Title
Assessment of Sea Cucumber Fisheries Through Targeted Surveys of Lau Province, Fiji
Author(s)
Stacy Jupiter; William Saladrau; Ron Vave
Published
2013
Abstract
This report details findings from a 24 day survey of sea cucumber resources and the status of the fishery from 10 islands (Cicia, Fulaga, Kabara, Mago, Matuku, Moala, Totoya, Tuvuca, Vanua Vatu, Vanuabalavu) in Lau Province, Fiji. The surveys were conducted by staff from the Fiji Department of Fisheries, the Institute of Applied Sciences and the Wildlife Conservation Society as part of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Global Reef Expedition between June 2 and 27, 2013. Direct in-water resource assessments were carried out using standardized protocols developed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Regional Fisheries Observatory program. These data were combined with fisher perception surveys, measurements of dried bêche-de-mer processed in villages, and general observations from community discussions to assess the overall status of the fishery. Within species densities of commercially important sea cucumber species across individual islands surveyed ranged from 0 – 132.81 individuals ha-1. Densities were below SPC regional indicator values for all species except for Pearsonothuria graeffei (flowerfish). The highest densities were observed from Totoya and Vanuabalavu, however the values generally fell below suggested threshold densities of 10-50 individuals ha-1 required to avoid reproductive failure. Furthermore, with the exception of some well-managed and long-established community marine protected areas (tabu), individuals tended to be widely dispersed, which will also prevent successful fertilization. Sea cucumber densities were generally comparable to or lower than those measured from Kubulau and Bua districts, Bua Province, in 2012, and considerably lower than densities from four sites on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu surveyed in 2003 and 2009, suggesting that already depleted populations are likely further declining. The one optimistic finding was that community-based management does seem to be having a positive effect in preserving some remaining individuals, as total sea cucumber abundance was significantly higher in tabu areas than in areas open to fishing surveyed using belt transects. Mean sizes of sea cucumber species measured underwater were generally above minimum recommended wet sizes, with the exception of Holothuria atra and P. graeffei. The general absence of very small sea cucumbers on the reef is of concern, and may be indicative of recruitment failure. Village measurements of dried samples indicate that many undersized individuals of Actinopyga lecanora, Bohadschia vitiensis and H. atra are being harvested, as well as almost all species harvested from Matuku Island reefs. As prices have increased due to reduction in supply, fishers have not yet been proactive about management measures given that they are still able to meet their daily needs with income derived from bêche-de-mer as they are using techniques (e.g. underwater breathing apparatus, free diving with ‘bombs’) to extract individuals from deep refuges. Dive fatalities and injuries are regular features of the bêche-de-mer industry as individuals are exceeding depth and time limits in pursuit of valuable catch. Several companies appear to be undercutting local communities on prices, while other companies refused to pay out or failed to keep promises to assist with village development projects. Given that populations are declining in tandem with increasing numbers of commercial operators, we strongly encourage the Fiji government to halt issuance of exemptions for harvest with underwater breathing apparatus. In addition, other active management measures should be undertaken to preserve remaining stocks and encourage population recovery. Such measures can include: A complete ban on sea cucumber harvest for a set period of time (e.g. 5 years); A ban on the use of ‘bombs’ with free diving to allow for persistence of deeper populations to replenish stocks; Distribution of recommended minimum wet and dry size limits to enable individuals to reproduce; A harvesting ban that is triggered when monitoring of dried bêche-de-mer sizes by divisional fisheries officers indicates that stocks have fallen below minimum recommended sizes; Establishment of new no-take areas (tabu) in areas that are easily enforceable; Movement of wild-caught or hatchery-reared individuals into new or existing tabu areas; Development of alternative livelihood initiatives (e.g. copra farming, organic farming, honey, seaweed farming) to relieve pressure from sea cucumber harvesting.
Full Citation
Jupiter, S., W. Saladrau, and R. Vave (2013). Assessment of Sea Cucumber Fisheries Through Targeted Surveys of Lau Province, Fiji. Suva, Fiji: Wildlife Conservation Society, Fiji, University of the South Pacific, Fiji Department of Fisheries, Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, 1-22.
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