Abstract

Maintenance of viable reef fish spawning populations through aggregation management is vital to the replenishment of the Caribbean region’s fisheries. Reproductive migrations are typically synchronised with the onset of gonadal maturation leaving species vulnerable to severe depletion if fishermen target aggregation sites during the spawning season. In many areas throughout the Caribbean, both grouper and snapper species have been fished to site specific extinction making identification and protection of remaining spawning aggregation sites (SPAGs) a high priority. SPAG sites have only recently been considered as part of MPA designations. SPAG research has been conducted in the US Virgin Islands for the last three years with the main focus being data collection, fisher engagement and technical training workshops. At present, current research has identified six possible snapper SPAG sites in the coastal waters of St Croix with aggregations of over 100 fish per species being recorded. Three sites have been identified as important for grouper species although numbers seen are vastly reduced. Data analysis of aggregating species show 21 possible sites used at differing times by multiple species including but not exclusive to grouper and snapper. The identification of aggregations and the confirmation of spawning activities in these areas are essential for future examination of larval transport systems. The overall goal remains the establishment of connectivity patterns leading to the development of MPA networks throughout Caribbean waters. Engagement of local fishers is essential and this project now aims to build on existing partnerships with local institutions and fishermen, who remain a vital component of this program of work. Further community involvement in research activities will help build local capacity, raise awareness and supplement the limited resource currently available for research efforts. Education materials used to increase levels of sense of communal ownership of marine resources have been produced in part, in the form of a NFWF funded SPAG documentary, and outreach efforts highlighting the importance of spawning aggregation sites are continuing. Facilitation of two workshops, a regional awareness workshop and a locally focused technical spawning research training opportunity have allowed more comprehensive engagement process to occur.

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