Abstract

To examine the potential impact of recreational and artisanal fisheries on reef ecosystems in the Cayman Islands (where there is no commercial fishing), the level of fishing pressure was investigated by using structured question-naires directed at fishers. Illegal fishing pressure was investigated using marine enforcement officer reports spanning 1993 - 2010. Within a monthly period, fishers reported catching 14,968 fish on Grand Cayman and 5,205 fish on the Sister Islands (88% and 80% of which were reef fish, respectively). The mean catch size was 72 (± SD 152) fish month-1 on Grand Cayman, and catch size was significantly higher for respondents targeting reef fish than for those targeting pelagic species (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01). The mean number of days spent fishing month-1 ranged between 5.1 (± SD 6.5) and 8.4 (± SD 7.4). While Lutjanids were caught in greatest numbers, of greatest concern were the numbers of herbivores extracted. Fishing effort was non-uniformly distributed around the islands (Chi-square tests, p < 0.01) being aligned closely with fringe reefs, populated areas and shore access points. Poaching in the MPAs and other illegal fishing activities remain an issue, with the queen conch (Strombus gigas) representing the major target organism. Despite major support for the idea of marine environmental management, over 50% of interviewed fishers believed that enforcement of marine park laws is currently inadequate. The impacts of artisanal and recreational fishing is often overlooked; this study indicates that both practices are significant in the Cayman Islands, with the potential to influence reef resilience and ecosystem functioning.

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