xiv
Preface
aggregating species (Chap. 8 ). We have learned that most MPAs do not encompass
aggregation sites, or are typically too small to accommodate reef fi shes that migrate
away from their home reefs each year to reproduce. And, we are aware that while
conventional fi shery management addresses species level management, it rarely
focuses on controls in aggregation-fi shing (Chap. 11 ).
Good Science and Management Practice
A thorough understanding of aggregating species can only develop on a foundation
of good science, sound scholarship and effective management practices. This calls
for a greater rigour and attention to detail in studying, monitoring and reporting on
this phenomenon. For example, detailed and important information from the early
literature is sometimes ignored or misreported, so caution is needed to refer back
to primary literature, rather than rely solely on reviews or secondary sources.
Speculative comments should not be treated as facts, and literature that has not yet
passed through the peer review process should be treated with care.
Critically important for monitoring and adaptive management is the development and application of sound sampling and surveying methodologies (Chap. 9 ).
Aggregations are highly dynamic phenomena that often occur in areas that are diffi cult to work in. As many workers have come to discover, however, counting large
numbers of fi sh over short periods of time when their numbers change hourly or
daily, working at diving sites that are deep or have strong currents, or maintaining
consistent dive schedules during specifi c lunar cycles, represent unique challenges.
Tailored sampling methods are often needed for individual aggregation sites and for
different species. Logistics include reaching dive sites and safely with enough fi t
and able divers to consistently survey numbers of a few critical days when numbers
are peaking on a regular basis. Experience shows that comprehensive and consistent
sampling is a major challenge and could better be served by putting effort into major
surveys that include expert input every few years, rather than hobbling together less
than ideal yearly initiatives.
Yet, we are also aware that much can be learned about a fi shery using a range of
simple and inexpensive techniques. Sampling fi sh from markets or fi sh landings
sites can easily and cheaply provide valuable information on fi sh sizes and species
diversity in catches, catch rates, reproductive biology and size of sexual maturation,
especially if it is part of a long-term monitoring programme (Chapte r 9). Interviews
with fi shermen and knowledgeable biologists or fi shery department personnel can
yield invaluable current and historic information and perspectives. A word of caution, however, is that despite the underlying simplicity of such approaches, much
money, time and effort can be wasted due to poorly conceived interview surveys or
sampling protocols and there is no substitute for training, experience and careful
planning to ensure scientifi c rigour (Chap. 10 ). Moreover the handling and use of
information from interviews may call for due diligence to ensure confi dentiality of
fi shing site locations and respect the knowledge collected from interviewees. With
Preface
aggregating species (Chap. 8 ). We have learned that most MPAs do not encompass
aggregation sites, or are typically too small to accommodate reef fi shes that migrate
away from their home reefs each year to reproduce. And, we are aware that while
conventional fi shery management addresses species level management, it rarely
focuses on controls in aggregation-fi shing (Chap. 11 ).
Good Science and Management Practice
A thorough understanding of aggregating species can only develop on a foundation
of good science, sound scholarship and effective management practices. This calls
for a greater rigour and attention to detail in studying, monitoring and reporting on
this phenomenon. For example, detailed and important information from the early
literature is sometimes ignored or misreported, so caution is needed to refer back
to primary literature, rather than rely solely on reviews or secondary sources.
Speculative comments should not be treated as facts, and literature that has not yet
passed through the peer review process should be treated with care.
Critically important for monitoring and adaptive management is the development and application of sound sampling and surveying methodologies (Chap. 9 ).
Aggregations are highly dynamic phenomena that often occur in areas that are diffi cult to work in. As many workers have come to discover, however, counting large
numbers of fi sh over short periods of time when their numbers change hourly or
daily, working at diving sites that are deep or have strong currents, or maintaining
consistent dive schedules during specifi c lunar cycles, represent unique challenges.
Tailored sampling methods are often needed for individual aggregation sites and for
different species. Logistics include reaching dive sites and safely with enough fi t
and able divers to consistently survey numbers of a few critical days when numbers
are peaking on a regular basis. Experience shows that comprehensive and consistent
sampling is a major challenge and could better be served by putting effort into major
surveys that include expert input every few years, rather than hobbling together less
than ideal yearly initiatives.
Yet, we are also aware that much can be learned about a fi shery using a range of
simple and inexpensive techniques. Sampling fi sh from markets or fi sh landings
sites can easily and cheaply provide valuable information on fi sh sizes and species
diversity in catches, catch rates, reproductive biology and size of sexual maturation,
especially if it is part of a long-term monitoring programme (Chapte r 9). Interviews
with fi shermen and knowledgeable biologists or fi shery department personnel can
yield invaluable current and historic information and perspectives. A word of caution, however, is that despite the underlying simplicity of such approaches, much
money, time and effort can be wasted due to poorly conceived interview surveys or
sampling protocols and there is no substitute for training, experience and careful
planning to ensure scientifi c rigour (Chap. 10 ). Moreover the handling and use of
information from interviews may call for due diligence to ensure confi dentiality of
fi shing site locations and respect the knowledge collected from interviewees. With