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe 97159 France *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Lionfish (Pterois volitans) invaded Guadeloupe coastal waters in 2010. Today, it represents one the most
common top predator of the coral reef trophic web. Fighting against its expansion can go through an
important fishing pressure and its large promotion on fish markets. Guadeloupe coastal waters are
contaminated by chlordecone, an organochlorinated pesticide widely used in the past by banana industry.
Due to its position at the summit of the trophic web, lionfish is exposed to potential bioaccumulation of
pollutants like pesticides. A preliminary study has been conducted in the dry season (February – April
2014) concerning the contamination by chlordecone of 60 specimens collected in 10sites. These sites
were distributed on an increasing distance gradient from banana cultures areas, today known for their
contamination by chlordecone. Fishes were collected by spearfishing. Samples for analyses were
constituted with flesh muscle from at least three fishes. Total length, standard length and weight were
taken for each specimen. Results of the analyses provide values of contamination fluctuating between 3
µg/kg of chlordecone (inferior level of detection by the analysis protocol) and 110 µg/kg (the tolerance
level for marketing being < 20 µg/kg). Distribution of the concentrations of chlordecone was inversely
related to the distance between sampling sites and banana culture zones. In conclusion, lionfish, due to its
top position in the coral reef food web is likely to strongly bioaccumulate pollutants like pesticides. It is
suggested to test its safe edibility before trying to market it from areas suspected of pollution.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, Caribbean, chlordecone, pesticide, bioaccumulation
Page | 54
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Feeding Ecology of Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) in Bermuda
La Ecología Alimentaria del Invasiva Pez León (Pterois volitans y P. miles) en las Bermudas
L'Écologie de l'Alimentation de Envahissantes Lionfish (Pterois volitans et P. miles) dans
les Bermudes
COREY EDDY1*, JOANNA PITT2, STRUAN SMITH3, GRETCHEN GOODBODY-GRINGLEY4
ALEX CHEQUER5, and DIEGO BERNAL1
1
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, Biology Department, 285 Old Westport Road, North
Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747 USA *[email protected]
2
Department of Environmental Protection, Bermuda government, P.O. Box CR52, Crawl CRBX Bermuda
3
Bermuda Natural History Museum/Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, P.O. Box FL 145, Flatts FL
BX Bermuda
4
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, 17 Biological Lane, Ferry Reach, St Georges GE01 Bermuda
5
Ocean Support Foundation, Suite 1222, 48 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM11 Bermuda
ABSTRACT
Lionfish from the Indo-Pacific have recently invaded the northwest Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and
Gulf of Mexico. As aggressive and voracious predators, they pose a major threat to economically and
ecologically important fish species, and, therefore, the overall health of coral reef ecosystems. In
Bermuda, the rapid growth of the lionfish population could have disastrous consequences for the marine
environment, but at this stage their invasion and impact appear to be developing slowly. This project will
examine the feeding ecology of this species, through both stomach content and stable isotope analysis, to
clarify their likely impact on the native fish community and entire local ecosystem, as well as possible
factors driving its distribution. This information will then be used to track the impact of lionfish over time
and predict changes in their distribution to inform a control strategy. We present preliminary results from
stomach content analysis suggesting that small, relatively unknown crustacean species, potentially
vulnerable to novel predatory stress, are the most common prey items. Further, preliminary results from
the stable isotope analysis, including samples from prey and competitor species, indicate characteristics of
the lionfish food web such as carbon sources, resource overlap, and overall community structure as well
as their trophic position.
KEYWORDS: Feeding ecology, lionfish, stomach contents, stable isotopes, Bermuda
Page | 55
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Perspectives on Coastal and Marine Management in Dominican Republic
Perspectivas Sobre La Gestión Costera y Marina en República Dominicana
Perspectives Sur La Gestion Des Zones Côtières et Marines en République Dominicaine
SONDRA EGER* and BRENT DOBERSTEIN
University of Waterloo, Canada IUCN WCPA-YP #2-98 St.Vincent Street Kitchener, ON N2H4R5
Canada *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Connectivity conservation initiatives are increasing in prevalence as a diverse array of benefits are
continually being demonstrated through these models, such as establishing and strengthening marine
protected area (MPA) networks. Such benefits include: preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services;
adapting to climate change impacts; allowing for long term protection of natural resources and threatened
species; and supporting the transition into resilient coastal communities. This poster reviews the
preliminary findings from recent research in Dominican Republic; there are several intentions of this
study: Firstly, to examine the governance frameworks in place and determine the degree to which they
consider local resource users in the decision making process for natural resource management; secondly,
to identify alternative opportunities within social-ecological systems; finally, to assess the perceptions on
biodiversity conservation via connectivity initiatives that speak to the DR‘s commitment to increasing
ecosystem protection and acknowledging the large-scale marine conservation initiatives. Data was
acquired via key informant interviews were achieved via snowball sampling with coastal and marine
stakeholders from a variety of sectors and positions ranging from the community level to high levels of
government. These findings contribute to further understanding coastal ecosystems, assisting in
developing coastal areas responsibly while considering management implications on local communities in
the Dominican Republic, and other areas in the wider Caribbean.
KEYWORDS: Effective management, sustainable livelihoods, connectivity management, Marine
Protected Areas, stakeholder engagement
Page | 56
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Spatio-Temporal Interactions Between Fish Spawning Aggregations, Fisheries, and
Climate Change
Interacciones Espaciales y Temporales Entre el Pescado que Engendra Agregaciones,
Pesquerías, y Cambio Climático
Interacciones Espaciales y Temporales Entre el Pescado que Engendra Agregaciones,
Pesquerías, y Cambio Climático
BRAD ERISMAN
University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, Texas
78373 USA [email protected]
Page | 57
ABSTRACT
Fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) are loosely defined as temporary, predictable, and repeatable
gatherings of large numbers of conspecific fish that form for the purpose of reproduction. These
characteristics make FSAs both highly valuable to fisheries and highly susceptible to overfishing. FSAs
vary considerably with respect to their spatial and temporal dynamics, including the timing and duration
of aggregations, the abundance and distribution of fish within aggregations, and the scale of migrations to
reach aggregations. Fishing activities are also highly variable with respect to the spatial and temporal
distribution of effort, and the impacts of fishing on FSAs (e.g. reductions in reproductive output,
population declines) are dictated by the interactions between fishing and spawning. Stock assessments of
aggregating species that rely on estimates of reproductive potential are highly sensitive to age or sizedependent patterns in spawning frequency. Therefore, age or density-related variations in spawning
behavior may significantly influence the estimated resilience of a species to fishing pressure and the rate
of recovery following protection. Given the influence of water temperature on the timing of reproduction
in marine fishes, global warming is likely to induce significant changes on the timing, duration, and
locations of FSAs that may also alter their interactions with fisheries.
KEYWORDS: Spawning Aggregations, Fisheries, stock assessments, climate change
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Expansion of the NOAA CREWS Network for Climate Change Monitoring in the
Caribbean
Expansión de la CREWS NOAA para el Cambio Climático de Vigilancia en el Caribe
Expansion eu Réseau CREWS NOAA pour Surveillance des Changements Climatiques
dans Les Caraïbes
JONATHAN FAJANS1*, JAMES HENDEE2, KENRICK LESLIE3, MATT PREVITE4, and JOHN
HALAS5**
1
C-ARMS, Inc. University of Belize, 101 Santa Barbara, Marathon, FL 33050 USA *[email protected]
2
NOAA-AOML, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami FL 33149 USA
3
Caribbean Community Climate Change Center, Lawrence Nicholas Building, Ring Road, Belmopan
Belize
4
Xylem YSIIntegrated Systems and Services, 9843 18th Street North, Suite 1200, St. Petersburg Florida
33716 USA
5
Environmental Moorings International, Inc., 172 Lorelane Place, Key Largo, Florida 33037 USA
**[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Early Warning
System (CREWS) network has expanded its coverage in the Caribbean through partnerships with the
Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (5C‘s), the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Marine
Affairs (IMA), and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI). With funding secured from
international donors, 5C‘s has purchased seven buoys that incorporate meteorological and oceanographic
instruments and transmit data in near real time. Two identical buoys have been purchased by IMA and
CCMI for inclusion in the network. New stations are located in Belize, Tobago, and Barbados, with
installation scheduled for the Dominican Republic. These augment existing stations in Puerto Rico, and
St. Croix. Little Cayman (CCMI) and Jamaica stations are replacements. The YSI EMM2000 includes
expansion capabilities to incorporate ocean acidification, nutrient transport, fish assemblages and current
monitoring. Long-term monitoring of environmental conditions in the Caribbean will help researchers
track the health of the reefs and mirrors similar systems already installed at key reef sites in the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans. The CREWS system, originally developed by NOAA, has been successfully used in
modeling and alerts of coral bleaching conditions in the Florida Keys and the Great Barrier Reef, and it is
NOAA‘s intent to expand these efforts to better refine and enhance its alerting capabilities beyond coral
bleaching. The development of the CREWS alert and modeling expert systems are therefore of necessity
dependent upon the expertise of problem domain experts, such as those who study coral reef ecosystems.
KEYWORDS: Coral reefs, water quality, ocean acidification, environmental buoy, Caribbean
Community Climate Change Center
Page | 58
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Northern Gulf of Mexico Lionfish: Insights into their Reproductive Life History
El Pez León en el Golfo de México de Norte: Discernimientos sobre su Vida Reproductive
Poissons Lions du Nord du Golfe du Mexique: Un Aperҫu de leur Cycle Reproducteur
ALEXANDER FOGG*, NANCY BROWN-PETERSON, and MARK PETERSON
Department of Coastal Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean
Springs, Mississippi 39564 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Lionfish (Pterois volitans, P. miles) are now established throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM)
and their numbers continue to increase. Over the past three years more than 6,000 lionfish ranging from
44-429 mm total length (TL) have been collected in the northern GOM as a part of an ongoing life history
study. Both male and female lionfish had elevated Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) values from May-October
when water temperatures were elevated, suggesting a six month spawning season. However, examination
of female reproductive phases indicate spawning capable and actively spawning lionfish were present
year-round in this invaded warm-temperate environment. Female GSI values and reproductive phases are
similar to data from Grand Cayman although differ temporally, but male GSI from Grand Cayman was
markedly reduced compared to our data. There was a significant relationship between batch fecundity
(BF) and total length (TL; p = 0.004; r2 = 0.321) and total wet weight (TWW) (p= 0.007; r2 = 0.283) for
24 samples taken between August and December. Our BF was similar to previous reports for Grand
Cayman and North Carolina. Gonad-free relative BF (RBF) was not related to ovary-free TWW (p=
0.944) or TL (p = 0.405). The RBF ranged from 2.01 to 203.50 eggs/g with a significant peak in
September (mean 122.2 eggs/g) over the range of dates examined. This study provides the most
comprehensive and complete description of lionfish fecundity to date and will be used in conjunction with
other life history parameters to aid in the development of management plans.
KEYWORDS: Invasive, fecundity, Pterois, Scorpaenidae, Gulf of Mexico
Page | 59
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
An Effective Grass-Roots Lionfish Control Program in the British Virgin Islands
Un Programa de Control de Pez León Popular Efectiva en las Islas Vírgenes Británicas
Un Local Programme de Contrôle de La Rascasse Volante Efficace dans les Îles Vierges
Britanniques
GRAHAM FORRESTER
University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881 USA
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Lionfish are an invasive species in the Atlantic, and by consuming small fishes severely impact fish
biodiversity on coral reefs. Efforts to control lionfish by using divers to spear them have been developed,
usually by local government agencies. We explored the operation of a grass-roots lionfish removal
program in the British Virgin Islands, Reef Guardians BVI. Local volunteer divers spear lionfish in their
spare time and use a Facebook group to record and coordinate their activity. We first compiled 654
activity reports from Facebook, dating from the start of group activity in 2012 until present. Volunteers
concentrate most of their efforts on a few dive sites of economic interest, while visiting other sites just a
few times each year. Most removals are done by a core group of locals when weather conditions are best
for diving (spring), whereas a much larger group of visitors to the islands contribute primarily by
reporting lionfish sightings, sitings are effectively communicated to those actively removing lionfish. We
surveyed lionfish densities and behavior at sites with varying levels of visitation to assess how frequently
volunteers must visit sites to suppress lionfish populations, and whether frequent spearing visits makes
lionfish more evasive.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, volunteer, control, grass-roots
Page | 60
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Impact of Anchor Damage Relative to Other Causes of Habitat Change on Coral Reefs
El Impacto de los Daños de Anclaje con Respecto a Otras Causas de Cambio de Hábitat en
Los Arrecifes de Coral
L'Impact des Dommages de Cheville par Rapport aux Autres Causes de Changement de
l'Habitat sur les Récifs Coralliens
GRAHAM FORRESTER* and REBECCA FLYNN
University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Reef degradation is caused by the integrative effects of natural disturbances (e.g. hurricanes) and
anthropogenic stressors, including climate-change, fishing, pollution, and recreation. As water-based
recreation increases so does the risk of anchor damage to coastal habitats, yet reef decline due to anchor
damage is little understood and poorly documented. We used three approaches to assess the impact of
anchor damage relative to other drivers of change on coral reefs in the British Virgin Islands. First, at one
site that was monitored for 22 years, a one-time destructive anchoring event by a large vessel caused coral
loss of a similar magnitude to chronic declines from other causes. Second, of several drivers examined, a
gradual increase in chronic yacht anchoring was the best predictor of coral loss at another site that was
also monitored for 22 years. Third, a synoptic survey of 25 sites that varied in how frequently boats
anchored near reef revealed that anchoring explains a substantial fraction of the spatial variation in
benthic community composition. In combination, these results indicate that anchor damage can have a
substantial impact on coral reefs and habitat for fishes. In areas with frequent boat traffic, increased effort
to mitigate this damage may thus be a worthwhile investment.
KEYWORDS: Coral decline, anchoring, long-term, habitat
Page | 61
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Effects of Artificial Light on The Trophic Ecology of Fish Communities on Active Oil and
Gas Platforms and ‘Idle Iron’ Platforms
Los Efectos de la Luz Artificial Sobre la Ecología Trófica de las Comunidades de Peces en
las Plataformas de Petróleo y Gas Activo y las Plataformas "Iron Idle"
Les Effets Lumières Artificielles sur l’Écologie Trophique Des Communautés de Poissons
dans les Actives Plates-Formes Pétrolières et Gazières et Plates-Formes de la ’Idle Iron’
KRISTIN FOSS* and JAMES COWAN
Louisiana State Universit,y Apt 25, 515 Gardere Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Over 2,500 petroleum platforms are currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM); they are estimated
to provide an additional 12 km2 of artificial reef habitat. These structures both allow for the colonization
and growth of biofouling communities and provide habitat and food resources for reef fish and pelagic
predators; however, the ecological role of platforms has often been overlooked. All manned platforms
have large floodlights for nighttime operations, which illuminate the surrounding waters. This study seeks
to address the potential impacts of artificial light on the trophic ecology of fish communities around
offshore platforms through gut content analysis (GCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA). Red snapper
(Lutjanus campechanus) and other pelagic predator species are being collected twice per quarter
(February 2014 - February 2016) from two active platforms and two ―idle irons‖ (i.e. inactive platforms)
in the Eugene Island oil and gas lease area, off the coast of Louisiana. Species in the top 30 meters of the
water column are being collected using 10-hook vertical longlines and single hook and line rigs.
Stomachs are being removed from all specimens (excluding sharks) collected to determine feeding
behavior, and muscle samples are being taken from the epaxial tissue on the left flank of each specimen
for SIA. Samples are currently post-processed and will be analyzed in the laboratory. This study will
further our understanding of the role of platforms as habitat for fish communities and provide additional
tools for fisheries management in the GOM.
KEYWORDS: Petroleum platforms, artificial reef, red snapper, artificial light, GCA & SIA
Page | 62
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Humpback Whale Satellite-tracking Reveal the Connectivity between the Northern Lesser
Antilles and the Importance of Regional Collaboration to Conserve Marine Biodiversity
Los Resultados del Seguimiento de las Yubartas por Satélite Muestran la Conectividad
entre las Antillas Menores del Norte y la Importancia de la Colaboración Regional para
Preservar la Biodiversidad Marina
Les Résultats de Suivi Satellitaire de Baleines à Bosse Révèlent La Connectivité entre les
Iles des Petites Antilles du Nord et l’Importance de la Collaboration Régionale pour
Préserver La Biodiversité Marine
SABRINA FOSSETTE1*, MICHEL VELY1, NICOLAS MASLACH2, and HELENE SOUAN3
1
MEGAPTERA, 23 rue A Dumas Paris , 75011 France *[email protected]
2
RNN, St Martin 803, Residence les Acacias, Anse Marcel 97150 Saint-Martin
3
CAR-SPAW Parc national de Guadeloupe, Montéran B.P. 93 Saint-Claude 97120 Guadeloupe
ABSTRACT
To efficiently protect marine migratory species and conserve marine biodiversity, knowledge of animal
movements and how these movements relate to political boundaries and current marine protected areas
and/or marine sanctuaries is required. We used satellite tracking to study the movements of migratory
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) within the area of the Northern Lesser Antilles during their
2014 reproductive season. Eight individuals were followed for an average of 13±11 days (max = 26 days).
During that time, humpback whales traveled back and forth between islands and revealed an
unexpected/important connectivity between the islands of St Martin, Anguilla, St Barthelemy and
Barbuda on one hand, and St Martin, Anguilla, the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic on the
other hand. Humpback whales therefore seem to be a shared « resource » among the islands and countries
of the Northern Lesser Antilles and Great Antilles highlighting the need for regional cooperation and
offering scientific support for a larger transboundary marine sanctuary. Ultimately, such partnership
between the Agoa sanctuary, the sanctuary of the Dutch islands, and the waters of Anguilla would support
a common strategy for joint conservation and scientific actions on the totality of the breeding ground of
humpback whales in the Northern Lesser Antilles and help conserve marine biodiversity.
KEYWORDS: Biodiversity, connectivity, conservation, satellite-tracking, migratory whale
Page | 63
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Retention and Growth of Pelagic Sargassum in the North Equatorial Convergence Region
of the Atlantic Ocean: A Hypothesis for Examining Recent Mass Strandings of Sargassum
along Caribbean and West Africa Shorelines
Retención y Crecimiento del Sargazo Pelágico en la Zona de Convergencia Norecuatorial
Del Océano Atlántico: Una Hipótesis para Examinar Recientes Masas de Sargazo Retenido
a lo Largo del Caribe y La Costa Occidental de África
Rétention et Croissance des Sargasses Pélagiques au Nord de la Zone de Convergence
Inter-Tropicale: Une Hypothése Pour l’Étude des Échouages en Masse de Sargasses le
Long Des Cotes des Caraïbes et de l’Afrique de l’Ouest
JIM FRANKS1*, DONALD JOHNSON1, and DONG-SHAN KO2
University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Dr., Ocean
Springs, Mississippi 39564 USA* [email protected]
2
Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi 39529 USA
1
ABSTRACT
Since the spring of 2011, unusually large quantities of pelagic sargassum have stranded on shorelines of
the eastern Caribbean and West Africa, significantly disrupting local fishing and tourism. The sargassum
was identified as two species (Sargassum natans and S. fluitans), both commonly found in the Gulf of
Mexico, Straits of Florida and North Atlantic (Sargasso Sea), but in low quantities in north equatorial
regions and the Caribbean, and unidentified in the south Atlantic. We provided an overview of this
phenomenon at the 2011 and 2012 Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute conferences using model back
traces (hind casts) which showed the likelihood of a sub-equatorial origin for the bloom.
In the present study we examine a hypothesis that in normal years, sargassum from the North Atlantic is
transported equator-ward along the west coast of Africa with subsequent westward spreading along the
equator and entrainment in the North Brazil Current where it is carried into the Caribbean. However, an
unusually strong North Equatorial Counter Current (NECC) accompanied by an unusually strong Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) event in 2010 deflected much of this sargassum into the North
Equatorial Convergence Region (NERR: between the equator and the NECC), where nutrients and rising
sea surface temperature amplified its growth for an additional year before being transported to both Africa
and the Caribbean in 2011. We suggest that stronger than normal currents and higher sea surface
temperatures can be expected as the earth warms, enhancing retention in the NERR and producing growth
for subsequent sargassum blooms.
KEYWORDS: Sargassum, Caribbean, islands, 2011
Page | 64
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Land-Based Marine Aquaculture: Pilot Study on Cobia Rachycentron canadum in
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems in Trinidad and Tobago
Acuicultura Marina en Tierra: Estudio Piloto Sobre las Cobias Rachycentron canadum en
los Sistemas de Recirculación Acuícola en Trinidad y Tobago
Aquaculture Marine sur Terre Ferme: Étude Pilote sur le Cobia Rachycentron canadum
dans les Systèmes d’Aquaculture en Parcs Clos à Trinité-et-Tobago
PAUL GABBADON*, NATALIE S. JOSEPH, FAZEEL MOHAMMED, and ROCHELLE SAMMY
Seafood Industry Development Company Limited, #6 Bejucal Extension 1, Uriah Butler Highway,
Charlieville Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
A pilot study was conducted on cobia Rachycentron canadum to determine operating parameters
for culture, technical feasibility and associated challenges in a marine recirculating aquaculture
system (MRAS) under local conditions. Juvenile cobia 2.8 ± 0.9 g were imported from Florida,
USA and quarantined in three 2800 L circular polyethylene tanks attached to a 680 L mechanical
filter filled with 0.34 m3 Kaldness® media, a 680 L sump, two 110W ultraviolet sterilizers and
moving bed bioreactors (MBBR) made from a 680 L insulated rectangular polyethylene tank
with 0.45 m3 of Kaldness® media. Marine salts and treated tap water were used. Fingerlings were
acclimatized, sampled and observed for pathogenic organisms, and fed ad libitum with a larval
ration. They were transitioned to a 2-mm Ziegler marine feed at 5% BWD and transferred to a
MRAS of 62.2 m3 with five 7,700 L circular polyethylene tanks and one 31,000 L fibreglass
tank. Water treatment consisted of a 450W ultraviolet sterilizer, drum filter with 60µ screen, a
265 LPM foam fractionator and three MBBR of 2,700 L each filled with 40% Kaldness®. Water
quality parameters of temperature, salinity, pH, conductivity and ammonia-nitrogen were
measured daily, while nitrite-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen and turbidity were measured weekly. The
study established that cobia could be grown utilizing sea salts but care should be taken with
source of seed stock and pre-treatment of source water. Good fish health management practices,
trained technical staff, and good system design are also critical elements for success.
KEYWORDS: Cobia , system design, marine recirculating aquaculture system
Page | 65
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Preliminary Assessment of Shark and Ray By-Catch using Different By-Catch Reduction
Devices in the Atlantic Seabob Trawl Fishery of Guyana
Evaluación Preliminar de la Captura Incidental de Tiburones y Rayas Utilizando
Diferentes Dispositivos de Reducción de Captura Incidental en la Pesquería de Arrastre del
Camarón Siete Barbas de Guyana
Évaluation Préliminaire de Prises Accessoires de Requin et de Raie en Utilisant Différents
Dispositifs De Réduction des Prises Accessoires dans la Pêche au Chalut de la Crevette
Seabob Atlantique de la Guyane
AARON GARSTIN1*, DAWN MAISON2, and HAZEL OXENFORD1
CERMES, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados *[email protected]
2
Guyana Association of Private Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors, Noble House Seafoods, East
Bank, Demerara, Guyana
1
ABSTRACT
The Atlantic seabob (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) fishery is extremely important to Guyana, with over 80
licensed commercial trawling vessels and annual landings of around 25,000 mt, largely for export. The
Guyana Association of Private Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GAPTO&SP) is taking proactive steps in pursuing Marine Stewardship Council certification to ensure top market prices and longterm sustainability of the seabob stock. To this end, all commercial vessels in the fleet are using turtle
excluder devices (TEDs) and by-catch reduction devices (BRDs) in their trawl nets. However, the
effectiveness of these devices in reducing the by-catch of vulnerable sharks and rays has not yet been
examined. This study, requested by GAPTO&SP, represents the first attempt to document the by-catch of
these discarded species by the seabob trawl fleet, and to compare the effectiveness of two different TED
designs. Over the period July - August 2014, multiple trips were taken on a number of different seabob
vessels to document the species, sizes and condition of all sharks and rays landed and discarded.
Wherever possible, vessels deployed nets fitted with a standard TED, simultaneously with nets fitted with
a modified TED.
KEYWORDS: Atlantic seabob, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, by-catch, sharks and rays, Guyana
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Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Interactions Trophiques dans les Herbiers à Thalassia testudinum : Utilisation des Acides
Gras en Tant aue Biomarqueurs et des Isotopes Stables
Trophic Interactions within Thalassia testudinum Seagrass Beds using Fatty Acid
Biomarkers and Stable Isotopes
Interacciones Tróficas en las Praderas de Thalassia testudinum : Uso de Ácidos Grasos
como Biomarcadores e Isótopos Estables
FRANÇOISE GAUTIER1*, TARIK MEZIANE2, YOLANDE BOUCHON-NAVARO1, and CLAUDE
BOUCHON1
1
UMR BOREA ; CNRS-7208/MNHN/UPMC/IRD-207/UCBN/UAG Dynecar, Université des Antilles et de
la Guyane, B.P. 592 Pointe-à-Pitre, 97159 Guadeloupe *[email protected]
2
UMR, 7208-BOREA-USM 0401, 61 rue Buffon, Paris 75231France
RESUMÉ
Les interactions trophiques entre les sources primaires et les principaux Invertébrés composant l‘épifaune
vagile des herbiers à Thalassia testudinum de Guadeloupe (Petites Antilles) ont été étudiées en analysant
les signatures isotopiques du carbone et de l‘azote, ainsi que les compositions en acides gras, utilisés
comme biomarqueurs. Cette étude a été menée dans deux herbiers de Magnoliophytes marins : l‘un situé
en bordure de mangrove et l‘autre, plus au large, à proximité d‘un récif corallien. Les contributions des
différentes sources à la base du réseau trophique : matière organique en suspension (MES), biofilm
recouvrant les sédiments, macroalgues, Magnoliophytes marins, ainsi que les organismes épiphytes de
leurs feuilles et la litière de feuilles mortes, ont été pris en compte dans les analyses. Les communautés
d‘Invertébrés présentent des caractéristiques différentes dans les deux types d‘herbiers : la faune
d‘Invertébrés des herbiers côtiers est dominée par des Crustacés Péracarides et Décapodes, alors que celle
des herbiers du large est dominée par des Gastéropodes. Les Péracarides côtiers ont une alimentation
basée sur le biofilm et les Diatomées et Dinoflagellés entrant dans la composition des épiphytes des
feuilles de Thalassia. Les crevettes décapodes consomment principalement des Diatomées épiphytes des
feuilles de Thalassia près de la côte et plus de biofilm dans les herbiers du large où les Diatomées sont
plus rares. Les Gastéropodes, semblent brouter des Rhodophycées encroûtantes épiphytes des feuilles de
Thalassia près de la côte, ainsi que les feuilles elles-mêmes et les macroalgues Brunes du genre Dictyota
dans les herbiers du large. L‘approche couplée des acides gras et des signatures isotopiques permet de
caractériser les ressources trophiques exploitées par la communauté de l‘épifaune vagile des herbiers à
Thalassia testudinum.
MOTS CLÉS: Caribbean, seagrass bed, food web, stable isotopes, fatty acid biomarkers
Page | 67
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Solving the Mystery of MPA Performance: Linking Governance to Ecological Outcomes
Resolver el Misterio de Rendimiento MPA: Gobernabilidad Ligarse a Resultados
Ecológicos
Résoudre le Mystère de la Performance de l'AMP: La Gouvernance des Liens vers les
Résultats Écologiques
DAVID GILL
National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, S 1 Park Place, Suite 300, Annapolis, Maryland 21403
USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly being employed in the Caribbean and around the world
as a tool to promote biodiversity conservation, however, their implementation has had varying levels of
success. Results from numerous case studies suggest that MPA governance is a major factor in explaining
this variation in MPA success, however few studies have sought to examine the effects of MPA
governance at multiple scales. Drawing upon the seminal work of Elinor Ostrom, the SESYNC MPA
Pursuit is a two year project that seeks to identify the governance and contextual factors that contribute to
successful marine conservation outcomes. By developing a cross-disciplinary theoretical framework and a
common analytic platform (i.e., database), the results will provide novel insights into the relationship
between governance attributes and successful ecological outcomes, providing essential information for
local-to-global policy and practice. Initial analysis is underway, with ecological and governance data
collated from thousands of sites around the world. Unfortunately, there were few locations identified
where ecological and governance data were both present, reducing the sample size considerably.
Nonetheless, these sites represent a diversity of socio-political and biophysical regimes, and could allow
for the examination of the relationship between governance structures and ecological outcomes in MPAs
and how this relationship varies by context. The sample also includes numerous sites with high quality
ecological data from within the Caribbean, allowing for future analysis of governance-outcome linkages
at a regional scale.
KEYWORDS: MPAs, governance, socio-ecological systems
Page | 68
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Measuring the Health of the Mesoamerican Reef through Ecosystem Health Indicators
Evaluación de la Salud del Arrecife Mesoamericano a Través de Indicadores de las Salud
del Ecosistema
Bilan de Santé du Récif Méso-Américain à Travers des Indicateurs de la Santé de
l'Écosystème
ANA GIRO1*, MELANIE MC FIELD2, MARISOL RUEDA3, ROBERTO POTT4, IAN DRYSDALE5,
and LORENZO ALVAREZ6
1
Healthy Reefs Initiative, 17 calle A 7-03, zona 10, Guatemala 01010 Guatemala *[email protected]
2
Healthy Reefs Initiative, 1648 NE 47th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA 33334
3
Healthy Reefs Initiative, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
4
Healthy Reefs Initiative, 1755 Coney Drive, 2nd Floor, Belize City, Belize
5
Healthy Reefs Initiative, Roatan, Honduras
6
Healthy Reefs Initiative, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
ABSTRACT
The Mesoamerican Reef System stretches over 1000 km from the north of Quintana Roo, Mexico down
to Belize, Guatemala and the Bay Islands of Honduras. The Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI) produces
biennial Report Cards on the ecological health of the reef and Eco-Audits measuring the management
response. The 2012 Report Card includes almost 200 sampling sites measuring reef condition based on a
Simplified Index of Reef Health, which ranks values for: coral cover, fleshy macroalgal cover, herbivore
and commercial fish biomass. The majority of reefs throughout the Mesoamerican Reef were found to be
in poor (40%) or critical (24%) condition, with only 10% ranked as good or very good, and 25% in fair
condition. However, this report did measure a slight improvement in the overall reef health when taking
in account only reef sites that were monitored in previous assessments (Report Cards of 2008 and 2010).
