Abstract

In the absence of extensive historical fisheries data and information on ecological condition, present-day “snapshots” of these factors can be compared to generalizations from similar fisheries to provide initial management guidance. Here, we present a study that examines artisanal fishers’ catch, and uses details of species composition and size structure to inform ecosystem-based management. This study was conducted in the community of Buen Hombre, located within Montecristi National Park, Dominican Republic. The artisanal coral-reef fishery is accessed by approximately 30 fishermen each day. Principal fishing methods are spearfishing while either freediving or compressor diving, in addition to some fish traps and hand lines. Between June and August of 2013, we collected 60 videos of daily harvests. Videos were used to identify fish to family level and count the number of individuals harvested. Using batch weights and videos, we are able to determine or estimate the following characteristics of the catch: total biomass, total number of fish, biomass by family, number of fish per family, and the average size per individual fish. The size of harvested fish can be compared to known relationships between size ecological function, specifically grazing in herbivorous fish. In the context of EBM, these comparisons can be used to weigh the impacts of various fishing practices and fishi

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