392
M.W. Russell et al.
11.7 Future Efforts to Improve Management
It is essential to improve information on aggregations to implement and adapt
management strategies. Catch data should be collected on both aggregation catches
and landings of aggregating species, supplemented by fi shery-independent data,
such as underwater visual census at aggregation sites. There is justifi cation for
developing vulnerability indicator systems for data-poor contexts that would allow
rapid evaluation of the need for management, direct or indirect, while more data are
being collected (Johannes 1998 ) . Work is also needed to increase overall understanding of the reproductive signifi cance of aggregations for fi sheries. However, in
most parts of the world such information is not readily available. Moreover, there is
a disparity of information among the Pacifi c, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, with the
Caribbean being relatively information-rich. Public knowledge and understanding
of aggregation management is essential. Education priorities should include demonstrating the need to protect aggregating fi sh, and providing relevant information on
the performance of management. Tools should be developed to help ensure communities, fi shers and the general public understand that the taking of spawning fi sh
is in effect taking the next generation of fi sh and can negatively affect the fi shery as
a consequence. This is a simple but powerful concept for educational programmes.
There is a need for more emphasis on the political and social environments in
which successful management occurs, and to engage the major resource users.
Community-based management, where applicable, has the greatest chance of success if the values and traditions of the community are incorporated into the overall
management scheme, and if communities are empowered with management authority
and supported by government in matters of enforcement and capacity development.
Researchers, managers and NGOs must convey a sense of urgency to act once
aggregations are discovered and fi shed, and decision makers require a better knowledge base with respect to the economic and social consequences of a lack of action
concerning the protection of aggregations. It is essential that management be implemented adaptively, with clear and transparent reasoning that is not overly infl uenced
by politics or inappropriate agendas. Good science is essential for seeking the best
possible management approach.
11.8 Conclusion
Managing spawning aggregations is a complex challenge that requires strong commitment, political will and an adaptive approach. Knowledge of the biology and
behaviour of the target species is essential, particularly of the spatial and temporal
dynamics of spawning. Years of directed research and monitoring may be needed to
defi ne the bio-physical system adequately, to account for inter-annual variability in
the system and to enable the outcomes of management action to be assessed.
Because of the extreme vulnerability of spawning aggregations to over-exploitation,
M.W. Russell et al.
11.7 Future Efforts to Improve Management
It is essential to improve information on aggregations to implement and adapt
management strategies. Catch data should be collected on both aggregation catches
and landings of aggregating species, supplemented by fi shery-independent data,
such as underwater visual census at aggregation sites. There is justifi cation for
developing vulnerability indicator systems for data-poor contexts that would allow
rapid evaluation of the need for management, direct or indirect, while more data are
being collected (Johannes 1998 ) . Work is also needed to increase overall understanding of the reproductive signifi cance of aggregations for fi sheries. However, in
most parts of the world such information is not readily available. Moreover, there is
a disparity of information among the Pacifi c, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, with the
Caribbean being relatively information-rich. Public knowledge and understanding
of aggregation management is essential. Education priorities should include demonstrating the need to protect aggregating fi sh, and providing relevant information on
the performance of management. Tools should be developed to help ensure communities, fi shers and the general public understand that the taking of spawning fi sh
is in effect taking the next generation of fi sh and can negatively affect the fi shery as
a consequence. This is a simple but powerful concept for educational programmes.
There is a need for more emphasis on the political and social environments in
which successful management occurs, and to engage the major resource users.
Community-based management, where applicable, has the greatest chance of success if the values and traditions of the community are incorporated into the overall
management scheme, and if communities are empowered with management authority
and supported by government in matters of enforcement and capacity development.
Researchers, managers and NGOs must convey a sense of urgency to act once
aggregations are discovered and fi shed, and decision makers require a better knowledge base with respect to the economic and social consequences of a lack of action
concerning the protection of aggregations. It is essential that management be implemented adaptively, with clear and transparent reasoning that is not overly infl uenced
by politics or inappropriate agendas. Good science is essential for seeking the best
possible management approach.
11.8 Conclusion
Managing spawning aggregations is a complex challenge that requires strong commitment, political will and an adaptive approach. Knowledge of the biology and
behaviour of the target species is essential, particularly of the spatial and temporal
dynamics of spawning. Years of directed research and monitoring may be needed to
defi ne the bio-physical system adequately, to account for inter-annual variability in
the system and to enable the outcomes of management action to be assessed.
Because of the extreme vulnerability of spawning aggregations to over-exploitation,