Seasonality and historic trends in the reef fisheries of Pulau Banggi, Sabah, Malaysia
- ISSN: 07224028
- DOI: 10.1007/s00338-006-0182-x
Abstract
The reef fisheries of Pulau Banggi, Sabah are not actively monitored or managed, and lack baseline fisheries data despite forming part of a proposed marine park. Thus, a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches is required to obtain a full picture about the past and present state of the fisheries. Fish landings were monitored, and fisher interviews conducted to investigate seasonal effects and historical changes in Banggis reef fisheries. Monsoon winds were a major driver of seasonal differences in catch quantities for the hook and line, but not the gillnet fishery. Spatial distribution of fishing effort and target species also differed by season. Fishers consistently indicated that Banggis fisheries were declining, with a suggested 3 to 4 time decrease in catch rates over the last 20 years. Interestingly, it appeared that substantial decreases in catch rates primarily occurred since 2000. The responses of fishers to seasonal changes, and the resultant implications for management were discussed. Importantly, the need for immediate management policies to prevent further declines and to maintain sustainable reef fisheries was stressed.
Author-supplied keywords
Seasonality and historic trends in the reef fisheries of Pulau Banggi, Sabah, Malaysia
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