INFORMATION COLLATED BY THE FISHERIES AND HABITAT

United Nations UNEP/GEF South China Sea Global Environment Environment Programme Project Facility

UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-F.8/5

Date: 12th October 2006 Original: English

Eighth Meeting of the Regional Working Group for the Fisheries Component of the UNEP/GEF Project: “Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand” Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia 1st - 4th November 2006

INFORMATION COLLATED BY THE FISHERIES AND HABITAT COMPONENTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROJECT ON SITES IMPORTANT TO THE LIFE-

CYCLES OF SIGNIFICANT FISH SPECIES

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IDENTIFICATION OF FISHERIES REFUGIA IN THE GULF OF THAILAND It was discussed at the Sixth Meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Committee (RSTC) in December 2006 that the Regional Working Group on Fisheries should take the following two-track approach to the identification of fisheries refugia:

1. Review known spawning areas for pelagic and invertebrate species, with the aim of evaluating these sites as candidate spawning refugia.

2. Evaluate each of the project’s habitat demonstration sites as potential juvenile/pre-recruit

refugia for significant demersal species. Rationale for the Two-Track Approach to the Identification of Fisheries Refugia The two main life history events for fished species are reproduction and recruitment. It was noted by the RSTC that both of these events involve movement between areas, and some species, often pelagic fishes, migrate to particular spawning areas. It was also noted that many species also utilise specific coastal habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves as nursery areas. In terms of the effects of fishing, most populations of fished species are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of high levels of fishing effort in areas and at times where there are high abundances of (a) stock in spawning condition, (b) juveniles and pre-recruits, or (c) pre-recruits migrating to fishing grounds. These impacts are intensified in instances where small-scale fishers and commercial fishers share the same stock, leading to disputes of the relative impacts of each group. An example is where juveniles and pre-recruits are caught in inshore areas by small-scale fisheries, and commercial fishers catch adults of the same species offshore. In this instance, high levels of fishing effort in inshore waters may drive growth over-fishing1, while the same circumstances in offshore areas may cause recruitment over-fishing of the same stock2 (see Figure 1). The use of juvenile refugia to protect fish during the juvenile and pre-recruit phases of their life-cycle can assist in the prevention of growth over-fishing. Whereas spawning refugia, may assist in the prevention of recruitment over-fishing.

Figure 1 Generalised life-history triangle for fished species, highlighting the problems of growth

and recruitment over-fishing.

1 Growth over-fishing is caused by levels of fishing beyond that required to maximise yield per recruit, and typical involves a

size at first capture in the fishery that involves an unsustainably high percentage of juveniles and pre-recruits being captured. 2 Recruitment over-fishing is caused by a level of fishing in which the adult stock is reduced to the extent that recruits

produced are insufficient to maintain the population.


Seventh Meeting of the Regional Working Group on Fisheries During its Seventh Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand (16-18 May 2006) the Regional Working Group on Fisheries considered a preliminary inventory of known spawning areas in the Gulf of Thailand for significant pelagic, demersal, and invertebrate species in the Gulf of Thailand (see Tables 1-3). To assist in developing a more comprehensive basis for the development of a list of candidate fisheries refugia sites, the RWG-F agreed to compile information during the inter-sessional period on:

• the UNEP/GEF South China Sea Project’s Habitat Demonstration Sites that are critical inshore nursery refugia for important demersal species,

• locations in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand that are utilised by important pelagic species for spawning, and

• Fisheries management areas that may qualify as candidate sites of fisheries refugia. Table 1 Spawning area and season information considered during the Seventh Meeting of the

RWG-F for key pelagic transboundary species in the Gulf of Thailand, and proposed actions for refugia identification.

Small Pelagics Spawning Family/Species Known Areas Season (Months) Proposed Action

SCOMBRIDAE Rastrelliger brachysoma 10-40 miles east of

Prachuap Khiri Khan/Surattani

Feb-Apr/Jun-Aug Evaluate as candidate pelagic spawning refugia site

R. kanagurta Prachuap Khiri Khan/Surattani

Feb-Apr/Jul-Aug Evaluate as candidate pelagic spawning refugia site

Auxis thazard Western Gulf of Thailand

Apr-Jun/Aug-Sep Evaluate as candidate large tuna/mackerel spawning refugia site

Euthynunus affinis Western Gulf of Thailand

Jan-Mar/Jun-Jul Evaluate as candidate large tuna/mackerel spawning refugia site

Thunnus tonggol Western Gulf of Thailand

Mar-May/Jul-Dec Evaluate as candidate large tuna/mackerel spawning refugia site

Scomberomorous commerson

Western Gulf of Thailand

Feb-Mar/Jun-Sep Evaluate as candidate large tuna/mackerel spawning refugia site

ENGRAULIDAE Stolephorus heterolobus 30 miles west of

Prachuap Khiri Khan Mar-Apr/Jul-Sep Evaluate as candidate pelagic

spawning refugia site CLUPEIDAE Sardinella gibbosa Entire coastal zone Mar-Apr/Jul-Aug Compare the relative importance of

different areas of the coastal zone as spawning areas

CARANGIDAE Decapterus maruadsi Central Gulf of Thailand Feb-Mar/Jul-Aug Evaluate as candidate central Gulf

pelagic spawning refugia site D. macrosoma Central Gulf of

Thailand Dec-May Evaluate as candidate central Gulf

pelagic spawning refugia site Atule mate 30 miles east of

Chumporn/Nakorn Si Thammarat

Mar-Apr Evaluate as candidate refugia site

Selar crumenophthalmus ? ? Identify spawning areas and seasons Selaroides leptolepis ? Mar/Jul-Aug Identify spawning areas Megalaspis cordyla ? Dec-May/Aug-Nov Identify spawning areas


Table 2 Spawning area and season information considered during the Seventh Meeting of the RWG-F for key demersal transboundary species in the Gulf of Thailand, and proposed actions for refugia identification.

Demersal Fish Spawning Family/Species Known Areas Season (Months) Proposed Action

LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus lineolatus

? Oct-June Identify spawning areas. Consider in relation to inshore juvenile refugia.

NEMIPTERIDAE Nemipterus hexodon ? Jan-Apr/Jun-Aug “ N. japonicus ? ? “ N. nematophorus ? Jan-Apr/Aug/Nov “ N. mesoprion ? Feb-Apr “ N. peronii ? Feb-Apr “ Scolopsis taeniopterus ? Dec-Jan/Apr-Aug “ PRIACANTHIDAE Priacanthus tayenus ? Jan-Mar “ SERRANIDAE Epinephelus sexfasciatus ? ? “ SYNODONTODAE Saurida elongata Less than 30 miles

offshore Jan-Mar/Aug-Sep “

Saurida tumbil ? Jan-Mar “ Saurida undosquamis ? Dec-Jan/May-Sep “

Table 3 Spawning area and season information considered during the Seventh Meeting of the RWG-F for key invertebrate species in the Gulf of Thailand, and proposed actions for refugia identification.

Invertebrates Spawning Family/Species Known Areas Season (Months)

Proposed Action

PENAEIDAE Penaeus merguiensis ? Jan-Mar/Sep-Dec Identify spawning areas. Consider use of

spawning refugia in conjunction with juvenile shrimp, mangrove-based refugia sites.

Penaeus japonicus ? Jan-Mar/Jul-Aug Identify spawning areas. Consider use of spawning refugia in conjunction with juvenile shrimp, mangrove-based refugia sites.

LOLIGINIDAE Loligo duvauceli Prachuap Khiri

Khan/Chumporn Jan/Mar-Apr/Jun-

Jul/Dec Evaluate as candidate squid spawning refugia

L. chinensis South of Koh Chang, offshore areas of Prachuap Khiri

Khan/Chumporn

Mar-Apr/Jun-Jul/Nov-Dec

Evaluate as candidate squid spawning refugia

SEPIIDAE Sepia aculata ? Mar-Apr/Jul-Aug Identify spawning areas. Consider in relation

to squid spawning refugia S. recurvirostra ? ? “ S. pharaonis ? Jan-Jul “ INFORMATION COLLATED BY THE FISHERIES AND HABITAT COMPONENTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROJECT ON SITES IMPORTANT TO THE LIFE-CYCLES OF SIGNIFICANT FISH SPECIES To assist in the task of preparing a candidate list of fisheries refugia sites in the Gulf of Thailand and South China, the PCU has reviewed all information collated by the fisheries and habitat components of the South China Sea Project on fish-habitat linkages. The sources of this information include:

• Draft National Reports on Fisheries, • Draft National Reports on Coral Reefs, Seagrass, Mangroves, and Wetlands, • Habitat Site Characterisations, • Habitat Demonstration Site Project Documents, • South China Sea Online Meta-Database, and • Information Contributed by Fisheries and Habitat Focal Points.