In light of global coral reef declines, even such a slight improvement is noteworthy and encouraging.
While the Index is useful for summarizing the complexity of coral reefs, taking a closer look at individual
indicators is needed to understand the sources of declines and fine-tuning management actions. The
Report Card includes a list of recommendations for reef management proposed and prioritized in
collaboration with partner organizations in regional workshops. The extent to which these
recommendations are implemented in the MAR countries is then evaluated through the Eco-Audits, which
help to catalyze stronger management actions.
KEYWORDS: Conservation, reef management, reef condition, threats, regional analysis
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Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Are there Demographic Differences in the Reproductive Potential of Red Snapper
(Lutjanus campechanus) between Artificial and Natural Habitats in the Gulf of Mexico?
¿Existen Diferencias Demográficas en el Potencial Reproductivo del Huachinango
(Lutjanus campechanus) entre los Habitats Artificiales y Naturales en el Golfo de México?
Y-A-T-Il des Différences Démographiques dans le Potentiel Reproductif des Dorades
(Lutjanus campechanus) entre Les Habitats Artificiels et Naturels du Golfe du Mexique?
HILARY GLENN* and JAMES COWAN
Louisiana State University, 2231 Energy Coast and Environment Bldg, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Few quantitative studies of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) have been conducted comparing
reproductive variables between distinct habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. Reproductive potential is
important to fisheries management and can help to determine stock status. Data from previous studies
have been largely dependent on red snapper sampled from artificial habitats (AH). This study compares
the reproductive potential of red snapper between AH and natural habitats (NH). NHs are areas of vertical
relief created from biogenic/geologic processes and are thought to be the historical centers of abundance
for red snapper. Red snapper were collected between 2011 and 2013 from three NH sites and two AH
sites. The mean gonadosomatic index (GSI) for each habitat was plotted against time to examine seasonal
changes in reproductive potential among sites. Results indicate red snapper at NH sites exhibited higher
mean GSI than those at AH sites (F = 70.0, p < 0.0001) during peak spawning season. Red snapper at
NHs showed 98% maturity, compared to 52% at AHs. Previous studies have shown that red snapper in
NHs tend to be shorter and heavier at age, while exhibiting slower growth rates than red snapper in
adjacent AHs. These data support the observation of demographic differences in red snapper reproduction
between NH and AH. We hypothesize that the difference exhibited is due to red snapper in NHs being in
better energetic condition than red snapper in AHs, thus allowing red snapper in NHs to invest more
energy in reproduction and less energy towards rapid growth early in life.
KEYWORDS: Red snapper, reproduction , natural habitat, artificial habitat, Gulf of Mexico
Page | 70
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Hacia la Creación de una Estrategia para el Control de Pez León en el Arrecife
Mesoamericano
Towards the Creation of a Strategy for the Control of Lion Fish in the Mesoamerican Reef
Vers une Stratégie de Lutte Contre la Rascasse Volante dans le Récif Méso-Américain
CLAUDIO GONZALEZ
MAR Fund, Vista Hermosa, zona 15, Guatemala, Guatemala 01015 Guatemala [email protected]
RESUMEN
En mayo del presente, se llevó a cabo en Guatemala el taller inicial para desarrollar la estrategia regional
para el control del pez león en el Arrecife Mesoamericano. El taller permitió un intercambio de
experiencias entre los países del Caribe y el SAM, para definir acciones concretas de control y manejo de
esta especie invasora. Durante estos dos días, un total de 42 personas, entre administradores de áreas
protegidas, autoridades de pesca y medio ambiente y expertos de los países de la región del SAM se
reunieron para conocer la estrategia que los países del Caribe han adoptado como respuesta a esta
amenaza y cuyas acciones han estado orientadas principalmente a la educación y sensibilización en los
diversos actores y sectores, el control asociado a fortalecer la capacidad en la captura del pez león y las
técnicas para manejarlo, así como incentivos y el mercadeo y publicidad para promover el consumo
humano de la especie. Entre los resultados más relevantes se encuentran: a) la integración del Comité
Regional y personas contacto en cada país para la Elaboración de la Estrategia del Pez león para el SAM,
y b) la definición de las líneas estratégicas y acciones abordando cinco temas clave: Colaboración,
Investigación y monitoreo, Legislación, Métodos de control, Educación y comunicación. Posterior al
taller, se desarrolló un esfuerzo regional para obtener el documento final, intercambiando información,
puntos de vista y criterios para tener un producto que sea aplicable y brinde soporte y orientación para el
control de esta especie invasora.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Estrategia, pez león, control, manejo, mesoamericano
Page | 71
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Valor Agregado de las Evaluaciones de Efectividad de Manejo de Cuatro APs en el Sistema
Arrecifal Mesoamericano
Value-Added of the Assessments of Management Effectiveness in Four PAs of the
Mesoamerican Reef
Valeur Ajoutée de la Évaluation de l'Éfficacité de la Gestion de Quatre Aires Protégées
dans le Récif Méso-Américain
CLAUDIO GONZALEZ
MAR Fund, Vista Hermosa, zona 15, Guatemala, Guatemala 01015 Guatemala [email protected]
RESUMEN
El proyecto ―Conservación de Recursos Marinos en Centroamérica‖ ejecutado por el Fondo para el
Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano, realizó una evaluación de efectividad de manejo en cuatro áreas
protegidas del SAM: Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Yum Balam, México; Port Honduras Marine
Reserve, Belice; Refugio de Vida Silvestre Punta de Manabique, Guatemala, y Zona Marina de
Protección Especial Sandy Bay West End, Honduras. Para ésta se utilizó el ―Manual para la evaluación
rápida de la efectividad de manejo en Áreas Protegidas de Mesoamérica‖, elaborado como parte del
proyecto ―Conservación y Uso Sostenible del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano‖ (2005). Se aplicó esta
herramienta cualitativa de indicadores socioeconómicos y de gobernanza, con algunas modificaciones. El
análisis e interpretación de resultados generaron un valor agregado en el uso de la evaluación, como un
instrumento práctico para optimizar la efectividad de manejo de las APs. La inclusión de indicadores
biofísicos representativos de cada AP, permitió relacionar de manera directa la efectividad de manejo con
los objetivos de conservación a mediano y largo plazo de cada una de las áreas. La integración del
personal administrativo y técnico de las APs y algunos de los actores claves durante el extenso proceso de
evaluación, no solo enriqueció los resultados, sino que también mostró la distribución de la percepción de
cada uno de los indicadores calificados y redujo la subjetividad natural de las entrevistas, proporcionando
una opinión externa y autoevaluación de la efectividad de manejo. Para los gobiernos, las agencias de
conservación y los donantes que apoyan las APs, los resultados de estas evaluaciones proveen una
importante guía para enfocar eficazmente las inversiones y optimizar el apoyo estratégico que las
diferentes APs requieren.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Evaluación, efectividad, manejo, indicadores, conservación
Page | 72
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Trait-Based Diet Selection: Prey Behaviour and Morphology Predict Vulnerability to
Predation by Invasive Lionfish on Reef Fishes
Selección de la Dieta a Base de Rasgo: Comportamiento Presa y Morfología Predecir la
Vulnerabilidad a la Depredación por pez León Invasor en Peces de Arrecifes
Sélection de Régime à Base de Trait: Comportement Prédateur et de la Morphologie de
Prédire la Vulnérabilité à la Prédation par les Poissons-Papillons Invasive sur les Poissons
De Récif
STEPHANIE GREEN1* and ISABELLE CÔTÉ2
Oregon State University, Department of Integrative Biology, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, Oregon
97331-2914 USA stephanie.*[email protected]
2
Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British
Columbia V5N2A2 Canada
1
ABSTRACT
Predicting the strength of predatory interactions can provide important insights into community structure
and dynamics. However, prey species available to a predator often vary spatially and temporally. We
propose that predator diet selection could be predicted across prey assemblages if vulnerability to
predation is conferred by general morphological and behavioural traits shared by prey species. We
investigate the potential for trait-based prey selection using the Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans), an
invasive predator that is spreading across the Western Atlantic region where it preys on species-rich coral
reef fish communities. Accounting for relatedness among taxa, we test whether morphological and
behavioural traits of reef fishes predict patterns of predation by lionfish determined from 1) in situ visual
observations of prey consumption and availability, and (2) comparisons of prey abundance in stomach
contents to availability on invaded reefs. Both analyses reveal that prey size, body shape, position in the
water column, and cleaning behaviour are important determinants of prey selection, with small, fusiform
fishes that are found just above reefs and exhibit facultative cleaning behaviour most vulnerable.
Together, these traits heighten the risk of predation by a factor of nearly 200. As the invasion progresses,
native species that exhibit traits vulnerable to predation are likely to post more rapid and substantial
population changes. Our study reveals that a trait-based approach to studying diet selection can yield
important insights into predator-prey interactions, and could be used across predator species and
ecosystems to predict the outcomes changing species assemblages on community dynamics.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, prey selection, functional traits, predation behaviour, invasive species
Page | 73
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Preliminary Assessment of Pot Trapping as a Monitoring Tool for Special Fisheries
Conservation Areas in Jamaica
Una Evaluación Preliminar de Pot Reventado como una Herramienta de Seguimiento de
Pesca Especiales Áreas de Conservación en Jamaica
Une Évaluation Préliminaire de Pot Piégeage comme un Outil de Suivi pour les Aires de
Conservation de la Pêche Spéciaux en Jamaïque
NASHEIKA GUYAH*, MONA WEBBER, KARL AIKEN, and DAYNE BUDDO
The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life
Sciences, Kingston, Jamaica *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Monitoring commercially important fish populations in marine reserves is crucial. However, efficient
standardised methodologies are needed for consistent results. Using passive capture methods like fish
pots can be beneficial as this removes the ―diver effect‖ associated with UVCs and improves coverage in
space and time. This study was therefore designed to determine appropriate bait type and soak time for
use with fish pots to obtain accurate data for effective monitoring of marine reserves. The study design
involved deploying six rectangular traps at two locations: within and outside the Discovery Bay SFCA,
Jamaica. At each location, four different baits (commonly used by fishermen) were tested: Mackerel, Cow
skin, Bread and Dog-food with Sardine. The traps with each bait type were left to soak for one week and
were checked by SCUBA on days 2, 4, and 7. On each occasion, species, abundance, size as well as
injury to individual fish were recorded. Preliminary analysis indicated that there was significant
difference in diversity and abundance of fish between locations (ANOVA p < 0.001). However,
abundance (ANOVA p < 0.522) and diversity (ANOVA p < 0.565) of fish was not significantly different
between bait types. The abundance (ANOVA p < 0.762) and diversity (ANOVA p < 0.449) of fish were
also not significantly different between the days soaked. However, there was a significant positive
correlation between soak time and injuries to fish. Results of this study suggest the possibility of
increasing the speed and efficiency of obtaining SFCA monitoring data from fish pots by using short soak
times and any available bait type.
KEYWORDS: Jamaica, methods, pot trapping, bait, soak time
Page | 74
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Assessment of Data-Limited Fisheries Managed in Conjunction with Marine Reserves
Evaluación de la Pesca Manejada en Conjunto con Reservas Marinas en Situaciones de
Datos Limitados
Evaluation de Pêcheries Limitées en Données Gérées Conjointement avec des Réserves
Marines
WILLIAM HARFORD1* and ELIZABETH BABCOCK2
RSMAS/NOAA SEFSC, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, Florida 33149 USA
*[email protected]
2
University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, Florida 33180 USA
1
Page | 75
ABSTRACT
Marine reserves can introduce spatial complexities into stock assessments. Spatial heterogeneity in the
distribution of fishing effort, which is often inflated by reserve placement, may necessitate spatially
explicit stock assessment. While spatially explicit assessment methods are available, data-limited fisheries
will likely need to address considerations for information gathering. One important consideration is
whether information about fish transfer rates between fished and non-fished areas is necessary for
accurate estimation of stock status. A spatially explicit simulation framework was used to evaluate
whether a mark-recovery design, which does not require estimation of transfer rates, could be used to
accurately estimate fishing mortality. Simulations reflected biological characteristics and movement of
Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) at Glover‘s Reef, Belize. Simulations revealed that since
individuals carry markings with them when they move, estimates of fishing mortality can be obtained that
are robust to uncertainty about transfer rates. Mark-recovery represents an alternative approach for
reducing uncertainty about fishing mortality that differs from other spatially explicit assessment methods
that can sometimes be sensitive to information about fish movement.
KEYWORDS: Data-limited, mark-recovery, simulation, spiny lobster, stock assessment
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Assessing the Effectiveness of Dedicated Lionfish Removals for the Restoration of
Ecological Function
Evaluar la Eficacia de Mudanzas Pez León Dedicados para la Restauración de la Función
Ecológica
Évaluer l'Efficacité des Dénagements Lionfish Dédiés à la Restauration de la Fonction
Écologique
CHELSEA HARMS1*, RICHARD APPELDOORN1, and MATTHEW CRAIG2
1
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, Department of Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 9000, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico 00681 USA *[email protected]
2
University of San Diego, Department of Environmental and Ocean Sciences, 5998 Alcalá Park, San
Diego, California 92110 USA
Page | 76
ABSTRACT
Management focus on the lionfish (Pterois volitans) invasion has recently shifted from eradication to
control. One popular method has been organized removals, such as derbies. Only recently have
researchers addressed the efficacy of these strategies. However, no current studies have evaluated the
recovery of native ichythofauna in response to these removals. This study assessed the effectiveness of a
small scale, dedicated lionfish removal in Puerto Rico. We utilized volunteer, skilled spearfishermen and
a standardized procedure to target one near-shore reef to reduce lionfish numbers and observe potential
lionfish re-colonization and restoration of native cryptic fish species. A Before-After-Control-Impact
design allowed for lionfish, native piscivores and native prey fish abundance and richness to be compared
before and after the removal. Two control sites remained untouched but lionfish were tagged to monitor
movements. The removal spanned 0.8 km along the forereef, to mimic a manageable marine protected
area, and occurred on three nonconsecutive Saturdays in the month of June 2013. A total of 22 lionfish
were removed; one year post removal only 10 lionfish were observed, none with tags. Lionfish sizefrequency indicated that re-colonization was occurring from juveniles, most likely recruiting from back
reef nursery habitats rather than through lateral movement from outside the removal zone. Abundance of
native predators and prey increased after lionfish removal. This study demonstrates that a small effort can
yield a large impact in reducing lionfish numbers, restoring the native ichythofauna, and thereby
enhancing ecosystem balance.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish control, Puerto Rico, native fish recovery, BACI, re-colonization
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Digestion Rate Analysis of Fish and Shrimp Prey Items in Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
Análisis de la Tasa de Digestión de Peces y Camarones Presa Artículos en Pez León
(Pterois volitans)
Analyse Du Taux De Digestion des Éléments de Poissons et de Crevettes Proies dans
Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
CHELSEA HARMS* and RICHARD APPELDOORN
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, Department of Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 9000, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico 00681 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Feeding ecology studies have provided valuable insight into the impacts of lionfish on the native reef fish
communities of the Western Atlantic and Caribbean. The lionfish are known to consume over 70 fish
species and many invertebrates, and relative prey abundance is strongly site specific. However, the
majority of these studies have been based on morphological identification, usually of partially digested
specimens. Morphological identification can be biased and prone to human error, depending on the
digestive level of the prey item. Additionally, lionfish feed during crepuscular hours, while many lionfish
collections occur at opportune times for researchers and scientists, which usually do not correlate with
feeding. The aforementioned points support the need for quantifying digestion rates for more accurate
feeding ecology studies or for understanding existing biases. This study analyzed the digestion rate of
known teleost and invertebrate prey items in lionfish stomachs, over a given period of time, to provide an
estimate of digestion rate at basal metabolism. Two size classes of lionfish were examined and time
intervals of 30 minutes to an hour were used to identify digestion rate. Approximately 5+ hours are
required before a known fish prey item is deemed unrecognizable, and 9+ hours for shrimp. Temperature
was observed to correlate with digestion rate. Given these results, a detailed prey digestion scale was
developed to assist future morphological gut content analyses. Studies utilizing morphological
identification should structure their experimental design to incorporate this information to obtain a higher
percentage of undigested prey items for analysis.
KEYWORDS: Gut contents, diet, feeding ecology, lionfish, digestion rate
Page | 77
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Food Security, The Right To Food and Fisheries Governance In CARICOM States
Seguridad Alimentaria, el Derecho a la Alimentación y Pesca Gobernabilidad en los
Estados de CARICOM
La Sécurité Alimentaire, le Droit À l'Alimentation et la Gouvernance des Pêches dans les
États du CARICOM
MILTON HAUGHTON
CRFM, Princess Margaret Drive, P.O. Box 642, Belize City, Belize [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Marine capture fisheries and, to a lesser extent aquaculture, play a significant role in the food and
nutrition security of people within the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean by directly
providing high quality protein and other essential nutrients, as well as indirectly as a source of income.
This role is, however, often times not adequately recognized and provided for in national policy,
legislation or institutional arrangements to address poverty and food insecurity, which is reflected in the
inadequate human and financial resources allocated to the sector or the absence of clearly articulated
provisions on fisheries and aquaculture in national poverty reduction and food security strategies. This
paper discusses the role that stronger commitment to the right to food as a human right could play in
improving food and nutrition security and strengthen governance of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in
CARICOM States.
KEYWORDS: Right to food, food security, fisheries, governance, CARICOM
Page | 78
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in the Small
Island Developing States of the Caribbean
Retos y Oportunidades para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Acuicultura en los Pequeños
Estados Insulares en Desarrollo de las Islas del Caribe
Défis et Opportunités pour le Développement Durable de l'Aquaculture dans les Petits
États Insulaires en Développement des Caraïbes
MILTON HAUGHTON*, PETER A. MURRAY, and GEORGE MYVETT
CRFM, Princess Margaret Drive, P.O. Box 642, Belize City, Belize *[email protected]
Page | 79
ABSTRACT
The fisheries and aquaculture sector makes important contributions to the economic and social
development of Caribbean ACP States in terms of food and nutrition security, employment generation,
foreign currency earnings and coastal development. Per capita consumption of fish and fishery products is
high in most Caribbean SIDs, and relatively large quantities of fish and seafood are imported into the
region to satisfy consumer demand. Aquaculture has been one of the fastest growing food production
sectors globally but has remained relatively low in the Caribbean. This paper analyses the development
of aquaculture in the Caribbean ACP States. It considers the current status and trends in aquaculture
production, the legal and policy frameworks, and impediments to sustainable aquaculture development. It
finds that although aquaculture has the potential for making a significantly greater contribution to the
region‘s development, it has not been widely promoted and supported as an important economic activity
in the region. Aquaculture faces numerous constraints for environmental and economic sustainability and
international competitiveness. The paper concludes with recommendations to boost aquaculture
development in the Caribbean ACP States.
KEYWORDS: Aquaculture, Caribbean, SIDS
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Habitat-Specific Growth of Hatchery-reared Juvenile Spotted Seatrout in a Mississippi Bay
System
Hábitat Específico Crecimiento de Corvina Pinta Jóvenes de Criadero de Peces en la
Sistema de Bahía de Mississippi
Etude de la Croissance des Juvéniles Spotted Seatrout dans Différent Habitats d'une Baie
Cotière du Mississippi
J. READ HENDON1* and CHET RAKOCINSKI2
Center for Fisheries Research & Development, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Drive,
Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564 USA *[email protected]
2
Department of Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean
Springs, Mississippi 39564 USA
1
Page | 80
ABSTRACT
Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is the most harvested recreational species in Mississippi coastal
waters. Concerns about the sustainability of the fishery prompted fishery managers to develop a stock
enhancement program to establish methodologies for rearing fish in captivity for subsequent release into
the wild to supplement wild stocks. The success of such enhancement programs, however, is predicated
on the ability of hatchery-reared fish to survive in the natural environment, transition to feeding on wild
prey, and successfully avoid predation, all while not displacing wild fish. Experimental research is also
necessary to identify release habitats which optimize survival and growth. The purpose of this research
was to evaluate habitat-specific growth of hatchery-reared spotted seatrout among three habitats in a
shallow bay system: submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), non-vegetated shoreline, and non-vegetated
open water. After a one-month cage enclosure study, growth was found to be significantly greater (less
negative) for fish held in SAV and non-vegetated shoreline compared to deeper, non-vegetated open
water. A comparison of stomach content analyses also revealed that hatchery-reared fish had successfully
transitioned to wild prey, and general diet categories were similar to that for wild fish in similar size
ranges. Research findings indicate that habitats within or in close proximity to SAV or marsh shoreline
offer more favorable environments for growth of hatchery-reared spotted seatrout, and that those fish
have the capacity to adapt to natural environmental conditions, in the absence of predation, and transition
to feeding on wild prey items.
KEYWORDS: Hatchery-reared, spotted seatrout, fish growth
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Aplicación de un Enfoque Regional al Manejo de las Áreas Marino-Costeras Protegidas En
La Región Archipiélagos del Sur de Cuba
Application of a Regional Approach to the Management of Marine and Coastal Protected
Areas in Cuba’s Southern Archipelagos Region
L'Application d'une Approche Régionale dans le Cadre la Gestion des Aires Protégées
Marines et Côtières dans les Archipels de la Région Sud de Cuba
ENRIQUE HIGINIO HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ
Centro Nacional de Areas Protegidas, Calle 18 A, No. 4114, Miramar, Playa La Habana, La Habana
11300 CUBA [email protected]
RESUMEN
El Proyecto se ha ejecutado durante 5 años desde septiembre de 2009. La meta general es fortalecer las
estrategias de conservación de la biodiversidad marina de Cuba, incluyendo los recursos pesqueros y sus
áreas de reproducción, de gran importancia para toda la región caribeña, aumentando la cobertura de
protección y mantenimiento de ecosistemas, hábitats y valores naturales incluidos los de interés
comercial; desarrollar productos turísticos que sean armónicos con el medio ambiente, basado
fundamentalmente en el turismo de naturaleza. La instrumentación del proyecto consiste en crear
capacidades para la gestión de áreas marinas protegidas (AMPs) y costeras en los archipiélagos del sur de
Cuba, como parte del Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SNAP). Busca incrementar los territorios
con estatus de área protegida, para cubrir vacíos clave en cobertura de ecosistemas y promover
conectividad y eficiencia de manejo. El proyecto está estructurado en tres componentes técnicos
principales y un componente administrativo En el primer componente se busca ―Incrementar con AMPs y
áreas de manejo asociadas, la cobertura de ecosistemas prioritarios. El segundo componente tiene el
propósito de ―Fortalecer las estructuras de coordinación regional ya creadas y aumentar las capacidades
dentro y entre las AMPs y otras entidades que inciden en los archipiélagos del sur‖. El tercer componente
se encamina a la propuesta de mecanismos de planificación financiera e incremento de la coordinación y
asociación con sectores sociales y productivos para aumentar los ingresos financieros y los beneficios en
las AMPs mediante la identificación de alternativas productivas basadas en los servicios ecosistemicos.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Áreas marinas protegidas, manejo regional, Cuba
Page | 81
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
PLENARY: INVASIVE LIONFISH: THREATS AND SOLUTIONS
LA INVASIÓN DEL PEZ LEÓN: AMENAZAS Y SOLUCIONES
L’INVASION DE LIONFISH: LES MENACES ET LES SOLUTIONS
MARK HIXON
Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2538 McCarthy Mall, EDM 216, Honolulu,
Hawaii 96822 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) have now spread throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the greater
Caribbean region. Invasive lionfish are voracious and generalized predators of dozens of small fish
species (including the juveniles of important fishery species) and are seafloor habitat generalists
(occupying any available hard structure). Consequently, lionfish are known to have strong negative
effects on the abundance of native reef fishes, including documented extirpations (local extinctions). The
invaded ecosystem has offered little biotic resistance to the invader. Lionfish have low parasite loads,
they appear to outcompete similar-sized native piscivores, and they are largely immune to substantial
predation due to their venomous spines. The sole source of biotic resistance identified thus far has been
that high densities of Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) apparently interfere with the slowly stalking
feeding behavior lionfish. This phenomenon may explain reported negative correlations between lionfish
and grouper densities, yet lionfish displaced from reefs may target prey fish in surrounding seagrass beds.
Unfortunately, groupers are severely overfished throughout most of the invaded range. The primary
management approaches to address the invasion have been lionfish derbies and targeted fisheries. Derbies
have been successful in reducing the local abundance of lionfish. The fisheries approach will be most
successful if invasive lionfish become a popular? conservation dish? at expensive restaurants? (Save the
reef, eat lionfish?). Reports that lionfish are ciguatoxic should be reexamined to ensure that only cooked
flesh is tested because spine venom precursors in uncooked flesh can provide false positive tests for
ciguatera.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, invasive species, biotic resistance, grouper, derbies and fisheries
Page | 82
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Building an Effective Caribbean MPA Enforcement Program
La Construcción de un Programa del Caribe Efectiva MPA Cumplimiento
Construire un Programme Efficace Caraïbes MPA Application
JAYSON HORADAM* and EMMA DOYLE
MPA Enforcement International, LLC 422 Samar Avenue, Naples, Florida 34113 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
While Caribbean MPAs recognize the need for enforcement programs and personnel, effective and
practical implementation is often lacking. Many MPAs are unfamiliar with the elements necessary for the
successful protection of natural resources. Despite common challenges in an ecologically-connected
region, there is no one-size-fits-all enforcement solution for the MPA manager. As MPAs are created in
the region and more staff come onboard, it is imperative that managers provide proper training and
resources to their teams. With a growing profile for technology, managers need to understand potential
enforcement solutions. To help Caribbean MPA managers build their understanding in this field, this
presentation focuses on lessons learned from efforts with SPAW member countries on establishing
credible and effective compliance and enforcement programs. We draw especially on enforcement
assessments and practical training with MPA partners in Belize, The Bahamas, Grenada, and Jamaica. We
discuss how MPAs must understand the powers and authorities granted to them and others for natural
resource protection. Enhanced partnerships with Police Forces and the Defense Forces are often needed.
Proper procedures, continual training in policing procedures and enforcement techniques, understanding
rules and regulations, technology and equipment, evidence collection, and chain of custody are
components of a successful enforcement program. Standard Operation Procedures must be set in place
and adhered to. Outreach and education in support of building compliance must complement MPA
enforcement programs. Best practices exist, but their application requires an informed assessment of
regulations, infringements, enforcement capabilities and the legal context.
KEYWORDS: Enforcement, protection, regulations, education
Page | 83
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Biological and Economic Aspects of Management of the Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus)
Fishery of Antigua and Barbuda
Aspectos Biológicos y Económicos de la Gestión del Mero Cabrilla (Epinephelus guttatus)
Pesca de Antigua y Barbuda
Aspects Biologiques et Économiques de la Gestion de Mérou Couronne (Epinephelus
guttatus) Pêche d'Antigua-et-Barbuda
IAN HORSFORD
Fisheries Division, Point Wharf Fisheries Complex, St. John's, Antigua [email protected]
Page | 84
ABSTRACT
Catch and effort, biological cost, and earnings data for red hind were collected from commercial fishing
trips, export inspections and from processing plants in Antigua and Barbuda. The objectives were to: 1)
determine important biological parameters (spawning period, size of female maturity, size at sex reversal,
length-weight relationships, etc.); 2) determine trends and status of the fishery; 3) assess the financial
viability of the most typical fishing unit using net present value (NPV); and 4) appraise the economic
impact of a recently established closed season. Mean month index of the weight of the gonad as a
percentage of the body weight (Gonadosomatic Index) indicated a single distinct spawning period
spanning from December 1st to March 31st. In terms of status and trends, no significant negative trends
were detected for mean size landed or mean catch per unit effort. Positive NPV was generated for a
typical pirogue hand-liner, indicating that investment into the unit was a worthwhile venture. A stochastic
model of the unit, under condition of targeting an alternative species (yellowtail snapper) during the
closed season, did not generate a significantly increase in the probability of a negative return and profits
were comparable to those prior to the introduction of the closed season. Based on the theory that under an
open access management regime, profits tended to attract excessive effort, resulting in the depletion of
resource in the long run, the newly established closed season was consider an essential tool toward
ensuring the sustainability of the fishery.
KEYWORDS: Red hind, Antigua and Barbuda, fisheries management, closed season, economics
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Molecular Markers in Mithrax spinosissimus Lamarck 1818 (Decapoda: Mithracidae) from
Colombian Caribbean Islands: Application in Population Genetics, Phylogeography, and
Ecotoxicology Studies
Marcadores Moleculares en Mithrax spinosissimus Lamarck 1818 (Decapoda: Mithracidae)
de Islas del Caribe Colombiano: Aplicación en Estudios Genetico-Poblacionales,
Filogeográficos y Ecotoxicológicos
Marqueurs Moléculaires dans Mithrax Spinosissimus Lamarck 1818 (Decapoda:
Mithracidae) de Ïles des Caraïbes Colombiennes: Application dans Études Génétiques,
Phylogéographiques et Écotoxicologiques
JULIO HURTADO1*, NESTOR CAMPOS2, and EDNA MARQUEZ3
POSGRADO en Bosques y Conservacion Ambiental, Un - Programa De Biologia, Universidad Eafit,
Medel ,* [email protected], [email protected]
2
CECIMAR, Universidad Nacional De Colombia Sede Caribe
3
Universidad Nacional De Colombia Sede Medellin
1
ABSTRACT
Mithrax spinosissimus is an overexploited spider crab that inhabits coral and rocky reef ecosystems in the
Caribbean Sea and the Florida Keys in U.S. It possesses ecological and economical importance in
artisanal fisheries. There is a lack of information about molecular markers for conservation genetics,
phylogeography, and ecotoxicology studies. From October 2011 to March 2012 collections of muscle
tissues from M. spinosissimus were taken from oceanic and coastal islands from Colombian Caribbean.
