Applying local knowledge and science to the management of grouper aggregation sites in Melanesia

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Coastal fisheries

In 2003 The Nature Conservancy (TNC) commenced a project titled “Protecting Coral Reefs from Destructive Fishing Practices: Protecting and Managing Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations in the Pacific”. The goal of this project is to significantly reduce the degradation of coral reef ecosystems in the Pacific region from destructive fishing practices,
with a particular focus on reducing the overexploitation and degradation of reef fish spawning aggregation sites. Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands were identified as two of the target countries where this project would focus. The three broad objectives of the Destructive Fishing Project, now in its final year, are to: 1) develop and facilitate the application of cost-effective management controls on the exploitation of reef fish resources; 2) strengthen the capacity to assess, monitor and manage aggregating reef fish resources; and 3) raise the awareness and appreciation among stakeholders of the vulnerability of aggregating reef fish populations and associated
ecosystems.