Impacts of subsistence fishery on coral reef resources in the War in the Pacific National Historic Park, Guam

Tupper, Mark; Donaldson, Terry

In conclusion, War in the Pacific National Historic Park is subject to considerable fishing pressure from recreational and subsistence fishers. This is evidenced by the lower biomass of 9 out of 10 common reef fishes in the exploited areas of Asan Bay, as compared to the protected areas of Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve. Most of the fishing effort was directed at reef fish using rod and reel or Hawaiian sling, but octopus was also targeted often. The heavy fishing pressure is also resulting in degradation of the reef through discarded gear and trampling of corals, but further research is needed to determine the secondary, physical impacts of fishing on the reef ecosystem. The Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve may be supplying fish biomass to Asan Bay via spillover. Fishers tended to congregate at times along the pipeline forming the boundary of the preserve. Tagging studies conducted by UOG have recently been completed in Piti and Asan Bays. These studies show that while there is no net movement of fishes across the Piti Marine Preserve boundary, larger individuals (> 25 cm) of certain species do show a net movement out of the preserve (M. Tupper, unpublished data). These species include Caranx melampygus, Naso lituratus, Naso unicornis, and Lutjanus gibbus. Additionally, the higher spawning stock biomass within the preserve may export larvae to Asan Bay, replenishing populations through larval settlement. Thus, the continuation of the Piti marine preserve as an area closed to fishing would likely be beneficial to the fishery in WAPA. In order to better understand the fisheries of WAPA, it is recommended that this work be continued on an annual basis. It is further recommended that the results of the UOG fish tagging study from Piti and Asan Bays be incorporated into any further studies of WAPA's reef fisheries.

Impacts of subsistence fishery on coral reef resources in the War in the Pacific National Historic Park, Guam

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