We had sequenced and assembled the genome of a male crab using the 454 GS-FLX and MIRA3
software. We chose repetition motifs between 150 - 350 bp and we designed too species-specific primers
with PRIMER3. For population genetics analysis we tested 44 primer pairs, founding nine of them useful.
For the mitochondrial genome assembly, we carried out bioinformatics analyses and PCR procedures. For
phylogeography and genetic structure analysis we amplified sequences from mitochondrial regions COI
and D-loop. Both of the molecular markers assayed were useful to find population genetic structure and
phylogeographical differences of M. spinosissimus populations from Colombian Caribbean islands.
Finally, by using genetic databases and genome information from this crab as a model for gene detection,
we carried out a preliminary detection of genes from the Cytochrome P450 family for future testing of
crabs from polluted places. Our results could be important for the detection of genetic stocks of this
crustacean, and possibly too for future ecotoxicology studies. This work may be useful for management
recommendations for marine protected areas and their conservation.
KEYWORDS: Colombian Caribbean, spider crab , genetics and phylogeography, ecology, management
Page | 85
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Lessons from Samoa for Marine Science and Management
in Caribbean Small Island Developing States
Lecciones de Samoa para las Ciencias Marinas y la Gestión en los pequeños Estados
Insulares en Desarrollo de las Islas del Caribe
Leçons de Samoa pour les Sciences Marines et la Gestion dans les Petits États Insulaires
Caribéens
Page | 86
LORNA INNISS
Coastal Zone Management Unit , Barbados [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) was held in Apia, Samoa,
in September 2014. The topic of Oceans, Seas and Biodiversity was one of the prominent areas for multistakeholder partnership dialogue. The outcome document of the conference is the Small Island
Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway. In addition to the paragraphs
under the section on Oceans and Seas in the SAMOA Pathway, the discussions that took place at the
conference provide lessons for marine science and management in the Caribbean. We examine some of
these lessons in the context of an emerging agenda for sustainable development.
KEYWORDS: SIDS, Samoa, marine, science, lessons
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Challenge toward the Majoring Indirect Input on the Strengthening Fisher Cohesion
during FAD Co-Management Project CARIFICO
Desafía a la Entrada Indirecta con Especialización en la Cohesión Pescador
Fortalecimiento durante el Proyecto FAD Cogestión CARIFICO
Défiez vers l'Entré Indirecte Majeure sur la Cohésion Pêcheur Renforcer durant Projet
FAD Co-Gestion Carifico
MITSUHIRO ISHIDA* and NARIAKI MIKUNI
JICA-CARIFICO, Fisheries Division, Point Wharf Fisheries Complex, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
During the CARIFICO (Caribbean Fisheries Co-management) project, which the Caribbean Regional
Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) started activities
within six (6) of its sub-regional Member Countries from the 1st of May 2013 for 5-year period, the
project input were characterized two categories: one Direct input and another indirect. To evaluate the
trend of fisher cohesion toward FAD co-management process, project should have measure efficiency of
its indirect input. Direct input were fisher consultation, planning FAD management plan etc, which
project was able to assist, and indirect were supporting system for fish marketing, use of ice, etc, which
group work was the key activities and project was not able to support directory. Therefore, the project
target FAD fisher groups at Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada were interviewed,
and fisher consciousness toward the social cohesion was evaluated. FINDING: Observation valuable as
indirect input have pass to latent valuable social cohesion and project indirect input had been showing a
positive impact toward the strengthen of fisher social cohesion. The co-management success score and
strengthen pass coefficient could be compared the project staring period and its end. The survey should be
repeated and reanalyzed .
KEYWORDS: Co-management, social cohegion, FAD
Page | 87
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Diamond Back Squid Catch Data from 2011 to 2014 in the Waters of the Commonwealth of
Dominica
Diamond Back Calamar Captura de Datos desde 2011 Hasta 2014 en las Aguas del
Commonwealth de Dominica
Diamond Back Squid Données de Capture 2011-2014 Dans l'Eau de Commonwealth de la
Dominique
MITSUHIRO ISHIDA1*, ANDREW MAGLOIRE2, JULLAN DEFOE3, and VALCINA STOUTE3
JICA-Antigua Graduate School of Agricultural Life Sciences, Fisheries Division, Point Wharf Fisheries
Complex Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda *[email protected]
2
Fisheries Division, Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries,
Roseau Fisheries Complex Bldg., Roseau Dominica, W. I.
3
Defoe Roseau Fisheries Complex Bldg., Roseau Dominica, W. I.
1
ABSTRACT
Since Diamond Back Squid (DBS), Thysanoteuthis rhombus, had captured offshore Tobago
during the fishing operation by mid water long line for Tuna and Diamond Back Squid fishing
the April 2004 by Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute (CFTDI) and Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint program. Under collaboration with local
fisheries, agencies found it from offshore Jamaica to Tobago INFO. Now DBS caught in
Dominica are sold 12$EC, eastern Caribbean dollar per pound to Local market, Newtown
Fisheries Cooperative at Roseau city, and are sold 26$ECper pound for consumer after clean up.
Also DBS was exported to St. Lucia and Martinique for restaurant and hotel because of recent
demand for Sashimi and Sushi market demand. From May 2011 to August 2014 Dominica
Fishier and Fisheries Division continued working with local fishers to catch and to collect
biological data during its period. Total 50 fishing trip recorded and 80 DBS individual data
collected. In Dominica water DBS caught year round, which different than Japanese pacific
ocean INFO, where it caught a half of year. Sexuality rate is 50% male and other 50% female.
CPUE is higher during February to May, and this is the season of DBS catch in Dominica water.
However, DBS is un-utilized resources in Caribbean, but it is important to continue work with
regional fisheries organization to accumulate DBS catch data for better understanding its
resource and suggest a utilization and management program. The DBS in Pacific life cycle is one
year reproduction cycle INFO. We should look at its migration pattern.
KEYWORDS: Diamond Back Squid
Page | 88
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Restoring the Resilience of Caribbean Coral Reefs
Recobrando la Resilliencia de los Arrecifes Caribeños
La Restoration de la Résillence des Récifs Caraïbes
JEREMY JACKSON1* and MARY DONOVAN2
Smithsonian Institution, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 1817 Belmont Road, NW Washington, DC
20009 USA *[email protected]
2
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Biology Department,2538 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, Hawii HI 96822
1
ABSTRACT
We analyzed the status and trends of Caribbean reefs since 1970 based on > 35,000 quantitative surveys
at 90 locations in 33 countries. Coral cover declined from 39% to 17% but varies from 3% to 53%. Most
of the decline occurred after outbreaks of White Band Disease on Acropora in the 1970s to 1990s and
mass mortality of Diadema antillarum in 1983 - 1984. Collapse of Diadema precipitated large increases
in macroalgal abundance at most locations with a pervasive phase shift from coral to macroalgal
dominance. We investigated the relation between natural oceanographic variability, human population
density, fishing, and rising temperatures to coral decline using multivariate linear regression. Abundance
of grazers (parrotfish and Diadema) and human population density explain most of the variability with
oceanographic conditions and degree heating weeks as secondary factors. Trends in water quality are
poorly studied, but the long-term decline in water clarity in Belize and Puerto Rico, coupled with the
strong loading of human population density in the regression analyses, suggest that coastal pollution has
been important. The principal drivers of reef degradation so far have been local impacts of overfishing
and coastal development that are potentially reversible by local action. Scientists and conservationists
should focus more on achievable and actionable goals rather than whining about climate change they can
do little to reverse. Banning destructive fishing and strengthening coastal zone management would
increase resilience of Caribbean reefs to the inevitable future impacts of climate change.
KEYWORDS: Coral reefs, Caribbean, human impact, conservation, climate change
Page | 89
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Integrated Biogeographic Assessments: Objective Approaches for Managing Coastal
Resources and Conserving Biodiversity in Small Islands States
Las Evaluaciones Integradas Biogeográficas: Métodos Objetivos para el Manejo de los
Recursos Costeros y la Conservación de la Diversidad Biológica en los Pequeños Estados
Insulares
Biogéographique Intégrée Évaluations: Objectif Approches de Gestion des Ressources
Côtières et la Conservation de la Biodiversité dans les Petits États Insulaires
CHRISTOPHER JEFFREY1*, SIMON PITTMAN2, RANDALL CLARK3, and MARK MONACO1
1
NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 1305 East West Hwy. SSMC4, N/SCI-1 Silver
Spring, Maryland 20910 USA *[email protected]
2
Marine Institute, Plymouth University, c/o 13 Haddington Road, Plymouth PL2 1RP United Kingdom
3
NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 1021 Balch Blvd., Suite 1003, Stennis Space
Center, Mississippi 39529 USA
Page | 90
ABSTRACT
Caribbean coral ecosystems have deteriorated and now exhibit reduced coral cover. Also, many reefassociated fishes and invertebrates that maintain reef productivity also support livelihoods, and they have
become rare because of extractive multispecies fisheries. Moreover, these ecosystems are affected by
synergistic stressors operating at spatial scales much broader than their islands‘ political boundaries.
Island governments are augmenting traditional fisheries regulations with marine protected areas (MPAs)
to support alternative livelihoods and halt further degradation. Well designed and fully protected marine
reserves have successfullyincreased the abundance and diversity of marine life inside their boundaries.
However, MPA design and implementation often are driven by socio-political issues, and their long-term
success often is hindered by a paucity of appropriately scaled data on coastal resources. We demonstrate
the use of integrated biogeographic assessments to provide objective information frameworks for coastal
management and long-term conservation. In the Florida Keys archipelago, we integrated secondary data
on marine resources and human-uses to provide a systematic review of existing zoning regulations and
inform conservation decisions. In Northwestern Hawaii Islands, we integrated disparate information on
oceanography, seafloor habitats, and biological population distributions to support marine protection and
the addition of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to the United Nations World Heritage
Site List. For the Channel Islands in southern California, we integrated information on oceanography,
bathymetry, marine birds, fish, and invertebrates to evaluate six proposed management alternatives. These
case-studies demonstrate that integrated biogeographic assessments are applicable for resource
management and biodiversity conservation for Caribbean islands.
KEYWORDS: Integrated biogeographic assessment, Marine Protected Area, resource management, coral
reef, zoning
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
NOAA’s New Island-Wide Reef Fish and Coral Monitoring Program in the US Caribbean
Nuevos Peces de Arrecife de Toda La Isla y Coral en el Caribe Estados Unidos Programa
de Monitoreo de la NOAA
La NOAA Island-Wide Nouveaux Poissons de Récifs Coralliens et Programme de
Surveillance dans les Caraïbes Nous
CHRISTOPHER JEFFREY1* and RANDY CLARK2
1
NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 1305 East West Hwy. SSMC4, N/SCI-1 Silver
Spring, Maryland 20910 USA *[email protected]
2
NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 1021 Balch Blvd., Suite 1003, Stennis Space
Center, Mississippi 39529 USA
ABSTRACT
NOAA‘s Coral Reef Conservation Program has developed a national coral reef fish and coral monitoring
plan throughout the US Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean. The monitoring plan‘s goal is to use consistent
and standardized approaches to collect biological, oceanographic, and socioeconomic information at
island-wide scales to help coastal managers gauge the status, trends, and conditions of US coral reefs.
Biological monitoring of fish and benthic communities began in 2013; and will occur bi-annually in
Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Southeast Florida reef tract, and Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Sanctuary. Monitoring occurs through in-situ visual scuba surveys based on stratified random sampling
in hardbottom habitats at depths up to 100 ft (30.5 m). Abundance, and size structure of all fish species;
percent cover of dominant benthic organisms (corals, sponges, gorgonians, etc); and coral abundance, size
structure, and colony condition are being recorded. Additionally, fish diversity metrics (e.g. richness),
along with abundance and average size of key species (groupers/snappers) and trophic groups will be
derived as key indicators of ecosystem status. Collectively, these data will complement existing
jurisdictional monitoring to provide meaningful status and trends information for each island location.
Here, we present preliminary data from USVI 2013 surveys, provide guidance on logistics, coordination,
and partnership development, leveraging of resources to optimize monitoring efficiency, and demonstrate
the utility of these data to inform coastal managers.
KEYWORDS: Coral, NCRMP, monitoring, reef fish, sponges
Page | 91
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Barbuda Blue Halo Initiative: A Comprehensive, Science-Based Community-Driven
Approach to Sustainable Ocean Management
La Inciativa "Blue Halo" de Barbuda: Un Enfoque Exhaustivo, Cientificamente Basado y
Liderado por la Comunidad para un Manejo Marino Sostenible
L'Initiative Blue Halo de la Barbuda: Une Démarche Scientifique Conduite par les
Communautés Locales au Service de la Gestion Durable De l'Océan
AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON*
Waitt Institute, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Floor 3, Washington, D.C. 20009 USA
*[email protected]
Page | 92
ABSTRACT
How can we empower communities to restore their oceans? The Waitt Institute‘s answer is a new
initiative, currently being piloted in Barbuda as Barbuda Blue Halo. The goal is to develop island-scale,
community-driven ocean management plans that enable people to use the ocean in a way that is
simultaneously sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable. The approach centers on building broad and deep
consensus among stakeholders and providing a robust toolkit that can support decision-making based on
natural and social science data. The outcomes are envisioned to be a zoned ocean, improved regulation
and management of fisheries, and a plan to implement these measures. This talk will focus on lessons
learned from the stakeholder engagement process and the evolution from scientific recommendations to
locally-appropriate policy solutions. Barbuda is a case study for examining what happens when you
provide people with a robust toolkit that includes socioeconomics interviews, ecological assessment,
habitat mapping, zoning analysis, legal analysis, training to build local capacity, communications,
scientific monitoring, and enforcement support. How are these tools and data received, deconstructed, and
leveraged for policy-decisions? How can policies that support healthy oceans and coastal communities be
built to last? Can setting more comprehensive and ambitious conservation goals lead to more progressive
policies that have great benefits for society and ecosystems?
KEYWORDS: Ocean zoning, marine spatial planning, Barbuda, Waitt Institute
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Climate Change and the Equatorial Atlantic: Impacts on Fishery Important Habitat of the
Inter-American Seas
El Cambio Climático y el Atlántico Ecuatorial: Impactos en la Pesca del Hábitat
Importante de los Mares Interamericano
Le Changement Climatique et L'atlantique Équatorial: Impacts Sur la Pêche Habitat
Important des Mers Interaméricaine
DONALD JOHNSON1*, HARRIET PERRY2, and GUILLERMO SANCHEZ2
USM, 703 E. Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564 USA *[email protected]
2
GCRL, USM, 703 E. Beach Blvd., Ocean Springs. Mississippi 39564 USA
1
Page | 93
ABSTRACT
It is generally accepted that rising earth temperatures are producing large swings in ocean/atmosphere
dynamics, often with unexpected results in the biosphere. The recent ‗bloom‘ of pelagic sargassum in the
Caribbean and off West Africa is an example. Ocean waters which form the fishery important habitats of
the Inter-American Seas come principally from Atlantic equatorial currents together with currents
associated with the north Atlantic gyre. Initially, it was expected that large quantities of sargassum from
the Sargasso Sea, where it is commonly found in large mats, were involved in Caribbean and African
stranding. However, it now seems clear that blooming took place in the Atlantic Equatorial Current
systems, where it is commonly found in smaller quantities, but where enhanced growth and consolidation
is taking place. Iron rich African dust and nutrients from West African and equatorial upwelling along
with outflow of the Congo, Amazon, Orinoco, and other rivers contribute significantly to marine plant
growth in the equatorial Atlantic. Adversely, however, African dust has also been linked to the decline of
coral reefs through the introduction of anthropogenic pollutants as well as pathogenic microorganisms. In
this study we examine the coupled dynamics of the north Atlantic atmospheric/oceanic systems along
with forcing mechanisms and climate indices which describe variations over time. We examine some
aspects of fisheries than can be affected by these variations.
KEYWORDS: Climate change, Inter-American Seas
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Modeling a Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) Spawning Aggregation with
Passive Acoustic Telemetry on the Grammanik Bank, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Modelado de una Amarilla Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) Agregaciones Reproductivas
de Acoustic Telemetría Pasiva en el Banco Grammanik, St. Thomas, Islas Vírgenes
Estadounidenses
Modélisation d'un Albacore Mérou (Mycteroperca venenosa) Frai Agrégation avec Passif
Télémétrie Acoustique sur la Banque Grammanik, St. Thomas, Îles Vierges Américaines
JONATHAN JOSSART*, RICHARD NEMETH, AVRAM PRIMACK, and ROBERT STOLZ
University of the Virgin Islands, #2 John Brewers Bay, Center for Marine and Environmental Studies,
Charlotte Amalie, 00802 USVI *[email protected]
Page | 94
ABSTRACT
The yellowfin grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) forms transient Spawning Aggregations (SPAGs) on the
Grammanik Bank Marine Conservation District (MCD), St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands
(USVI), from January to May. As a result of heavy fishing pressure during spawning, a seasonal closure
from February 1st to April 30th of the Grammanik Bank MCD in 2005 and of yellowfin grouper in 2006
was established. To understand yellowfin grouper spawning and the seasonal closures effectiveness, a
passive acoustic telemetry array was active from 2007 to 2010 on the Grammanik Bank and nearby Hind
Bank MCDs with 20 yellowfin groupers tagged throughout that time. Studies of this SPAG have been
done using diver observation and recapture studies; however no detailed analysis has been done on the
passive acoustic data. The data is unwieldy to analyze and has a limited spatial extent resulting in a fish
leaving the array for long periods of time. Therefore, a model was created in ArcMap 10.2 that accounts
for the maximum distance the fish could have swam using average cruising speed to assign the missing
time to an area. The end result is a complete distribution map showing where each fish spent its time
during spawning. These maps are then averaged and compared statistically by numerous variables, such
as between sexes and by time inside the MCD. The results and methodology, applicable to other sets of
passive acoustic data, will contribute to the scientific knowledge of SPAGs and aid managers in the
USVI.
KEYWORDS: Yellowfin grouper, spawning aggregation, passive acoustic telemetry, marine protected
areas
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Evidence of Climate-Driven Ecosystem Reorganization in the Gulf of Mexico
Evidencia de la Reorganización del Ecosistema en el Golfo de México por Fuerzas
Climáticas
Preuve de Réorganisation Écosystémique Dans le Golfe du Mexique
MANDY KARNAUSKAS1*, MICHAEL SCHIRRIPA1, GEOFFREY COOK2, CHRIS KELBLE2, and
KEVIN CRAIG3
1
NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida 33149
USA *[email protected]
2
Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami Florida
33149 USA
3
NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, North Carolina
28516 USA
ABSTRACT
The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most ecologically and economically valuable marine ecosystems in the
world, and is affected by such natural and anthropogenic phenomena as climate, hurricanes, terrestrial
runoff, oil spills, and fishing. These complex and interacting stressors present challenges for the effective
management of its resources. Here, we analyze a compilation of over 100 indicators representing
physical, biological, and economic aspects of the Gulf of Mexico. We find that an ecosystem-wide
reorganization occurred in the mid-1990s. Further analysis of fishery landings composition data indicates
a major shift in the late-1970s coincident with the advent of US national fisheries management policy, as
well as significant shifts in the mid-1960s and the mid-1990s. These latter shifts are aligned with changes
in a major climate mode in the Atlantic Ocean: the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). We provide
an explanation for how the AMO may drive physical changes in the Gulf of Mexico, thus altering higherlevel ecosystem dynamics. Our study highlights the challenges in understanding the effects of climatic
drivers against a background of heavy anthropogenic influences, particularly in a system where these
forces interact in complex and nonlinear ways.
KEYWORDS: Gulf of Mexico, regime shift, fisheries management, indicator
Page | 95
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Historic Knowledge Use in Fisheries Habitat Mapping across The Bahamas: Ghost Stories,
Pioneering Angling Guides, Their Stories, Their Knowledge and Opportunities for
Resource Management
Utilización del Conocimiento Histórico en la Cartografía del Hábitat Pesquero a Través de
Las Bahamas: Ghost Stories, Guías de Pesca con Caña Pioneros, Sus Historias, Sus
Conocimientos y Oportunidades para la Gestión de Recursos
L'Utilisation des Connaissances Historiques dans la Pêche Cartographie des Habitats dans
Les Bahamas: Ghost Stories, Guides De Pêche à la Ligne d'Avant-Garde, Leurs Histoires,
Leurs Connaissances et Opportunités pour la Gestion des Ressources
TOM KARROW
University of Waterloo, College of the Bahamas, 200 University Ave., Waterloo, Ontario, Ontario
N2L3G1 Canada [email protected]
ABSTRACT
In the Bahamas, bonefishing tourism generates upwards of US$141 million annually, employing up to
80% of out-island residents, making conservation of Albula vulpes critical to Bahamians (Fedler 2010).
However, resource management is complex, frequently resulting in failure resulting from a host of
potential variables including: insufficient/inaccurate data, poor governance, or lack of consultation.
Resource managers are increasingly seeking alternative sources of data bolstering efforts to enhance
resource sustainability. Consequently, use of local knowledge has become increasingly important in
successful management. As Usher (2000) states, including local peoples in environmental assessment and
management is logical, for the obvious reason that they get to see things more often, for longer, and at
different times and places than is normally the case for scientists. This paper provides preliminary results
from dissertation research, which aims to generate fisheries habitat maps in the Bahamas through the
acquisition and application of local guide knowledge. Local knowledge is recognized to contribute
invaluable information from science, often filling gaps in understanding which ―traditional‖ science alone
is unable to generate (Bohensky and Maru 2011). Through participant GIS, elder guides were consulted,
and their extensive knowledge was accessed in efforts to gain new insights into the flats fisheries in the
Bahamas. Collaboration and consultation with locals helps to reduce barriers that exist between
academics and the public, it promotes greater participation, it strengthens decision/making, and fosters
greater long-term sustainability.
KEYWORDS: The Bahamas, bonefishing, PGIS, fisheries management, habitat mapping
Page | 96
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Do Artificial Reefs Sustain Communities Similar to Nearby Natural Reefs? A Seasonal
Study in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico
Sustentan Los Arrecifes Artificiales Comunidades Similares a las de Arrecifes Naturales
Cercanos? Un Estudio Estacional en el Noreste del Golfo de Mexico
Est-ce que les Récifs Artificiels Abritent les Mêmes Communautés que les Récifs Naturels
Alentours? Une Étude Saisonniére dans le Nord-Est du Golfe du Mexique
KELLY KINGON1*, CHRISTOPHER KOENIG2, CHRISTOPHER STALLINGS3, KARA WALL2, and
CATHERINE SANDON4
1
University of Trinidad and Tobago, Marine Sciences Programme, 2nd Ave. N Western Main Rd.,
Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago *[email protected]
2
Florida State University, Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Highway 98, St. Teresa, Florida 32358
USA3University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, Florida
33701 USA
4
Birmingham-Southern College, 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35254 USA
ABSTRACT
The importance of nearshore reefs in providing habitat for fishes and macro-invertebrates has been well
established, but the differences between natural and artificial reef communities is poorly understood. The
objective of this study was to determine whether seasonal fish and macro-invertebrate assemblages
differed between natural and artificial reefs in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. We describe the seasonal
distribution and abundance of fishes in addition to the living and structural habitat characteristics of three
reef types (high-relief natural (> 0.5 m), low-relief natural (< 0.5 m), and artificial reefs) in four spatial
blocks. A 1-km x 1-km area around each reef was mapped with sidescan sonar which provided the
positions of the habitat structures in the area. Five sampling stations were randomly selected within each
of the three reef types in each block (15 sampling stations within each block). Stations were surveyed
each season from summer 2012 to summer 2014 using the point-count method of Bohnsack-Bannerot
(1989) plus drop cameras to assess fish diversity and abundance. Sessile macro-invertebrates were
quantified from quadrat photos taken along three random 30-m transects in each habitat type of each
block seasonally. Results show differences in fish communities between natural and artificial reefs,
among different types of reef structures, and seasonally. Pelagic species were more common at artificial
reef sites and fish abundances were higher. Black Seabass were seen almost exclusively on natural reefs.
This research will inform future artificial reef deployments so they can more closely meet their intended
purposes, e.g. for mitigation or stock enhancement.
KEYWORDS: Artificial reefs, hardbottom habitat, reef fish, sidescan sonar, Gulf of Mexico
Page | 97
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Loss of Coastal Mangroves on the Island of New Providence, The Bahamas
La Pérdida De Los Manglares Costeros de la Isla de Nueva Providencia, Bahamas
Disparition Des Mangroves Côtières de l'Ïsle de New Providence, Bahamas
LINDY KNOWLES
Bahamas National Trust, Village Road, Nassau, NP N4105 The Bahamas [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The mangrove forests, formerly called the swamp lands, of the Bahamian islands have been subjected to
needs of a growing population and have been lost in the face of unsustainable development. These areas
are historically prime real estate for development: filled in to create land, dredged for marinas and
fragmented for roads. These areas are also utilized for fishing. The functionality of these degraded
mangroves is reduced and habitat for fish is diminished as well. These mangroves function as a nursery
habitat for the reef fish surrounding the islands of the Bahamas and protect the investments of those who
utilize these areas. A reduced fish habitat impacts the overall quality of the fishing industry. Given the
important nature of these habitats, each time the ecosystem is degraded the fishing industry feels the
impact; albeit long term. The island of New Providence is no different. The city of Nassau houses roughly
2/3‘s of the Bahamian population. The island of New Providence has seen many key mangrove habitats
destroyed, fragmented, and degraded during this time. The combination of habitat degradation, increased
populations, and increased fishing pressure over the last 50+ years has impacted the quality of the fish on
the reefs surrounding New Providence. This presentation aims to quantify the area of fisheries habitat lost
on the island of New Providence as a result of unsustainable development and show projects and
programmes that aim to change the fate of these ecosystems.
KEYWORDS: Mangrove, habitat change
Page | 98
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Age and Growth Comparisons of Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, on the Natural
Shelf-Edge Reefs in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Comparaciones de Edad y Crecimiento de Pargo Rojo, Lutjanus campechanus, sobre los
Arrecifes de Plataforma de Última Generación Natural, en el Norte del Golfo de México
Âge et la Croissance des Comparaisons de Vivaneau Rouge, Lutjanus campechanus, sur les
Récifs de Gondole Naturel Dans le Nord du Golfe du Mexique
MARSHALL KORMANEC
Louisiana State University, 4049 Claycut Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 USA
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the differences in age distributions and growth models for red snapper, Lutjanus
campechanus, occupying the shelf-edge natural reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The four natural
reefs chosen for sampling were; Bright (n = 215), Jakkula (n = 81), McGrail (n = 27) and Midnight
Lumps (n = 42) reefs. Sagittal otoliths were sectioned transversely, as described in Cowan et al. (1995).
Marginal increment analysis was used to determine edge conditions using the method laid out by
Beckman et al. (1981). Age estimations were calculated according to the work done by Wilson 2001.
Mean length-at-age for each reef was tested using the ANCOVA procedure. Von Bertalanffy growth
models were compared using a maximum likelihood ratio test with a large chi-square approximation. Red
snapper ages ranged from 1 to 26 (1987 - 2010 cohorts) years of age with the majority (91.69%) of
individuals between 4 to 9 years (2001 - 2009 cohorts) of age. The mean age for all sites combined was
7.21 years with few red snapper older than 10 years of age (3.33%). The 2006-year class dominated the
distribution (22.98%), consistent with previous studies. Maximum likelihood analysis revealed significant
differences between Linf among reefs, while the growth rate k (p = 0.2815) did not differ. This study
found a significantly higher growth rate (k) and significantly lower Linf , both east and west of the
Mississippi river and between the commercial and recreation fisheries. Differences in growth rates
between sites may be a result of the various biological assemblages at each reef site.
KEYWORDS: Red snapper, shelf-edge , reefs, age, growth
Page | 99
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Effects of Habitat Complexity on Reef Fish Assemblages Associated with Northwest Gulf of
Mexico Banks
Efectos de la Complejidad del Habitat en Conglomerados de Peces Asociados con los
Bancos Existentes en el Noroeste del Golfo de México
Les Effets de la Complexité de l'Habitat sur l'Assemblage de Poissons de Récif Tropicaux
Associés avec les Rives du Nord-Ouest du Golfe du Mexique
TODD LANGLAND* and JAMES COWAN
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The naturally occurring reefs and banks of the northwest Gulf of Mexico provide important habitat for a
variety of commercially and recreationally important reef fish species. Exploratory studies of the banks
have observed distinct zonation of benthic habitat characteristics (substrate, relief, epibenthic biota) and
the associated fish communities. This study provides new information about the influence of benthic
habitat complexity on defining reef fish assemblages associated with natural hard-bottom banks. Video
footage was collected with high definition stereo camera arrays at a variety of habitats on three prominent
banks and one artificial reef. Videos were analyzed for fish species composition and abundance, as well
as a variety of habitat characteristics. We found that the measured aspects of habitat complexity were
similar within a given habitat zone and significantly different between zones (F = 11.5, p = 0.001).