This information has been compiled into country reviews that are included in the following Annexes:

• Annex 1: Vietnam • Annex 2: Thailand • Annex 3: Philippines • Annex 4: Indonesia • Annex 5: Cambodia

Members of the RWG-F are requested to consider and discuss the contents of this document, particularly the country reviews. Specifically, the RWG-F should: (a) Review the information contained in this document and table any additional sources of

information relating to fish habitat and life-cycle linkages, (b) Prepare a list of coral reef, seagrass, wetland, and mangrove sites that are important to

the life-cycles of significant fish species, and (c) Agree on specific locations to be included in a list of candidate fisheries refugia sites.

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ANNEX 1

COMPILATION OF INFORMATION PREPARED BY THE FISHERIES AND HABITAT COMPONENTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROJECT ON FISH HABITAT AND LIFE-CYCLE

LINKAGES IN VIETNAM

1. EXTRACT FROM VIETNAM’S DRAFT NATIONAL FISHERIES REPORT Spawning and nursery grounds of fish, shrimp Studies of fish eggs and larvae are used to identify fish spawning and nursery grounds. Before 1985, this was a key area of investigation in many surveys conducted in Viet Nam’s northern and southeastern waters. From the mid 1980s through to the 1990s, this area received little attention until the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) conducted some analyses on eggs and larvae in 1999. The Vietnamese Research Institute for Marine Fisheries also completed a number of surveys in 2002 and 2003. However, these efforts have mainly focused on the Gulf of Tonkin, and waters of the central and southeastern regions. A paucity of information exists for the Gulf of Thailand. Typical of tropical fish fauna, marine fishes in Viet Nam spawn throughout the year and in all waters. We will now consider fish spawning and nursery grounds based on studies on eggs and larvae in specific areas of Viet Nam. Gulf of Tonkin Although eggs and larvae scatter over the Gulf of Tonkin, there are five areas where spawning is concentrated: (1) from Co To to Ha Mai Island; (2) around Bach Long Vi Island; (3) coastal waters from Cat Ba Island to the Ba Lat estuary; (4) from Ninh Co to Lach Ghep estuaries; and (5) coastal waters from Dien Chau Gulf to the Cua Viet estuary. More fishes tend to spawn from March to September. However, peak spawning occurs from April to June. In a survey conducted from August to September 2003 (Do Van Nguyen 2004), the highest density of fish eggs and larvae was found in the area from Cat Ba to Long Chau Islands, with 6000 to 9000 eggs/1000 m3. In the southern part of the Gulf, densities ranged from 9000 to 22900 eggs/m3. The highest larval densities, observed in the southern Gulf area, ranged from 3000 to 12000 larvae/ 1000m3. The analysis of eggs indicated that the dominant families were Engraulidae (17.08%), Synodontidae (5.48%), and Clupeidae (2.01%). The dominant families in term of larvae were Scombridae (16.56%), Clupeidae (14.29%), and Leiognathidae (12.15%). In the survey conducted from October to November 2003 (Do Van Nguyen 2004), the areas with highest concentrations of eggs and larvae were Cat Ba and Bach Long Vi Islands, as well as the southern part of the Gulf (more than 1000 eggs or larvae/1000 m3). A counting of egg and larvae by Do Van Nguyen indicated that the family of Engraulidae ranked first (50.14 and 59.04%, respectively). Other dominant families were Synodontidae, Synoglossidae, Gobiidae and Leiognathidae. Central waters In waters of the central region, there is no typical spawning ground. Eggs tend to be scattered along the coastline or adjacent to river estuaries, whilst the distribution of fish larvae extends a little further offshore. In this area, it seems more fishes spawn from April to September, with peak spawning activity occurring from May to July. According to a survey conducted from April to May 2003, the dominant families were Excoetidae (19.11% of total eggs and 35.70% of total larvae), Scombridae (13.75% and 24.40% eggs and larvae, respectively) (Do Van Nguyen 2003). The eggs and larvae were scattered throughout the area. However, densities were highest (more than 500 eggs or larvae/1000m3) in waters adjacent to Danang, the Paracels archipelagos, as well as more southern waters. The composition of eggs and larvae observed in the survey from October to November 2003 differed slightly (Do Van Nguyen 2003). According to the number of total eggs, the family of Clupeidae ranked first (41.62%) and Scombridae (8.67%) second. The larvae of Myctophidae (35.08%) and Scombridae (7.52%) were dominant.

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Southeastern waters According to historical data (Do Van Nguyen 1981 and 1999), there are three main spawning grounds: (1) around Cu Lao Thu Island; (2) around Con Son Island; and (3) coastal waters from Phan Thiet province to Ca Mau Cape. In general, the spawning season in this area is longer than that observed for the Gulf of Tonkin, and can be divided into two groups:

• Migratory fishes, such as tuna and flying fish, tend to spawn more from April to September in the coastal waters between Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa provinces.

• Commercially important inshore fish species spawn from February to March until October to November. They may spawn 3 to 4 times during this season.

The data available from recent SEAFDEC surveys (Do Van Nguyen, 1999), conducted from 30 April to 29 May 1999, indicate that the area with the highest concentration of fish eggs (>1000 eggs/1000m3) is that from Phu Quy Island to the Mekong River Estuaries. The concentration of larvae was highest in waters extending from the Mekong estuaries to Con Son Island. According to egg counts, the dominant families were Engraulidae, Synodontidae, Cynoglossidae, and Clupeidae. Families of Engraulidae, Leiognathidae, Gobiidae, Carangidae, Mullidae, Scombridae, and Nemipteridae dominated according to larvae quantities. Unknown issues such as stocks with undefined spawning grounds Very few studies regarding spawning, nursery, and feeding grounds have been conducted in Vietnamese waters, especially those located in the Gulf of Thailand. Therefore, spatial and temporal variations in fish distribution and abundance, particularly in offshore areas and regarding pelagic fishes, cannot be compared against any baseline information. In order to strengthen knowledge regarding the status of resources, there is a need for the initiation of a comprehensive fisheries research programme.

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2. INPUTS FROM THE FISHERIES COMPONENT FOCAL POINT FOR VIETNAM

Table 1 Locations on the South China Sea Coast of Vietnam that act as critical inshore nursery refugia for important demersal species (compiled by Dr. Dao Manh Son, Fisheries Focal Point for Vietnam)

Habitat Demonstration

Site Important Demersal Species for which the Site is Critical Inshore

Nursery Habitat

Fishing Gears and Practices Used in the Area

of the Site

Existing Fisheries Management Measures in the Area of the Site

1. Haiphong – Nam Dinh sea water areas including Xuan Thuy National Park (Fig. 1)

• Upeneus ncrease s • Upeneus bensasi • Upeneus moluccensis • Nemipterus virgatus • Nemipterus metopias • Pomadasys hasta • Decapterus maruadsi • Sardinella jussieu • Ilisha ncrease • Lutjanus erythropterus • Epinephelus spp • Loligo spp • Sepia spp • Meretrix meretrix • Penaeus japonicus

• Bottom trawl • High – opening pair trawl • Drift gilt Net • Bottom gilt net for

swimming crab • Clam, oyster digging

• Closed season from ¼ – 30/7 • The specific solutions in the formulation of marine fishing strategies,

Increase of State management on marine fishing, re-structuring the fishing production as well as establishement of cultural fishing villages

• The impacts of using explosives, electrics, poisonous matters which are prohibited

• The protection of marine ecosystems like coral reef, seagrass system, mangrove forests …as well as the need for protection of marine fish species which have high economic value, are rare and precious and indanger of extinct

• Resources protection of the coastal areas (Reducing a number of fishing boats (especially which are under 40 Hp.) at the same time off-shore fisheries development

2. Bach Long Vi Island area in Hai Phong (Fig. 1)

• Upeneus moluccensis • Nemipterus virgatus, • Decapterus maruadsi • Evynnis cardinalis • Pomadasys hasta • Lutjanus erythropterus • Epinephelus spp • Haliotis diversicolor • Holothuria spp • Tripneustes gratilla • Loligo spp

• Bottom trawl • Pair trawl • Drift gill net • Bottom gill net • Handline • Trammel net • Diving

