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Co-evolution of race-to-fish dynamics and declining size structures in an expanding commercial coral-reef fishery
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2019
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Source: Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 29, 147–160
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Journal Title:Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
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Description:Spatial expansions can provide a false sense of sustainability to fish markets and their consumers who perceive stable landings through time despite localized depletions. This study examined attributes of monthly landings and changes in size structures within a commercial coral-reef fishery that had stable landings for 11 years. Regression models revealed a significant rise in the ratio of landings between calm and windy months, depicting that stable landings were driven by increased fishing effort or success during the calmer months when less exploited reefs became accessible. Within the calmer months, “race-to-fish” dynamics also evolved for some target species, such as parrotfishes, whose landings became increasingly concentrated towards the onset of calm favorable conditions. During this same time, the size structure for 15 out of 19 target species that comprised 60% of annual landings decreased. The cumulative results suggested that (1) spatial management units can be improved by taking environmental gradients that define fishing access into consideration, and (2) thresholds for size-and-age-based policies should be established with respect to life-history parameters that maximize cohort production and protect against declining size structures. Both recommendations resonate with traditional forms of management across the Pacific that were based on reef tenure and knowledge of how species respond to fishing pressure.
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Source:Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 29, 147–160
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Rights Information:CC BY
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Compliance:CHORUS
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