Abstract

Fishery management decisions throughout the world are often based on incomplete data, fortunately historical landing data exists for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) dating back to 1887 (Sadler 1997). The fishery based upon Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) and the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) is typical of many fisheries because it is characterized by numerous increases, a leveling off and then a decline in catch landings. Lobster catch landings have gradually increased over the past century, from 90,700kg of whole lobster in 1947 to a maximum of 590,758 kg in 1992. Likewise, conch landings have increased from 117,550 kg in 1968 to the present total allowable catch (TAC) value of736,960 kg\Fishermen within the TCI have increased their fishing efficiency by acquired knowledge of the best fishing grounds as well as improving their fishing skills and developing new fishing techniques and technologies. The fishery within the TCI has transformed from one dominated by wind powered sailing sloops in the early 1900s to a fishety dominated by fishermen using 85-115 hp (three and four cylinder) engines with their fishing boats. Simultaneously, fishermen have switched from utilizing glass buckets to locate conch and lobster to free diving using mask, fins and snorkel. In the lobster fishery where nooses were used in the past, hooks are the main method now in use, however prohibited substances such as bleach are also used.\Several input and output mechanisms are being considered to manage the fishery. However, many of these mechanisms suchas the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) are derived using catch per unit of effort (CPUE) data. Increases in fishing efficiency over time result in increased effective effort, although the nominallapparent effort may seem to be unchanged. Hence, the CPUE may render misleading information on the economic and biological status of the fishery. To combat such, it is imperative that effort is standardized, and is reflected in local legislation to control technology creep.

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