COMPARATIVE SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF YIELD FROM 6 FIJIAN REEF FISHERIES

The size and composition of finfish yield from six Fijian reef fisheries was determined using catch records from a voluntary logbook scheme. A total of 172 Logbooks were issued for 30-day periods in October 1992 and February and June 1993 and they provided information on 1369 fishing trips. Catch records were weighted, using the results of contemporaneous fishing activity and fleet size surveys, to provide yield estimates for each fishing ground (qoliqoli). Yield from all qoliqoli was dominated by Serranidae and Lethrinidae which were favoured for consumption and sale. Yields were expressed on the basis of reef area for fish from different trophic groups. Macroinvertebrate-feeders and piscivores accounted for more than half the yield in all qoliqoli and there were significant differences in area specific yield between qoliqoli. There was no evidence of fishers adopting more powerful fishing techniques or catching fish from lower trophic levels in order to maintain yield from any qoliqoli. This suggested that the fisheries examined were all capable of sustaining the reported yields of up to 3.4 tonne km(-2) qoliqoli year (-1) or 10.2 tonne km(-2) coral reef year(-1) and that in sites where yields were less they might be increased sustainably.