Abstract

The remote reefs of the San Andres archipelago are of great regional importance because they are productive systems with high biodiversity, which depend on self-recruitment and serve as stepping stones for population exchange; therefore system function will depend on efficient management. Marine resources within the archipelago have subjected to high fishing pressures supplying primarily U.S. markets with more than 90% of the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), queen conch (Strombus gigas) and several reef fish species. Although fish catch data is only partially available, it is estimated that at least 520 metric-tons (± S.D.= 103) of reef fish are annually removed from the system due to fishing mortality. Progressive reductions in lobster and conch landings combined with new regulations have shifted fishing effort towards reef fish. New fishers entering the fishery are using multiple fishing gears targeting several species of snappers and groupers. It has been estimated that during 2004-2005 approximately 60% of the fish landings are deep water snappers and 10% groupers. Unfortunately, the longstanding artisanal and industrial reef fish fishery remains unregulated, with few and isolated statistics, which limits the application of effective fisheries management. Catch and effort data helped to identify that most groupers and snappers are caught in monthly peaks, associated with spawning aggregations –SPAGs. Information acquired from January-May, 2005, indicated for three common groupers that fishing is capturing large individuals, of which 30% were gravid. Thus, there is a potential to impact traditionally high fish abundances due to lack of fisheries management. Fishing at SPAG sites can easily deplete local populations from different insular shelves, generating an overall reduction in natural populations. This paper analyzes threats of reef fish fisheries, particularly for groupers captured at SPAG sites during their reproductive season and the lack of management, while presenting alternatives. New management models need to be based on higher community participation, more inter-institutional and international approaches and greater integration of conservation measures from the recently established multiple use Seaflower MPA.

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