Biology, community structure, growth and artisanal catch of parrotfishes of American Samoa
Page M. 1998. Biology, community structure, growth and artisanal catch of parrotfishes of American Samoa. Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources. Pago Pago, AS
An analysis of catch statics, growth data, fisheries models, and reproductive data on parrotfishes on Tutuila. Visual counts and size estimates were used to calculate the density, biomass, and species composition. Includes species list, graphics, and photos to use as identification guide to Scaridae of American Samoa. Analysed catch stats, growth data, fish models, and reprod data; found populations may be threatened by overfishing; likely due to SCUBA; signs include mean size of large parrotfish declining, total est. annual yield is close to MSY for entire stock, some species may be over exploited, large slow growers being caught before sexual maturity, SCUBA catch accounts for up to 89% of total annual yield; recommends outlawing of SCUBA fishing; reccommendations: outlaw SCUBA (allow free diving), monitor artesanal catches for effort, CPUE, and length-frequencies of key reef species such as surgeons, grouper, and parrots, centralize market activity for ease of study, things that affect water quality in lagoons adversely should be discouraged, and DMWR should assist with id and implementation of village-based MPA's for yield enhancement and scientific research.