Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
dominate some locations, such as Weligama. At many other locations, dead shallow coral
areas have been overgrown by rapid growing algae and invertebrates (tunicates and
corallimorphs). This overgrowth will inhibit the re-establishment of living corals at these
locations. Some new coral recruits have been observed at many sites, but indications are that
reef recovery will be very slow, although many genera have been observed to have recruited
already (Acropora, Platygyra, Stylocoeniella, Alveopora, Goniopora, Pocillopora, Galaxea).
CORAL REEF FISHERIES
In general the reef fisheries of South Asia are poorly documented, with little information on
the importance of these fisheries to local communities and economies. Reef fisheries are
mostly for subsistence, therefore data are difficult to gather and do not appear in national
fisheries statistics. Furthermore, the multi-species nature of reef fisheries makes it difficult to
estimate a yield for each species and to predict sustainable levels of extraction. Similar
problems exist for the marine ornamental fisheries, which are important in the Maldives and
Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh
The main fishery in Bangladesh is offshore, with a small inshore fishery for croakers and
snappers. These are caught using bottom-weighted gill nets and hook and line. Some
snappers and medium sized groupers (approximately 40-50cm long) are caught near St.
Martins Island, indicating that a relatively healthy population remains. Other fisheries include
sea cucumber and molluscs. Unregulated harvesting of reef resources is contributing to a
decline of reef biodiversity and abundance of resources.
India
Reef fisheries in India are not reflected in national fisheries statistics, as little significance is
given to the fishery, however, they are important as a subsistence fishery for local people. The
fishery includes: snappers, groupers, emperors, breams, barracuda, jacks, sprats, herrings and
flying fish. There are also reef fisheries for sea horse, sea cucumber and sacred chanks.
In the Gulf of Mannar, specific information on reef fisheries is not available, but the annual
catch of demersal fish, which includes reef fish, is about 45,000 metric tonnes per year. In
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands fishing is mainly carried out around the Andaman
Islands, with little around the Nicobar Islands. The main species targeted include sardines,
anchovies, carangids, mackerel, mullets, perches, sharks and rays, catfish, pomfrets, silver
bellies and catfish. Estimates of the fishery resource potential are highly variable and do not
consider a maximum sustainable yield critical for proper resource management. In the
period 1996-1997, the total fish catch was estimated at 26,55mt and the overall
composition of the catch included; sardines (12-13%), perches (7-10%), carangids (6%)
and mackerel (6-7%). There is also a sea cucumber fishery for which figures are not
available. In the Lakshadweep Islands there is no organised commercial reef fishery for food
or ornamental fishes, but there is a subsistence reef fishery. The local industry targets offshore
pelagic fish, such as tuna, which require the harvesting of sprats (Spratelloides sp.) from reef
lagoons for bait. No information is available on reef related fisheries in the Gulf of Kutch.
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