Coastal Fisheries & Climate Change in Nauru
Coastal fisheries play a vital role in Nauru, providing a main source of seafood. The local population heavily relies on fishing activities, with sustainable management efforts underway to protect fish stocks and habitats. Initiatives such as data collection, expert assessments, and alternative livelihood programs are being considered to maintain the balance between resource utilization and conservation in the face of climate change.
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Coastal Fisheries & Climate Change By Monte Depaune
Introduction Coastal fisheries is the main source of seafood for people on Nauru with an estimated annual catch of 420t of finfish and 231t of invertebrates. Nauruan fresh fish consumption per capita is 56kg. Nearly half the population (4513 people, 2947 males and 1566 females) are engaged in fishing activities.
Status of Coastal Fisheries Management Recommendations Action Taken Data collection of catch by canoe & motorized fishers is being conducted. None for in-shore, multi-species, multi-fishing method. No in-water and socio-economic assessment has been conducted since 2006. No mgt measures implemented yet. Govt closely monitor the level of fishing effort for both finfish and invertebrates and implements management measures affecting catch and fishing practices.
Status of Coastal Fisheries Management Action Taken Recommendation A request to FAO under South to South cooperation was submitted for an expert on reef ecology to assess and make recommendations on ideal sites. Govt considers establishing 1 or 2 MPAs that cover appropriate habitat.
Status of Coastal Fisheries Management Action Taken Recommendation This will be considered after consultations through CEAFM with communities are concluded and a national plan developed. Create alternative livelihood i.e. diving for aquarium fish. Govt looks to restrain SCUBA spear- fishing, as the efficiency of this gear outweighs all the more traditional means of fishing and if it is not properly controlled it will have a drastic effect on targeted fish stocks. No action being taken so far. The abundant herbivores Acanthuridae is sustainably targeted by local fishing activities instead of parrotfish, groupers, snappers and emperors which are probably being impacted by fishing activities at present
Status of Coastal Fisheries Management This is being promoted. Govt continues to foster development of off-shore resources, more specifically tuna and other pelagics, to reduce fishing pressure on in-shore resources. Access to fuel has improved dramatically. AOMF Assistance Project is active. Both in-shore and off-shore FADs are being deployed, maintained and re- deployed where and when necessary provided materials are available. Govt looks at ways to assist local fishers to fish for pelagics: Encourage Nauruans to use more motorized boats by improving access to fuel, etc Put out shallow-water FADs that can be reached by fishers paddling non- motorized canoes
Status of Coastal Fisheries Management Action Taken Recommendation Resource assessment has been conducted and results are positive. Economic feasibility study is being done. Mgt plan being developed. Govt has an assessment undertaken to look at stocks of aquarium fish, with the harvesting of these encouraged through private sector and appropriate mgt measures put in place if the stocks can be sustainably harvested and viably exported.
Status of Coastal Fisheries Management Action Taken Not yet done. Recommendation Any additional survey work by SPC on invertebrates focuses on the species that are of most concern for Nauruan people and that are the main focus of current harvest activity, including an assessment of the status and population dynamics of Turbo spp. And nocturnal crustacean species (esp. lobsters & crabs). Not yet considered. Govt considers the introduction of Tridacna maxima, and possibly trochus adults, within an area protected from fishing and gleaning, possibly as part of an MPA as recommended above.
Nature of Our Coastal Fisheries Recent Catch and Value Coastal fisheries category Total value (USD m)* Reef fish Nearshore pelagic fishb Inter/subtidal Invertebrates Total Feature Catch (tonnes)* 310 310 30 650 1.5 Contribution (%)a 48 48 4 100 * Estimated total catch and value in 2007 (Gillet 2009)1; a = method for calculating disaggregated catch data for each category is outlined in Chapter 9 (Appendix 9.2, Supplementary Table 9.1); b = catch dominated by tuna species.
Reef fisheries Nearshore pelagic (tuna) fisheries Inter/subtidal shellfish fisheries
Projected Changes to Coastal Fish Habitat (coral reefs) Projected changes to coastal fish habitat 2035 2050 2100
Coral bleaching due to increased temperature Ocean acidification - reef erosion
Projected Changes to Coastal Fisheries Projected changes to coastal fisheries production 2035 2050 2100 Reef fish
Effects of climate change on reef fish Today 2035 (-2 to -5%) 2050 (-20%) 2100 (-20 to -50%)
Summary Coral reef fisheries will be losers under climate change. Mainly due to changes in their habitat There are severe implications! Adaptations are possible.
