Abstract

Two halfbeak: species, ballyhoo (Hemiramphus brasiliensis) and balao (H. balao), are targeted by lampara net fishers in south Florida. This report examines data from Florida's Marine Fisheries Information System (MFIS) to assess the status and trends of this bait fishery. Since 1986, when Florida's MFIS began, annual halfbeak: landings have been relatively stable (median = 1.2 millon lb or 0.54 millon kg). In the early 1990s, halfbeak: landings peaked temporarily in association with development of halfbeak: fishing in Florida Bay. These increases were offset somewhat by declines in landings and effort in Palm Beach County, which occurred in response to Florida's 1995 ban on certain types of fishing nets. Ex-vessel prices have remained relatively stableand suggest that the dockside value of this fishery is more than $0.5 millon annually. Annual halfbeak fishing trips were negatively correlated with the number of days that named storms (tropical storms or hurricanes) occurred in vicinity of Florida (r2 = 0.48; P = 0.009). As a trend, the number of daily fishing trips by halfbeak fishers has declined since 1986. Increased storm activity in the last three years (1996 - 1999) may also explain why landings for these same years were below average. Overall, halfbeak: harvest rates have been increasing since 1986, and variations in landings and fishing effort were largely explained by environmental factors. The status of this valuable living marine resource appears very good.

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