Abstract
Fish populations of two separate but structurally similar fringing coral reefs at La Gonàve, Haiti, empirically determined to differ with respect to level of exploitation, were assessed by experimental trapping and visual censusing. The fish species composition, total fish abundance, and numerical catch per unit of effort did not differ significantly between sites. Scarids and chaetodontids, which collectively made up over 50% of the catch, were significantly smaller at the site of higher exploitation. The relatively small sizes of resident fishes on both reefs (no fish were over 30 cm in fork length) suggested there was overexploitation. The proportion of fish recruited to traps before reaching sexual maturity ranged from 23 to 78% among six exploited families. Because an enforcement infrastructure for fishery regulation currently does not exist in Haiti, we suggest a system of passive management employing fishermen cooperatives whereby new and modified gear could be introduced for exploitation of fish stocks that inhabit the deeper waters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