Similarly, the habitat zone within which a survey was conducted played a significant role in defining the
fish species and relative abundances observed (F = 2.49, p = 0.02). The zonation of complexity
characteristics and fish assemblages was consistent across study sites. Distance-based linear modeling
showed that quantitative complexity characteristics explained a significant proportion of the variance in
observed fish assemblages. These results suggest distinct structuring of fish communities at relatively
small scales, dependent on benthic habitat zonation and the underlying environmental and habitat
characteristics.
KEYWORDS: Reef fish, video, community, habitat, banks
Page | 100
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Proposal for Authentic Sustainability of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) Harvest
Una Propuesta para la Sostenibilidad Autentico de la Concha de la Reina (Strombus gigas)
de la Cosecha
Une Proposition pour un Developement Durable Authentique du Lambi Recolte (Strombus
gigas)
DIANNE LAWRENCE
Strombus Gigas Alliance, Unit 555 Quicksilver, San Pedro Town, AC 000000 Belize
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
I will introduce Strombus Gigas Alliance (SGA) to the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute and its
members. We will describe the current state of the conch harvest (Belize), habitat shrinkage,
disproportionate waste, the lowering of catch quotas and the effect on the culture and livelihoods if
authentic sustainable harvest is not implemented. CITES regulations inhibit governmental policies to
address these issues sufficiently. Currently, the waste of the harvest is 85 - 92%, saving only the cleaned
white fillet for export. By implementing collection practices, barge and shore landing of the whole
animal, the waste is reduced to 8 - 15%, and the majority of the mollusk is used (Bahamas). The dirty
meat can be used as animal feed and fertilizer, the operculum for handicrafts, and the shells for a myriad
of artisanal uses and aggregate components. Part one of our plan details how to involve fishers of Belize
and the conch harvesting nations of the Caribbean to save the discards of the harvest (by-products) and
provide a lifelong secondary income stream for fisher-folk and their families. Part two of our plan is to
use five decades of discards from the shallows of the sea while cleaning up the conch habitat and creating
employment. The difficulty this plan addresses is that CITES has governance of all derivatives (byproducts) of the Strombus gigas, thus hindering international trade with other Caribbean nations and the
global marketplace.
KEYWORDS: Conch, livelihood, CITES, sustainable, derivatives
Page | 101
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Method to Measure Social Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity to Climate Variability in
Coastal Communities of the Dominican Republic
Un Método para Medir la Vulnerabilidad Social y la Capacidad de Adaptación a la
Variabilidad del Clima en las Comunidades Costeras de la República Dominicana
Une Méthode pour Mesurer la Vulnérabilité Sociale et la Capacité d'Adaptation à la
Variabilité Climatiques dans les Communautés Côtières de la Republique Dominicaine
HILARY LOHMANN
University of Rhode Island, Reef Check Dominican Republic, 160 Ashland Road Summit, New Jersey
07901 USA [email protected]
Page | 102
ABSTRACT
This study modifies the IUCN's (2010) Framework for Social Adaptation to Climate Change: Sustaining
Tropical Coastal Communities and Industries. It assesses resource dependency to evaluate the adaptive
capacity of Dominican Republic coastal communities to adapt to climate variability. It focuses on both
direct and indirect marine resource users/dependents and considers their vulnerability to climate change.
The capacity of natural-resource dependent communities to adapt to unavoidable climate impacts requires
immediate attention because global changes in climate patterns alter the accessibility, quality, and
availability of natural resources. This impacts social and economic systems. This study utilizes a survey
method to assess this capacity at the individual and household levels in Dominican coastal communities.
This study focuses on the impacts to communities as integrated systems of individuals with diverse
livelihoods that rely on natural resources either directly (e.g. fishers, tour operators) or indirectly (e.g.
restaurateurs, hoteliers, shop keepers). Social, economic, and environmental characteristics determine the
capacity to cope with, adapt to, and take advantage of climate variability. This study measures these
indicators.
KEYWORDS: Adaptive capacity, vulnerability, climate change, resource dependence, coastal
communities
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Distribución del Pulpo Rojo Octopus maya Frente a la Costa de Sisal, Yucatán, México
Red Octopus Octopus maya Distribution in front of the Sisal Coast, Yucatán, Mexico
Distribution du Poulpe Rouge Octopus maya en face du Côte de Sisal, Yucatan, Mexique
JORGE LOPEZ-ROCHA1* and JOSÉ RAMÓN BLANCAS-GARCÍA2
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Puerto de abrigo s/n Sisal, Yucatan 97356
Mexico * [email protected]
2
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional
Autónoma de México, Sisal, Yucatán 97130 México
1
RESUMEN
La pesca del pulpo rojo Octopus maya es de suma importancia para la península de Yucatán, ya que es
una especie endémica, de alto valor económico y que es aprovechada principalmente por la flota ribereña
de la región. En este sentido, el objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la pesquería de pulpo en Sisal, Yucatán,
con el fin de generar conocimiento que pueda ayudar al mejoramiento del actual esquema de manejo de la
pesquería. La evaluación de la pesquería del pulpo O. maya en el puerto de Sisal, Yucatán, México, se
realizó a través del análisis de la variación espacio-temporal de la distribución y abundancia de la
población y de su capturabilidad por sector de población durante la temporada de pesca 2011 (agosto –
diciembre). Los resultados mostraron que los meses de septiembre, octubre y noviembre fueron los de
mayor abundancia de O. maya. Se determinó una mayor abundancia de juveniles durante agosto y
septiembre en zonas ubicadas al este del puerto de Sisal. La mayor abundancia de organismos adultos se
presentó en zonas alejadas al puerto de Sisal, sin embargo durante el mes de noviembre se presentaron los
valores más elevados en zonas cercanas al puerto. Fueron notables los altos valores de capturabilidad en
agosto, en especial para los juveniles en profundidades menores de 15 m. Los resultados se consideran
relevantes para el manejo pesquero, recomendándose la creación de una zona de refugio pesquero frente a
la costa de Sisal para la protección de juveniles.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Área de refugio pesquero, distribución espacial, capturabilidad, manejo pesquero,
pulpo rojo
Page | 103
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Distribución Espacial de la Capturabilidad del Pulpo Rojo Octopus maya en la Península de
Yucatán, México
Red Octopus Octopus maya Spatial Catchability Distribution in the Yucatan Peninsula,
Mexico
Distribution Spatiale du Capturabilite du Poulpe Rouge Octopus maya dans la Péninsule du
Yucatan, Mexique
JORGE A. LOPEZ-ROCHA1*, MIGUEL GAMBOA-ÁLVAREZ2, and GASPAR POOT-LÓPEZ3
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigaciónes, Puerto de abrigo s/n Sisal, Yucatan 97356
Mexico *[email protected]
2
Posgrado Institucional en Manejo de Recursos Naturales Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán
Mérida Yucatán 97315 México
3
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán
97315 Mexico
1
RESUMEN
El coeficiente de capturabilidad es un elemento clave en la evaluación de stocks debido a que es una
medida de la interacción entre la vulnerabilidad del recurso y la eficacia del arte de pesca, el análisis de la
capturabilidad permite esclarecer aspectos conductuales del recurso y cualidades de las diversas
estrategias de explotación, fundamentos esenciales para la explotación sustentable de los recursos
pesqueros. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar la distribución espacial de la capturabilidad del
pulpo rojo Octopus maya en Yucatán, México, para entender aspectos clave de la dinámica espacial de
O. maya. Se utilizó información de captura por unidad de esfuerzo (número de organismos por hora
efectiva de pesca) por clase de talla de la flota ribereña que operó en a lo largo de la costa noroeste de la
península de Yucatán durante la temporada de pesca de 2012 (agosto- diciembre). Se realizó un análisis
de las desviaciones de la capturabilidad por talla por zona con respecto a la capturabilidad promedio de
toda el área de estudio. Los resultados muestran dos zonas de alta capturabilidad, los pulpos de tallas más
grandes presentaron mayor capturabilidad en la región nor-oriental de la península, mientras que los
organismos de tallas pequeñas fueron más vulnerables en la región sur-oeste. Los resultados reflejan
aspectos importantes de la dinámica espacial de O. maya lo que es importante para el manejo de la
pesquería.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Variación espacial, vulnerabilidad, capturabilidad, captura por unidad de
esfuerzo, pesquería de pequeña escala
Page | 104
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Aspects of the Fishery Biology of Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) at Bermuda
Aspectos de la Biología Pesquera de Mero Negro (Mycteroperca bonaci) En Las Bermudas
La Biologie de la Pêche du Mérou Noir (Mycteroperca bonaci) Aux Bermudes
1
BRIAN LUCKHURST1* and TAMMY TROTT2
Via della Chiesa Acqualoreto, Umbria 05023 Italy *[email protected]
2
Marine Resources Division, Bermuda 2-4
ABSTRACT
Black grouper are an historically important species in Bermuda‘s reef fishery, but until recently
little was known of their biology. They were taken in large numbers by fish pots in the 1970s
but landings declined dramatically before partially recovering in the 1980s. With only hook-andline fishing permitted since the Fish Pot Ban of 1990, landings remained relatively low until a
gear innovation (trolling) in 2001 increased catchability and landings rose substantially. The
need for detailed biological information for management of this revitalized fishery prompted the
current study. Black grouper were found to be protogynous hermaphrodites transforming from
female to male in the size range 110 – 120 cm FL (22 – 29 kg). Transverse sections of polished
otoliths (sagittae) were used to estimate age. Black grouper are relatively slow-growing and
long-lived. Our oldest specimen was 33 years old and the age at sexual transition was
approximately 11 - 14 years. This information is pivotal in understanding the population
structure and, as black groupers form spawning aggregations in Bermuda, these aggregation sites
are seasonally closed to all fishing to protect the spawning population.
KEYWORDS: Black grouper, fishery, reproduction, age and growth, Bermuda
Page | 105
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Marine Stewardship Council: Sustainable Fisheries Recognized through Scientific
Assessments, Certification and Fishery Improvement Projects
Marine Stewardship Council: Pesquerías Sostenibles Reconocidas a través de Evaluaciones
Científicas, Certificación y Proyectos de Mejoramiento de Pesquerías
Marine Stewardship Council : Reconnaitre les pêcheries durables par les évaluations
scientifiques, la certification et les projets d’améliorations de pêcheries
JAY LUGAR
Marine Stewardship Council, 2110 N. Pacific Street, Suite 102, Seattle, WA 98103 USA
jay.lugar@msc,org
ABSTRACT
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an independent third-party certification and ecolabel program
with a scientifically robust standard and methodology to assess wild-caught fisheries. MSC is a marketbased program designed to recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices through purchasing
decisions made by buyers and consumers. The MSC works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
The MSC standard is used to assess the health of the stock, ecosystem impacts and management practices,
and it can be a useful performance evaluation tool to leverage improvements in fisheries. Fisheries in the
Developing World may not be ready to meet the MSC standard at this time, but may nevertheless wish to
improve to the point where MSC certification could be attained. For these fisheries, an important option
is to participate in a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP). A FIP unites stakeholders to work
collaboratively to improve practices and management with the goal of achieving MSC certification. The
MSC developed a Benchmarking Tool that can be used objectively to chart progress by a FIP against the
MSC standard. Through FIPs, assessments, and certification, the MSC program has become an important
instrument to promote and achieve consistency in ecological and management outcomes across the
international fishery management landscape.
KEYWORDS: MSC, certification, FIP, accessibility, stewardship
Page | 106
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Isolating the Effect of Artisanal Fishing on an Intertidal Gastropod in the Caribbean
Aislando el Efecto de la Pesca Artesanal en un Gasterópodo Intermareal en el Caribe
Isoler l'Effet de la Pêche Artisanale sur un Gastéropode Intertidal dans les Caraïbes
J.A. MACFARLAN*, GRAHAM FORRESTER, and ELIZABETH MCLEAN
University of Rhode Island, Department of Natural Resources Science, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston,
Rhode Island 02881 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Small-scale fisheries in the Caribbean are important to coastal communities, but their effects on exploited
populations are notoriously hard to quantify. We evaluated the effect of artisanal and recreational fishing
on populations of a large tropical intertidal gastropod, Cittarium pica, in Puerto Rico and the British
Virgin Islands. C. pica is argued to be the third most important marine invertebrate landed in the
Caribbean following spiny lobster and queen conch. It is widely held that C. pica populations are in
decline from overfishing, but fishers also believe that coastal development has impacted populations.
Circumstantial evidence for overfishing is that C. pica are rare and small in size on sheltered shores,
which are easy for fishers to access. It is, however, unclear whether C. pica are more common and larger
on exposed shores because of reduced fishing pressure in these areas, or whether C. pica is simply
responding to a natural gradient in wave forces. By surveying sites that spanned gradients in both access
by fishers and exposure to prevailing sea conditions, we found that fishing access is at least partly
responsible for declines in abundance and body size on shores that are sheltered and/or easy to access on
foot. Despite size-regulations and a closed season, chronic over-harvesting of C. pica is occurring at
some sites, and we consider possible alternative management strategies for C. pica to ensure sustainable
long-term exploitation.
KEYWORDS: Small-scale, artisanal, whelk, management, intertidal
Page | 107
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
An Ethnographic and Ecological Study of the Artisanal Fishery for Cittarium pica in
Puerto Rico
Un Estudio Etnográfico y Ecológica de la Pesquería Artesanal de Cittarium pica en Puerto
Rico
Une Étude Ethnographique et Écologique de la Pêche Artisanale pour Cittarium pica à
Puerto Rico
J.A. MACFARLAN*, ELIZABETH MCLEAN, GRAHAM FORRESTER, and CARLOS GARCIAQUIJANO
University of Rhode Island, Department of Natural Resources Science, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston,
Rhode Island 02881 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Cittarium pica, commonly known in Puerto Rico as ‗Burgao‘, has been hand-collected in the Caribbean
for thousands of years and is considered an important artisanal fishery. Despite its importance and
concerns about overfishing there have been limited studies of its ecology or socio-economic value. C.
pica is a slow moving and conspicuous grazer with a limited intertidal habitat range which are likely
factors contributing to the perception that the species is being overfished. Via an interdisciplinary
approach based on deep ethnography, structured open-ended interviews, and classical intertidal field
techniques, we focused on three areas in Puerto Rico to study the fishery. We interviewed a total of 46
commercial fishers, 22 recreational fishers, and 8 restaurant owners. We sampled 19 intertidal sites as
well as legally landed and poached catches of C. pica. We recorded local ecological knowledge, fishing
techniques, uses for both shells and meat, as well as the cultural and economic value of the species within
small fishing communities. We found that the status of the population of C. pica, and the distribution
networks are difficult to identify, C. pica populations are patchily distributed in space, individual fishers
are rare, and fishing effort is episodic. C. pica‘s value fluctuates dependent on the size of the snail and the
form in which it is sold. Fishers in general perceive that the species is in decline and that regulations are
not working.
KEYWORDS: Burgao, artisanal, livelihood, ethnography, ecology
Page | 108
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Capacity Building in Marine Protected Areas and Connectivity in the Mesoamerican
Barrier Reef System: Larval Fish Recruitment
Fomento de Capacidades en Areas Marinas Protegidas dentro del Arrecife
Mesoamericano: Reclutamiento de Peces
ESTRELLA MALCA1*, LOURDES VASQUEZ-YEOMANS2, CLAUDIO GONZALEZ3, LAURA
CARRILLO-BIBRIEZCA2, FELIPE ELOY SOSA-CORDERO2, and MARIA JOSE GONZALEZ3
1
University of Miami, CIMAS NOAA, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, Florida 33149 USA
*[email protected]
2
El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
3
Mesoamerican Reef Fund, Guatemala
ABSTRACT
The Mesoamerican Reef region (MAR) connects Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, countries
with cultural heritage and ecological resources shared by its people. Key resources such as reef health and
fisheries have declined steadily, and while Marine Protected Areas (MPA) have been established, little is
known about trends in recruitment of reef fishes in MPAs. Monitoring recruitment is fundamental but
difficult in remote areas, thus capacity building is the first step to assess reef fish recruitment. A
simultaneous capacity and research effort was carried out in multiple MPAs in September 2013, February
2014, and August 2014 to assess the arrival of juvenile fishes into MPAs. Firstly, to train MPA
practitioners and enhance local expertise, fishery biologists, taxonomists, oceanographers, and managers
carried out workshops. Water column collectors were deployed overnight for at least five days at each
site, and fish were collected in the morning. 603 fish were captured during the first two exercises
belonging to 20 families, 27 genera and 34 species. Active recruitment into MPAs was documented, as
most fish were post-larvae to early juveniles. The most abundant families were wrasses, jacks and grunts.
Wrasses were represented by five species; the most abundant was Halichoeres socialis. Results of the
connectivity exercises were successful with full participation of all countries and enhanced capacity
among neighbor countries. As a result of our capacity building efforts, additional exercises have been
launched and increased activities related to connectivity research that are crucial for the conservation and
management of reef fishes in the Mesoamerican Region.
KEYWORDS: MPA, recruitment, capacity, larval fish
Page | 109
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Understanding the Social Dimensions of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Jamaica: An
Assessment of Fishers' Perceptions and Attitudes towards Special Fishery Conservation
Areas (SFCAs) across the Island
Entender la Dimensiones Sociales de Áreas Marinas Protegidas (AMPs) en Jamaica : Una
Evaluación de Percepciones y Actitudes Hacia los Pescadores Especiales áreas de
Conservación de Pesca (SFCAs) a Traves de la Isla
Comprendre Les Dimensions Sociales des Aires Marines Protégéss (AMP) en Jamaïque:
Une Évaluation des Perceptions et des Attitudes Pêcheurs Vers les Zones Spéciales de
Conservation Pêche (SFCAs) à Travers l'Île
TASHANA MALCOLM1* and DONOVAN CAMPBELL2
University of the West Indies, Caribsave, 21/2 Kingsway unit 27, Devon House East, Kingston 10,
Jamaica *[email protected]
2
Caribsave, 21/2 Kingsway unit 27, Devon House East, Kingston 10, Jamaica
1
ABSTRACT
With the most overfished waters in the English-speaking Caribbean, Jamaica is a classic case of a fishery
and marine biodiversity in crisis - a situation which prompted the establishment of a network of Special
Fishery Conservation Areas (SFCAs). This response strategy has received strong support from the
Jamaican government and local environmental NGOs. However, the SFCAs have also resulted in
displacement and marginalization of many fishers across the island. While the ecological benefits of
SFCAs are well established, there is a paucity of research on its social dimensions in Jamaica and the
wider Caribbean. In this paper we utilize the knowledge, experience and perceptions of 240 fishers from 9
communities adjacent to SFCAs to document the implications of SFCAs for fisheries livelihoods. The
results show that most fishers understand the ecological benefits of SFCAs but are more concerned about
the socio-economic challenges arising from displacement. Fishers' perceptions vary according to socioeconomic characteristics and fishing practices, with spear, net, and older fishers experiencing the most
serious livelihood challenges, and as such, are generally less supportive of the SFCAs. The results show
that relative awareness of the rules and of the ecological benefits of SFCAs have limited influence on the
level of support for the SFCAs from displaced fishers. The overall analysis indicates an urgent need to
establish livelihood support programs for displaced groups of fishers across the island.
KEYWORDS: Marine Protected Areas, displacement, livelihoods, governance, management
Page | 110
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
ICT in Small Scale Fisheries: Linking Governance, Livelihoods, and Organizations
Las Tic en la Pesca Artesanal: Vinculación de Gobierno, Modos de Vida y Organizaciones
Tic Dans la Pêche Artisanale: Relier la Gouvernance, les Moyens de Subsistance et les
Organisations
KIM MALLALIEU1* and CANDICE SANKARSINGH2
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine,
Trinidad and Tobago *[email protected]
2
University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
1
ABSTRACT
In this contribution, small scale fishers are the focal point for contemplating solutions to the vexing
confluence of competing interests between stakeholders at the micro and macro levels of the marine
resource. Building on the notion of the vertical value chain, the paper highlights a compelling need for a
tiered multi-dimensional strategy capable of producing operational, informational, and organizational
value to small scale fisheries livelihoods through the use of development-focused ICTs. The paper
proposes a model and supporting framework for the operationalization, integration, adoption, and
management of information and communication technology (ICT) interventions aimed at bridging and
enhancing meaningful exchanges between these users and other stakeholders to achieve shared aims of
the marine resource.
KEYWORDS: Development-focused ICTs, small scale fisheries
Page | 111
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Resultados Principales De Planificación, Manejo y Monitoreo en el Área Marina Protegida
del Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes, Cuba
Main Results of Planning, Management and Monitoring in Marine Protected Area
Guanahacabibes National Park, Cuba
Principaux Résultats de la Planification, la Gestion et le Suivi en Aire Marine Protégée du
Parc National De Guanahacabibes, Cuba
LÁZARO MÁRQUEZ LLAUGER* and DORKA COBIAN ROJAS
Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes, ECOVIDA-CITMA, Villa Bolívar, No. 8 Sandino, P. del Río 24120
Cuba *[email protected]
Page | 112
RESUMEN
Se presentan los principales resultados obtenidos en la planificación, manejo y monitoreo en el área
marina del Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes. El trabajo destaca elementos singulares de los procesos de
planificación participativa que han tenido lugar con intervención de las comunidades, actores del
desarrollo económico local, autoridades del gobierno e instituciones científicas bajo la coordinación de la
administración del área protegida y muestra las experiencias y lecciones aprendidas durante las diferentes
fases de la planificación. Se presentan los más significativos resultados de la ejecución de los programas
de manejo y los impactos en la conservación de los valores naturales que caracterizan al área. El trabajo
destaca de manera particular los resultados obtenidos a partir de la ejecución de los programas de
investigación científica y monitoreo que se enfocan esencialmente hacia ecosistemas prioritarios y hacia
especies claves, lo que ha permitido ampliar el conocimiento sobre los diferentes componentes de la
biodiversidad, completar los vacíos de información identificados y diseñar acciones de manejo bajo un
sólido fundamento científico. Se exponen los aspectos básicos contenidos en el sistema de evaluación de
la efectividad de manejo del área mediante criterios e indicadores de gestión en los cuatro ámbitos
identificados, se muestran los resultados de su evolución en los últimos cinco años y se presentan las
medidas correctivas aplicadas y su expresión en el plan de manejo del área.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Gestión coordinada, planificación participativa, efectividad de manejo
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Preliminary Survey of Epibiota in Queen Conch, Lobatus gigas, from Two Protected Areas
of the Dominican Republic: Jaragua and Montecristi National Parks
Muestreo Preliminar de la Epibiota del Lambí, Lobatus gigas de dos Areas Marinas
Protegidas de la Republica Dominicana; Parques Nacionales Jaragua y Montecristi
Un Échantillonnage Préliminaire de l'Epibiota du Lambí, de Lobatus gigas de Deux Aires
Marines Protégées de la République Dominicaine; Les Parcs Nationaux Jaragua et
Montecristi
JEANNETTE MATEO1*, JULIO CESAR TEJEDA2, ENMANUEL MONTERO2, TARSIS
ALCÁNTARA2 and CÉSAR MATEO1
1
School of Biology, Universidad autonoma de Santo Dominingo, Council for Fishery and Aquaculture,
Edif. Secretaría de Agricultura, Km 61/2 Carret. Duarte. Los Jardines del Norte, Ciudad Universitaria,
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic *[email protected]
2
CODOPESCA, Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, Ciudad Universitaria, km 6.5. Aut. Duarte,
Building Ministry of Agriculture. Los Jardin Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
ABSTRACT
The preliminary results of studies carried out during years 2005, 2013, and 2014 on several population
segments of the queen conch, Lobatus gigas, in the marine areas of Jaragua National Park and Montecristi
National Park, at the Southwest and Norther borders of Dominican Republic and Haiti are presented. Data
from 2005 were gathered within the framework of the FAO- funded project ―Improvement of information
and trends on capture fishery of queen conch, Lobatus gigas, in Central America and the Caribbean‖.
Results showed relevant morphological variations in relation to other individuals sampled from other
parts of the country. Morphometric and epibiota data in individuals of Lobatus gigas were collected
during years 2013 and 2014 as part of the activities within the project ―Evaluation of queen conch,
Strombus gigas‘ populations in two protected areas of Dominican Republic: Jaragua National Park and
Montecristi‘s National Park‖, which is being implemented with financial support of FONDOCyT. Partial
results showed a marked presence of common epibionts especially on sub-adults and adults of queen
conch coming from Jaragua and a shift in those coming from Montecristi for year 2005 against years
2013 - 2014. Encrusting sponges were the dominant group but also green algae, bryozoans, corals and
marine tube worms were commonly found at the dorsal, external part of the conch shells. The role of the
queen conch shells in the recruitment and transport of other organisms of marine flora and fauna in
Jaragua and Montecristi‘s protected marine parks is discussed.
KEYWORDS: queen conch, epibiont, MPA, Jaragua, Montecristi
Page | 113
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Portrait of the Ornamental Commercial Fishery of Puerto Rico during 2010 - 2013
Retrato de la Pesqueria Comercial Ornamental de Puerto Rico, durante 2010 - 2013
Portrait De L'ornement De La Pêche Commerciale De Porto Rico Pendant 2010 - 2013
DANIEL MATOS-CARABALLO1*, LUIS ALMODOVAR2, KEISHLA CORCHADO2, LUIS RIVERAPADILLA2 and JESÚS LEON-FERNANDEZ2
1
DNER, Fisheries Reseach Laboratory, P.O. Box 3665, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00681 USA
*[email protected]
2
Fisheries Research Laboratory, Mayaguez Puerto Rico 00681
ABSTRACT
The Puerto Rico Fishing Regulations #7949, limited the commercial ornamental fishery just to 29 species
of fish and shellfish. The commercial ornamental fishers must obtain a license and a special permit to
legally establish their business. They are obligated by Puerto Rico‘s Fishery Regulation 7949 to report
they catch to the Puerto Rico‘s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) thru the
Commercial Statistics Program. The data collected from the commercial ornamental fishers has been
entered in computers and analized by the authors. A total of 88,293 individual were caught and reported
from ornamental commercial fishers in Puerto Rico during 2010 - 2013. A total of 32,840 individuals
were sold to local business at Puerto Rico. On the other hand a total of 55,453 individuals were caught
and exported from Puerto Rico to other countries. This paper will discuss the number of individuals
caught by species and by year. Also, the paper will discuss the price per individual and the perception of
the ornamental fishers about the future of this activity.
KEYWORDS: Puerto Rico, ornamental, fishery, management, socioeconomics
Page | 114
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Revisiting the Lobsters of Cayos Cochinos, Honduras after 20 Years of Protection
Repaso A Laslangostas De Cayos Cochinos, Honduras Después de 20 Años de Protección
Revisiterles Homards de Cayos Cochinos, Honduras Après 20 Ans de Protection
THOMAS R. MATTHEWS1* and MARCIO R. ARRONNE2
Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, 2796 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, Florida 33050 USA
*[email protected]
2
Fundación Hondureña para la Conservación de Cayos Cochinos
1
ABSTRACT
In 1993, the Honduran government designated Cayos Cochinos, Honduras and surrounding sea a Marine
Biological Reserve. Some areas within the Reserve were designated as non-fshing areas for lobsters. In
1997 a study was conducted to assess the condition of the lobster (Panulirus argus and P. guttatus) stocks
(Tewfik et al. 1998). In 1997, SCUBA divers counted and measured the carapace length (CL) of all
lobsters on 57 transects each covering 300 m2. In 2013 and 2014, we repeated the study with minor
changes to the survey locations and we increased transect area to 500 m2 to reduce the number of
transects with no lobsters and thus reduce the standard deviations associated with the estimates of lobster
density. The density and size structure of both P. argus and P. guttatus appear to be largely unchanged
since the baseline surveys in 1997. The average size of P. argus in the Reserve remained below the
minimum legal size of 76.2 mm CL, and the maximum sized lobster decreased from 142 mm to 110 mm
CL. The density of P. argus in both studies was more typical of fished than non-fished areas. Measurable
changes in the density and size structure of lobster populations can occur in just a few years following the
reduction or elimination of fishing. The apparent lack of change in the lobster population suggests that
there may be limited protection of lobsters in Monumento Natural Marino Archipiélago Cayos Cochinos.
KEYWORDS: Panulirus argus, marine reserve, Cayos Cochinos
Page | 115
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Multi-Indicator Framework for Adaptive Management of Data-Limited Nearshore
Fisheries
Un Marco Multi-Indicador para el Manejo Adaptativo de Pesquerías Costeras con
Información Limitada
Approche Multi-Indicateurs pour la Gestion Adaptative de la Pêcherie Côtière avec des
Données Limitées
GAVIN MCDONALD1*, ROD FUJITA2, TODD GEDAMKE3, KENDRA KARR2, and JONO
WILSON4
1
Sustainable Fisheries Group, University of California - Santa Barbara, 610 Bradbury Avenue, Santa
Barbara, California 93101 USA *[email protected]
2
Environmental Defense Fund, 123 Mission Street, 28th floor, San Francisco California 94105 USA
3
MER Consultants, 5521 SE Nassau Terrace, Stuart Florida 34997 USA
USA
4
The Nature Conservancy, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, Santa Barbara,
California 93106 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Management decisions in data- and resource-limited fisheries regarding how to adjust fishing pressure,
and by how much, can be the most difficult assignment managers must undertake. Too often, these
fisheries are not managed at all or are managed based on standard practices without an adequate scientific
basis; this creates a high risk of overfishing and potential loss of economic and social benefits from
fisheries. Additionally, fisheries are highly dynamic systems involving fluctuating environmental
conditions, dynamic fishing behaviors, variable productivity of the resource, and changing market and
economic conditions. As a result of these challenges, fisheries management must be flexible and
adaptable to respond to changing conditions even with minimal data and resources. Here, we describe a
multi-indicator framework for making adaptive fisheries management decisions in data- and resourcelimited nearshore fisheries. Using stakeholder defined goals as a foundation, fishery performance
indicators and reference points are set that are appropriate for the technical capacity for data collection
and analysis. Multiple performance indicators from multiple data streams are used to gain a more
complete understanding of the fishery and to reduce the implications of uncertainty and bias associated
with any single data stream. Data limited stock assessments can be used to inform indicators within this
framework in lieu of conventional stock assessments. Each year, managers and stakeholders evaluate each
performance indicator against the associated reference points, interpret the results holistically along with
local ecological knowledge to determine the likely status of the fishery, and adjust management
accordingly using pre-defined harvest control rules.