• Closed season from ¼ – 30/7 • The impacts of using explosives, electrics, poisonous matters which are

prohibited • Off-shore fisheries development priority

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Table 1 cont. Locations on the South China Sea Coast of Vietnam that act as critical inshore nursery refugia for important demersal species (compiled by Dr. Dao Manh Son, Fisheries Focal Point for Vietnam)

Habitat Demonstration

Site Important Demersal Species for which the Site is Critical Inshore

Nursery Habitat

Fishing Gears and Practices Used in the Area

of the Site


3. Hon La – Hon Nom islands area in Quang Binh Province (Fig. 1)

• Panulirus ornatus • Panulirus stimpsoni • Lutjanus erythropterus • Epinephelus akaara • Epinephelus spp • Siganus guttatus • Holothuria spp • Coral

• Bottom trawl • Drift gill Net • Bottom gill net for

swimming crab • Handline • Trammel net • Diving

• Closed season from 1/4 - 30/7 • The impacts of using explosives, electrics, poisonous matters which are

prohibited

4. Phu Quoc Island around area in Kien Giang province (Fig. 1)

• Decapterus maruadsi • Rastrelliger brachysoma • Siganus guttatus • Lutjanus spp • Epinephelus spp • Holothuria spp • Tripneustes gratilla • Penaeus merguiensis • Pinctada maxima • Loligo spp • Sepia tigris • Chelonia mydas • Hippocampus spp • Dugong dugon • Tripneustes gratilla • Seaweeds • Coral

• Purse seine with light • Bottom trawl • Push net • Drift gill net • Bottom gill net • Handline • Diving • Trap

• Closed season from 1/5 - 30/6 • Mesh size (purse seine) < 10mm is prohibited • Fishing operation from 3 nautical miles to the shoreline is prohibited • The impacts of using explosives, electrics,poisonous matters which are

prohibited • The protection of marine ecosystems like coral reef, seagrass system,

mangrove forests • Resources protection of the coastal areas (Reducing a number of

fishing boats (especially which are under 40 Hp.) at the same time off-shore fisheries development

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Table 2 Locations on the South China Sea Coast of Vietnam that important pelagic species utilise for spawning (compiled by Dr. Dao Manh Son, Fisheries Focal Point for Vietnam)

Geographical Location Important Pelagic Species that

Utilise the Area for Spawning Fishing Gears and

Practices Used in the Area Existing Fisheries Management Measures in the Area

5. East of Southern Part of Vietnam From Binh Thuan Province to Con Dao Island (Fig.1)

• Ausix tharzat • Katsuwonus pelamis • Decapterus maruadsi • Rastrelliger kanagurta • Scomberomorus spp • Priacanthus macracanthus • Saurida undosquamis • Lutjanus erythropterus • Rachycentron canadum • Loligo spp • Sepia spp • Chelonia mydas • Dugong dugon

• Bottom trawl • High-opening pair trawl • Drift Gilt Net • Purse seine net • Long line • Hand line • Trap • Diving

• Closed season from 1/4 - 31/7 • The specific solutions in the formulation of marine fishing strategies,

increaese of State management on marine fishing, re-structuring the fishing production as well as establishement of cultural fishing villages


• The protection of marine ecosystems like coral reef, seagrass system, mangrove forests ...as well as the need for protection of marine fish species which have high economic value, are rare and precious and indanger of extinct

• Resources protection of the coastal areas(Reducing a number of fishing boats (especially which are under 40 Hp.) at the same time off-shore fisheries development

6. West of Southern Part of Vietnam From Hon Chuoi to Phu Quoc island (Fig. 1)

• Stolephorus spp • Rastrelliger brachysoma • Katsuwonus pelamis • Decapterus maruadsi • Scomberomorus guttatus • Chorinemus lysan • Sardinella gibossa • Leiognathus spp • Trichiurus haumella • Megalaspis cordyla • Rachycentron canadum • Ausix tharzat • Saurida spp • Loligo spp • Sepia spp • Chelonia mydas

• Purse seine net with light • Bottom trawl • Pair trawl • Push net • Drift gill Net • Bottom gill net • Trammel net • Hand line • Trap

• Closed season from 1/4 - 31/7 • Mesh size (purse sein) <10 mm is prohibited • The specific solutions in the formulation of marine fishing strategies,

increaese of State management on marine fishing, re-structuring the fishing production as well as establishement of cultural fishing villages


• The protection of marine ecosystems like coral reef, seagrass system, mangrove forests ...as well as the need for protection of marine fish species which have high economic value, are rare and precious and indanger of extinct

• Resources protection of the coastal areas and offshore fisheries development priority


Table 3 Fisheries management areas in Vietnam that may qualify as candidate sites of fisheries refugia

Province/State Geographical Location Type of

Management Area3

Species for which the Area is Managed

Importance of the Area to the Life-Cycle of the

Species for which it is Managed

Objective of the Management Area4 and

Associated Management Measures

1. Hai Phong-Nam Dinh Province, including Xuan Thuy National Park (Fig. 1)

19050’ - 20040’ N 106005’ - 106045’ E

CS • Nemipterus virgatus • Decapterus maruadsi • Sardinella jussieu • Lutjanus erythropterus • Loligo spp • Sepia spp • Meretrix meretrix • Penaeus japonicus

• JN • SA

2. Hai Phong (Bach Long Vi Island area, Fig. 1)

19040’ - 20015’ N 107020’ - 107055’ E

SC • Nemipterus virgatus • Decapterus maruadsi • Evynnis cardinalis • Lutjanus erythropterus • Epinephelus spp • Haliotis diversicolor • Holothuria spp • Tripneustes gratilla • Loligo spp

• SA • MR

3. Quang Binh Province (Hon La – Hon Nom islands area, Fig. 1)

17040’ - 18000’ N 106025’ - 106038’ E

CS • Panulirus ornatus • Panulirus stimpsoni • Lutjanus erythropterus • Epinephelus spp • Siganus guttatus • Holothuria spp

• JN • SA

4. Kien Giang Province (Phu Quoc Island around area, Fig. 1)

09050’ - 10025’ N 103050’ - 104015’ E

CS • Decapterus maruadsi • Rastrelliger brachysoma • Penaeus merguiensis • Pinctada maxima • Loligo spp • Chelonia mydas • Hippocampus spp • Dugong dugon

• JN • SA

3 SC = Spot Closure (short-term closure), CS = Closed Season, FMZ = Fisheries Management Zone of a Marine Protected Area. 4 JN = Juvenile Nursery, SA = Spawning Area, and MR = areas used to safeguard Migratory Routes.


Table 3 cont. Fisheries management areas in Vietnam that may qualify as candidate sites of fisheries refugia

Province/State Geographical Location Type of Management

Area




Objective of the Management Area and

Associated Management Measures

5. Binh Thuan – Ba Ria & Vung Tau Province (Binh Thuan to Con Dao Island, Fig.1)

08028’ - 10015’ N 106025’ - 107040’ E

CS • Katsuwonus pelamis • Decapterus maruadsi • Scomberomorus spp • Priacanthus spp • Saurida undosquamis • Rachycentron canadum • Loligo spp • Sepia spp • Chelonia mydas • Dugong dugon

• SA • MR

6. Kien Giang province (from Hon Chuoi to Phu Quoc island Fig. 1)

08030’ - 10000’ N 103032’ - 104028’ E

CS • Stolephorus spp • Rastrelliger brachysoma • Katsuwonus pelamis • Decapterus maruadsi • Chorinemus lysan • Sardinella gibossa • Trichiurus haumella • Rachycentron canadum • Ausix tharzat • Loligo spp • Sepia spp • Chelonia mydas • Dugong dugon

• JN • SA


Figure 1 Proposed Candidate Fisheries Refugia Sites in Vietnam


3. EXTRACT FROM THE DRAFT NATIONAL REPORT ON CORAL REEFS IN VIETNAM The surveys during 1993 to present on coral reef communities provided a list nearly 1000 species of invertebrates (Table 4). Molluscs were the most diverse with nearly 500 species recorded, then Crustaceans with more than 250 species, Polychaeta approximately 170 species, and nearly 100 species of Echinoderms. Littoral fauna occupied more than 200 species, the rest belonged to sub-littoral organisms. The areas of Con Dao islands and coastal waters of Khanh Hoa province were surveyed more intensively and more than 400 and 300 species have been recorded at these sites respectively. In total, some 411 species of coral reef fish, from 139 genera in 44 families, were recorded in some major locations in coastal waters of Vietnam (Table 5). Of these, the families Pomacentridae (66 species) and Labridae (61 species) were both well represented, as was the Chaetodontidae (32 species). The locations in the south-central Vietnam, including Nha Trang Bay and Ca Na Bay had more diverse in species of coral reef fish, having number of 222 and 211 species respectively, than other locations in coastal waters of Vietnam. Table 4 Number of families, genera and species of coral reef fish in some major locations in

coastal waters of Vietnam.

