Marine Resources Assessment for the Marianas Operating ... - SPREP

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
within lagoons and mangrove areas, over coral reefs or sand or mud bottoms, or off of deep outer
reef slopes (Senou 2001)
Heller’s barracuda is a subtropical species found from 30°N to 25°S at depths from 15 to 60 m
(Froese and Pauly 2004). This species occurs in lagoons and over seaward reefs (Myers 1999).
The great barracuda is a subtropical species found from 30°N to 30°S at depths from 0 to 100 m.
Adults occur from murky inner harbors to open seas, usually at or near the surface (Froese and Pauly
2004). Juveniles occur among mangroves and in shallow sheltered inner reefs (WPRFMC 2001).
Life History—Barracuda migrate in very large numbers to specific spawning areas at reef edges or in
deeper water. Eggs, larvae and juveniles are pelagic and may be carried long distances by ocean
currents (WPRFMC 2001). Heller’s barracuda can be found in large school during the day, whereas,
the great barracuda is diurnal and solitary (Froese and Pauly 2004).
EFH Designations—(WPRFMC 2001; Figures D-10, D-14, and D-18; Table 4-5)
Eggs, Larvae, Juvenile, and Adult―The water column from the shoreline to the outer
boundary of the EEZ to a depth of 100 m.
♦ Turbinidae (Turban shells)
Status—The family Turbinidae is managed in Micronesia as part of the CHCRT by the WPRFMC
(2001) and occurs in CNMI and Guam (Smith 2003). All species within this subfamily have EFH
designated within the boundaries of the study area (WPRFMC 2001; NMFS 2004c). The main
species of turban shells harvested are the green snail (Turbo marmoratus), the rough turban (T.
setosus), and the silver-mouth turban (T. Argyrostomus). Only the latter two species are found in the
study area (Smith 2003). Currently, no data are available to determine if turban shells of the CHCRT
are approaching an overfished situation (NMFS 2004a). There are no species of turban shells listed
on the IUCN Red List of threatened species located within the study area (IUCN 2004).
Distribution—Turban shells are distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region extending into the
South Pacific (WPRFMC 2001).
Habitat Preferences—Turban shells are found in shallow-waters of warm temperate and tropical
seas (Poutiers 1998a). These species prefer healthy coral reef habitats, which receive a constant flow
of oceanic water. Juveniles can be found on shallow reef crests while adults prefer deeper habitats
(WPRFMC 2001).
Life History—Very little information is available about the reproduction of these species. Eggs and
larvae are dispersed by ocean currents, while juveniles and adults are demersal (WPRFMC 2001).
EFH Designations—(WPRFMC 2001; Figures D-10, D-14, and D-18; Table 4-5)
Eggs and Larvae―The water column from the shoreline to the outer boundary of the EEZ to
a depth of 100 m.
Juvenile and Adult―All bottom habitat and the adjacent water column from 0 of 100 m.
4.2.4.2.2 Aquarium taxa/species
Fish species harvested for the aquarium trade are managed as part of CHCRT by the WPRFMC (2001)
and occur in CNMI and Guam (Amesbury and Myers 2001; Myers and Donaldson 2003). All taxa within
this management unit have EFH designated within the boundaries of the study area (WPRFMC 2001;
NMFS 2004c). All aquarium species are managed as a unit, and the EFH designations for the lifestages
of each species are identical and listed below. Limited harvest of aquaria species occurs within the study
area due to the prohibition of the commercial export of live aquarium fishes in the Marianas. Guam allows
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