Fishing in the dark-local knowledge, night spearfishing and spawning aggregations in the Western Solomon Islands

摘要: Abstract Within the marine conservation community there is considerable interest in combining local knowledge and science to achieve management objectives. Yet remain few studies which have examined merits caveats of knowledge, or shown how both systems has resulted better outcomes. This study outlines collaborative efforts conserve fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) Roviana Lagoon, Western Solomon Islands. Baseline information on FSAs was obtained through spearfishing creel surveys. provided starting point for establishing a 2-year community-based underwater monitoring program at largest known FSA where brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), camouflage polyphekadion) squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) co-aggregate. participatory research shows that utilised maximise returns from fishing, with spearfishermen targeting night during lunar periods when abundances peak. Because its shallow distribution P. areolatus most vulnerable three groupers nighttime spearfishing, two fishermen capable removing 15–30% total biomass nights. Underwater demonstrates while accurate many aspects FSAs, their seasons inaccurate reported here. Peak occurred December April each year, differs traditionally recognised season October January. A combination used develop appropriate measures this FSA, aggregation declared protected area (MPA) 2006.