No. Location Family Genera Species 1 Co To 16 27 34 2 Cat Ba 16 25 31 3 Cu Lao Cham 33 76 178 4 Nha Trang 38 102 222 5 Ninh Hai 32 81 147 6 Ca Na 37 87 211 7 Con Dao 33 84 202 8 Phu Quoc 27 60 135

Total 44 139 411

Fisheries Although no data on current harvest of reef fishes and invertebrates are available in the most of coastal provinces, but fisheries have been considered as a major economic benefits to different coastal communities in Vietnam. Many commercial species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms live and shelter in coral reefs and these are the important resources. Coral reef fisheries are typically multi-species fisheries with typically multi-gear fisheries being used. Different fishing activities including hookah air diving, purse seine and gill net, light fishing, drift nets, long line, most trawls and gleaning on tidal flat are commonly found in the coastal provinces in Vietnam where coral reefs involved, with a variety of marine organisms being harvested (Table 5). Table 5 Main fishing activities and marine resources collected on coral reefs in Vietnam.

Fishing activity Main marine organisms fished Hookah air diving with or without dynamites and poisons

Groupers, sweetlips, top shells, triton shells, giant clams, lobsters, ornamental fish and live corals

Net (gill net, purse seine, drift net) Sweetlips, snappers, cardinalfish, coral breams, anchovies Light fishing Anchovies and cuttlefish Long line Cuttlefish and fish Fixed net Mackerel, tuna, snapper, jacks Trap net Cuttlefish and fish Gleaning on tidal flat Seaweeds, gastropods and fish

Many commercial reef fish such as groupers, snappers, sweetlips, emperors, parrotfish and triggerfish are being caught. Live groupers Epinephelus spp., Plectropomus spp. and Cephalopholis spp. have become the favoured targets and being harvested on the reefs because of their high prices. Other reef fish such as grunts Plectorhynchus spp., snappers Lutjanus spp. and emperors Lethrinus spp., mackerel Scomberomorus sp., tuna Auxis sp. and anchovies are also being caught. Annual catch of grouper Epinephelus sp. from coral reefs in Ninh Thuan province occupied some 10 % of a total catch

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of demersal fish in the whole province, with annual landing catch being from 0.6 (1995) to 1.0 ton (2002) (Data from Ninh Thuan Department of Fisheries 2001). Information provided by local fishers did say that each hookah air diving boat with 4 divers caught 100 - 200 kg of groupers, sweetlips, snappers per night from coral reefs in Ninh Hai, Ninh Thuan province during 1996 – 1998. Mackerel Scomberomorus sp. and tuna Auxis sp. are the main contributors to the total fisheries production landed in Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province. These fishes are usually concentrated in front of Vinh Hy Bay where coral reefs are commonly found. A total of mackerel and tuna landed was annually 100 - 150 tons (Data from Vinh Hy Fixed Net Station). In Phu Quoc, a total of mackerels and anchovies landed in 2001 was about 3,500 and 12,500 tons respectively (Data from Phu Quoc Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). Anchovies were harvested on or close to coral reefs from April to September around the year with a total catch reaching up 5 - 7 tons per boat per day. Cuttlefish Sepia, squid Sepioteuthis sp. and Loligo sp. are fished on a commercial basis. Lobsters Panulirus have also become the important species to the fisheries because of high price. Collecting edible sea cucumbers, gastropods and bivalves for food or for sale in souvenir shops has commonly appearred in most of the coastal provinces. Among them, abalones Haliotis spp., top shells Trochus niloticus and Trochus maculatus, giant clam Tridacna spp. are considered as commercially important food and materials for souvenir. A total production of giant clams collected around Con Dao islands reached 10 tons during April – July of 1994. Information interviewed from one of the three local salers at My Hoa village, Ninh Thuan province in 2001 confirmed that there were some 4 tons of shells of gastropods and bivalves being exported to Nha Trang and Da Lat Cities during 2000 - 2001. Edible sea cucumbers are also collected on the reefs around the area. According to the data collected by Phu Quoc Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2001, as much as 3,879 tons of squids and cuttle-fish were caught for both local uses and international export. Pearl oysters Pinctada mertensi and Pinctada maxima, abalone Haliotis ovina and scallops Chlamys nobilis and Chlamys irregularis were exploited for food and jewery. Information interviewed from the local fishermen showed that the number of Pinctada maxima caught at the depth of 20 - 40 m by four hookah divers reached 10 - 15 kg per day. Annual catch of adult lobsters harvested from coral reefs in Ninh Thuan waters ranged 30 - 50 tons (Data from Ninh Thuan Department of Fisheries 2001) with the price ranging from 200,000 – 300,000 VND per kilo. During the past five years, hookah divers from My Tan, My Hiep villages - Nhon Hai Commune, Ninh Thuan province collected ornate lobster seed (Panulirus ornatus) on the coral reefs for lobster cultured-cages. Annual ornate lobster seed harvested from coral reefs in Ninh Thuan waters was 200,000 – 300,000 (Data from Ninh Thuan Department of Fisheries 2001). Information from local fishemen did say that some 250 - 500 ornate lobster seed have been daily collected from the coral reefs of Nhon Hai Commune, Ninh Thuan province during the settlement season (from November to April), and this may sometimes reach up 2,000 – 5,000 individuals per day at the peak season (from January to February). The price of one lobster seed was 30,000 – 60,000 VND depending on the season. Gleaning or harvesting by hand is still commonly used for collecting certain species on the reef flat. Collecting seaweeds and reef-associated organisms such as molluscs, crustaceans, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and fish on the reef flats during the low tide period have generated income for a part of local population of coastal communities in Vietnam. In Ninh Hai waters, Ninh Thuan province, some 15 - 25 tons of seaweeds were annually harvested from coral reefs. Of which, Gracilaria eucheumoides, G. salicornia, Gelidiella acerosa and Betaphycus gelatinae are mainly harvested for food. Sargassum, Acanthophora, Hypnea, Gracilari, Ulva, were occurred with very high biomass and harvested for producing fertilizers for agriculture cultivation. A wet kilo of seaweed from Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province was valued at almost 2,000 VND in 2002. Collecting ornamental fishes from coral reefs have occurred in some coastal provinces for domestic uses and international export. During the last some years, ornamental fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasse, scorpions, were being caught for local and international aquarium trade. Number of ornamental fish collected from Nha Trang Bay for display in aquarium at the National Oceanographic Museum of the Institute of Oceanograhy were reached 1,000 fish per year and over 1,000 fish were annually transported to aquaria in Ho Chi Minh City (Chu Anh Khanh, per. comm.).


4. COMPILATION OF INFORMATION FROM THE SITE CHARACTERISATIONS CONDUCTED FOR CORAL REEF SITES IN VIETNAM Table 6 Summary of Fishery-Related Information included in the Site Characterisation conducted for the Con Dao Islands Coral Reef Site in Ba Ria – Vung

Tau Province, Vietnam (8o 37’-8o 48’ N and 106o 32’-106o 45’E).

Species Information Importance of the Site to Fisheries Known Fisheries Issues

Molluscs • 148 species from 67 genera (Hua Thai Tuyen 2000), including Tridacna spp., triton shell and Trochus spp. Crustaceans • 110 species from 69 genera (Pham Thi Du, unpublished data). • Lobsters and banded shrimp over-harvested. Echinoderms • 44 species from 37 genera (Vo Si Tuan 1995). • 0 to 159 individuals per 400 m2. Mean density of 20.6 individuals per 400 m2 (s.d.= 15.3). Diadema sp.

