Octopuses in the south - west Pacific region: a review of fisheries, ecology, cultural importance and management

Loganimoce, Epeli M. and Brown, Kelly T. and Savou, Rusila and Kitolelei, Jokim V. and Tukana, Max and Southgate, Paul and Lal, Monal (2023) Octopuses in the south - west Pacific region: a review of fisheries, ecology, cultural importance and management. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, NA . NA-NA. ISSN 0960-3166

HTML (This is the Journal's SharedIt link) - Published Version Download (669B)

Abstract

Octopuses present a difficult resource to manage because of their relatively short life spans, rapid growth rates, high natural mortality and seasonal fluctuations in abundance. With exploitation efforts increasing worldwide, particularly in the Pacific Island region, substantial knowledge gaps in their biology, exploitation and management remain. We conducted a literature review to summarise their species distribution, abundance, ecological attributes, utilization, importance and management within the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) of Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa. We found that 23 species of octopuses within 11 genera were recorded from these PICTs, belonging to the families Amphitretidae and Octopodidae. Overall, Tonga was the most speciose country with 11 occurrence records and Samoa recorded the least with just a single species. All other countries recorded between 2 and 8 taxa. The day octopus (Octopus cyanea) was recorded from all PICTs except Samoa. There are no specific national regulations on octopus fisheries within the PICTs and management is largely dependent on overarching national fisheries legislation. However, community-based management efforts can be an effective platform in sustaining octopus stocks. Octopuses also play an important role in the folklore and customs of many Pacific Islanders, and we provide a summary of these for the specific PICTs assessed. This review highlights areas for further research and development for the Pacific Island region and the urgent need to address specific knowledge gaps on octopus taxonomy, stock assessment and fishery management.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GR Folklore H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Kelly Brown
Date Deposited:	25 May 2023 21:57
Last Modified:	25 May 2023 21:57
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/13959

Actions (login required)

View Item