KEYWORDS: Data limited stock assessment, adaptive management, management under uncertainty,
stakeholder-driven fisheries co-management, local ecological knowledge
Page | 116
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
From Movements to Management: Regional Connectivity of Dolphinfish (Coryphaena
hippurus) in the Northeastern Caribbean Sea
De Los Movimientos a la Manejo; Conectividad Regional de Dorado (Coryphaena
hippurus) en el Mar del Noreste del Caribe
Des Mouvements À La Direction La Connectivité Régionale De La Dorade Coryphène
(Coryphaena Hippurus) Dans La Mer Des Caraïbes
WESSLEY MERTEN1*, RICHARD APPELDOORN1, and DONALD HAMMOND2
University of Puerto Rico, Dolphinfish Research Program, P.O. Box 9000, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico00682
U.S. *[email protected]
2
Dolphinfish Research Program, 961 Anchor Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29412 USA
1
ABSTRACT
Dolphinfish movements relative to the Greater Antilles and northern Lesser Antilles were examined using
conventional (n = 540) plastic dart tags and pop-up satellite archival tags (n = 6) from 2002 - 2013. The
overall recapture rate for fish released (73 - 130 cm FL) within the NE Caribbean was 2.7% (n = 15) with
days at liberty (DAL) and movement rates ranging from 1-557 days, and 2.2 - 29.1 km/day, respectively.
Regional movements were westward (274.42o ± 21.06o; mean ± SD), and the maximum distance recorded
was 1,917 km between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Charleston, South Carolina. Six fish were recaptured
in the Caribbean Sea after being released off of Florida (n = 5) and South Carolina (310 ± 127 days). Fish
movements were compared to surface drifter tracks (n=196) in the region. Both dolphinfish and drifter
movement rates were faster in the Caribbean Sea than in the tropical Atlantic (north of Greater Antilles).
Entry of drifters into the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean occurred through the northern Lesser
Antilles, the Anegada Passage, and the Mona Passage; the latter exclusively appears to be both an entry
and exit. These features are likely movement corridors for dolphinfish. Results suggest return migrations
towards the Loop Current (south of the Greater Antilles) or Straits of Florida (north) and the Gulf
Stream. Understanding dolphinfish movements and population connectivity among exclusive economic
zones of northern Caribbean islands and the United States is critical for accurate assessments of fishing
mortality, spawning biomass and stock health, and management must be viewed within a regional
context.
KEYWORDS: Dolphinfish, fisheries management, return migrants, population connectivity
Page | 117
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Migration and Life Stage Size Progression through Tagging Data for Dolphinfish
(Coryphaena hippurus) in the Western Central Atlantic
Migración y Etapa de la Vida a Través de la Progresión del Tamaño de los Datos de
Marcado para el Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) en el Atlántico Central Occidental
Migration et le Stade de la Vie Progression de la Taille Grâce à des Données de Marquage
pour la Coryphène (Coryphaena hippurus) dans l'Atlantique Centre-Ouest
WESSLEY MERTEN1*, DONALD HAMMOND2, and RICHARD APPELDOORN1
Dolphinfish Research Program, 961 Anchor Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29412 USA
*[email protected]
University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9000, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00680 USA
ABSTRACT
Since 2002, a conventional mark and recapture study operated by the Dolphinfish Research Program has
begun to significantly characterize the migration of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) throughout the
Atlantic. Data show that dolphinfish undergo a northward migration along the U.S. east coast, emigration
away from the coast along south and mid-Atlantic bights, and appear to make annual circuits through the
tropical Atlantic (north of Greater Antilles and Bahamian archipelago) and Caribbean Sea. Evidence of
the latter is further presented here with 17 mark-recapture displacements from the U.S. east coast to the
north central Atlantic (the Azores), tropical Atlantic, and Caribbean Sea. Mean days at liberty were 259.7
± 103.6 days (mean ± SD); one fish released in the Gulf of Mexcio was recaptured in the Bahamas 45
days later. Measured and estimated fork lengths suggest dolphinfish grew from juvenile (52.3 ± 7.9 cm)
to adult (106.1 ± 20.9 cm) life-stage while at liberty, with an observed growth rate of 2.14 mm/d. Growth
estimates compiled from tagging data can prove useful in establishing the progressive change in life-stage
between locations, identifying spawning locations, and defining fishing pressure on size classes necessary
for implementing consistent regional management measures.
KEYWORDS: Dolphinfish, regional connectivity, growth rates, migration
Page | 118
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Vulnerability of the Fisheries Sector to Climate Change in Caribbean Small Island
Developing States
La Vulnerabilidad del Sector de la Pesca al Cambio Climatico en el Caribe Los Pequeros
Estados Insulares
La Vulnérabilité Du Secteur de la Pêche aux Changements Climatiques dans les Caraïbes
Petits États Insulaires
IRIS MONNEREAU1*, ROBIN MAHON1, PATRICK MCCONNEY1, LEONARD NURSE1, RACHEL
TURNER2, and HENRI VALLES1
1
CERMES/UWI CERMES/UWI Cave Hill Campus, St. Michael, Barbados BB11000
*[email protected]
2
University of Exeter [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Climate change vulnerability has become prominent over the past decade in policy and academic
literature. The impacts of climate change are considered to be highest in Least Developed Countries
(LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Past approaches to understanding climate change
vulnerability of fisheries sectors have indicated LDCs are the most vulnerable countries. However, these
assessments included only a limited number of indicators and very few SIDS as they are often considered
to be ―data-deficient‖. As a result, they conceal the vulnerability of the fisheries sector in SIDS which can
have widespread consequences for SIDS in the climate change debate. Guided by a vulnerability
framework comprising three components: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity - we have
conducted a new national-level fisheries sector vulnerability assessment, considering over 100 indicators
across the three components. We have examined the vulnerability outcome for the fisheries sector in
LDCs, SIDS and other coastal nations. Our results suggest that the vulnerability of SIDS is higher than
suggested by previous assessments, suggesting that the choice of indicators is crucial. SIDS are by no
means homogenous, however, and using a larger set of indicators we have compared the vulnerability of
the three SIDS groups. This is crucial, as current and future adaptation will require different approaches to
reduce vulnerability of different SIDS groups. Based on our previous framework, and using qualitative
indicators, we have also carried out a more detailed analysis of the vulnerability of the fisheries sector of
all of the Caribbean SIDS.
KEYWORDS: SIDS, Caribbean, climate change, vulnerability
Page | 119
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Caracterización del Hábitat para la Introducción de Refugios Artificiales para la Langosta
Espinosa (Panulirus argus) en el Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak, Quintana Roo,
México
Characterization of the Habitat for the Introduction of Artificial Refuges for the Spiny
Lobster (Panulirus argus) in the National Park Reef of Xcalak, Quintana Roo, México
Caractérisation du Habitat pour l'Introduction de Refuges Artificiels pour le Homard
Épineux (Panulirus argus) dans le Parc National de Récif Xcalak, Quintana Roo, México
ALEJANDRA MOO1* and FELIPE FONSECA2
Instituto Tecnológico de Chetumal, Av. Insurgentes No. 330, C. P. 77013, Colonia David Gustavo
Gutiérrez, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77039 México *[email protected]
2
Comisión Nacional de áreas Naturales Protegidas, Insurgentes #445, Col. Magisterial XCALAK,
Municipio de Othon P. Blanco, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77039 México
1
Page | 120
RESUMEN
El uso de los refugios artificiales es una práctica común en todos los mares del mundo, como un medio de
aumentar la abundancia local de peces e invertebrados. En el presente estudio se caracterizó el hábitat y se
analizó el tipo de sustrato donde serán introducidos los refugios artificiales para reclutamiento de langosta
espinosa (Panulirus argus) en el Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak. Se realizó de agosto-diciembre del
2013, muestreando un total de 6 parcelas dentro del polígono del Parque estableciendo parcelas de
aprovechamiento y reclutamiento, mediante el protocolo de monitoreo del Sistema Arrecifal
Mesoamericano (SAM) y video-transectos registrando la posición geográfica (UTM) y profundidad. Los
resultados de las coberturas bentónicas fueron procesados mediante estadística básica en Excel,
obteniendo que la zona de aprovechamiento, parcela 1 se obtuvo una diversidad de 22 grupos bentónicos
predominando arena-limo con 27.27% seguido de los Gorgonaceos con 20.92 %, con cobertura baja de
corales duros del genero Porites spp y Eusmilia fastigiata con 0.14%. La parcela 2 estuvo representado
por las algas filamentosas (Turf) con 37.39% seguido las macroalgas cafés con 30.82% y el más escaso
fue Porites spp con 0.14%. La parcela 3 fue dominado por las macroalgas cafés con 35.36%, seguido de
algas filamentosas (Turf) con 28.49% y las más escasas fueron las macroalgas con 0.13%. La parcela 4, 5
y 6 no presentaron cobertura de corales escleractineos pero estuvieron dominados por pastos marinos,
seguidas de arena. Presentando una diferencia notable de materia organica en las parcelas 4 y 6 con mayor
porcentaje esperando que en estas parcelas recluten organismos juveniles ya que está situada en una
pradera de pastos marinos sirviéndoles de resguardo y alimento.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Habitat, langosta espinosa, Panulirus argus, Xcalak,
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Evolution of a No-Take Zone (No Fishing) of Queen Conch Strombus gigas (2008 - 2014) in
the Biosphere Reserve Banco Chinchorro
Evolución de un Refugio Pesquero (No Pesca) de Caracol Rosado Strombus gigas (2008 2014) en la Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro
Evolution d'un Pas de Pêche Zone (2008 - 2014) de Strombus gigas dans la Réserve De
Biosphère de Banco Chinchorro
GABRIELA NAVA, MIGUEL GARCIA, EDGAR SAMOS, and MATEO SABIDO
Oceanus, A.C. Av. Machuxac Lote 07 Mza 235 Col. Proterritorio, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77086
Mexico [email protected]
Page | 121
ABSTRACT
The queen conch (Strombus gigas), is a fishing resource with high ecological and cultural value in the
Caribbean, but due to its biological characteristics and high market demand it has been affected by
overfishing. In 2008, a No Take Zone (NTZ, No fishing refuge) was established within the Reserve
Banco Chinchorro (the only authorized fishing zone in Mexico) to try to replenish an area and concentrate
breeding individuals, conducting management, tagging and monitoring involving fishermen participation.
From 2008 to 2011, the density in the NTZ increased from 0.002 to 0.036 inds/m2. During 2013, and
2014, after a temporary closure was decreed, no significant increase in density was observed inside the
NTZ (0.036 ind/m2). This density is considered minimum for adults to have a 90% chance of mating,
however, it is possible that due to the reduction of fishing pressure over the entire Reserve, individuals
have had more movement and redistribution among areas inside and outside the NTZ. In this project,
there have been individuals marked found in a distance of about 2 km from the initial point in five
months, and up to 10 km in two years. In terms of growth, the results showed that under protection
individuals are allowed to increase to adult size (up to 4.5 cm growth in six months), indicating that under
the fishing restriction, closures or NTZ, populations can increase the number of breeding adults.
KEYWORDS: Queen conch, No Take Zone, fishing cooperatives, Banco Chinchorro, Mexico
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Monitoring Densities of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas), through the Active
Participation of the Fishing Cooperatives in the Biosphere Reserve Banco Chinchorro,
Mexico
Monitoreo de las Densidades de Caracol Rosado (Strombus gigas), Mediante la
Participación Activa del Sector Pesquero en la Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro,
México
Suivi des Densités de Lambis (Strombus gigas), avec la Participation Active des
Coopératives de Pêche Dans la Réserve de Biosphère de Banco Chinchorro, Mexique
GABRIELA NAVA, MIGUEL GARCIA, EDGAR SAMOS, and MATEO SABIDO
Oceanus, A.C. Av. Machuxac Lote 07 Mza 235 Col. Proterritorio, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77086
Mexico [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) was one of the most important fisheries and most traditional in
Quintana Roo. The only authorized site for capture in the Mexican Caribbean was The Reserve of Banco
Chinchorro, however in 2012 the closure of this resource for five years was decreed. In order to follow up
changes in the Queen Conch population (densities and average sizes) during the closure period, a
monitoring program was initiated selecting four sites inside the Reserve and outside No Take Zones
(NTZ), involving participation of the fishing cooperatives. These sites were frequented by legal fishermen
and poachers before the closure; and one of them was used for extraction of conch for repopulation of the
NTZ during sampling. During the first evaluation (six months after the ban) densities ranged from 0.045
to 0.160 ind/m2 (X ± SD = 0.083 ± 0.05 ind/m2) while at the second assessment (one year ban) densities
increased near double from 0.127 to 0.270 m2 (X ± SD = 0.173 ± 0.03 ind/m2). Thanks to the data
obtained in the last monitoring, it was posible to demostrate an event of poaching in two of the sites. No
effect was observed in the extraction site for the NTZ. These first results showed that the ban and
enforcement actions of the Reserve and Fishermen are working to recover the population. To keep this
monitoring with the participation of fishermen allow direct users to see the results of protection and
management, and simultaneously spread the effort of fishermen contribution in the conservation of its
resources.
KEYWORDS: Queen conch, density, closure, Mexico, Banco Chinchorro
Page | 122
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Efecto del Fotoperiodo Sobre el Comportamiento de Lobatus gigas
Photoperiod Effect on Lobatus gigas Behavior
L’Effet de Photopériode dans le Comportement de Lobatus gigas
MARIANA NOGUEZ1* and DALILA ALDANA ARANDA2
Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología UNAM, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados,
Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad Universitaria Delegación Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, Unidad Mérida
Km. 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Col. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, México
*[email protected]
2
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Carretera Antigua a Progreso, Km. 6, A.P. 73
Cordemex Mérida Yucatán 97310 México
1
RESUMEN
El caracol rosa (Lobatus gigas) es un gasterópodo marino herbívoro, que tiene importancia comercial en
el Mar Caribe.Sus poblaciones han disminuido por la sobreexplotación del recurso y en 1992 fue enlistada
en el apéndice II del CITES. Existen muchos trabajos sobre L. gigas, sin embargo, pocos hablan sobre su
comportamiento y la relación con las variables ambientales. De manera general, se sabe que el
fotoperiodo influye en el comportamiento de las especies marinas.Stoner et al, 1992 y Pérez Pérez &
Aldana Aranda, 2003, mencionan que el comportamiento reproductivo de L. gigas tiene una fuerte
correlación con el fotoperiodo. Sin embargo, no se encontraron estudios sobre el reposo, la alimentación,
el movimiento y su relación con el fotoperiodo. El objetivo fue conocer la influencia del fotoperiodo
sobre los comportamientos anuales de L. gigas. En la caleta de Xel-Há, México, cada mes de enero a
diciembre, se trazaron seis transectos lineales de 100m x 2m, los cuáles fueron recorridos observando y
cuantificando los caracoles en reposo, movimiento, alimentación y reproducción. Las observaciones se
realizaron mediante buceo Scuba.El fotoperiodo en Xel-Há fue de 13horas 20 minutos en junio y julio a
10 horas 56 minutos en diciembre. El reposo presentó una correlación del 45% (p = 0.1317), la
alimentación del 28% (p = 0.3715) y el movimiento del 43% (p = 0.1612), sin embargo, éstas
correlaciones no fueron significativas. La actividad reproductiva por su parte, tuvo una correlación
significativa del 85% (p = 0.0005). Con éstos resultados se concluye que efectivamente el fotoperiodo
influye principalmente en el comportamiento reproductivo de L. gigas y éste se lleva a cabo en los meses
con el fotoperiodo más largo.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Fotoperiodo, Lobatus gigas, comportamiento, caracol rosa, reproducción
Page | 123
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Effect of Environment on the Behavior of Queen Conch Strombus gigas
Efecto del Medio en el Comportamiento del Caracol Rosa Strombus gigas
Effet du Milieu dans le Comportement du Lambi Strombus Gigas
MARIANA NOGUEZ* and DALILA ALDANA ARANDA
CINVESTAV IPN km 6 antigua Carretera a Progreso Mèrida Yucatan, Mèxico
*[email protected]
1
ABSTRACT
The queen conch, Strombus gigas (Linnaeus, 1758), is an overexploited resource in the
Caribbean. In order to protect their populations, have been conducted studies on aquaculture and
rehabilitation in parks or marine protected areas. However, little is known about the behavior of
the queen conch in their natural environment. In this study, behavior of S. gigas was observed
and quantified. Six behaviors were registered: Rest, feeding, movement, buried, copulation, and
spawning. Observations were made each hour during 24 hours by free diving through three
transects with three replicates each. Salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were registered
at the bottom. Rest gradually decreased from 8 to 16 h, while the feeding activity increases in
this period. The greatest movement was recorded between 14 and 16 h and reproductive activity
increased from 18 to 22 h. The rest had two peaks; 8am and 6pm and another in the evening at
observations). S.gigas presented two feeding periods: one 12 - 4pm and another at night 8-10 pm
observations).The maximum period of movement was 2pm - 10pm. Significant variations were
observed between daylight hours and rest, feeding, movement and buried (p < 0.05). Rest was
correlated with temperature and buried with oxygen and feeding and movement were correlated
with temperature and salinity. These results about pattern behavior of S. gigas provided valuable
information for its conservation, restoration, and aquaculture programs.
KEYWORDS: Behavior, environemental, queen conch, Caribbean, Strombus
Page | 124
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Desarrollo Espacial de la Ovogénesis en Gónadas de la Doncella de Pluma (Lachnolaimus
maximus) Mediante la Aplicación del Método Estereológico y el Procesamiento Digital de
Imágenes
Oogenesis Spatial Development in Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) Gonads Applying a
Stereological Method and Digital Image Processing
Développement Spatial de la Ovogenèse dans les Gonades du Labre Capitaine
Lachnolaimus Maximus au Moyen de l’Application d’Une Méthode de Stéréologie et de
l’Analyse d’Images Digitales
VIRGINIA NÓH-QUIÑONES1*, JULIÁN TORRES-VILLEGAS2, URIEL VALDEZ-MONTIEL2, and
THIERRY BRULÉ3
1
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Km 6. Mérida,
Yucatán 97310 México* [email protected]
2
Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento d Av.
Instituto Politecnico Nacional s/n La Paz Baja California Su 23096 México
3
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento
Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Km 6. Mérida Yucatán 97310 México
RESUMEN
Los métodos estereológicos y las aplicaciones del procesamiento digital de imágenes permiten
protocolizar las observaciones histológicas y realizar estudios de la dinámica de las distintas poblaciones
celulares incluidas en un órgano. Estos métodos constituyen herramientas poderosas para analizar la
forma y función de los tejidos. Sus ventajas relevantes son reducción del tiempo de proceso, inocuidad y
posibilidades de obtener indicadores que de otra manera sería imposible. Uno de los requisitos iniciales
para usar la estereometría es conocer la distribución espacial de las partículas en el órgano. En los
estudios de reproducción, estas partículas corresponden a los ovocitos presentes, en diversos grados de
madurez, en los ovarios. En el presente trabajo se describe la metodología empleada para caracterizar la
distribución espacial de los estadios de madurez del ovocito en los ovarios de la doncella de pluma
Lachnolaimus maximus. Veinte-cinco hembras en distintas etapas de desarrollo sexual, procedentes del
sureste del Golfo de México, fueron seleccionadas. Por cada hembra, los cortes histológicos de gónadas
fueron realizados en las tres dimensiones, desde la región anterior hasta la posterior de los ovarios
derecho e izquierdo. Las preparaciones se tiñeron con Tricromo en un tiempo. Se obtuvieron imágenes
con el software AxioVision y se procesaron con Image ProPlus. Se obtuvieron imágenes binarias de los
ovocitos en madurez más avanzada, a partir de las cuales se obtuvo el número de ovocitos por unidad de
muestreo. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la distribución de la madurez del ovocito a lo
largo de los ovarios de este lábrido. Esta información preliminar es imprescindible para realizar de
manera rigurosa los estudios de fecundidad y de ciclo sexual de la especie.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Estereometría, procesamiento digital, Lachnolaimus maximus
Page | 125
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Un Nuevo Enfoque en el Manejo de las Pesquería de Pepino de Mar: Reservas de No Pesca
para Proteger de la Incertidumbre Ecológica en el Caribe de Honduras
A New Approach to Sea Cucumber Management: No-Take Reserves to Protect Against
Ecological Uncertainty in the Caribbean Honduras
Une Nouvelle Approche de la Gestion des Concombres de Mer: Non-Prendre Réserves
pour se Protéger Contre l'Incertitude Écologique le Honduras Caraïbes
MAYRA NUNEZ1* and STEPHEN BOX2
Centro de Ecologia Marina, Edificio Florencia Oficina 401-403, Tegucigalpa, FMO Honduras
*[email protected]
2
Program Coordinator, Spatial Ecology of Marine Pr, Smithsonian Institute, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort
Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
1
Page | 126
RESUMEN
La pesca de pepino de mar es unapesquería emergente con fuerte demanda en mercados asiáticos. Falta de
gestión en la región del Pacífico llevó al colapso de la pesquería haciendo que los comerciantes busquen
nuevas especies del Caribe. En Honduras la pesquería inició en 2010, la preocupación por la rápida
expansión y regulación limitada llevó al Gobierno a desarrollar estrategias de gestión proactiva. Para el
2014 se elaboróun decreto que se centra en la gestión de los pepinos de mar, promoviendo prácticas de
pesca seguras, sustentando el desarrollo de la pesca artesanal y garantizando a largo plazo la viabilidad de
las pesquerías de importancia comercial. Se prohíbe buceo por tanque o con aire comprimido para la
captura, estas técnicas han provocado accidentes dejando más de mil hombres paralizados en La Moskitia.
El decreto establece una red de áreas de no pesca, cubriendo 20% de arrecifes, protegiendo hábitats
importante para los pepino de mar y proporciona beneficios adicionales a la sostenibilidad de otros
recursos importantes. Está legislación implementará unprotocolo de monitoreo, que determinaráel estado
de las poblaciones de pepino de mar en el Caribe de Hondurasy controlará la presión pesquera a través de
un monitoreo y control de las capturas comerciales. El protocolo realizará un manejo sostenible usando
las áreas de reserva como una piedra angular para la gestión. Siendo la mayor red de reservas marinas en
el Caribe, posiciona a Honduras como un líder regional en el uso de las reservas como instrumento de
gestión pesquera y conservación. Se espera que este enfoque pueda ser adoptado por países que se
enfrentan a problemas de explotación incontrolada de pepino de mar.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Pepino de mar, áreas de no pesca, gestión, pesquería, sostenibilidad
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
How Low Can You Go? Setting Minimum Stocking Densities for Sea Cucumbers using
Spatial Population Modelling Tools
Estableciendo Densidades Minimas de Bancos de Pepinos Marinos usando Herramientas
de Modelaje Espacial
Détermination de Densités Minimales d'Ensemencement de Concombres de Mer à l'Aide
d'Outils de Modélisation Spatiale des Populations
SHAY O'FARRELL*, SARA ROSEWALL, and STEPHEN J. BOX
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Caribbean export fishery for sea cucumbers is growing in response to widespread demand in the
Asia-Pacific region, where decades of intense harvesting have lead to regional population declines and
collapsing fisheries. The observed vulnerability of sea cucumbers to overfishing is partially driven by
their life histories, as species tend to be slow growing, which limits population recovery rates from
exploitation. However, sea cucumbers are also slow moving, which accelerates population decline by
reducing the probability of individuals encountering potential mates as population density drops.
Consequently, sea cucumber population dynamics have both demographic and spatial components,
creating a challenge in quantifying stocking densities to underpin sustainable fisheries. To tackle this, we
create an individual-based model that incorporates both the spatial ecology and population biology of
Holothuria mexicana, one of the main commercial species in the Caribbean. First, we use movement
ecology tools to model male-female encounter probabilities as a function of population density. We then
add demographic characteristics to the model, including somatic growth rates and allometric relationships
between body mass and gamete production. Finally, we use the resulting spatial population model to
locate threshold population densities below which stocks are likely to collapse. We go on to discuss
applications of our approach to fisheries of other slow-moving or wide-ranging species, and directions for
future work.
KEYWORDS: Allee effects, individual-based model, movement ecology, sandfish, stock assessment
Page | 127
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Código de Conducta para la Pesca Responsable: Estrategias para el Manejo del Recurso
Pesquero Artesanal en Honduras
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: Strategies for Artisanal Marine Resources
Management in Honduras
Code de Conduite pour la Pêche Responsable: Stratégies pour la Gestion des Ressources de
Pêche Artisanale au Honduras
MARIELA OCHOA1* and STEPHEN BOX2
Centro de Estudios Marinos, Edificio Florencia, Oficina 401- 403 Tegucigalpa, Honduras
*[email protected]
2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
1
RESUMEN
El ―Código de conducta para la pesca responsable de la FAO‖, establece directrices generales, para
asegurar la sostenibilidad del recurso pesquero a nivel mundial. Sin embargo para lograr la aplicación en
un ámbito local, la participación comunitaria desempeña el rol más importante, por ser usuarios y
beneficiarios directos del recurso pesquero. En el proceso se deben generar espacios de participación y
dialogo, con el propósito de realizar un aprovechamiento del conocimiento tradicional, identificar las
necesidades prioritarias y conocer la visión de los actores locales. Considerando los componentes
culturales, sociales, económicos y ambientales, se elabora una herramienta metodológica novedosa.
Identificando y definiendo los principios, valores y normas de conducta de una organización de
pescadores artesanales, se obtiene como resultado el establecimiento de estrategias que garantizan el
manejo sostenible de los recursos pesqueros. Nuestro trabajo consistió en facilitar la elaboración de un
Código de Conducta para la Pesca Responsable, propia de una organización de pescadores artesanales,
integrada por tres comunidades rurales de la Costa Caribeña de Honduras. A través de este proceso se
presenta un modelo replicable para la región, debido a que los resultados reflejan un interés por parte de
los pescadores por involucrarse en importantes componentes del manejo pesquero como ser los
monitoreos biológicos, vedas temporales, establecimiento de áreas de no pesca, definición de tallas
mínimas y máximas de capturas, cuotas de capturas, derechos de acceso, entre otras. La elaboración del
código es un proceso voluntario, pero con un compromiso formal, que forma parte de la etapa de
fortalecimiento organizativo de las asociaciones de pescadores artesanales de la costa norte de Honduras.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Participación comunitaria, Codigo de Pesca Responsable, modelo replicable,
monitoreos biologicos, zonas de no pesca
Page | 128
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Length–Weight Relationship of Barbul de Piedra in the Cordoba´s Caribbean Sea
Relación Longitud-Peso del Barbul de Piedra en el Mar Caribe Cordobés
Le Rapport Poids-Longueur des Barbul de Piedra dans la Mer dDes Caraïbes de Cordoba,
Colombie
CHARLES W. OLAYA-NIETO*, ANGEL L. MARTíNEZ-GONZÁLEZ, and FREDYS F. SEGURAGUEVARA
Laboratorio de Investigación Biológico Pesquera- Universidad de Córdoba, Km 1, carretera a Chinú
Carrera 23 No 2A - 20, Piso 2 Lorica, Córdoba, Colombia *[email protected]
Page | 129
ABSTRACT
The Barbul de Piedra is a catfish species almost endemic from Colombia's Caribbean coast, considered
threatened by the IUCN. 457 individuals were collected for this study and the length-weight relationship
and condition factor were estimated through TW = aTLb and Cf = TW/TLb, respectively. 330 females, 77
males and 50 undifferentiated were found, with sexual proportion female: male 4.3:1, differently than
expected. The sizes ranged between 18.0 and 50.0 cm TL, the total weight between 46.0 and 1529.0 g,
and the mean length in the catch was 30.8 cm TL, and was observed that 70.9% of individuals were
caught below the length at first maturity estimated for the species. The length–weight relationship for
both sexes was TW = 0.006 (± 0.05) TL 3.16 (± 0.03), n = 457, r = 0.99, with positive allometric growth
coefficient and high correlation. The growth coefficient ranged between 2.93 (May) and 3.35 (April), with
statistically significant differences and the condition factor ranged from 0,003 (April, August, and
October) and 0.012 (May), without statistically significant differences; confirming the premise of the
inverse relationship between this parameter and the growth coefficient of length-weight relationship of
Barbul de Piedra.
KEYWORDS: Growth, population dynamic, condition factor, sexual proportion
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Edad y Crecimiento de la Rabirrubia (Ocyurus chrysurus) del Banco de Campeche
Age and Growth of Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) from the Campeche Bank
Age et Croissance du Vivaneau Queuejaune (Ocyurus chrysurus) du Banc de Campeche
MARCO ANTONIO PASOS-MONTALVO, XIMENA RENÁN*, TERESA COLÁS- MARRUFO, and
THIERRY BRULÉ
CINVESTAV-IPN Unidad Merida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso K. 6 Cordemex. Mérida, Yucatan 97310
Mexico* [email protected]
Page | 130
RESUMEN
La flota artesanal pesquera del estado de Yucatán explota principalmente al mero rojo (Epinephelus
morio), pero debido a su sobreexplotación y constante disminución en volúmenes pesqueros, la rabirrubia
(Ocyurus chrysurus) es una de las principales especies pesqueras alternativas. Muy apreciada por la alta
calidad de su carne, la rabirrubia ha sido explotada durante los últimos años de manera sostenida,
incrementando sus volúmenes comerciales en 56 toneladas anuales. A pesar de su importancia comercial,
la falta de datos sobre su biología ponen en riesgo de sobreexplotación a la especie. Por esta razón el
objetivo del trabajo fue la determinación de la edad y parámetros de crecimiento de la misma. De enero a
diciembre del 2008 en tres puertos pesqueros del estado de Yucatán (Dzilam, Celestún y Río lagartos) se
realizaron muestreos mensuales para la obtención de otolitos a partir de los cuales se contaron los annuli.