Dominant. Polychaetes • 125 species from 84 genera. • Families Eunicidae and Nereidae dominant. • Lysidice collaris, Palola siciliensis and Neanthes arenaceodentata highly abundant. Coral reef fish • 202 species from 80 genera recorded in1994/1995 (Nguyen Van Long, unpublished data). Pomacentridae,

Labridae, Chaetodontidae and Scaridae common families. • Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) relatively

abundant. • Fish < 10 cm most abundant and contributed most too overall fish density. • Density of coral reef fish recorded in 2002 at 8 sites ranged from 255-1,113 individuals per 500 m2. Mean

value of 502 individuals per 500 m2 (s.d.= 271.5). • Commercial groupers, snappers, and sweetlips > 30 cm are almost absent in the area due to over-

exploitation. Transient fish • Important fishing and spawning area for significant pelagic species. Scomberomorus sp., Decapterus spp.,

Auxis spp. and Thunnus spp. utilise the area intermittently. Scomberomorus sp. spawn in the area from Dec-Feb each year.

• Decapterus spp. contribute significantly to fisheries production the area. Mammals • Dugong dugon was commonly observed in the seagrass beds of Con Son Bay. (Approx. <10 individuals). • Dolphin (Prodelphinus malayensis) occurs in schools of 5 – 10 individuals.

• Primary productivity in the waters around the islands can reach 500 mg C/m2/day (Nguyen Tac An 1985).

• Significant giant clam production area. • Significant spawning area for Scomberomorus sp. • Groupers, snappers, sweetlips, emperors, coral

breams, parrotfish, rabbitfish, fusiliers, and pelagic fish contribute significantly to fisheries production in the area.

• Cuttlefish (Sepia sp.) production is high in the south-east of the islands (February – May).

• Shrimp (Metapenacopsis spp.) production from bottom trawling is high during the rainy season.

• Stolephorus spp., Sardinella spp., Decapterus spp., Scomberomorus sp., Thunnus sp., Auxis spp. and Euthynus spp. are commonly fished during the south-west monsoon

• Saurida spp, Lutjanus spp. and Plectorhynchus spp. are targeted during the north-east monsoon.

• Large fishing ground for scad (Decapterus spp.) adjacent to the islands. Contribute significantly to total fisheries production in the area.

• Large fishing grounds for Saurida spp. and Lutjanus spp. adjacent to Con Dao islands.

• Low fish larvae densities were observed during a survey conducted at 10 sites in 1995. Larval densities ranged from 1-3 individuals per 100 m3 in which families Engraulidae, Gobiidae, Clupeidae, Blennidae and Mullidae were dominant.

• Density of fish eggs averaged 91.6 eggs per 100 m3, significantly higher than many other coastal water areas in Vietnam.

• The eggs of anchovy Stolephorus sp. were most abundant (12.1 eggs per 100 m3).

• Most species overexploited in the area

• Total abundance and production of significant species is not well known.

• The prevalence of blast and poison fishing, once common in the area, is now less common.

• Intensive bottom trawl fishing in the area is believed to have impacted on soft-bottom communities adjacent to reefs and to have caused increased turbidity in outer reef areas.


Table 7 Summary of Fishery-Related Information included in the Site Characterisation conducted for the Cu Lao Cham Islands Coral Reef Site in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam (15o 52’-16o 00’ N to 108o 22’-108o 44’ E). Cu Lao Cham Islands is an Archipelago of 8 Islands ~ 18 km offshore from Hoi An Town.

Species Information Importance of the Site to Fisheries

Known Fisheries Issues

Molluscs • 84 species of reef-associated molluscs from 52 genera/33 families (66

species in 18 families of gastropoda, 18 species in 9 families of bivalvia). • Ostrea forskalii is most common species and observed on all reefs. • Pinctada margaritifera, Pinna bicolor and Atrina vexillum are also

common. The gastropods Thias alouina and Conus lividus are present on all reefs.

• Low number of mollucsc remaining on coral reefs in this area compared to that in other areas in coastal waters of Vietnam.

• Tridacna sp. are observed on all reefs in densities ranging from 2 to 13 individuals per 400 m2.

Crustaceans • Important site for 4 significant species of tropical obsters, including

Panulirus longiceps, P. ornatus, P. stimpsoni and P. versicolor and the banded coral shrimp (Stenopus hispidus)

Echinoderms • 12 species from 10 genera (although understudied). • Crown-of-thorn starfish Acanthaster planci and sea urchin Diadema

occur in the highest densities (A. planci is most common on disturbed reefs)

• Edible sea cucumbers were absent at all reefs, inedible species are common

Coral reef fish • 178 species from 76 genera/33 families (Nguyen Huu Phung & Nguyen

Van Long 1997). • Pomacentridae (33 species), Labridae (25 species), and Chaetodontidae

(22 species of butterflyfish) are well represented. • The site is utilised by 41 significant species, including four Caesionids,

two Cheilinus sp., three Lethrinids, five Lutjanids, four Nemipterids, ten Scarids, nine Serranids and four Siganids.

• Density of coral reef fish recorded in 2002 at 5 sites ranged from 254 -695 individuals per 500 m2. Mean value of 485+/-181.6 individuals per 500 m2.

• Fish <10 cm most abundant and contribute most to overall fish density. • Fish >20 cm are scarce at all reefs.

• Cu Lao Cham is a key landing and fishing area for Quang Nam Province

• The majority of fishing in the area occurs to the north and east of the islands during the northeast and southwest monsoons.

• Finfish are the main contributors to the total production landing. • Fifty (50) species from the families Carangidae, Scombridae,

Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae, Hemirhamphidae, and Synodontidae are caught.

• Species of Carangidae are the most important pelagic species. • Lizardfish are the most important demersal species. • Approximately 50,000 tonnes of fish of the family Synodontidae are

caught in the area annually for both local use and foreign export. • Many significant groupers, snappers, sweetlips, emperors, parrotfish,

and triggerfish are targeted in the area. • Live Epinephelus spp., Plectropomus spp. and Cephalopholis spp.

are key targets, and other species such as the grunts Plectorhynchus spp., snappers Lutjanus spp., and emperors Lethrinus spp. are also targeted.

• Invertebrate fisheries are also significant in the area. • High density of juvenile rabbitfish in summer (April-July) associated

with blooms of macrophytic algaes. • Cuttlefish Sepia tigris, and squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana, Loligo sp.

are targeted in the area. • Several shrimps Peneus spp. and Metapeneus sp., of which the most

commonly caught is Peneus monodon, are targeted in the area. • The tropical lobsters, especially Panulirus ornatus, are of high

fisheries significance for export to international (Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapora and Taiwan) and domestic markets (Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).

• Recently, post settlement and juvenile Panulirus ornatus have been collected from the area for use in lobster culture. Giant clams have been exploited since many years.

• 3 main species of giant clams, namely Tridacna elongata, T. squamosa and T. maxima are collected for sale and local comsumption.

• Collection of gastropods and bivalves for food and sale in souvenir shops is common (Haliotis ovina is significant in this regard).

• The ornamental trumpet triton Charonia tritonis, triton shell Trochus, pearl oyster Pinctada and Turbo are collected in large quantities.

• Edible sea cucumbers are also collected from the area, but are considered over-exploited.

• 65 percent of families depend entirely on fishing for food and income.

• All tropical lobsters and the edible sea cucumber species, as well as the banded coral shrimp Stenopus hispidus, are heavily over-fished and absent from many study sites in the area.

• Important groupers, sweetlips, snappers, emperors >30cm are now absent at all reefs.

• Most grouper (> 30 cm), sweetlips, barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis, humphead wrasse Cheilinus undulatus, bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum are rare or absent at all sites.

• Most fishing vessels in the area are small with engine capacities <20 HP (most fishing effort is expended in inshore waters <50 m deep).

• Larger fishing boats from adjacent Provinces fish Cu Lao Cham waters.

• Fishing methods used in Cu Lao Cham waters include trawl, fixed semi-permanent, light fishing with lift/push nets, purse seine with/without lights, hookah air diving with/without poisons, hook and line and barrier nets.

• Trawl fishing adjacent to the reefs is causing large catches of juvenile coral reef species.

• Light jigging for squid next to the reefs has led to overexploitation of most significant cephalopods.

• Blast and poison fishing still occurs in the area but less frequently than in the past.


Table 8 Summary of Fishery-Related Information included in the Site Characterisation conducted for the Nha Trang Bay Coral Reef Site in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam (12o 00’-12o 45’ N to 109o 15’-109o 30 E). This site is comprised of 10 Islands from ~ 1km to ~ 15 km offshore in south-central Vietnam.



