Depth Refuge and the Impacts of SCUBA Spearfishing on Coral Reef Fishes

摘要: In recent decades, spearfishing with SCUBA has emerged as an efficient method for targeting reef fish in deeper waters. However, waters are increasingly recognised a potential source of refuge that may help sustain fishery resources. We used combination historical catch data over 20-year time period and fishery-independent surveys to investigate the effects on coral populations southern Mariana Islands. Two jurisdictions were studied; Guam, where is practiced, nearby Commonwealth Northern Islands (CNMI), been banned since 2003. Fishery-independent collected using baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) stratified by depth, marine protected area status jurisdiction. Herbivores (primary consumers) dominated catches, parrotfish (scarines) surgeonfish/unicornfish (acanthurids) main groups harvested. large, endangered humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) was species weight landed spearfishers. associated declining size scarines catches shifting from dominance large parrotfishes mixed assemblage increasing proportions acanthurids. Comparisons between Guam CNMI revealed differences fished also greater acanthurids deep water fishing banned. These results suggest impacts restriction this will ensure recommend ban preserve or aid recovery functionally important improve sustainability fisheries.