Se obtuvieron 974 sagittae de individuos cuyo intervalo de tallas y pesos fue de 14.2 a 45.4 cm de
longitud total (TL) y de 78 a 990 g de peso total (PT), respectivamente. Las edades registradas variaron
entre 2 a 10 años siendo las edades más frecuentes 2 (n = 281), 3 (n = 232) y 4 (n = 239) años, mientras
que las edades menos comunes fueron 9 (n = 6) y 10 (n = 3) años. El análisis del incremento marginal
(IM) confirmó la formación de un annulus entre otoño y principios de invierno, registrándose el menor
valor en diciembre (IM= 0.43 mm). A partir de las edades, el modelo de crecimeinto de Von Bertallanfy
para la especie en el Banco de Campeche fue: LT = 63.7 [1- exp *(0.13(t +5.36)].
PALABRAS CLAVES: Ocyurus chrysurus, edad, otolitos, crecimiento
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Diseño de Un Sistema de Monitoreo Pesquero Participativo
Designing a Participatory Fisheries Monitoring System
Conception d'un Systeme de Surveillance Participative ee Pêche
CRISTHIAN PEREZ*1 and STEPHEN JAMES BOX2
Centro de Estudios Marinos Residencial el Naranjal, Edif. Credia La Ceiba, Atlantida Honduras
*[email protected]
2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA
1
RESUMEN
El monitoreo pesquero participativo representa una oportunidad para involucrar de manera activa a los
usuarios del recurso marino en la generación del conocimiento sobre el cual han de basarse importantes
decisiones de manejo a nivel local, y más aún facilita el entendimiento y el compromiso sobre el cual los
pescadores respetan dichas decisiones. Una asociación de tres comunidades pesqueras logró subscribir
con las autoridades en el 2010, un acuerdo para el co-manejo de sus recursos marinos, comprometiéndose
desde entonces al desarrollo de un monitoreo pesquero participativo como una actividad fundamental. No
obstante, las limitaciones técnicas de las partes involucradas no permitió el avance esperado. A pesar de
haber iniciativas para monitoreo biológico en la zona, estas han sido esporádicas y realizado por personal
externo. Nuestro proyecto ha identificado a esta asociación de pescadores como una unidad piloto para el
desarrollo de un sistema de monitoreo pesquero participativo denominado CAPTURA, realizado por los
mismos miembros de la asociación y basado en tecnología web de uso fácil e intuitivo que permite a su
vez la interpretación de datos en tiempo real. La divulgación de los datos gráficos generados durante el
primer año de prueba (noviembre 2013 / octubre 2014), han logrado generar un involucramiento creciente
entre la comunidad de pescadores. El desarrollo progresivo de esta iniciativa permitirá que las
comunidades pesqueras generen oportunamente y por si mismas el conocimiento necesario para tomar sus
propias decisiones de manejo y lograr así un aprovechamiento sostenible de sus recursos.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Monitoreo pesquero, participativo, comunidades pesqueras, recursos marinos
Page | 131
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Nekton Community Structure at Standing Oil and Gas Platforms in the Northern Gulf of
Mexico
Estructura de la Comunidad de Necton en Torres Petroleras Verticales en el Norte del
Golfo de México
Le Structure de la Communauté Nekton aux Plates-Formes Permanents des Pétrolières et
des Gazières dans le Nord du Golfe du Mexique
ALAYNA PETRE* and JAMES COWAN
Louisiana State University, School of the Coast and Environment, 1002-Q Energy, Coast & Environment
Building, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Over 2800 standing oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico make up the largest de facto artificial reef
in the world. Since the implementation of the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program, 73 offshore artificial
reefs have been created in Louisiana state waters from cut-down platforms. Three standing platforms in
the Eugene Island oil field have been monitored since June 2013 using a 6-camera array composed of two
stereo pairs and two single cameras. The footage was processed to determine the degree of similarity
between the nekton communities at three depth strata extending 50 m from the platforms per season. To
date, 26 species of nekton have been identified. Among the platforms, the bottom depths show a
significant difference in species composition from the top and middle regions, which also show a high
level of similarity to one another. The results of the study, scheduled to conclude May 2015, will establish
a baseline to compare the effects of creating artificial reefs on nekton community composition and
biomass. So far, there may be a significant impact to the species that reside in the topmost portions of the
standing platforms when they are cut down to create artificial reefs.
KEYWORDS: Oil platforms, nekton, community, stereo cameras, artificial reefs
Page | 132
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Policy Influencing and Capacity Building in Fisherfolk Organisations in the Caribbean
Community
Influir en las Políticas y la Creación de Capacidades en las Organizaciones de Pescadores
en la Comunidad del Caribe
Influence sur les Politiques et le Renforcement des Capacités des Organisations de
Pêcheurs Dans la Communauté des Caraïbes
TERRENCE PHILLIPS
Caribbean Natural Resources Institute, Building 7, Unit 8, Fernandes Industrial Centre, Eastern Main
Road Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago [email protected]
ABSTRACT
In the Caribbean, regional and national fisheries-related programmes and projects seek to promote an
ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF). This calls for a bottom-up approach to policy influencing and
execution. Through experience, the limitations on fisherfolk organisations (FFOs) to participate in these
processes have become more obvious. According to the literature, there are three types of policy
influencing activity: evidence and advice, public campaigns and advocacy, and lobbying and negotiation.
As such, FFOs need to develop adequate capacity (world view, structures, skills and knowledge, financial
resources, relationships, and adaptive capacity) in these areas if they are to effectively make use of the
opportunities for policy influence at the national, regional and global levels. This paper looks at the issues
facing FFOs in the Caribbean Community, such as inadequate internal governance, ineffective leadership,
insufficient participatory planning and mobilisation of members, and their impacts on the FFOs‘ ability to
influence policy. It assesses the dilemma that FFOs face in that many of the fisheries and related policies
on food security (e.g. Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines, Draft Caribbean Common Fisheries Policy) that
are being developed speak to addressing their issues, but require negotiation and advocacy for the policies
to be properly resourced and implemented. It examines the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk
Organisations (CNFO) and the role it can play in addressing the issues identified through effective
leadership, planning, resource mobilisation, capacity building, and policy influencing.
KEYWORDS: Policy influence, governance, capacity building, fisherfolk organisations, Caribbean
Network of Fisherfolk Organisation
Page | 133
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Trapping Lionfishin Bermuda, Part II: Lessons Learned to Date
Atrapar Pez Leòn en las Bermudas, Parte II: Conocimientos Aprendidas hasta Ahora
Piégeage les Poissons-Lion aux Bermudes, Partie II: Connaissances Apprises à ce Jour
JOANNA PITT* and TAMMY TROTT
Department of Environmental Protection, Bermuda Government, 3 Coney Island Road , St. Georges
CR04 Bermuda *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
In Bermuda, invasive lionfish are concentrated in deeper waters (30–60m) inaccessible to volunteer
cullers, but are regularly caught as bycatch in commercial lobster traps at these depths. Bermuda does not
allow ‗fish pots‘, so the Department of Environmental Protection is working to modify standard lobster
traps to increase lionfish catch and reduce the catch of spiny lobster, while maintaining low levels of
finfish bycatch. Using insights from camera observations of commercial lobster traps, two iterations of
trap designs and protocols were tested. Experimental traps were monitored using GoPro cameras with
Cam-Do controller cards and deepwater ScoutPro housings. Modifications tested included: shading the
traps; varying the funnel type (including various wire funnel designs, and side- and top-mounted plastic
funnels); and varying baiting practices (including use of decoy baits). Shading the traps increased lobster
catch while decreasing lionfish catch. Use of dead bait increased bycatch of all types significantly but, for
a given trap design, lionfish catch was similar across baiting strategies. In the low-relief habitat at 60 m,
the structure of the trap alone appears sufficient to attract lionfish. The presence of escape gaps reduced
finfish bycatch significantly, while lionfish were retained. Lionfish ―hot spots‖ were an important
influence on catch rates. Optimal set time was 10 - 14 days. Traps with wire funnels terminating in a
black 7‖ ring are being tested further alongside the deepwater commercial lobster fishery. With lobster
bycatch reduced, a lionfish trap fishery could potentially operate during the summer closed season, but
may not be cost-effective in isolation.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, trap, Bermuda
Page | 134
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Linking Science and People: Applying Socioeconomic and Governance Science to Solve
Problems and Create Opportunities in Caribbean Fisheries
Vinculando la Ciencia con la gente: Aplicando Socioeconómica y la ciencia de Gobernanza
para Solucionar Problemas y Crear Oportunidades en las Pesquerías del Caribe
Associer la Science et les Populations: Application des Sciences Socio-économiques et de
gouvernance pour résoudre les problèmes et créer des opportunités dans les pêcheries des
Caraïbes
ROBERT POMEROY
380 Marine Science Building
1080 Shennecossett Road
University of Connecticut - Avery Point
Groton, CT 06340
[email protected]
Page | 135
―The general conditions of poverty characteristic of traditional fishing communities around the
world have increasingly drawn the attention of governments and other change agents in recent
years, and have led to the initiation of development programs of varied hue and form. These
programs, although expressing a variety of specific objectives, implicitly if not explicitly, the
raising of the standard of living of these communities.‖
This statement could have been written yesterday, but it was written over thirty-five years ago by the late
Ian Smith as an introduction to his manuscript ―A Research Framework for Traditional Fisheries‖ (1979).
As we have learned, traditional or small-scale fisheries play a crucial role as a source of livelihoods, food
security and income for millions of people around the world in both developed and developing countries.
In spite of the important role that small-scale fisheries play in national and local economies, the sector—
as compared against other sectors of the world food economy—is poorly planned and regulated,
inadequately funded, and marginalized and neglected by all levels of government. Small-scale fisheries
around the globe are frequently overfished and overexploited as a result of not only weak governance,
but, to name just a few issues, of poor management, perverse subsidies, corruption, unrestricted access
and destructive fishing practices. Therefore, reforming both the governance and the management of these
critical natural resources is essential to stable and long-term economic development, continuation of the
ecosystem goods and services provided by these natural resources, the conservation of biodiversity and in
some cases may be essential to overall peace and security.
In the introduction to his 1979 publication, Ian Smith further wrote:
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
―There is an explicit link between development programs and supportive research endeavors. If
the goal of development programs is to raise the standard of living of traditional fishing
communities, the goal of research should be to expand and clarify the alternative choices
available to decision makers, be they government policy makers or project managers, private
entrepreneurs, or fishermen themselves.‖
The words of Ian Smith still hold true. The importance of science and research to inform development
and management in order to address the multitude of problems and opportunities faced by small scale
fishermen and fisheries cannot be underestimated. Recently, donors have been providing more support for
development project activities rather than science and research since they themselves are being required
to show more impact from their financial support. While this is understandable, it has reduced the
available support for research and the ability to both address problems and evaluate outcomes.
This paper has multiple purposes. The first is to review the literature on the major issues affecting smallscale fisheries and the science and research agenda‘s established to address these issues over the last forty
years. The second purpose is to assess the current issues affecting small-scale fisheries today. The third
purpose is to propose a new science and research agenda for addressing these issues and to make
recommendations to solve problems and create opportunities. Two points of clarification on this paper.
First, although small-scale fisheries are important in both developed and developing countries, this paper
will focus on small-scale fisheries in developing countries globally, with a specific focus on small island
development states (SIDS) in the Caribbean region. Second, this paper will focus on socioeconomic and
governance science and research on small-scale fisheries rather than biological research; while
acknowledging the need for an integrated and multidisciplinary approach.
Page | 136
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Regulated Recreational Fishing as an Alternative Livelihood in the Seaflower MPA
La Pesca Recreativa Regulada una Alternativa de Vida en el AMP Seaflower
La Pesca Recreativa Regulada una Alternativa de Vida en el AMP Seaflower
MARTHA PRADA*1, ERICK CASTRO2, and CARLOS BALLESTEROS2
Blue Dream Ltd., CORALINA, Avenida 20 de Julio 5-92, San Andres Island, Colombia
*[email protected]
2
CORALINA, Km 26 via San Luis, San Andres Island, Colombia
1
ABSTRACT
The establishment of MPAs proved to be a successful strategy in implementing conservation and
sustainable use polices. However, identifying economically viable and culturally acceptable alternative
livelihoods for affected users is a challenge. In the case of the Seaflower MPA, CORALINA explored
several options to be offered to artisanal fishermen in compensation for their support to the
implementation of no-take zones and other fisheries management restrictions. One the most promising
activity is the development of recreational fishing, a new practice in the San Andres archipelago. Because
the archipelago is comprised by small islands, and have an economy based on the tourism industry, the
recreational fishing offers both keep fishers at sea while engage them with tourists. Considering that
recreational fishers require special abilities and techniques, the need for specialized training is the first
step towards proper development of the activity. The training need to address topics such as fishing
gears, de-hooking, barotrauma, safety, and how to deal with tourists, all new for topics for traditional
anglers. Therefore, CORALINA and Blue Dream Ltd supported by UNEP-CEP-SPAW-RAC conducted
in 2014 a theoretical and practical training covering these issues, with great success. The implementation
of this alternative focused enthusiastic subset of fishers, selected by them, whose will receive further
training and will operate a new and equipped boat for what CORALINA secured additional funds from
the national government. MPA users perceive the development of the regulated recreational fishery as an
interesting alternative to open opportunities to work collaboratively at local, national, and international
levels.
KEYWORDS: Recreational fishing, alternative livelihood, MPA management
Page | 137
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Oceanic Influence on the Distribution and Abundance of Bluntnose Flyingfish (Family
Exocoetidae) Larvae in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Influencia Oceánica para la Distribución y Abundancia de Chata Pez Volador (Familia
Exocoetidae) Larvas en el Golfo Norte de Mexico
Influence des Processus Océaniques sur la Distribution et Abondance des Larves de
Poissons Volants Prognichthys occidentalis (Famille Exocoetidae) dans le Nord du Golfe du
Mexique
RANDALL LANDES* and JAY ROOKER
Texas A&M – Galveston, 200 Seawolf Parkway, OCSB Bldg 3029, Galveston, Texas 77553 USA
*[email protected]
Page | 138
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study is to characterize the distribution and abundance of larval P. occidentalis in
the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM). Here, we report on summer ichthyoplankton cruises conducted in
the NGoM from 2009 to 2011. Samples were collected using neuston nets towed through the upper meter
of the water column in the outer shelf and slope waters of the NGoM. Over the three year sampling
period, a total of 9,533 bluntnose flyingfish larvae were collected representing 77% of the total flyingfish
catch. Interannual variation was detected with densities of P. occidentalis larvae higher in 2009 and 2010
(11.3 and 7.9 larvae/1,000 m2, respectively) than 2011 (1.9 larvae/1000 m2). P. occidentalis larvae were
present in each month and year sampled, and percent frequency of occurrence ranged from 40% in July
2011 to 100% in June 2010, suggesting that bluntnose flyingfish represent a common and important
component of the ichthyoplankton assemblage. Generalized additive models were used to evaluate the
influence of oceanographic conditions on the density of P. occidentalis. Several environmental variables
(month, year, sea surface height anomaly, distance to Loop Current, and salinity) were retained in the
final model. Habitat suitability was linked to physicochemical properties of the seawater, and higher
larval abundances were found at higher salinities and negative sea surface heights. Additionally, a
positive relationship with distance to the Loop Current (dominant mesoscale feature) was detected,
suggesting that the abundance of bluntnose flyingfish larvae increases away from this frontal feature.
KEYWORDS: Flying fish, larvae, Gulf of Mexico, GAMs, habitat
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
European Best Initiative: An Opportunity to Strengthen the Conservation and Sustainable
Use of Biodiversity in the European Overseas Entities in the Caribbean
Iniciativa Best: Una Oportunidad de Mejorar la Conservación y el Uso Sostenible de la
Biodiversidad en los Ultramares Europeos del Caribe
Initiative Best: Une Opportunité ee Renforcer la Conservation et l’Utilisation Durable de la
Biodiversité dans les Outre-Mer Européens de la Caraïbe
ROMAIN RENOUX*1 and AMANDINE VASLET2
Reserve Naturelle Saint-Martin, Best Caribbean Hub Coordinator, 803 res Acacias, Anse marcel SaintMartin - French West Indies, 97150 FRANCE *[email protected]
2
SPAW-RAC Réserve Naturelle de St Martin, 803 Résidence les Acacias, Anse Marcel Saint-Martin
97150 FRANCE
1
Page | 139
ABSTRACT
In the Caribbean, 15 territories are European Union overseas entities politically attached to United
Kingdom, France, and The Netherlands. Those entities are very rich in biodiversity and natural resources.
They host a high number of endemic species and are home to several Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs),
globally important for the biodiversity worldwide. However, serious threats are being faced by
biodiversity there, such as the destruction of habitats, spreading of invasive alien species or pollutions to
the natural habitats. For this reason the BEST initiative – which stands for Voluntary scheme for
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of EU Overseas – has been launched in 2010 by the
European Parliament to promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services
in EU overseas territories. From 2014 to 2018, a study commissioned by the EU and carried out by IUCN,
SPAW-RAC and Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin in closeconjunction with key institutions and existing
networks will be conducted to ensure the sustainability of the BEST scheme and a better integration of the
European territories in the Caribbean networks and activities. Regional ecosystem profiles based on
collected scientific data and on consultation with local or regional stakeholders and experts will be
developed in order to identify marine and terrestrial KBAs. This assessment relies on globally threatened
species (IUCN RedList), restricted-range or congregatory species. Assessment of current investment in
biodiversity will be identified in order to define niche for investment and establish a 5-year action plan to
submit to the European Commission.
KEYWORDS: Biodiversity, conservation, funding, Europe, Overseas territories
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Agoa Marine Mammal Protected Area: When Biological Connectivity Creates
Collaborative Opportunity in the Caribbean
Santuario De Mamíferos Marinos Agoa: Cuando la Conectividad Ecológica de las Islas del
Caribe Crea Unas Oportunidades de Colaboración
Sanctuaire De Mammifères Marins Agoa: Quand la Connectivité Écologique des Îles de la
Caraïbe Suscite des Opportunités de Collaboration
ROMAIN RENOUX1*, AMANDINE EYNAUDI2, and HÉLÈNE SOUAN3
Reserve Naturelle Saint-Martin, Correspondant AGOA St Martin, 803 res Acacias Anse marcel SaintMartin - French West Indies, 97150 FRANCE *[email protected]
2
Agence des Aires Marines Protegees French Marine Protected Area, Agency Parc National de la
Guadeloupe Montéran BP 93 Saint-Claude, Guadeloupe 97120 France
3
SPAW_RAC Parc National de la Guadeloupe, Montéran BP 93 Saint-Claude, Guadeloupe 97120 France
1
Page | 140
ABSTRACT
The wider Caribbean region is home to 32 different species of marine mammals. For many these tropical
waters serve as primary habitats for feeding, mating and calving. In 2010, France and the local authorities
of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy declared the creation of the Agoa marine
mammal sanctuary to ensure the conservation of marine mammals and their habitats. This area of 143
256km2 includes the territorial waters and EEZ surrounding the French Antilles. Improving scientific
knowledge on species and habitats is a component of the Agoa management plan. From 2012 to 2014 the
French Marine Protected Areas Agency launched biannual transect lines and acoustic samples campaigns
at sea to assess distribution and abundance of marine mammals within the sanctuary and its neighbour
countries' waters. As a complementary effort, the French MPA Reserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin and the
SPAW-RAC have developed in 2014 a satellite tag mission on humpback whales in partnership with the
neighbour islands of Anguilla, Saba, Sint-Maarten, Sint-Eustatius to assess migration routes of whales.
Multidisplinary, multi-islands teams' participation created new opportunities for collaboration and
transboundaries management issues in the Caribbean. In that regard, the French MPA Agency is working
on the establishment of sister sanctuary partnerships between existing and future sanctuaries providing
new avenues for collaborative action within and beyond the Caribbean Region, thus contributing to
following-up on the recently protected Spain-UNEP Lifeweb project on marine spatial planning for
marine mammals in the Caribbean, that designed transboundary conservation scenarios in more than 15
islands of the region.
KEYWORDS: Marine Protected Area, connectivity, marine mammals, cooperation, management
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Evaluation of Dried Sea Cucumber, Using the Traditional Method, Solar Dryers and
Electric Dryer
Evaluación del Secado del Pepino de Mar, Mediante el Método Tradicional, Secador Solar
y Secador Électrico
Évaluation de Bêche-de-Mer, Selon la Méthode Traditionnelle, Les Séchoirs Solaires et
Sèche-Linge Électrique
CARLOS REYES-SOSA*, LUIS ALFONSO RODRÍGUEZ-GIL, ENRIQUE EDUARDO PERAZAGONZÁLEZ, and ÁNGEL ALFREDO VÁZQUEZ-MEDOZA
Instituto Tecnologico de Merida, Km 5 Carr. Mérida Progreso, Mérida, Yucatan 97118 Mexico
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
An analysis of three methods for drying sea cucumber was evaluated – traditional method, solar drying,
and electric drying – in order to find a method that allows us to obtain a product with low moisture
content in the shortest possible time to enable rapid commercialization. To this monitoring, weight loss of
the samples was performed during drying, and the environmental conditions for solar drying cases.
Through traditional drying the final moisture of 3.19% was obtained after 88 h of drying pass for 14 days.
The overall solar drying time was 97h, it took 15 days, with a record average temperature inside the
drying chamber of 42.5°C, a peak of 62ºC the final moisture content was 7.16%. Electric dryer
temperature was constant at 70°C, a total time of 66 hours was required to obtain a product with an
average 3.9% of final moisture. Subsequently, a comparison of time and final moisture contents for each
type of drying concluding that using electric dryer drying gives a shorter drying operation is performed
continuously.
KEYWORDS: Sea cucumber, solar drying, I. badionotus
Page | 141
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Hydroacoustic and Video Surveys in the Northern Gulf of Mexico in Support of
Louisiana’s Artificial Reef Planning Area: A Comparison of Biomass and Community
Structure
Sondeo Hidroacústico y de Video en el Norte del Golfo de México Como Apoyo al Area de
Planeamiento del Arrecife Artificial en Louisiana: Una Comparación de la Biomasa y la
Estructura de la Comunidad
Relevés Vidéo et Hydroacoustiques du Nord du Golfe du Mexique à l'Appui d'un Projet de
Zone du Récif Artificiel de la Louisiane: Une Comparaison de Biomasse et de Structures
Communautaires
EMILY REYNOLDS
Louisiana State University, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, 2231 Energy Coast Env.
Building, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
There has been relatively little study of the efficacy of decommissioned oil and gas platforms as artificial
reef habitats for various species of fish in the northern Gulf of Mexico. A variety of fish species have
been reported on these structures, but the species biomass distribution and community structure has not
been studied thoroughly. Hydroacoustic and video surveys are being conducted quarterly during a twoyear study from June 2013 to June 2015 to gain information about the differences between the community
structures of the two toppled and two standing platforms located approximately 130 km off the coast of
Louisiana at 90 m depth. The decommissioned toppled platforms in our study are a part of the Louisiana
Artificial Reef Program (LARP) and have been in place since 2002. Stereo cameras are utilized for the
video surveys, providing lengths and frequencies of the fishes recorded. Less expensive Go-Pro camera
arrays are utilized at the toppled platform due to potential gear loss. Hydroacoustics are used to define
the spatial distribution of fish biomass (MVBS) in relation to distance and depth up to 500 m from the
center of each site. Determination of the community structure differences between the sites will allow for
further understanding of how artificial reef structures in the Gulf of Mexico impact the ecology and
composition of the fish communities. Additional data collection will allow us to gain knowledge both
about these structures and their roles and applications for management of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico.
KEYWORDS: Artificial reef, biomass, community structure, management, fisheries
Page | 142
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Data Collection and the Evolving Needs of Fisheries Management
Recolección de Datos y las Necesidades Cambiando del Manejo de las Pescquerías
La Collecte de Données et l'Évolution des Besoins de Gestion des Pêches
RYAN RINDONE
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 N Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, Florida 33607
USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Resource managers rely heavily on data from stock assessments to inform fishery management decisions.
In the United States Exclusive Economic Zone, these decisions are governed by the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act). National Standard Two of the Magnuson
Act largely dictates that resource managers must employ the ―best scientific information available‖ when
setting annual catch limits and regulating fishery resources. In the Gulf of Mexico, some species are
qualitatively categorized as ―data-rich‖, while others are considered ―data-poor‖. These designations are
commonly defined based on the quantity and quality of data available for a species. These designations
further determine whether a relatively sophisticated model can be used to assess the species, or whether
some other less data-intensive approach is more appropriate. Ideally, new or improved data collection
programs would produce benefits for both data conditions and improve both stock assessment rigor and
management advice. Among the most pressing data needs in the Gulf of Mexico are: defining the
universe of recreational fishing effort; characterizing discard mortality; and determining the ecosystem
function and value of artificial submerged structures. These are all areas where increases in fisherydependent monitoring and data collection efforts could benefit stock assessments of multiple species.
Such efforts may lead to better satisfaction of National Standard Two, more rigorous assessments of
previously ―data-poor‖ species, and improved working relationships between resource stakeholders and
resource managers.
KEYWORDS: Fishery management, Recreational fishing, Stock assessments, Data collection
Page | 143
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Analysis of Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus,
Tissue after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (PAH) Análisis de Pargo Rojo, Lutjanus
campechanus, Tejido Después del Derrame de Petróleo de Deepwater Horizon
Hydrocarbures Aromatiques Polycycliques (HAP) Analyse de Vivaneau, Lutjanus
campechanus, Tissus Après le Déversement Deepwater Horizon
CLAIRE ROBERTS* and STEPHEN SZEDLMAYER
Auburn University, 8300 State Hwy., 104 Fairhope, Alabama 36532 USA *[email protected]
Page | 144
ABSTRACT
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred on 20 April 2010, which led to approximately 4.9 million
barrels of oil entering the northern Gulf of Mexico. Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, are an
economically important commercial and recreational species in the Gulf of Mexico, and were potentially
exposed to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) from this oil spill. To assess this potential PAH
exposure, red snapper muscle tissue samples were collected from 2010 to 2012, and analyzed for several
PAHs. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. This method is extremely
accurate and gives the concentration of each PAH in parts-per-billion (ppb). The highest total PAH in an
individual red snapper muscle tissue was 52 ppb among all samples analyzed from 2010 (n = 123), 2011
(n = 32), and 2012 (n = 448). Significant differences were observed in total (± SE) PAH by year, with
2010 = 4.6 ± 0.5 ppb, 2011 = 7.1 ± 0.6 ppb, and 2012 = 2.5 ± 0.2 ppb (ANOVA: F2,600 = 22.7, p <
0.0001). We have analyzed post spill tissue samples for eight PAH compounds. The highest PAH
concentrations were shown for naphthalene (1.5± 0.1 ppb) and fluorene (0.7± 0.1 ppb). However, all
measured PAHs were in the range of levels previously observed from pristine Antarctica fish tissue
samples (13 to 145 ppb dry wt.).
KEYWORDS: British Petroleum, Macondo blowout, toxicology
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Analisis de las Capturas de la Pesqueria del Mero en el Estado de Yucatan, Mexico
Analysis of the Catches in the Fishery of the Grouper in the State of Yucatán, Mexico
Analyse des Captures de la Pêche de la Mérou dans l'État du Yucatán, Mexique
LUIS ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ GIL*, CARLOS REYES-SOSA1, JOSÉ LUIS GIORGANAFIGUEROA, and SARA NAHUAT_DZIB
Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida, Km. 5 Carretera a Progreso, Mérida, Yucatán 97118 México
*[email protected]
Page | 145
RESUMEN
En las aguas de jurisdicción federal del Golfo de México y Mar Caribe se encuentra la Plataforma
Continental de Yucatán y en el Estado de Yucatán por años se han beneficiado económicamente los
pescadores con tres principales recursos que son: el mero, la langosta y el pulpo. Dos flotas participan en
la pesquería la artesanal con 4400 lanchas y la de mediana altura con 550 embarcaciones. Se efectuó un
análisis de la captura oficial del mero de los últimos 10 años en cuanto a la fluctuación mensual y anual
de la cantidad registrada oficial y precio/kg por cada uno de los principales puertos de la costa de
Yucatán. Las variaciones mensuales en la captura del mero están sujetas al desplazamiento de los
pescadores a la pesca de langosta que inicia el 1 de julio de cada año y finaliza en febrero del año
próximo y a la pesca del pulpo que inicia el 1 de agosto y termina en diciembre del mismo año. También
se observan fluctuaciones en la captura con eventos naturales. No se observa ninguna tendencia a la
recuperación del recurso mero y la fluctuación anual se encuentra en disminución y este decremento se
debe reflejar en la CPUE kg/viaje de pesca. Este recurso se encuentra en estatus de deterioro y a pesar de
que se han hecho esfuerzos para recuperar este recurso al tomar medidas regulatorias como veda temporal
y tamaño mínimo principalmente, es urgente tomar medidas drásticas antes de que la pesquería se colapse
o desaparezca.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Pesquería, capturas, mero, Golfo de México, Yucatán
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Conversión de Peso Procesado a Peso Vivo del Pepino de Mar, Isostichopus badionotus, por
Medio del Contenido de la Humedad en las Costas del Estado de Yucatán, México
Weight Conversion Processing to Live Weight of Sea Cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus,
by Means of the Moisture Content in the Coasts of the State of Yucatán, Mexico
Conversion Poids Traitement au Poids Vif du Concombre de Mer, Isostichopus badionotus,
au Moyen de la Teneur en Humidité dans les Côtes de l'État du Yucatán, Mexique
LUIS ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ GIL*, CARLOS REYES-SOSA, JOSÉ LUIS GIORGANAFIGUEROA, SARA NAHUAT-DZIB and CYNTHIA PAULINA LUCIO-RAMÍREZ
Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida, Km. 5 Carretera a Progreso, Mérida, Yucatán 97118 México
*[email protected]
Page | 146
RESUMEN
El seguimiento y control de las cuotas de pesca del pepino de mar en las costas de Yucatán se realiza a
través de la conversión de peso procesado a peso vivo, en base a los estudios realizados por el Instituto
Nacional de la Pesca (INAPESCA). Sin embargo, este factor de conversión solamente utiliza la pérdida
de peso procesado y pudiera aplicarse dichos factores de conversión de una manera subjetiva, lo cual
puede generar diferencias con los productores, ya que no existe un método estandarizado. Por lo que, el
presente estudio realizado en el Laboratorio de Aprovechamiento de Recursos Marinos del Instituto
Tecnológico de Mérida, tiene como objetivo relacionar el contenido de humedad del pepino en cada etapa
del proceso, y su relación con la pérdida de peso. Los resultados de pérdida de peso reportados en este
trabajo se comparan favorablemente con el factor de conversión utilizado por INAPESCA en 2012. Se
obtuvieron muestras de diversos productores a las cuales se les determinó la humedad y se pudo constatar
que el producto se encuentra en la etapa de proceso declarada. La utilización del contenido de humedad
del producto relacionada con las etapas del proceso en este estudio es otra alternativa que junto con el
factor de conversión propuesta por INAPESCA, sirva para validar la conversión de peso procesado a peso
vivo, lo cual resultaría en un mejor seguimiento y control de las cuotas asignadas a los pescadores,
propiciando una pesca responsable y sustentable, proporcionando certidumbre a los procesadores y
compradores.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Pepino de mar, Isostichopus badionotus, factor de conversión, humedad
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Propuesta de Implementación de un Geovisor para la Distribución de Información
Pesquera en el Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina
Proposal for Implementing a Geovisor for the Distribution of Fisheries Information in the
Archipelago of San Andres, Providence and Santa Catalina
Proposition de Mise en Œuvre d'un Geovisor Pour la Distribution de l'Information de la
Pêche dans l'Archipel de San Andres, Providence et Santa Catalina.