Molluscs • 106 species of reef-associated molluscs from 52 genera/33 families • Conidae (cone shell genus Conus), Muricidae and Cypraeidae (cowrie genus Cypraea) are well represented. • Overall density of molluscs in the area is low compared with other areas. Crustaceans • 69 species from 34 genera, including 6 species of lobster • Density of crustaceans (lobster and banded coral shrimp) recorded in 2002 at 8 sites ranged from 0.0 to 7.5

individuals per 400 m2. Mean value of 1.7 +/- 2.6 individuals per 400 m2. • All tropical lobsters are now rare or absent from the area. Echinoderms • 27 species from 20 genera, including 6 species of holothurian and 5 species of starfish. • Density of echinoderms ranged from 18-308 individuals per 400 m2. Mean value of 91.3 +/- 103.6 individuals

per 400 m2 (sea urchin Diadema is most abundant). • Crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci is very abundant (100+ individuals per hectare) on reefs heavily

influenced by human impacts (Vo Si Tuan et al. 2002). Polychaetes • 339 species from 164 genera. Coral reef fish • 222 species of reef-associated fishes from 102 genera/38 families. • Density of coral reef fish recorded in 2002 at 8 reefs ranged from 401-740 individuals per 400 m2. Mean value

of 575.6 +/- 105.8 individuals per 500 m2. • Fish <10 cm dominate fish fauna in the area in terms of abundance and density. • Larger fish >20cm are scarce at all locations • Most significant fisheries species are either scarce or absent Transient fish • Mackerel Auxis thynoides and Lutjanus spp. utilise Nha Trang waters during March – August each year. Mammals • 5 dugongs Dugong dugon were recorded in the area in 2001. • Rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis and Hump-backed dolphin Sousa chinensis utilise Nha Phu and

Nha Trang Bay.

• Nha Trang Bay is one of the four key fishing and landing areas in Khanh Hoa Province.

• A total of 17,580 tonnes of fisheries products was landed in the area in 1992 (Data from Khanh Hoa Fisheries Service and Depatment of Fisheries Protection).

• Important area for the targeting of tunas with the use of “Dam Dang”

• The scad Decapterus maruadsi and mackerel Auxis thynoides are caught in offshore waters and outer reefs. Anchovies Stolephorus zollengeri and Stolephorus heterolobus are caught close or on coral reefs. Approximately 1,000–1,500 tonnes of mackerel is caught in the area by fixed net (Dam Dang) each year.

• Groupers belonging to genera Epinephelus, Plectropomus and Cephalopholis are key target species. Grunts, Plectorhynchus spp., snappers Lutjanus spp., and emperors Lethrinus spp. are also being caught in the area.

• 25 species of gastropods and bivalves are collected for food or, more commonly, for sale in souvenir shops.

• Abalone Haliotis ovina is collected from the area for food

• Pearl oyster Pinctada, sea cucumber Holothuria, lobsters Panulirus are also exploited in the area.

• Intensive collection of juvenile lobsters for culture purposes

• CPUE for all species is declining significantly (anecdotal information from fishers) due to over-fishing.

• Significant fishery species of Serranidae (e.g. Plectropomus, Epinephelus, Cephalopholis spp.), Lethrinidae (Lethrinus spp.) and Lutjanidae (Lutjanus spp.) are extremely scarce and of low relative abundance and sizes, reflecting intense fishing pressure in the area.

• Tropical lobsters are becoming extremely rare due to overexploitation.

• Trawl fishing adjacent to the reefs is causing large catches of juvenile coral reef species.

• Lght fishing with lift/push nets, gill netting, purse seine with/without lights, hookah air diving with/without poisons, blast fishing, hook and line, trolling, and “Dam dang' fixed nets are popular fishing methods in the area.

• The labrid Humphead wrasse Chelinus undulatus and serranid barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis, once common components of many Indo-west Pacific reef fish assemblages, are now absent from the site and considered locally extinct.

• Blast and poison fishing is still common in the area


Table 9 Summary of Fishery-Related Information included in the Site Characterisation conducted for the Ninh Hai Coral Reef Site in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam (11o 72’-11o 58’ N to 109o 22’-109o 12’ E). This site is located in south-central Vietnam.



Molluscs • 115 species of reef-associated molluscs from 65 genera. • Density of reef-associated molluscs ranged from 5-21 individuals per 400 m2 (Thai An).

Mean density of 11 +/- 5.9 individuals per 500 m2. • Species of Tridacna, Trochus, and triton shell Charonia are present in low numbers and

densities in the area. Crustaceans • 24 species from 19 genera/13 families. • No lobsters were recorded in the area during recent surveys and the banded coral shrimp

was recorded at very low densities (5.0 individuals/400 m2). Echinoderms • 13 species of Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea and Holothuroidea. • Mean density and biomass of echinoderms was 15 individuals/m2 and 29.4 g/m2

respectively. • Edible sea cucumbers Holothuria were absent at all reefs while inedible species were

found in few number.

Polychaetes • 22 species from 19 genera/10 families. • Mean density and biomass of this group were 306 individuals/m2 and 4.9 g/m2

respectively. Coral reef fish • 222 species of reef-associated fishes belonging to 104 genera/38 families, • Significant species of groupers, snappers, sweetlips, emperors, rabbitfish, coral breams

are very rare in the area. • Fish < 10 cm in length are most abundant, making up 95 % of all fish counted on the

reefs. • The density of fish recorded in 2002 at 6 sites ranged from 361 -1,984 individuals per 500

m2. Mean density of 740.3 +/- 618.2 individuals per 500 m2. • The reefs to the north of the area are characterised by fish populations with higher

biomass and individual size (more fish >20cm) than most other sites in Vietnam. Some species such as Siganus spinus, Chromis viridis, Pomacentrus chrysurus and Acanthurus nigrofuscus are observed to school in groups of more than 50 - 100 individuals per species.

• The area is situated close to the center of an upwelling system and as such is highly productive.

• Waters offshore and southward of the reef (< 50 m deep) are important fishing grounds for pelagic species.

• Pelagic fish including anchovies Stolephorus, scads Decapterus, mackerel Scomberomorus sp., tuna Auxis sp. are the main species contributing to total fisheries production from the area. Anchovies are harvested from April to September.

• Epinephelus spp., Plectropomus spp. and Cephalopholis spp. are key target coral reef species in the area. Other groupers, snappers, sweetlips, emperors, parrotfish, and triggerfish are also highly sought after.

• Cuttlefish Sepia and squid Sepioteuthis sp., Loligo sp. are also targeted in the area.

• Tropical lobsters Panulirus are also in high demand. Hooker divers have recently begun collecting post settlement and juvenile Panulirus ornatus for lobster culture activities. 50 fishing boats each collect 50-100 juvenile lobsters per boat per day.

• Collection of gastropods and bivalves for food or for sale in souvenir shops is now common. Among them, abalones Haliotis ovina, top shells Trochus niloticus and T. maculatus, giant clam Tridacna are considered as commercially important food and materials for souvenir.

• Edible sea cucumbers are also collected from coral reefs in the area.

•

• Over-exploitation of all significant coral reef fish, crustaceans, echinoderms, and cephalopods in the area.

• Fishing capacity mostly in the small-scale sector and effort mostly expended in shallow (<30m) coastal waters. Main fishing gears/practices include hookah air diving, purse seine and gill net, light fishing with lift/push nets, long line, and gleaning of intertidal areas.

• According to anecdotal information from local fishers, large fish (>20cm) are rapidly becoming more scarce. This is believed to be due to intensive fishing for groupers, sweetlips, snappers in the late 1990s using cyanide, nets and spear guns.

• Data collected in 2001 and 2002 from 12 transects showed no commercial fish at the size range >20cm. Similarly the density of commercial fish including groupers, snappers, sweetlips, emperors at any size were recorded in very low number, ranging from 0.5 - 2.0 individuals per 500 m2.

• The collection of juvenile lobsters is leading to the rapid depletion of lobster populations.

• Blast and poison fishing still common in the area.


Table 10 Summary of Fishery-Related Information included in the Site Characterisation conducted for the Phu Quoc Island Coral Reef Site in Kien Giang Province, Vietnam (9o 45’ - 10o 30’ N and 103o 55’ - 104o 05’ E). Phu Quoc Island is located in south-western waters of Vietnam.



Molluscs • 132 species from 83 genera/35 families. • Density of molluscs ranged from 0.0 to 7.5 individuals per 400 m2. Mean density of 3.4 +/- 2.6

individuals per 400 m2. Crustaceans • 9 species from 4 genera, including the 4 tropical lobsters Panulirus ornatus, P. homarus, P.

longipes and P. versicolor. • Surveys conducted in 2002 identified no lobsters or banded coral shrimp Stenopus hispidus. Echinoderms • Understudied. 32 species from 23 genera/15 families recorded in the former Soviet - Vietnamese

joint expedition conducted in 1985 (Dao Tan Ho 1992) (family Holothuriidae most abundant (7 species)).

