Historical and contemporary evidence of a mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis Cuvier, 1828) spawning aggregation fishery in decline

• Published in: Coral reefs Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 311 - 319
• Main Authors: Graham, R. T., Carcamo, R., Rhodes, K. L., Roberts, C. M., Requena, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2008; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal reproduction; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Exploitation and management of natural biological resources (hunting, fishing and exploited populations survey, etc.); Fish; Fish populations; Fisheries; Fishing; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Life history; Life Sciences; Lutjanus analis; Marine; Marine conservation; Marine ecology; Oceanography; Overexploitation; Population decline; Sea water ecosystems; Spawning; Synecology; ASW, Belize, Gladden Spit Marine Reserve; ASW, Belize, Stann Creek Dist., Gladden Spit; ASW, Belize; Marine protected area; Belize; Spawning aggregation; Lutjanidae; Overfishing; Aggregation; Marine environment; Vertebrata; Fishery; Spawning; Pisces; Lutjanidae .Overfishing .Spawning aggregation .Belize; Coral reef; Protected area; Case history
• ISSN: 0722-4028; 1432-0975
• DOI: 10.1007/s00338-007-0329-4

Scientific information on reef fish spawning aggregation fisheries is sparse in light of numerous regional declines and extirpations from overexploitation. Fisher interviews of the small-scale commercial mutton snapper ( Lutjanus analis ) spawning aggregation fishery at Gladden Spit, Belize, suggests a historic decadal decline. The reported trend is supported by analysis of inter-seasonal catch and effort and yield (2000–2002) that reveals a 59% decline in catch per unit effort (CPUE) and a 22% decrease in mean landings per boat. Declining population-level trends are also supported by a significant decrease in inter-annual median lengths of mutton snappers (2000–2006). These findings demonstrate the need for additional life history information that includes length-associated age and details on growth to provide clearer support of the effects on, and responses by, populations following fishing. In view of the historical changes to mutton snapper CPUE and landings at Gladden Spit and the fishery-associated declines in fish spawning aggregations observed globally, a precautionary approach to spawning aggregation management is warranted that provides full protection from fishing to enhance population persistence. The findings also highlight the need for substantially greater enforcement and long-term fisheries monitoring under a comprehensive regional management strategy.