ANTHONY ROJAS* and HEINS BENT
Secretaria de Agricultura y Pesca, Av. Francisco Newball, Edif. Coral Palace, San Andres Isla, San
Andres, Colombia *[email protected]
Page | 147
RESUMEN
Los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG), son un sistema de Información que con el uso de
Hardware, Software y personal humano, permite la obtención, almacenamiento, procesamiento, análisis y
visualización de información geográfica espacial. En la isla de San Andrés la implementación de los SIG
en las diferentes instituciones ha sido tediosa y lenta, debido en gran medida a falta de importancia que se
le ha dado a esta herramienta y en segundo lugar por los costos que se necesitan para su construcción,
implementación y mantenimiento. Aun así en la actualidad existe mucha Información pesquera de la
región, generada tanto por instituciones locales o nacionales, pero a la vez no divulgada por los
poseedores de la misma. Esta situación está generando gastos innecesarios de recursos (tanto en tiempo
como económicos) en la obtencion de Información ya existente; o generar diagnósticos equivocados por
no poseer información actualizada o por obtener fuentes de informaciones no verídicas, no oficiales.
Aprovechando la información pesquera espacial existen y la que se pueda generar a futuro, se pretende
con la ayuda de Herramientas SIG Open Source el diseño e implementación de un Geovisor que permita:
1) la publicacion distribución y consulta de los datos existentes y los que se generen, aumentado la
información pesquera del Archipielago, 2) la facilidad para su oprecacion y acceso, 3) que todos sus
componentes sean gratuitos y que no le genere costos adicionales para su implementación a la institución.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Geovisor, pesquerias, San Andres, SEAFLOWER, SIG
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Combining Acoustic Technologies to Enhance Future Protections for Spawning
Aggregations of Nassau (Epinephelus striatus) and Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca
venenosa)
Combinando Tecnologías Acústicas para Mejorar Protecciones Futuras para las
Agregaciones de Desove del Mero Cherna (Epinephelus striatus) y Guajil (Mycteroperca
venenosa)
La Combinaison de Deux Technologies Acoustiques pour Améliorer Protections Futures
des Agrégations Frayères de Mérou Rayé (Epinephelus striatus) et Badèche de Roche
(Mycteroperca venenosa)
TIMOTHY J. ROWELL1*, RICHARD S NEMETH2, MICHELLE T. SCHÄRER-UMPIERRE3, and
RICHARD S. APPELDOORN3
1
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California - San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, 208 La
Jolla, California 92093-0208 USA *[email protected]
2
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, 2 John Brewer's Bay, St.
Thomas 00802 USVI
3
Department of Marine Sciences University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez, P.O. Box 9000, Mayagüez,
Puerto Rico 00618 USA
ABSTRACT
Nassau (Epinephelus striatus) and yellowfin (Mycteroperca venenosa) grouper form temporally and
spatially predictable spawning aggregations that have historically been susceptible to overfishing.
Regional decreases in stock abundance have prompted the establishment of seasonal and permanent
fisheries closures in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to protect reproductive periods and locations. As both
species produce courtship-associated sounds (CAS) at spawning aggregations, passive acoustic and
acoustic telemetry methods were combined to determine temporal patterns of reproductive activity, site
usage, and fish movements in order to evaluate current protections at two marine protected areas (MPA)
in the USVI: the Grammanik Bank (GB) and Hind Bank Marine Conservation District (MCD). Patterns
of sound production and ultrasonic acoustic tag detections revealed the formation of spawning
aggregations of both species from January through May at the GB, indicating that current seasonal
regulations (1 February to 30 April) do not protect spawning stocks throughout the entire reproductive
season. Daily CAS totals and inferred abundances of yellowfin grouper exceeded those of Nassau
grouper. Acoustic tagging documented connectivity between the GB and MCD, highlighting the broad
extent of area used, including non-protected regions, during the spawning season. While spawning did not
likely occur within the MCD, the MPA did support elevated abundances of vocalizing individuals during
spawning periods. A continuation of acoustic behaviors away from spawning sites during routine
migrations presents a potential mechanism to lead conspecifics to the aggregation site and thereby
increase reproductive fitness and spawning output.
KEYWORDS: Passive acoustics, ultrasonic acoustic tagging, sound production, fish movement patterns,
Epinephelidae
Page | 148
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Global Status of Fish Aggregations
Situacion Mundial de las Agregaciones de Peces
Situation Mondiale de Poisson Agrégations
MARTIN RUSSELL
Science & Conservation of Fish Aggregations, 215/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland 4006
Australia [email protected]
Page | 149
ABSTRACT
An analysis of the Science and Conservation of Fish Aggregations (SCRFA) database on fish
aggregations has revealed important insights to assist in understanding aggregations globally and
regionally. The database contains records of more than 200 species from over 40 families of fishes
collected in over 50 countries. The status of many aggregations is unknown, 25% are in decline, and 4%
are gone. There are two key fish families in the database; Serranidae and Lutjanidae. For Serranidae, most
aggregations occur at low relief coral reef areas, outer reef slopes, channels and reef promontories. Many
occur on the full moon at dusk, and are targeted by line and spear fishing. Most records for Lutjanidae
show a similar trend; these fish aggregate in similar habitats to Serranidae, during the full moon at dusk,
and are targeted by trawl, line, spear and trap fishing. This analysis is a collaborative initiative by SCRFA
and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) as a snap shot in time of the status of the world‘s fish
aggregations, highlighting the need to ensure appropriate management of these critically important life
history events.
KEYWORDS: Aggregation, spawn, fisheries, status
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Export Trade in Aggregating Species; Telling Patterns and Opportunities
La Exportacion de Peces que se Aggregan; Tendencias y Opportunidades
L'Exportation de Poissons que Forment les Agregations Reproductives; Tendences et
Oportunites
YVONNE SADOVY
University of Hong Kong, Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations, School of Biological
Sciences, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, 0000 China [email protected]
ABSTRACT
A number of important and valuabale reef fishes that aggregate to spawn appear to be overfished to the
extent that their aggregations are declining and their landings decreasing. Managing such aggregatoins at
the national level, although increasing recognized to be necessary, is proving to be a challenge although
various spatial and temporal measures are now in place with varying degrees of success. However, as
supplies of desirable reef fishes decline globally the pressure to access remaining populations increases
and international trade is expanding. In the case of several aggregating species, examination of import and
export figures suggest a focus on the aggregation season of source countries to supply export markets.
This is clearly a potential threat but also offers an opportunity for management since the control of
exports may be easier than intervention at the national level for some countries. There may also be
opportunities for regional level management and the application of international measures.
KEYWORDS: Export, aggregation, fish, control, opportunity
Page | 150
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Public-Private Partnership towards Management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The
Case of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Asociación Publica-Privada hacia una Gestión de Áreas Marinas Protegidas (AMPs): El
Caso de las Islas Turcas y Caicos
Partenariat Public-Privé pour la Gestion des Zones Marines Protégées (MPA): Une Étude
de Cas sur les Îles Turks and Caicos
ERIC SALAMANCA*, AMY AVENANT, KATHARINE HART, RODDY MCLEOD and HENRY
WILSON
Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, Lower Bight Road, Providenciales, Providencale
12345 Turks and Caicos Islands *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Turks and Caicos Islands are anchored in a tourism-based economy. The pristine and unspoiled
white-sand beaches and coral reefs are among the main tourist attractions that require management
strategy where the support of stakeholders is paramount. The Department of Environment and Maritime
Affairs (DEMA) is the TCI government agency mandated to manage the terrestrial and marine resources,
including the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). With limited government resources and huge obligation to
maintain the environmental integrity of the MPAs, the DEMA entered into several Memoranda of
Agreements (MOA), under the Community Conservation Partnership Program (CCPP), with nongovernment organization and private entities to ensure that basic management services are delivered. The
DEMA believes that private sector investment, innovation and skills play a significant role in the delivery
and implementation of basic MPA infrastructure and services. There are a number of ways in which the
private sector delivers public infrastructure and services in TCI. The MOA allows the partner
organization to raise funds that are necessary to procure the needed supplies and services such as buoys,
small and big vessel moorings, signage, vessel rentals, among others and subsequently their installation
and maintenance. The government provides letter of support to solicit and gather voluntary contributions,
issue request letters to Customs Department for duty-concession for imported materials needed for the
MPAs. This arrangement brings significant environmental benefits to the MPAs that contributed
immensely to the ecotourism business, watersports activities, sustainable fisheries, and most of all the
proper management of the MPAs.
KEYWORDS: MPA, public-private partnership, Community Conservation Partnership Program, Turks
and Caicos Islands
Page | 151
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Coral Reef Challenges Creating Conservation Opportunities: A Citizen Science Project
Building Capacity while Monitoring Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered
Corals in The Bahamas
Desafíos de Corales Haciendo Oportunidades de Conservación: Un Proyecto de
Capacitación de Ciencia Ciudadana, Mientras que el Seguimiento de los Corales
Evolutivamente Distintas y en Peligro de Extinción a Nivel Mundial en Las Bahamas
Coral Reef d’Éfis Créer des Opportunités de Conservation: Un Renforcement des
Capacités du Projet de Science Citoyenne, Tout en Surveillant les Coraux Évolutivement
Distinctes et Globalement Menacées dans Les Bahamas
NIKITA SHIEL-ROLLE
Young Marine Explorers, 10 Norman Road, CB 13179, Nassau, Bahamas [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Marine conservation in The Bahamas is challanged by the poor educational output within underserved
communities producing a functionally illiterate society; and the failure to monitor biodiversity especially
outside of MPA‘s. The combination of these challenges is a driver to marine resource degradation.
Additionally the interplay of geographic dispersion, limited resources and trained personnel inhibits coral
reef monitoring in remote areas of The Bahamas. Failure to monitor marine resources prohibits the
identification of early warning signs of sever threats. Consequently the inability to make proactive
conservation decisions results in ecosystem degradation. This study presents an approach taken by Young
Marine Explorers, a Bahamian non-profit organization, to develop a culturally relevant and island specific
coral monitoring program executed by youth from local communities throughout the archipelago. In
addition to monitoring trends of evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered coral species in remote
and data deficient areas of The Bahamas; this program simultaneously develops local appreciation for
natural heritage, encourages self-regulation of marine resources, and builds a sense of environmental
allegiance within underserved communities. Synthesized information collected by student scientists can
be used to guide decisions, in particular in support of conservation action in remote locations.This case
study illustrates how investing in programs like Young Marine Explores builds local capacity in youth
from underserved communities and grooms them to take on the pressing environmental and social issues
facing the Bahamas – working towards healthy natural resources and improved human health and
wellbeing.
KEYWORDS: Citizen science, coral reefs, capacity building, monitoring, youth
Page | 152
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Importance of Social Capital and Networks in the Maintenance of Small-Scale Fishing
Communities: Case Studies from Florida and Puerto Rico
Importancia del Capital Social y Redes en el Mantenimiento de las Comunidades
Pesqueras de Pequeña Escala: Estudios de Caso de la Florida y Puerto Rico
Importance du Capital Social et des Réseaux dans le Maintien des Communautés de Pêche
å Petite Échelle: Études de Cas de la Floride et Puerto Rico
MANOJ SHIVLANI
Northern Taiga Ventures, Inc. (NTVI), 10600 SW 131 Court Miami, Florida 33186-3455 USA
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Social capital, defined loosely as the ties between individuals and across groups that facilitate cooperation
and coordination, is an often understudied (and indeed, undervalued) aspect of fishing communities.
While other forms of capital, namely physical and human capital, are invariably utilized to determine the
worth and resilience of fishing communities, the social links and networks that bind these communities
are either taken as tethered to other forms of capital or an inchoate form of benefits that remain constant
despite perturbations. My research in the Florida Keys and Puerto Rico evaluates the importance of social
capital in fishing communities in the respective regions. It determines the role that bonding and bridging
forms of social capital play in establishing and maintaining information networks and reducing
transactions costs. While there remains the need to implement and maintain a formal fishery management
system, my research evaulates the importance to nurture and sustain social capital in fishing communities
to achieve resilient fisheries.
KEYWORDS: Commercial fishing, social networks, social capital, Florida, Puerto Rico
Page | 153
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Sampling Protocols in CRFM Countries, and Associated Data Usage Challenges
Protocolos de Muestreo de los Países del CRFM y Problemas de Uso de Datos Asociados
Les Protocoles d'Échantillonnage dans les Pays du CRFM et les Défis d'Utilisation des
Données Associées
SUSAN SINGH-RENTON
Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Corea's Building, Halifax Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent and
the Grenadines [email protected]
ABSTRACT
CRFM is a regional fisheries body, operating in the Caribbean since 2003, and with a current membership
of 14 independent countries and three British Overseas Territories. During its first 10 years of operation,
the CRFM worked to improve the quality and availability of fishery dependent data, and also the usage of
such data for management purposes. CRFM supported development of a customized fisheries database
for national-level use, and established several fishery resource working groups and a working group
specifically focused on data, methods and training. Data and data analyses have also been the core subject
of the annual CRFM scientific meetings. However, due to the often poor quality of country data, few
complete, quantitative stock assessments have been completed and acted upon, and these were for
national stocks with international interests. Regional assessments therefore remain just a vision, as data
sharing within the CRFM remains just a spoken phrase. The path forward is therefore not the present one
for more than one reason. The present hurdles impacting data quality will need to be addressed through
coordinated team effort at both the country and CRFM levels. Moreover, at each level, a business
approach is required, with a multi-disciplinary team employed. In addition, the incorporation and
successful application of local and common knowledge for improving data quality has also suffered, a
hurdle that could be overcome as CRFM countries strive to make participatory approaches to fisheries
management a living reality.
KEYWORDS: CRFM, Small-scale fisheries, fisheries dependent data, fisheries management
Page | 154
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Effects of the Herbivorous Caribbean King Crab, Mithrax spinosissimus, on Coral Reef
Macroalgal Communities in The Florida Keys
Efectos del Cangrejo Herbívoro Caribe King, Mithrax spinosissimus, sobre Coral Reef
Comunidades de macroalgas en Los Cayos de la Florida
Effets de la Crabe Herbivore roi Caraïbes, Mithrax spinosissimus, sur des récifs coralliens
Communautés de macro-algues dans les Keys de Floride
ANGELO SPADARO* and MARK BUTLER
Old Dominion University, Department of Biological Sciences, Norfolk, Virginia 23529 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Caribbean King Crab, Mithrax spinosissimus, is the largest brachyuran in the Western Atlantic ocean,
a prodigious consumer of benthic macroalgae on coral reefs, and a candidate for commercial mariculture.
Here, we present the preliminary results of an experimental study of the effect of these large, herbivorous
crabs in mediating macroalgal dominance, and thus their potential use in improving conditions for the
recovery of Caribbean coral reef communities. We manipulated the density of crabs and the initial
macroalgal biomass on patch reefs in the Florida Keys and monitored macroalgal cover and diversity
periodically over the following 12 months. We also estimated size-specific crab mortality in a tethering
study and used mark-recapture and acoustic telemetry methods to determine site fidelity of crabs. Most
crabs transplanted onto patch reefs remained on those reefs for months, and crab mortality did not differ
with crab sex or size. Preliminary results suggest that patch reefs onto which both crabs were transplanted
and macroalgae initially removed, continued to harbor the lowest macroalgal cover over those on which
only crabs were added and over control reefs. Thus far, our results offer promise for another means of
restoring coral reefs degraded by the overgrowth of macroalgae.
KEYWORDS: Crab, algae, herbivory, coral reef, restoration
Page | 155
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Digital Deck: An Impact Technology Solution for Mobile Fisheries Catch Reporting in the
USVI and Puerto Rico
Digital Deck: Una Solución de Tecnología de Impacto para Informes de Captura de
Pesqueros Móviles en las Islas Vírgenes y Puerto Rico
Digital Deck: Une Solution de la Technologie Mobile pour Recueillir des Prises de Pêche
dans les Îles Vierges Américaines et Puerto Rico
CHARLES STEINBACK
Point 97, 721 NW 9th Ave., Suite. 200, Portland, Oregon 97209 USA [email protected]
ABSTRACT
For Caribbean fishermen and fisheries, striking a balance between economic opportunity and resource
management boils down to the timely use of data, a key factor missing with the collection and processing
of paper catch reports. To fill this gap, Point 97 worked closely with local fishermen and resource
managers to develop Digital Deck: a digital data collection and reporting platform designed to transition
legacy, manual and error prone data practices into reliable fishery harvest data. With an easy-to-use
interface via cell phone, tablet or computer technology, Digital Deck is enabling fishermen to digitally
collect their harvest data and transmit the data to fisheries managers. Tracking fish harvest in near-to-real
time ensures that fisheries managers can assess harvests in relation to established Annual Catch Limits,
and that fishermen can monitor their catch totals against catch quotas. Fishermen have the added benefit
of accessing their historical trip data, informing future business planning. Over time, Digital Deck
promotes collaborative fishing efforts among fishermen, better tracking and management of fisheries data,
and adds market value to seafood, while empowering fishermen to make better harvest decisions. In
collaboration with the Caribbean Fisheries Management Council, NOAA, USVI DFW, and PR DNER,
the platform has produced over 500 catch reports from over 20 St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico
fishermen. As plans for program expansion and technology enhancements take shape, Point 97 shares inthe-field insights about how ocean and marine resource management can operationalize a data-driven
environment for deeper, and more sustained impact.
KEYWORDS: Electronic reporting, mobile data collection, annual catch limits, technology
Page | 156
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Regional Comparisons of Lionfish (Pterois spp.) Population Demographics from the East
Coast of Florida
Comparaciones Regionales de la Población Demográfica de Peces León (Pteroiss spp.) de la
Costa de Florida
Comparaisons Régionales de la Population Démographique des Poissons-Lion (Pterois
spp.) de la Côte est de la Floride
1
MARYKATE SWENARTON1*, ERIC JOHNSON1, and JOHN AKINS2
University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 USA
*[email protected]
2
REEF, 98300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037 USA
Page | 157
ABSTRACT
The invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) is currently established in the Western
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. As managers formulate plans to mitigate the harmful
impacts of this invasive species throughout its range, the collection of regional life history information,
which is sparse to date, is pertinent for accurately estimating population size, growth, and predicting the
response of lionfish populations to management initiatives. In order to elucidate potential life history
differences that exist throughout their invaded range, lionfish were collected from a previously unstudied
region, the southern South Atlantic Bight (n = 3969), and the Florida Keys (n = 792) throughout 2013 and
2014 in coordination with lionfish derby events. Population structure was analyzed by fitting a statistical
length-based model to the observed total length frequencies in each region. The predicted lengthfrequency distribution is generated from the three von Bertalanffy growth function parameters, maximum
length (L¥), Brody growth coefficient (k), age at size 0 (t0), variance in length-at-age (s), and time of
spawning (s). Increased variation in the fish length-at-ages from south Florida indicate lionfish juveniles
are recruiting over a broad time scale, and the reproductive season may be prolonged in that region,
relative to their northern conspecifics. Our present findings and future data will provide urgently needed
information on life history parameters for this species, aiding resource managers seeking to more
effectively control the species by accurately predicting the effect of removal initiatives on the population.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, population structure, growth, Florida
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
An Examination of the Diversity and Abundance of Ichthyoplankton in the Loop Current
of the Central Gulf of Mexico
Un Examen de la Diversidad y Abundancia de Ictioplancton en la Corriente del Lazo de La
Región Central del Golfo de México
Un Examen de la Diversité et de l'Abondance de Ichthyoplancton dans la Boucle de
Courant de la Partie Centrale du Golfe du Mexique
STEPHANIE TAYLOR1*, ROBERT LEAF1, FRANK HERNANDEZ JR.1, JAMES FRANKS1 and
ERIC HOFFMAYER2**
1
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean
Springs, Mississippi 39564-7331 USA *[email protected]
2
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast
Fisheries Science Center, Pascagoula, Mississippi 35967 USA ** [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Loop Current boundary (LCB), an area characterized by the transition of environmental conditions of
the water mass between the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Caribbean, provides increased feeding
opportunities relative to the surrounding oligotrophic waters for ichthyoplankton. The goals of this study
were to characterize the relative density of ichthyoplankton and to describe the community composition
of the LCB. Ichthyoplankton were collected in and around the vicinity of the LCB; attempts were made
to distribute samples equally across the LCB. We identified post hoc the origin of ichthyoplankton
samples from one of three water masses: GOM, LCB, or Caribbean. We took 19 samples in four
transects and caught 12,401 ichthyoplankton from 53 families. Using nonmetric multidimensional
scaling, we identified three unique assemblages of ichthyoplankton at the LCB: a transition assemblage
found around the LCB and two peripheral groups originating from either GOM or Caribbean water
masses. The transition assemblage is characterized by relatively high densities of the families
Scombridae (103.3 fish/m3), Carangidae (16.7 fish/m3), Istiophoridae (3.7 fish/m3), and Coryphaenidae
(2.8 fish/m3). The GOM peripheral assemblage has relatively high densities of the families Myctophidae
(39.9 fish/m3) and Exocoetidae (8.6 fish/m3). The Caribbean peripheral assemblage has relatively high
densities of the families Tetraodontidae (1.5 fish/m3), Sphyraenidae (7.4 fish/m3), and Scorpaenidae (2.7
fish/m3). We found significantly dissimilarity in the pairwise comparisons of familial compositions (p <
0.05). The LCB ecotone displays a unique biotic assemblage of economically important fishes and may
be essential to the early life history of these fishes.
KEYWORDS: Loop Current, MDS, ecotone, community, ichthyoplankton
Page | 158
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Losing the Shell Game: Coastal Seascapes without Predatory Gastropods
Perder El Juego de la Cáscara: Paisajes Marinos Costeros sin Gasterópodos Depredadores
Perdre le Jeu du Shell: Paysages Marins Côtiers sans Gastéropodes Prédateurs
ALEXANDER TEWFIK
Wildlife Conservation Society, Belize 1755 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize [email protected]
ABSTRACT
A number of large, predatory gastropods including Chanks (Turbinellidae), Helmets (Cassidae), and
Tritons (Ranellidae) are haphazardly targeted by fishers supplying the trade in collectible shells,
components of decorative souvenirs, and a source of food in some areas. However, the over-harvesting of
these predators is considered a contributing factor in population increases of their prey, largely
echinoderms, resulting in the alteration of shallow-water ecosystem dynamics. Similar cascading effects
have been documented in a number of other marine systems in which over-harvesting of echinoderm
predators (fish, lobsters, sea otters) have resulted in the release of prey and fundamental shifts in benthic
communities. This overview intends to highlight: (1) the importance of gastropod predators within
complex Caribbean seascapes; (2) how assessments of gastropod predators may be integrated into
existing benthic resource surveys: and (3) preliminary evaluation of the status of several species of
gastropod predators (e.g. Cassis tuberosa, C. madagascariensis, Chariona variegata, Turbinella
angulata) inhabiting selected seagrass and patch reef areas of Belize, The Bahamas, and the Turks and
Caicos Islands.
KEYWORDS: Trophic cascade, meso-predator, fishery, population, assessment
Page | 159
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Assessing Essential Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) Habitat in Eleuthera, The Bahamas:
Population Declines Suggest the Urgent Need for Changes in Management
La Evaluación de Hábitat Esencial Caracol Reina en Eleuthera, Las Bahamas: Descensos
de Población Sugieren la Necesidad Urgente de Cambios en la Gestión
L'Évaluation de L'Habitat Essentiel de Lambi de Eleuthera, Bahamas: Le Déclin des
Populations Suggèrent le Besoin Urgent de Changements dans la Gestion
CLAIRE THOMAS1*, STEVEN AUSCAVITCH2, ANNABELLE BROOKS1, and ALLAN STONER3
1
Cape Eleuthera Institute, EL26-029, Queen's Highway Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
*[email protected]
2
Darling Marine Center, University of Maine, Walpole, Maine
3
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
ABSTRACT
Queen conch (Strombus gigas) are economically and culturally important throughout the greater
Caribbean region. However, recent surveys have shown declines throughout their range. In The Bahamas,
there exists one of the last viable conch fisheries, but overfishing and illegal juvenile harvest is observed
throughout the family islands. In Eleuthera, many local residents rely on marine resources, particularly
conch, for subsistence. Population declines may have devastating effects on an already impoverished part
of the country. A marine protected area has been suggested for South Eleuthera, but without current
information on conch populations and identification of essential habitat, ideal placement and effectiveness
cannot be assessed. To determine the health of the local conch population, we performed surveys in two
crucial habitats: shallow water habitat and deep water breeding grounds. Utilizing towed snorkel surveys,
we obtained necessary baseline data in nearshore habitat with moderate fishing pressure; preliminary
results show low numbers of conch, with a mean density of 18 conch/ha. The deep water surveys
(performed on SCUBA) were compared to surveys from the 1990s, to determine if local waters are still
used by conch for reproduction. Although mating and egg masses were identified in the deep water, the
mean density of 11 adults/ha is significantly lower than previous population estimates, and below the
threshold identified for a healthy breeding population. Coupled with midden surveys that show only 14%
of locally harvested conch are adult, the data suggest a drastic decrease in the South Eleutheran conch
population, and an urgent need for protection.
KEYWORDS: Conch, The Bahamas, Eleuthera, habitat, reproduction
Page | 160
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
A Simple Framework for Science-Based Marine Spatial Planning: A Case Example
Un Marco (De Trabajo) Simple para la Planificación Espacial Marina Basada en Ciencia:
El Estudio de Caso
Une Approche Simple pour la Planification Spatiale Marine: Un Exemple de Cas
LENNON R. THOMAS1, DANIEL OVANDO1, MORGAN VISALLI1, E. GRACE GOLDBERG2,
BENJAMIN L. RUTTENBERG3, AYANA E. JOHNSON4 and SARAH E. LESTER2
1
Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, 2400 Bren Hall, University of California,
Santa Barbara , California 93106 USA [email protected]
2
Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara California 93106 USA
[email protected]
3
Biological Sciences Institute, Fisher Hall, San Luis Obispo, California 93407 USA
[email protected]
4
Waitt Institute, P.O. Box 1948, La Jolla, California 92038 USA [email protected]
Page | 161
ABSTRACT
Marine spatial planning is becoming an increasingly important strategy that is implemented to achieve a
variety of stakeholder objectives. While many papers have offered general guidelines for marine spatial
planning, few have presented scientific analytical tools and approaches that could guide the development
of an actual plan. Using Barbuda as a case example, we present a simple approach for evaluating alternate
marine spatial plans, offering a user friendly framework to facilitate stakeholder engagement and data
driven decision making. We generate alternate, hypothetical marine spatial plan proposals, where each
proposal is designed to meet a specific ecological, fishery, or tourism objective. We then develop a
tradeoff analysis to evaluate and compare these alternate plans, including determining their fishery impact
by employing a simple spatial population dynamics model of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus
argus) fishery. Ecological and tourism impacts are evaluated based on area and diversity of habitat that is
protected and protected habitat that is accessible to recreational divers/snorkelers, respectively. We
examine both static and dynamic tradeoffs, and explore the relationships between fishing pressure,
timescales for meeting objectives, and the particular design of a spatial plan. This study demonstrates how
a marine spatial plan can be successfully designed and evaluated using the best available science to
balance a diverse set of objectives.
