Sheridan, P., Hill, R., Matthews, G., Appeldoorn, R., Kojis, B., Matthews, T.

Does trap fishing impact coral reef ecosystems? An update

2005

Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute

56

511-519

"Trap fishing for fishes and lobster is common near coral reefs in the Caribbean, but little is known about the effects of these stationary gears on targeted habitats. We are in the middle of a multi-year project (2001-2005) in the U. S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Florida Keys that includes: i) Mapping the distribution of traps relative to bottom habitat types via geographic information systems (GIS), ii) Quantifying trap densities by predicted versus actual habitat type, and iii) Quantifying damage to corals and other structure-providing organisms. We are examining seasonal and interannual variations in habitat use by trap fishers using both apparent trap distributions recorded via surface vessel surveys and actual trap distributions recorded by divers and underwater photography. Preliminary findings suggest that traps were not distributed randomly (in proportion to habitat types available) and certain habitat types were targeted. However, a relatively small percentage (less than 20%) of the traps set in shallow water (< 30 m) actually contacted hard corals, gorgonians, or sponges. Damage occurred mainly to hard corals and was patchy, at a scale less than the total trap foot print. Almost half of the traps caused no apparent damage. There were seasonal shifts in trapping effort and habitats used."

Coral reef ecosystems; gear impacts; traps

FY2004 CRCP Project ID 1069; Project Title: Distribution of Trap Fishing and Effects on Habitats in Coral Reef Ecosystems; Principal Investigator: Ron Hill