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24 - The Vision for EBM of Continental Shelf Ecosystems in the Wider Caribbean
- Edited by Lucia Fanning, Robin Mahon, Patrick McConney, L. Verhart
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- Book:
- Towards Marine Ecosystem-Based Management in the Wider Caribbean
- Published by:
- Amsterdam University Press
- Published online:
- 22 January 2021
- Print publication:
- 15 July 2012, pp 347-354
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
Continental shelf ecosystems have high importance for the continental countries of the Wider Caribbean Region. They support important shrimp and groundfish fisheries (Phillips et al. Chapter 15) and snapper fisheries on their outer slopes (Heileman Chapter 13). There are also important linkages between the former fisheries and the many coastal and estuarine lagoons and wetlands that occur in these countries (Yáñez-Arancibia et al. Chapter 17). They support livelihoods (McConney and Salas Chapter 7) and provide critical ecosystem services (Schuhmann et al. Chapter 8). Continental shelf ecosystems have been degraded by many human impacts of both marine and land-based origin (Sweeney and Corbin Chapter 4; Gil and Wells Chapter 5).
This synthesis chapter presents the outputs of a group process aimed at developing a vision and way ahead for ecosystem based management (EBM) for continental shelf ecosystems in the Wider Caribbean, using the methods described earlier (Fanning et al. Chapter 1). In terms of structure, the chapter first describes a vision for continental shelf EBM and reports on the priorities assigned to the identified vision elements. It then discusses how the vision might be achieved by taking into account assisting factors (those that facilitate achievement) and resisting factors (those that inhibit achievement). The chapter concludes with guidance on the strategic direction needed to implement the vision, identifying specific actions to be undertaken for each of the vision elements.
The vision
The occupational breakdown of members of the Continental Shelf Ecosystems Working Group reflected the diversity of affiliations present at the EBM Symposium and included governmental, intergovernmental, academic, non-governmental and private sector (fishers and fishing industry and consulting) representatives. With guidance provided by the facilitator, this diverse group of participants was asked to first address the question of “What do you see in place in 10 years time when EBM/EAF has become a reality in the Caribbean?” This diversity provided for a fruitful and comprehensive discussion which is summarized in Table 24.1, in terms of the key vision elements and their subcomponents, and in Figure 24.1, which illustrates the level of priority assigned to each of the vision elements.
13 - EBM for Fisheries in the Wider Caribbean: Deepwater Red Snapper Fisheries
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- By Heileman S.
- Edited by Lucia Fanning, Robin Mahon, Patrick McConney, L. Verhart
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- Book:
- Towards Marine Ecosystem-Based Management in the Wider Caribbean
- Published by:
- Amsterdam University Press
- Published online:
- 22 January 2021
- Print publication:
- 15 July 2012, pp 187-196
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- Chapter
- Export citation
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Summary
Abstract
Deepwater red snappers (Lutjanidae) support valuable fisheries throughout the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR). Management of these fisheries, where it exists, is based on the single-species approach. Life history traits such as slow growth and spawning aggregation make snappers highly vulnerable to overfishing, and their essential habitats are under increasing threat from human activities. The limited potential yield in the WCR means that this resource is likely to become quickly overcapitalised and overexploited. Being top predators and keystone species, reduction in the abundance of snappers could have profound adverse impacts on the whole ecosystem. In this chapter, a number of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) measures for deep slope snappers are discussed. The impacts on fishers and the demands on the countries would have to be considered when developing EBFM plans for these species. The low potential yield favours small to medium-scale fisheries for deepwater snappers in the WCR.
Introduction
Deepwater snappers support valuable artisanal, commercial and recreational fisheries throughout their range, including in the WCR. Many deepwater fish stocks are exploited beyond sustainable levels and some have already collapsed (Koslow et al. 2000; Morato et al. 2006; Clark et al. 2006). Overexploitation is also evident in the deepwater snapper fisheries throughout the WCR. It is widely acknowledged that fisheries management needs to move from a single-species approach to one that integrates ecosystem considerations. EBFM is an improvement over single-species management because it ensures that the health and productivity of ecosystems will be maintained, and provides the foundation for long-term sustainability of the fisheries they support. This chapter, which is not meant to be exhaustive, presents a brief discussion of what the ecosystem approach would entail for management of deep slope snappers in the WCR, and the underlying biological, ecological and socio-economic considerations.
Red Snapper Fisheries and Their Status in the Caribbean
There is a long history of fishing for deepwater snappers in the WCR, with several species targeted in artisanal, commercial and recreational fisheries. The US has the highest annual landings of snappers (over 2,000 tonnes/ yr), while in the southern Caribbean, Venezuela had the highest landings with over 3,800 tonnes in 2003 (FAO 2005a).