Severely overfished sea cucumbers in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville

摘要: In this paper we compare changes in populations of sea cucumbers that were surveyed on reef flats around Buka Island, the Autonomous Region Bougainville (ARB) 1992 and 2008. Over 16-year period, abundances eight species cucumber declined dramatically. By 2008, six sighted 2008 — Actinopyga echinites, A. miliaris, Bohadschia similis, Holothuria atra, H. coluber scabra had to between 1% 5% their abundances, providing quantitative evidence fishery ARB is severely overfished. 1992, scabra, atra B. similis constituted 92% flats. These also three most abundant survey, comprising 62% all seen. Relatively high mauritiana vitiensis not encountered survey. Our findings provide support for national moratorium was placed Papua New Guinea 2009, anticipate many years complete closure will be required before stocks recover levels.