Live coral fishery for aquaria in Fiji: sustainability and management

Lovell, Edward R. and Morris, Cherie W. (2009) Live coral fishery for aquaria in Fiji: sustainability and management. [Conference Proceedings]

PDF - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (341kB)

Abstract

The live coral aquarium fishery represents an important use of coral reef resources. Live coral exports for aquaria provide economic opportunities to improve the lives of coastal people in Pacific Island counties. To achieve these goals, good management and best practice within the marine ornamental industry is essential. A significant component in the sustainable management of this wildlife resource is the regulation of live coral exports by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Exports are permitted only if the collection will not be detrimental to the survival of the species concerned.
To determine a non-detriment finding for live coral, resource assessments were conducted by the University of the South Pacific’s Institute of Marine Resources and the Fiji Government Dept. of Fisheries. The purpose of these assessments was to provide a basis for the modification of export quotas so as to establish sustainable conservation efforts on natural coral abundance.
Results from the IMR study show percentage removal of colony numbers for the aquarium trade is 0.0085% of total estimated colonies on the reef flat with a living cover reduction of 0.0014%. Considering both ecological impact and the conservation of biodiversity, the extraction for the
corals surveyed is minimal in terms of the reduction of species numbers, the reduction in living coral cover, and consequent impact on the ecosystem.

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Marine Studies Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > Institute of Marine Resources
Depositing User:	Ms Neha Harakh
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2009 03:26
Last Modified:	18 Jun 2012 09:29
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/1532

Actions (login required)

View Item