First assessment of the spearfishing impact in the Canary Islands

Jiménez‐Alvarado, David; Guerra‐Marrero, Airam; Sarmiento‐Lezcano, Airam; Meyers, Eva K. M.; Castro, J.J.

doi:10.1016/j.rsma.2020.101385

Cited by 5 publications

(7 citation statements)

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“…The local fishery is typically artisanal and essentially composed of small (<15 m) vessels using hooks and lines and traps, which mainly target ray‐finned fishes (Tuya et al, 2006). The capture of elasmobranchs, in particular by spearfishermen, is negligible in the study region (Jiménez‐Alvarado et al, 2020). Hence, our results are not confounded by varying levels of fishing effort among groups of islands.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Large aggregations of elasmobranchs are spotted near the shore, including urban beaches (Escánez et al, 2016;Jiménez-Alvarado et al, 2020;Tuya et al, 2020). Importantly, sea-cage fish farms act as aggregating structures for a range of rays across times and islands (Dempster et al, 2005;Tuya et al, 2005Tuya et al, , 2006.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, the archipelago is considered a unique stronghold of the iconic angelshark, Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Barker et al, 2016; Lawson et al, 2019; Meyers et al, 2017). Large aggregations of elasmobranchs are spotted near the shore, including urban beaches (Escánez et al, 2016; Jiménez‐Alvarado et al, 2020; Tuya et al, 2020). Importantly, sea‐cage fish farms act as aggregating structures for a range of rays across times and islands (Dempster et al, 2005; Tuya et al, 2005, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Differences in the occurrence and abundance of batoids across an oceanic archipelago using complementary data sources: Implications for conservation

Tuya

Aguilar²,

Espino

et al. 2021

Ecology and Evolution

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Batoids, distributed from shallow to abyssal depths, are considerably vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. Data deficiencies on the distribution patterns of batoids, however, challenge their effective management and conservation. In this study, we took advantage of the particular geological and geomorphological configuration of the Canary Islands, across an east-to-west gradient in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, to assess whether patterns in the occurrence and abundance of batoids varied between groups of islands (western, central, and eastern). Data were collected from shallow (<40 m, via underwater visual counts and by a local community science program) and deep waters (60-700 m, via ROV deployments). Eleven species of batoids, assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, were registered, including three "Critically Endangered" (Aetomylaeus bovinus, Dipturus batis, and Myliobatis aquila), three "Endangered" (Gymnura altavela, Mobula mobular, and Rostroraja alba), two "Vulnerable" (Dasyatis pastinaca and Raja maderenseis), and two "Data Deficient" (Taeniurops grabata and Torpedo marmorata). Also, a "Least Concern" species (Bathytoshia lata) was observed. Overall, batoids were ~1 to 2 orders of magnitude more abundant in the central and eastern islands, relative to the western islands. This pattern was consistent among the three sources of data and for both shallow and deep waters. This study, therefore, shows differences in the abundance of batoids across an oceanic archipelago, likely related to varying insular shelf area, availability of habitats, and proximity to the nearby continental (African) mass. Large variation in population abundances among islands suggests that "whole" archipelago management strategies are unlikely to provide adequate conservation. Instead, management plans should be adjusted individually per island and complemented with focused research to fill data gaps on the spatial use and movements of these iconic species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Differences in the occurrence and abundance of batoids across an oceanic archipelago using complementary data sources: Implications for conservation

Tuya

Aguilar²,

Espino

et al. 2021

Ecology and Evolution

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“…Despite M. mustelus not being one of the main target species of artisanal fisheries, this species accounts for 52.94% of the total elasmobranch captures of the artisanal trammel net fishery in the archipelago (Mendoza et al, 2018). This shark is very scarce in captures by recreational fishers, particularly spearfishers (Jiménez‐Alvarado et al, 2020). We compiled data on annual landings of M. mustelus at each island of the archipelago, through the 2007–2019 period, via the regional fisheries authority (http://www.gobiernodecanarias/.org/pesca/).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Shark Presence Through Fisheries Landingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and population structure of the smooth‐hound shark, Mustelus mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758), across an oceanic archipelago: Combining several data sources to promote conservation

