Abstract

Fish traps (pots) were used to collect data on reef fish communities inside and outside of a major marine reserve (Cades Bay Marine Reserve) on the south coast of Antigua. The objectives were to: 1) obtain baseline primary data on various fisheries metrics (catch rate, species size, species diversity, catch rate and size for the invasive red lionfish, Pterois volitans, etc.) inside the protected area and adjacent unprotected areas; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of the marine reserve as a fisheries management tool; and 3) assess the status of the reef fishery and the impact of fish traps on fish communities. There was no significant spatial variability in the catch rate (kg per trap hauled) (p > 0.05) inside and outside the protected area. In most cases, the mean sizes for the main reef fish families (Acanthuridae, Haemulidae, Scaridae, Serranidae, Lutjanidae, etc.,) and the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) were not significantly different inside and outside the marine reserve (p > 0.05); pooled mean sizes for the various species were generally greater than the size at 50% maturity indicating that growth overfishing was restricted. The sustainability of the trap fishery with respect to mitigating juvenile retention was attributed to previous management strategy of protecting nearshore, shallow juvenile habitats (< 20 m) and shifting fishing effort to deeper, offshore areas (≥ 20 m). This along with the 2013 legislative requirement for biodegradable panels in traps should improve the long-term sustainability of the trap / reef species fishery.

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