KEYWORDS: Marine spatial planning, tradeoff analysis, small-scale fisheries, Barbuda,
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
New Guidelines for Monitoring Coral Reef Ecological and Socio-Economic Data in the
Caribbean
Nuevas Directrices para el Monitoreo Datos Ecologicos y Socio-Económicos de Arrecifes de
Coral en el Caribe
Nouvelles Lignes Directrices pour la Surveillance de Données sur les Récifs Coralliens
Écologiques et Socio-Économiques dans les Caraïbes
RUBEN TORRES1* and PETER EDWARDS2
Reef Check, Prol Fantino Falco #5, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic *[email protected]
2
NOAA, Coral Reef Conservation Program, Natural Resource Economist and Social Science
Coordinator, 1305 East West Highway, SSMC4, Room 10417, Silver Spring Maryland 20910 USA
1
ABSTRACT
One of the findings of the recently released Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) report on
the status and trends of Caribbean coral reefs was that coral reef monitoring in the wider Caribbean is
''scattered, disorganized, and largely ineffective". This key finding highlights the weaknesses and
inefficiency of the current coral monitoring network, in part due to the lack of information dissemination
and inconsistency in application of monitoring methods and approaches throughout the region. The
GCRMN in the Caribbean currently suffers from reduced functionality, at three levels of action: data
collection, information archiving and dissemination, and internal network communication. Those
weaknesses are often coupled with challenges of securing adequate funding as a means to support
systematic and sustainable coral reef monitoring. This has potentially contributed to losses of information
and capacity building due to major gaps in the exchange of approaches and expertise within the region.
To address the urgent need for a more effective coral reef monitoring in the wider Caribbean region, a
workshop was convened in Curacao during August 6th - 8th, 2014. The main goal of the workshop was
to improve the regional cooperation for coral reef monitoring through the GCRMN. New coral reef
monitoring minimum guidelines were proposed for ecological and socioeconomic data collection, hoping
that these minimum requirements will facilitate long term monitoring of Caribbean coral reefs regionwide comparable data that can be used to enhance current management and conservation efforts, specially
related to Marine Protected Area (MPA) Networks. Here we present the proposed guidelines.
KEYWORDS: GCRMN, coral reef monitoring, socioeconomic, data, MPA
Page | 162
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Effect of Regular Culling on the Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Population in Martinique
(FWI)
Efectos del Control Periódico Sobre las Poblaciones de Pez León (Pterois volitans) en
Martinica (Antillas Menores)
Effets d'un Controle Régulier sur les Populations de Poisson-Lion (Pterois volitans) en
Martinique (Petites Antilles)
EWAN TREGAROT* and JEAN-PHILIPPE MARECHAL
Observatoire du Milieu Marin Martiniquais 14, rue Chery Rosette Fond Lahaye Schoelcher, 97233
Martinique *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
First observed in Martinique in 2011, the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has reached high densities in
coastal waters of the island (480 ind/ha). The Marine Institute of Martinique (OMMM) initiated a
monitoring program in 2013 to assess the efficacy of control measure efforts. Monthly lionfish culling
were tested for one year on five reef patches ranging from 500 m2 to 2500 m2. An average of 74 ± 13 %
of the observed population was removed each time. Despite consistent culling efforts, the lionfish
population do not tend to be younger, neither to be smaller on contiguous reefs. Our results highlight how
fast lionfish recolonize previously culled areas through recruitment and migration of juveniles and adults.
Migration suggests low site fidelity and larger mobility of juvenile and adult lionfish compared to other
invaded regions. On isolated patch reefs, regular culling tends to decrease lionfish abundance
significantly while on continuous reef, such efforts maintain lionfish density ranging from 100 to 200
lionfish per hectare. Culling data collected from dive centres on two different sites for a period of two
years revealed that with a constant culling effort frequency for two years (weekly and monthly
respectively), the number of lionfish captured per dive doubled significantly from 2012 to 2013 at
―Batelière‖and a 4-fold significant increased capture rate at ―Cap Salomon‖. More studies are needed to
assess deep lionfish population and migrating patterns of lionfish from the depths to the shallows,
especially in volcanic islands.
KEYWORDS: Invasive species, Martinique, population control, Pterois volitans, colonization
Page | 163
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Socioeconomics of the Lionfish Derby Fishery
Socioeconomía de la Pesca Derby Pez León
Socio-Économie de la Pêche Rascasse Volante Derby
KRISTINA TROTTA1*, ADAM NARDELLI1, STEPHANIE GREEN2, LAD AKINS3, BRAD
GENTNER4**, and DAVID KERSTETTER1
1
Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Blvd., Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA
*[email protected]
2
Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvalis Oregon 97331 USA
3
REEF, 98300 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, Florida 33037 USA
4
Gentner Consulting, 9007 Eton Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901 USA **[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Throughout the western North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, invasive IndoPacific lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) have established dense populations, greatly impacting their host
environments. Lionfish tournaments have been an important tool for resource managers and other
concerned stakeholders in suppressing local populations of lionfish. Tournaments can also bring
economic benefits to the communities where they are held, despite this not being the primary purpose.
Five derby events in Florida and the Bahamas were surveyed and 119 participants were interviewed on
site, using a survey asking them to describe: (1) the lionfish derby experience; (2) non-derby related
lionfish removal effort; (3) derby expenditures; and (4) personal characteristics. Response rates of event
participants were between 35% and 82%. Respondents spent an average of approximately $820 per
person, potentially creating a net economic benefit to the communities where they were held. Total
expenditures reported ranged from $5,000 to over $60,000 per tournament, with events drawing a high
number of out-of-town participants reporting the highest amounts spent. Participants surveyed were
largely males who resided in Florida and had a reported income of over $100,000, with 29% indicating an
annual income of more than $200,000. In addition, lionfish tournaments have the effect of educating the
public about the lionfish invasion, including greater targeting and consumption of lionfish, showing that
tournaments are effective at their conservation mission as well as contributing to the economy of their
host community.
KEYWORDS: Lionfish, socioeconomics, tournament, Florida, Bahamas
Page | 164
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Genetic Population Structure of Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) across the Mesoamerican
Barrier Reef, the Offshore Banks of Northern Honduras, The Bahamas, and the Turks and
Caicos
Estructura Genética de la Población de Caracol Reina (Strombus gigas) en Belice, Los
Bancos Offshore de Honduras, Bahamas, y Las Islas Turcas y Caicos
La Structure Génétique de la Population de Lambis (Strombus gigas) au Belize, au
Honduras Banques, Bahamas, y Les Ïles Turks et Caicos
NATHAN TRUELOVE1*, SARA ROSEWALL1, SARAH GRIFFITHS2, MARTHA DAVIS3, ALLAN
STONER3, RICHARD PREZIOSI2, and STEPHEN BOX1
1
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945 USA
*[email protected]
2
University of Manchester, Manchester United Kingdom
3
Community Conch, Waldorf, Oregon USA
ABSTRACT
Understanding ecologically relevant patterns of connectivity is an important factor for improving the
management of commercially threatened marine species. We developed novel microsatellites using next
generation DNA sequencing technology to perform a comprehensive study of genetic connectivity in the
queen conch, Strombus gigas. Paired-end sequencing of DNA from a single queen conch individual was
carried out in half a flow cell lane of the Illumina MiSeq platform, yielding a total of 3,481,868 (2 x
1,740,934) 250bp length paired-end reads. Potentially amplifiable loci containing microsatellites were
identified with program PAL FINDER v0.02. We used quality filtering in a Galaxy bioinformatics server
to sort microsatellite loci by highest quality score. We then selected microsatellites with the highest
quality score to analyze genetic variation in 1,152 individuals from a total of 24 sites located in Belize,
Honduras, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos. Genetic analyses provided evidence of population
differentiation within multiple sites in Honduras, as well as among populations from each respective
Caribbean nation that we sampled. Limited demographic connectivity may explain the significant levels
of genetic structuring among the queen conch populations that we studied. Additional research will be
required to clarify the spatial and temporal levels of connectivity among queen conch populations
throughout the Caribbean.
KEYWORDS: Conservation, genetics, connectivity, microsatellite, spatial ecology
Page | 165
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The Use of Multiple Acoustic Technologies to Characterize the Spatial and Temporal
Dynamics of Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus) at a Spawning Aggregation in Puerto
Rico
El Uso de las Tecnologías de Acústica Múltiples para Caracterizar la Dinámica Espacial y
Temporal de la Mero Cherna (Epinephelus striatus) en un Agregación Reproductiva en
Puerto Rico
L'Utilisation des Technologies Acoustique Multiples pour Caracteriser la Dynamique
Spatiale et Temporelle de Nassau (Epinephelus striatus) a Une Concentration de
Reproducteurs Puerto Rico
EVAN TUOHY*, MICHELLE SCHÄRER-UMPIERRE, KIMBERLY CLOUSE, MICHAEL NEMETH
and RICHARD APPELDOORN
Department of Marine Science, University of Puerto Rico, P.O Box 9000, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 006809000 USA *[email protected]
Page | 166
ABSTRACT
The Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus, were once considered the most commercially important
grouper species in the Caribbean. However, decades of overexploitation has led to their virtual
disappearance within the coastal waters of Puerto Rico, despite being fully protected since 1990. The
only known Nassau grouper spawning aggregation in Puerto Rico occurs at Bajo de Sico, an isolated
seamount located within the Mona Passage. During the 2013 and 2014 spawning seasons, 29 Nassau
grouper were surgically implanted with acoustic tags in situ using closed-circuit rebreathers.
Simultaneous data were collected at the aggregation site using passive acoustic recorders and underwater
visual census to compare temporal patterns and estimate population size. Results for this location
indicated three peaks in abundances of Nassau grouper occurring shortly after the full moons during the
months of January - March, with the duration and timing of peak abundances varying between months.
The majority of tagged individuals (24 of 29) were detected at the aggregation site during multiple peaks
through the spawning season. Tagged fish displayed greater variability in the day of arrival than timing
of departure, but patterns in the time of day of arrival and departure were predictable. Results from
passive acoustic recordings and underwater visual censes coincided with tag detection data, with the
maximum number of courtship associated calls (CAS), number of individuals observed, and tag
detections occurring on similar days.
KEYWORDS: Nassau grouper, spawning aggregation, tagging, passive acoustics
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Multi-Level Factors Influence Community Perceptions of Caribbean Coral Reef
Governance
Factores Multi-Nivel Influyen en las Percepciones de la Comunidad de Gobernanza de
Arrecifes de Coral del Caribe
Facteurs Multi-Niveaux Influent sur les Perceptions de la Communauté de Corail des
Caraïbes Récif Gouvernance
RACHEL TURNER1*, CLARE FITZSIMMONS2, JOHANNA FORSTER2, ANGELIE PETERSON1,
SELINA STEAD2, and ROBIN MAHON1
1CERMES UWI MAST, Ridley Building 4th Floor, Cave Hill, St Michael BB11000 Barbados
*[email protected]
2
Newcastle University, United Kingdom
ABSTRACT
Good governance is widely seen as a prerequisite for effective natural resources management. However,
few studies explore community members‘ heterogeneous perceptions of governance that shapes their
behaviour. We analysed socio-economic and awareness-related factors influencing community
perceptions of two aspects of coral reef governance – institutional acceptance and engagement – in 12
Caribbean communities. Mixed effects models examined the relative importance of individual-level
factors, while accounting for variation among socio-economic, environmental, and governance attributes
of communities. Findings identified that individuals who: perceived that community members worked
together to solve problems; felt that they were accepted as part of the community; used reefs (for fishing,
tourism or both); had not perceived a decline in reef fish resources; had lower education levels; or were
aware of rules in place to manage reef use, had higher institutional acceptance. Perceptions of institutional
acceptance were also explained by community level factors: fewer commercial fishers, more dive shops,
greater infrastructure, higher coral cover, NGO presence, and connections to information networks led to
higher baseline perceptions. Perceived engagement was explained predominantly by individual level
factors, and was higher among respondents who: were involved in reef-related tourism to some extent;
perceived a more diffuse locus of responsibility for reef management including a wide array of actors
from government and NGOs to communities; and had higher levels of education. Identification of the
range of demographic, socio-economic, awareness-related and contextual factors that influence
perceptions can contribute to the identification of more effective governance mechanisms in support of
coral reef conservation.
KEYWORDS: Governance, coral reefs, institutional acceptance, engagement, socio-economics
Page | 167
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Organized Removal Events as a Control Strategy for Invasive Species: Assessing
Effectiveness of Caribbean Lionfish Derbies
Organizaron Eventos de Retiro como una Estrategia de Control de Especies Invasoras:
Evaluación de Eficacia de Pez León Caribe Derbies
Organisé des Manifestations de Suppression comme Une Stratégie de Contrôle des Espèces
Envahissantes : Èvaluer l'efficacité des Possion-Lion Caraïbes Derbies
ELIZABETH UNDERWOOD1*, STEPHANIE GREEN2, and LAD AKINS1
1Reef Environmental Education Foundation 98300 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037 United
States *[email protected]
2
Oregon State University 3029 Cordley Hall Corvallis Oregon 97331 United States
ABSTRACT
Invasive species cause significant negative impacts to native ecosystems and economies and generate
many challenges from a management standpoint. Complete eradication of established invasions is often
beyond the reach of the resources available to managers, therefore managing widespread invasions at an
ecologically relevant scale may be the only viable option. The rapid invasion of predatory Indo-Pacific
lionfish throughout the Western Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico is a prime example of this
problem. Recently, single day tournaments have emerged as a tool for increasing participation in lionfish
removal. However, the degree to which these events suppress invasive populations remains unknown. In
order to asses this question, we quantified the magnitude of control achieved by annual derbies in Green
Turtle Cay, Bahamas and Key Largo, Florida. We found that derby participants affected a greater than
45% reduction in lionfish densities within the 147-180 km2 derby areas, compared with pre-derby levels.
Furthermore, between the years 2012 and 2014 in the Green Turtle Cay Derby the average size (total
length) of the lionfish removed decreased by 18%. Population suppression was isolated to the area where
the derby occurred. Crucially, we found that derby removals were sufficient to reduce lionfish populations
below densities at which they are predicted to deplete native prey fish populations. Our work shows that
using unconventional methods, such as derbies, in high priority management areas can be a cost-effective
tool to suppress invasive populations.
KEYWORDS: lionfish, population suppression, exotic species removal, fishing tournament, marine
conservation
Page | 168
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Do Fishpot Catches and Underwater Visual Fish Censuses Tell the Same Story along a
Gradient of Fishing Pressure in a Small Caribbean Island?
Cuentan las Capturas de Peces en Nasas y los Censos Visuales Submarinos de Peces la
Misma Historia a lo largo de un Gradiente de Presión Pesquera en una Pequeña Isla del
Caribe?
Est-ce que les Captures de Poissons dans les Nasses et les Recensements Visuels SousMarins de Poissons Racontent la Même Histoire le Long d'un Gradient de Pression de
Pêche dans une Petite Ïle des Caraïbes?
HENRI VALLES1* and HAZEL A. OXENFORD2
1
Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus,
Barbados *[email protected]
2
CERMES, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
ABSTRACT
Management of Caribbean coral reef fishes would benefit from the use of simple indicators of the state of
exploited reef fish communities. This would facilitate monitoring and help improve communication
across different stakeholder groups. Monitoring fishpot catches and conducting underwater visual
censuses (UVC) are two conventional survey approaches that can be used to obtain data on simple fish
metrics (i.e. fish biomass, fish density, average fish body size) to inform about trends in fish communities.
However, the data provided by each approach will be subject to different sampling biases, raising
questions about the validity of comparing fish metric trends between approaches. In this study, we
surveyed six shallow fringing reefs along a fishing pressure gradient on the west coast of Barbados using
both fishpots and UVC concurrently. We then compared spatial trends in the aforementioned fish metrics
at different levels of data aggregation (i.e. species, family, trophic status, and community levels) between
the two survey approaches. Overall, we found low consistency between approaches for most metrics,
except for fish biomass at the trophic and community levels (with moderate consistency) and fish
biomass, density, and average fish size of parrotfishes at the family level (with high consistency). Further,
in both approaches, family-level average parrotfish size exhibited the strongest association with the
fishing pressure gradient. These findings suggest that simple metrics derived from the entire parrotfish
community are the most comparable between fishpots and UVC, while highlighting the value of average
parrotfish size as an indicator of fishing effects irrespective of approach.
KEYWORDS: Fishpot, underwater surveys, fisheries, parrotfish, indicators
Page | 169
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Cambios Trasendentales en el Manejo de las Pesquerias en Honduras
Trasendentals Changes in Management of Fisheries in Honduras
Changements dans la Gestion des Pêches Trasendentales au Honduras
DIANA VASQUEZ1* and STEPHEN BOX2
1
Centro de Ecologia Marina, Edificio Florencia Oficina 401 – 403, Tegucigalpa, FMO Honduras
*[email protected]
2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, 34945 USA
RESUMEN
Las capturas en Honduras han sido dramáticas en la última década. Las malas prácticas de pesca y el poco
control son las principales causas. La pesca tiene una considerable importancia socioeconómica ya que
sigue siendo un sustento fundamental en la mayoría de las comunidades. Solo en la costa atlántica se ha
estimado que dependen de esta actividad 5,500 personas. Las autoridades pesqueras han establecido
diferentes medidas de regulación, principalmente sobre el recurso langosta, que incluyen vedas, talla
mínima, límites de nasas, entre otras. Sin embargo, después de años de aplicación de este tipo de medidas,
las capturas globales siguen en descenso. Con lo cual, resulta urgente tomar medidas adicionales si se
quiere preservar este valioso medio de vida. Después de diferentes procesos a diferentes niveles y basado
en información científica y el conocimiento ancestral de los pescadores, el Gobierno de Honduras ha
decretado en un período de seis meses, cuatro áreas de No pesca, que cubren una extensión total de
25,100 km². Sumado a esto, la administración pesquera mediante alianzas estratégicas con la Fuerza
Naval, el Ministerio Publico, la Marina Mercante, instituciones científicas, la industria y las comunidades,
están conformando una coalición público-institucional con el fin de desarrollar pesquerías sostenibles. Al
mismo tiempo, un conjunto de herramientas poderosas para el control y monitoreo están siendo creadas
y/o mejoradas a fin de controlar la pesca ilegal. Marcos regulatorios acuciosos están siendo aprobados y
verdaderos estudios científicos están siendo implementados. Con todos estos elementos en marcha y
funcionando adecuadamente se estaría efectuando un cambio sin precedentes en la historia de la pesca de
este país y sin duda con una transcendencia notable en toda la región.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Manejo, pesca, recurso, urgente, herramientas
Page | 170
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Asociaciones Ambientales del Pulpo Rojo Octopus maya en la Costa de Yucatán, México
Red Octopus Octopus maya Environmental Associations in the Yucatan Coast, Mexico
Associations Environnementaux du Poulpe Rouge Octopus maya sur la Côte de Yucatan,
Mexique
IVÁN VELÁZQUEZ-ABUNADER1*, JORGE A. LOPEZ-ROCHA2, MA. DE LOS ÁNGELES
LICEAGA-CORREA3, and BETZABETH PALAFOX-JUÁREZ3
1
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Cordemex Mérida, Yucatan 97300 Mexico
*[email protected]
2
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional
Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo s/n Sisal, Yucatán 97130 México
3
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Instituto Politécnico Nacional Cordemex Mérida,
Yucatán 97300 Mexico
Page | 171
RESUMEN
El pulpo rojo es considerado como un recurso importante tanto ecológica como económicamente, sin
embargo actualmente se desconocen los factores ambientales que podrían determinar su distribución en la
región y por ende comprender de mejor manera su comportamiento. El presente trabajo se realizó con el
objetivo de determinar las posibles asociaciones ambientales del pulpo rojo en las costas de Yucatán, lo
anterior con la finalidad de determinar cuáles variables ambientales determinan su distribución y
abundancia. Se realizaron capturas mensuales durante la época de pesca del pulpo (julio – diciembre)
frente a las costas de Yucatán, en los cuales se estimó la Captura por Unidad de Esfuerzo (org./h) y se
registró la posición geográfica del sitio de pesca. Se utilizó el modelo de árboles de regresión impulsados
(Boosted) para explorar las asociaciones entre la CPUE y la batimetría (modelo de interpolación de
transectos), tipo de fondo (Landsat ETM), pendiente del fondo temperatura superficial del mar (Landsat)
y clorofila (MODIS). Las variables que mayormente se relacionaron con la distribución del pulpo fueron:
la clorofila (67.6% devianza explicada) y tipo de fondo (30.5% devianza explicada) mientras que la
pendiente explicó solo el 1.9% de la devianza. La tendencia de los datos sugiere que el pulpo rojo prefiere
zonas con alta productividad biológica y fondos compuestos de macroalgas y arena con pastos marinos.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Campeche Bank, red octopus, environmental variables, Boosted, model
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Conservation of Endangered Caribbean Hawksbills: Making a Proposed Marine Protected
Area a Reality along the Multi-Use South Coast of Barbados
Conservación de la Tortuga Carey del Caribe en Peligro de Extinción : Hacer un Área
Marina Protegida Propuesta en una Realidad a lo Largo de La Multi- Uso Costa sur de
Barbados
Conservation des Tortues Imbriquées Caribéennes, Espèce en Danger : Faire une Réalité
d'une Aire Marine Protégée Proposée le long de la Cote Sud Multi-Usages de la Barbade
JULIAN WALCOTT1* and JULIA HORROCKS2
1
Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences University of the West Indies Cave Hill St. Michael,
Barbados *[email protected]
2
University of the West Indies Cave Hill St. Michael BB11000 Barbados
ABSTRACT
As a Party to RAMSAR and the Cartagena Convention, including the SPAW Protocol, Barbados has
agreed to protect endangered species and their habitats. The establishment of a protected area for
endangered hawksbills nesting at one of the most important rookeries in the Wider Caribbean is an
important step in this regard. A scientific study of at-sea hawksbill behaviours observed during the
nesting season and documentatioFwalcottn of the overlapping use of the same marine areas by
stakeholders, has resulted in the drafting of protected area boundaries and area-specific regulations along
the south coast of Barbados. Regulations for fishing gear and practices, anchoring practices, allowed
vessel types, vessel speeds and disturbance of sea turtles by SCUBA divers have been developed.
Consultations are now needed with Government policy makers and scientists, regulatory and enforcement
agencies, key stakeholders and the general public, to review the proposed boundaries and regulations,
pass legislation and support the development and implementation of a management plan. This
consultation process would enhance public awareness, increase support for the proposed marine protected
area and nurture potential co-management opportunities.
KEYWORDS: Hawksbill sea turtles, marine protected area, Caribbean, Barbados
Page | 172
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
The CLME+ SAP: A Strategic Action Programme for Transboundary Living Marine
Resources Management in The World's Most SIDS-Rich Region
El Pae del CLME+: Un Programa de Acciones Estratégicas para el Manejo de los Recursos
Marinos Vivos Compartidos en la Región del Mundo con Mayor Cantidad de Pequeños
Estados Insulares en Desarrollo
Le Pae du CLME+: Une Programme d´Actions Stratégiques pour la Gestion des
Ressources Marines Vivantes Partagées dans la Région du Monde avec la Plus Grande
Quantité de Petits États Insulaires en Développement
LAVERNE WALKER
Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Project, United Nations Office for Project Services c/o IOCARIBE,
Edificio Chambacu, Office 405 Cartagena, Colombia [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Caribbean and the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (jointly referred to as CLME+), are
home to the largest concentration of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within any set of adjacent
Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs). These SIDS are very dependent on marine resources for their
livelihoods and overall well-being. The ten-year Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the CLME+
region is an output of the UNDP/GEF CLME Project (2009-2014) and was politically endorsed in 2013
by twenty-two countries, many of them designated as SIDS. The CLME+ SAP provides a road-map
towards sustainable shared living marine resources management through the promotion of enhanced
regional cooperation. It combines actions for structural change with capacity building at the regional,
national and local levels, high priority management interventions and on-the-ground investments. The
SAP consists of six strategies and four-sub strategies and seventy-seven short and medium-term priority
actions. The first three strategies have a region-wide focus and seek to strengthen the existing governance
arrangements for the protection of the marine environmental and for securing sustainable fisheries whilst
also increasing coordination and cooperation between these two sectors. The remaining three strategies
promote and support the implementation of the EBM/EAF approach to the three ecosystem sub-types
known to support the most important fisheries and biodiversity in the region. The SAP´s four substrategies specifically focus on addressing economically important fisheries within the CLME+. Support
from science to each strategy will be critical to optimize the contributions from the SAP to sustained
socio-economic development in the CLME+ SIDS.
KEYWORDS: SIDS, CLME+, EBM/EAF, SAP
Page | 173
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Fishery Independent Estimates of Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, Mortality Using
Ultrasonic Telemetry in the Northern Gulf Of Mexico
Pesqueros Estimaciones Independientes de Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus,
Mortalidad Usando Ultrasónico de Telemetría en el Norte Del Golfo de México
Pêche des Estimations Indépendantes de Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, la Mortalité
par Télémétrie à Ultrasons dans le Nord du Golfe du Mexique
LAURA JAY WILLIAMS* and STEPHEN SZEDLMAYER
Auburn University, 8300 State Highway 104, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 USA
*[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, are a commercially and recreationally important fishery in the Gulf
of Mexico. To properly manage a species, it is important to obtain accurate mortality estimates (i.e.
fishing and natural) however, these estimates are often difficult to obtain. In the present study, we used
acoustic telemetry, VR2W Positioning System (VPS, Vemco Ltd, Nova Scotia) to examine the fine-scale
movements (~1 m accuracy) of red snapper on unpublished artificial reef sites in the northern Gulf of
Mexico. We used telemetry detection data to independently estimate fishing mortality rates of red snapper
in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 federal recreational red snapper seasons. In 2012, a high instantaneous
mortality rate of the transmitter tagged red snapper (n = 14) was observed (Z = 0.57). During the
recreational fishing season anglers reported catching 5 fish and 2 fisher captures were identified based on
VPS data but not reported. In 2013, additional red snapper were tagged (n = 36) and a lower
instantaneous mortality rate was observed (Z = 0.15) with 4 fish being reported by anglers and 1 fish
being identified as caught using the VPS data. At the start of the short (9 day) federal recreational red
snapper fishing season in 2014, we were actively tracking 36 red snapper. We did observe fishing
mortality during the shortened 2014 season, and we are in the process of analyzing the data to determine
the extent of this fishing mortality.
KEYWORDS: Federal fishing season, recreational fishery, angler reporting
Page | 174
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Habitat Restoration Governance for Mangrove-Based Fisheries and Livelihoods Around
Jiquilisco Bay, El Salvador
Gobernanza De Restauración del Hábitat para Pesquerías y Ustentos Basadas en el
Mangle, Acerca del Bahía de Jiquilisco, El Salvador
La Gouvernance de la Restauration de l'Habitat du Mangrove pour la Pêche et des Moyens
de Subsistence en les Environs de la Baie de Jiquilisco, El Salvador
FIONA WILMOT1* and JOSEMARIA ARGUETA2
Blinn College, 1112 Westover Street, College Station, Texas 77840 USA *[email protected]
2
Asociacion Mangle, Kilometro 45 1/2 San Nikolas Lempa, San Vicente, El Salvador
1
ABSTRACT
El Salvador is island-sized, natural resource-dependent, and highly vulnerable to climate change. It has a
lengthy coast and many poor, mangrove-dependent communities with a history of neoliberal government
neglect, making it comparable to many Caribbean SIDS. Since 2011, civil society groups and local agents
have filled this void in western Jiquilisco Bay with grass-roots programs for mangrove restoration,
shellfish and crustacean fishery management, and efforts to eradicate a blast-fishing problem affecting the
Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Turtle population which nests and forages in the Bay. As a result of these
programs, ecological mangrove restoration (EMR) is part of national policy through the new (2012)
National Environmental Law authorized by the FMLN government. The success of these efforts has
animated other holistic livelihood programs which are being emulated around the Bay. This paper
analyzes the history of these processes through a geographical lens and shows how the soft governance
structure enables local groups to respond swiftly to, and appropriate, new management techniques, reengaging government as they do so.
KEYWORDS: Habitat restoration, mangrove-based livelihoods, soft governance, Jiquilisco Bay, El
Salvador
Page | 175
Book of Abstracts – 67th GCFI Bridgetown, Barbados 2014
Varying Levels of Anthropogenic Disturbance Do Not Affect Fish Diversity in Mangrove
Creeks of Medium Productivity
La Variación de los Niveles de Erturbaciones Antropogénicas No Afectan a la Diversidad
de Peces en los Arroyos de Manglares de la Productividad Moderada
Les Différents Niveaux de Perturbations Anthropiques n'Affectent pas la Diversité des
Poissons dans les Criques Dde Mangroves de la Productivité Moyenne
ZACHARY ZUCKERMAN1* and KELLY HANNAN2
Cape Eleuthera Institute, EL 26-029 Queens Hwy., Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas
*[email protected]
2
University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801 USA
1
ABSTRACT
The importance of mangrove forest as critical nursery and foraging habitat for marine fauna of interest to
commercial, recreational, or sustenance fisheries is well established, yet global destruction of mangrove
continues at rates comparable to deforestation of tropical forests. In The Bahamas, the primary threat to
mangrove forests are coastal development and the construction of access roads, the symptoms of which
include mangrove loss, altered hydrology, and habitat fragmentation. The comparative influence of
anthropogenic stressors un-related to direct land-use change of mangrove (e.g., observed presence of
fishermen; development of adjacent non-mangrove habitat) to those directly attributed alteration of
mangrove forest has not been addressed. To test the influence of varying degrees of anthropogenic
disturbance (i.e., minimal, partial, or severe) on the diversity of marine fauna, we engaged student
scientists to perform highly repeatable rapid ecological assessments in 10 tidal creeks in South Eleuthera.
Results indicate that fish diversity in South Eleutheran creeks is low (15.3 ± 7.5 spp.) relative to other
locations in the Caribbean, and with the exception of total habitat fragmentation (via the construction of
roadways), the relative level of anthropogenic disturbance does not affect the number of species observed
in a mangrove creek. Interestingly, results also indicate that the use of culverts to remediate the effect of
complete fragmentation were not successful. Findings here have implications for the development of
flexible marine management plans to best account for varying impacts of anthropogenic stressors on
nearshore habitats, particularly for low productivity mangrove habitats.
KEYWORDS: Mangrove, habitat, disturbance, The Bahamas, fragmentation
Page | 176
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