• Density ranged from 116 -582 individuals per 400 m2. Mean density of 396 +/- 199.3 individuals per 400 m2 (sea urchin Diadema most abundant). Edible sea cucumbers were absent at all reefs in recent surveys.

Coral reef fish • 135 species of reef-associated fishes from 60 genera/27 families (Nguyen Huu Phung & Nguyen

Van Long 1996). • Density of coral reef fish recorded in 2002 at 6 reefs ranged from 575-2,017 individuals per 500

m2. Mean density of 1,495 +/- 589.8 individuals per 500 m2. • Fish <10 cm are most abundant. 70 - 80 % of all fish sampled are <10cm • Fish > 30 cm of many important species including groupers, barramundi cod Cromileptes

altivelis, sweetlips, humphead wrasse Cheilinus undulatus and bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum were not recorded on the reefs during surveys conducted in 2002. Large fish of all species are now very scarce.

Transient fish • Mackerels and tunas, including Atule kalla, Rastrelliger kanagurta, and Scomberomorus

commersonii are common in the area at specific periods of the year. During these periods, hundreds of fishing vessels target these aggregations. Total production of mackerels and tunas landed in the area reached 1000 tonnes per year.

Marine mammals • Dugons Dugong dugon and dolphins Delphinus sp. have been seen and caught by local fishers

in the area.

• Phu Quoc is an important fishing and landing area of Quang Nam Province. area. The main fishing grounds are south of Phu Quoc. The areas of An Thoi and east of Phu Quoc Island are important squid and crab spawning areas. The peak fishing season in the area is from November to March.

• Key spawning area for groupers, squid, cuttlefish, sea cucumber, and abalone.

• Finfish are the main contributors to the total fisheries production landed. Atleast 67 species of teleost fish are caught in the area for food and post-harvest processing. Live groupers are often exported to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan. Other reef fish such as rabbitfish Siganus and fusiliers Caesio and Pterocaesio are also being caught in this area in large volumes.

• The area is also important to invertebrate fisheries, particularly shrimps. According to the data collected by Phu Quoc Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2001, as much as 2,680 tonnes of shrimp, mainly Penaeus merguiensis, and 3,879 tonnes of squids were caught for both local uses and international export that year.

• Pearl oysters Pinctada mertensi and P. maxima, abalone Haliotis ovina and scallops Chlamys nobilis and C. irregularis are harvested from the area for food and jewellery. Lobsters Panulirus spp. are important like at all other coral reef sites.

• Collecting seashells for food or for sale in souvenir shops has appearred commonly. Among them, abalones Haliotis ovina is considered as a commercially important food. Living corals are also collected for the souvenir trade.

• Tropical lobsters are over-exploited • Fishing capacityt is increasing

rapidly in the area, mainly in the small-scale sector.

• CPUE has declined significantly for all species over the past decade.

• Commercially fish with the size range > 30 cm long, lobsters, and edible sea cucumbers are all heavily over-fished and rarely recorded during surveys.

• The average size of squid caught is the area declined from 25 - 30 cm to <20 cm over the past decade.

• Bombing and poison fishing still occur at the site


5. EXTRACT FROM THE DRAFT NATIONAL REPORT ON SEAGRASS IN VIETNAM Crustacean Larvae and juvenile shrimps During the sample period in Dong Ba Thin, the percentage composition of larvae and juvenile Penaeidae in shrimp samples was 9.00%. Juvenile Penaeidae were absent in samples from areas of bare substrate, where juveniles of other shrimp groups are found. In the seagrass beds of Dong Ba Thin, the density of Penaeidae was highest in June and July (7 to 8.5 unit/m3) and there were no Penaeidae in areas of bare substrate. The density of other shrimp groups is high in February, May, and June, when the mean value ranges from 38 to 41.25 unit/m3. In the bare substrata, other shrimp groups have the highest density in May (43.25unit/m3). In My Giang, the percentage of larvae and juvenile Penaeidae was marginally higher than at Dong Ba Thin, with 10.50% of the sample from Penaeidae and 89.50% from other shrimp groups. In the bare substrata, the percentage of Penaeidae was 6.30%, while other shrimp groups made up 93.70% of the sample (Table 3.15). In My Giang, samples of Penaeidae collected in July indicated a density of 5.25 unit/m3 in seagrass beds and 0.62 unit/m3 in the bare substrata. The density of other shrimp groups in seagrass beds during July was 28.75unit/m3 and 18 unit/m3 in August. Very few larvae and juveniles of other shrimp groups were present in areas of bare substrata (Table 11). Table 11 Variation in density of larvae and juvenile shrimp groups in Dong Ba Thin and My Giang

areas (unit/m3). Dong Ba Thin My Giang

Seagrass beds Bare substrata Seagrass beds Bare substrata Month

Penaeidae Other

Shrimp groups

PenaeidaeOther

Shrimp Groups

Penaeidae Other

Shrimp Groups

Penaeidae Other

Shrimp Groups

May. 98 1.0 41.25 0 43.25 * * * * June. 98 8.5 40.25 0 0.62 * * * * July. 98 7.0 38.00 0 1.63 5.25 28.75 0.62 8.12 August.98 * * * 0 18.00 0 0.75 Sept. 98 0 0 0 7.25 * * * * Febr. 99 0 38.59 0 9.52 * * * * Mars. 99 * * * * 0 0.5 0 0 April. 99 0 1.8 0 9.68 0 0 0 0 June. 99 0 1.51 0 0.06 0 0.15 0 0.16 Source: Nguyen Huu Dai et al, 1998 [49] * - No samples Crab larvae Crab larvae occur densely in seagrass beds in Dong Ba Thin in May and September (57.57 and 78 unit/m3). In the bare substrata, crab larvae are reasonably abundant in May (30.5 unit/m3). In My Giang, abundance is low in both seagrass beds and the bare substrata (Table 12). Table 12 Variation in density of ichthyoplankton, juvenile fish, and crab larvae in Dong Ba Thin

and My Giang (unit/m3). Dong Ba Thin My Giang

Seagrass beds Bare substrata Seagrass beds Bare substrata Month Fish eggs

Juven. fish

Crab larvae

Fish eggs

Juven. fish

Crab larvae

Fish eggs

Juven. fish

Crab larvae

Fish eggs

Juven fish

Crab larvae

5/98 0.5 1.25 57.57 22.5 0.25 30.5 * * * * * * 6/98 0 0 0 0 0.5 1.0 * * * * * * 7/98 0 0.5 0 6.38 0 2.57 0 1.75 0 131.5 0.12 2.75 8/98 * * * * * * 0 2.0 0 0 0 0 9/98 52.25 0.25 78.0 8.38 0.25 17.12 * * * * * * 2/99 7.05 4.57 17.43 50.00 5.00 3.57 * * * * * * 3/99 * * * * * * 0 0 0 0.20 0 0.04 4/99 2.40 0.30 0.44 4.00 1.33 1.63 0.73 0 0 2.77 0.05 0 6/99 0.15 0.10 0 1.15 0.12 0 0.20 0 0.10 0.10 0 0.05 Source: Nguyen Huu Dai et al, 1997, 1998, [48, 49] *: No samples.


The diversity of benthic marine algae and periphyton communities associated with different seagrass species create a suitable habitat and source of shelter and food for juvenile marine organisms. Preliminary results from studies of ichthyoplankton and juvenile fishes and crustaceans in both seagrass beds and bare substrate areas of the two sites (My Giang and Dong Ba Thin) indicate that:

• the diversity and the density of juvenile marine organisms is higher in seagrass beds than in areas of bare substrate;

• the density of larvae and juvenile shrimps (including Penaeidae species) and crab larvae is generally very high in seagrass beds; and that

• the species composition and density of juvenile fishes, larvae, juvenile shrimps, and crab larvae in Dong Ba Thin is usually higher than in My Giang.

