A Preliminary Study on Local Species Diversity and Seasonal Composition in a Hong Kong Wet Market

Abstract

A survey was carried out to obtain a representative list of size composition and seasonal variation in species composition of reef fishes being marketed in Hong Kong, taken from local or nearby waters in and around reefs, and sold either alive or recently dead. A total of 170 species, from 57 families was recorded from regular surveys between June 2002 and May 2003. It was estimated that a considerable proportion of the fish in this trade was in their juvenile phase; heavy fishing on juveniles potentially contributes to overfishing and should be reduced. Species composition changed from mainly tropical species in summer to predominantly temperate species in winter. Many of the species marketed include those formerly not considered to be suitable as food, which is a reflection of the overfished state of the local fishery. It is recommended that a better regulation of the live reef fish trade on local fish species and study on the biology of these species, be conducted to develop appropriate management initiatives for vulnerable species or life history phases.