Abstract

Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) fishing pressure is still moderate in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and population densities encountered are amongst the highest within the Caribbean. Nevertheless, as tourism grows in the country, increased demand on local finfish stocks, particularly on the endangered Nassau grouper, may result. Because of their life history traits, Nassau grouper are particularly vulnerable to over-fishing and warrant necessary protection. Currently, the TCI has no restrictions on Nassau grouper harvest. Dockside monitoring, fishermen surveys, GIS technology, and restaurant phone interviews were used to collect data on (1) size distributions, (2) geographical distribution of fishing effort, (3) CPUE, and (4) restaurant demand. Mean total length (TL) and weight (kg) of all Nassau grouper (n = 79) measured in dock landings was 55.4 cm + 3.6 cm S.E. and 3.6 kg + 0.4 kg S.E., respectively. Most Nassau grouper (n = 54) were harvested from one region known as “the Lakes.” Twenty-eight Nassau grouper with a mean TL of 68.4 cm + 13.0 cm S.E. were caught in deep water compared to 39 caught in shallow water with a mean TL of 45.5 cm + 7.3 cm S.E. The average CPUE was calculated as 0.44 fish/fisherman/hour and 2.18 kg/spear/ hour. Twenty-nine restaurants were phoned and 67% cited customer preference as the main reason for serving Nassau grouper. Based on the findings of this study, proactive management advices are suggested such as size limits, closed seasons, and/or quotas. The implementation of those restrictions in conjunction with co-management will protect the Nassau grouper fishery from overharvest.

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