Espino

González

Bosch

et al. 2022

Ecology and Evolution

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Sharks play a key role in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. More ecological information is essential to implement responsible management and conservation actions on this fauna, particularly at a regional level for threatened species. Mustelus mustelus is widely found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and catalogued as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN European assessment. In this study, data on the distribution and population structure of this species across the islands of the Canarian archipelago, located along an east to west gradient in the north‐eastern Atlantic, were collected by taking advantage of “Local Ecological Knowledge,” in terms of sightings in coastal waters and long‐term imprints on the local gastronomic heritage, and decadal fisheries landings. Both sources of quantitative data (sightings and fisheries landings) demonstrated that adults of M. mustelus has a significantly larger presence in the eastern and central, than in the western islands of the archipelago. This is also reflected on local gastronomic legacies, with a larger number of recipes in the eastern and central islands. Adult smooth‐hound sharks were significantly more observed in sandy and sandy‐rocky bottoms, with individuals seen throughout the entire year, whereas juveniles aggregate on very shallow waters in spring and summer. Such aggregations require a special management strategy, as they play a key role in critical life stages; these sites should be protected from human perturbations. We also suggest a temporal fishing ban between April and October, when individuals tend to concentrate on nearshore waters. Because of the large differences in presence of this shark among the Canary Islands, management of the species should be adapted to the specific peculiarities of each island, rather than adopting a management policy at the entire archipelago‐scale. Overall, this study sets the basis for further investigation to promote conservation of this vulnerable shark in the study region.

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Using lessons learned from a multidecadal intercept survey of Puerto Rico spear fishers to improve data collection in the U.S. Caribbean

Coffill‐Rivera,

Neal,

Rodríguez‐Ferrer

et al. 2024

N American J Fish Manag

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ObjectiveSpearfishing is a common activity used to harvest coastal marine species worldwide and can be a significant contributor to landings of ecologically and economically relevant species. As such, it is important to monitor spearfishing catch and effort. Spearfishing is commonly practiced throughout the Caribbean, yet characteristics of this gear's fishery remain understudied in the region. Thus, the objectives of this study were to provide a description of the Puerto Rico spearfishing fishery utilizing a long‐term MRIP APAIS data set, examine the data set quality of this survey, and provide suggestions to improve MRIP implementation in the U.S. Caribbean.MethodsWe described the Puerto Rico recreational spearfishing fishery using a multidecadal (2000–2015) Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Access Point Angler Intercept Survey conducted along the coast of Puerto Rico and surrounding territories. Data issues were identified in the survey results, including possible errors in measurement and identification; therefore, we limited analyses to species composition, enumeration, and mean catch rates.ResultThere were 89 species identified, with snappers (family Lutjanidae) being the most encountered family. Other economically relevant finfish frequently reported were Hogfish Lachnolaimus maximus (n = 121), Queen Triggerfish Balistes vetula (n = 115), and Red Hind Epinephelus guttatus (n = 90). Multiple reef fishes were landed during their spawning season, while prohibited by seasonal closures. Further, spearfishing accounted for 25.8% of the total harvest throughout the study period.ConclusionOur results suggest that spearfishing could be a considerable contributor to finfish landings in Puerto Rico, warranting its continued and improved monitoring in the region. Further, modifications in the design of fisheries surveys are warranted. We suggest increasing the allocation of resources, training, data quality assurance and quality control, and funding for the MRIP to maximize the accuracy of data obtained and meet MRIP U.S. Caribbean priorities. Implementation of a recreational fishing license would assist by creating a registry to monitor total recreational fishing effort and by generating funds to supplement the MRIP. The use of electronic reporting can help mitigate discrepancies with species identification and size measurements and enhance overall recreational fisheries data collection.

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First assessment of the spearfishing impact in the Canary Islands

Cited by 5 publications

References 49 publications

Differences in the occurrence and abundance of batoids across an oceanic archipelago using complementary data sources: Implications for conservation

Differences in the occurrence and abundance of batoids across an oceanic archipelago using complementary data sources: Implications for conservation

Distribution and population structure of the smooth‐hound shark, Mustelus mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758), across an oceanic archipelago: Combining several data sources to promote conservation

Using lessons learned from a multidecadal intercept survey of Puerto Rico spear fishers to improve data collection in the U.S. Caribbean

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