Fish Juvenile fish Table 13 shows the characteristics of juvenile fish stocks in the two sites of Dong Ba Thin and My Giang. In Dong Ba Thin, the percentage of juvenile Gobridae is 42.31% in seagrass beds and 36% in areas of bare substrate. Additionally, the percentage of juvenile Clupeidae and Atherinidae is the same by substrate type (16%). Only a small percentage of other fish species are observed to occur in these areas. In the seagrass beds of Dong Ba Thin, juvenile fishes are present throughout the year, with the highest density in May (4.57 unit/m3). In bare areas, juvenile fish density is low. However, data analysis and species identification is not yet complete for juvenile fish in Dong Ba Thin. In the seagrass beds of My Giang, Atherinidae and Labridae had the same percentage abundance (40%), while the family of Balistidae comprised 20% of the samples. In My Giang, juvenile fish density is high in July and August (mean value of 1.85 unit/m3). As with Dong Ba Thin, density is low in areas of bare substrata. Table 13 Juvenile fish groups in seagrass and non-seagrass places in Dong Ba Thin and My

Giang, Khanh Hoa province.

Dong Ba Thin My Giang Seagrass beds Bare substrata Seagrass beds Bare substrata Species group

Quantity Percentage (%) Quantity Percentage

(%) Quantity Percentage (%) Quantity Percentage

(%) Stolephorus 0 0 2 4.00 0 0 0 0 Atherinidae 4 15.38 8 16.00 6 40.00 1 50.00 Theraponidae 2 7.69 3 6.00 0 0 0 0 Gobridae 11 42.31 18 36.00 0 0 0 0 Labridae 0 0 0 0 6 40.00 0 0 Clupeidae 1 3.85 8 16.00 0 0 0 0 Balistidae 0 0 0 0 3 20.00 0 0 Blenniidae 2 7.69 3 6.00 0 0 0 0 Scaridae 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 50.00 Group not yet identified

6 23.08 8 16. 00 0 0 0 0

Total 26 100 50 100 15 100 2 100 Source: Nguyen Huu Dai et al 1997,1998 , [48, 49]. Fish eggs Observations on the occurrence of fish eggs in the two ecological zones of both sites is summarised in Table 14. In Dong Ba Thin, the percentage of Stolephorus eggs sampled in seagrass beds was 0.07%, significantly lower than that observed in areas of bare substrata (8.96%). In My Giang, the percentage of Stolephorus eggs in the bare substrata was 0.18%; however, data analysis is not yet complete for this site.


x 1 8

Table 14 Fish egg groups in the Dong Ba Thin and My Giang study sites. Dong Ba Thin My Giang

Seagrass beds Bare substrata Seagrass beds Bare substrata Species groups

Quantity Percentage (%) Quantity Percentage

(%) Quantity Percentage (%) Quantity Percentage

(%) Stolephorus 3 1.07 49 8.96 0 0 2 0.19 Atherinidae 2 0.71 0 0 0 0 0 0 Synodontidae 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.18 Scaridae 0 0 2 0.67 0 0 0 0 Groups not yet identified

281 98.12 496 90.67 19 100 1109 99.64

Total 281 100 547 100 19 100 1113 100 Source: Nguyen Huu Dai et al 1997,1998 [48, 49].


6. INPUTS FROM THE SEAGRASS SUB-COMPONENT FOCAL POINT FOR VIETNAM Table 15 Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in Vietnam

Importance of the seagrass site to the life-cycle of the species Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Nursery area Spawning area Feeding

Reference(s)

RWG-F Species Greasy grouper

Epinephelus tauvina+ Cu Lao Cham, Phu Quy, Thuy Trieu, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Hon Dam

Yes + Nguyen Huu Dai, 2002; Nguyen Van Quan, 2003-2006

Mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus+ Cu Lao Cham, Phu Quy, Thuy Trieu, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Hon Dam

Yes + Nguyen Huu Dai, 2002; Nguyen Van Quan, 2003-2006

Malabar grouper Epinephelus malabaricus Threadfin breams Nemipterus spp + Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu,

Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy

Yes + + Nguyen Huu Dai, 2002; Nguyen Van Quan, 2003-2006

Leopard coral grouper Plectropomus leopardus Lizardfish Saurida spp+ Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu,

Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy

Yes + + Nguyen Huu Dai, 2002; Nguyen Van Quan, 2003-2006

Other Species Giant prawn-goby Amblyeleotris fontanesii Cu Lao Cham, Thuy

Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon

+ + + Nguyen Huu Dai, 2002; Nguyen Van Quan, 2003-2006

Duckbill sleeper Butis butis Cu Lao Cham, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon


Chocolate hind Cephalopholis boenack

Cu Lao Cham, Phu Quy, Thuy Trieu, Rach Vem, Bai Bon

+ + Nguyen Huu Dai, 2002; Nguyen Van Quan, 2003-2006

Banded grouper Epinephelus amblycephalus Cu Lao Cham, Phu Quy, Thuy Trieu, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Hon Dam


Blacktip grouper Epinephelus fasciatus Cu Lao Cham, Phu Quy, Thuy Trieu, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Hon Dam


Undulated moray Gymnothorax undulatus Cua Dai, Rach Vem, Mui Ong Doi, Bai Bon


Black spot snapper Lutjanus lineolatus Cua Dai, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Thuy Trieu


x 1 0

Table 15 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in Vietnam

Importance of the seagrass site to the life-cycle of the species Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Nursery area Spawning area Feeding

Reference(s)

Onespot snapper Lutjanus monostigma Cua Dai, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Thuy Trieu


Daggertooth pike conger Muraenesox cinereus Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Mui Ong Doi, Phu Quy, Thuy Trieu


Indian goatfish Parupeneus indicus Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy


Double whiptail Pentapodus emeryii Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy


Striped whiptail Pentapodus vitta Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy


Brushtooth lizardfish Saurida undosquamis Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy


Striped monocle bream Scolopsis lineata Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy


Asymmetrical goatfish Upeneus asymmetricus Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy


Nguyen Huu Dai, 2002; Nguyen Van Quan, 2003-2006

+ + + Cua Dai, Thuy Trieu, Hon Re, Hon Hai Tac, Bai Vong, Rach Vem, Bai Bon, Phu Quy

Upeneus tragula Freckled goatfish



7. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM THE MANGROVE AND WETLAND SITE CHARACTERISATIONS, NATIONAL REPORTS, AND DEMONSTRATION SITE DOCUMENTS ON

CRITICAL FISH-HABITAT LINKAGES Materials compiled by the mangrove and wetland sub-components in Vietnam focused on the biophysical characteristics of sites, past and on-going projects, and existing institutional arrangements for environmental and resource management in Vietnam. Most documentation notes the critical linkages between these habitats and fisheries production, and highlight that most important demersal species in Vietnam depend on these habitats for part of their life-cycles. Despite this there has been little specific information regarding fish species-habitat linkages presented for these habitat types in Vietnam to date. Table 16 highlights the key habitat-fisheries linkages extracted from these materials during the review. Table 16 Fishery and Habitat Linkages for Important Mangrove/Wetland Sites in Vietnam

Site Name Fishery-Habitat Linkage Tra O Lagoon Key nursery area for juvenile migratory eels Camau Tidal Flat/Bai Boi Mui Ca Mau

Critical nursery area for Giant Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Thi Na Lagoon Critical nursery area for the Giant Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) Thanh Phu/Ben Tre Nursery and spawning area for the hard clam


ANNEX 2

COMPILATION OF INFORMATION PREPARED BY THE FISHERIES AND HABITAT COMPONENTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROJECT ON FISH HABITAT AND LIFE-CYCLE

LINKAGES IN THAILAND

1. EXTRACT FROM THAILAND’S DRAFT NATIONAL FISHERIES REPORT

Figure 1 indicates that the 2 main spawning grounds for this species are offshore from Surat Thani province and Tracuap Khiri Khan province. Young fishes migrate from these spawning grounds to the inner Gulf of Thailand for feeding, moving back inshore early in the year. The results of intensive tagging experiments carried out by the Department of Fisheries from 1960 to 1965 (26,864 fish released vs. 4,191 recaptured), highlighted that there were 3 types of movement, i.e., feeding, spawning and seasonal migration (Somjaiwong and Chullasorn 1974). The results are presented in Figure 2a,b.

Figure 1 Life cycle of Indo-Pacific mackerel (Rastrelliger neglectus) in the Gulf of Thailand (courtesy

of the Marine Fisheries Division)

UNEP/GEF/SC 2 S/RWG-F.8/5 Annex 2 Page 2 99° 100° 101° 104° 102° 103° 105°E

13°

14°N

12°

11°

10°

9°

8°

7°

6°

BANGKOK Samut Prakan

Chon Buri

Rayong Chanthaburi

Trat

Samut Sakhon Samut Songkhram

Phetchaburi

Prachuap hiri khan

Chumphon

Surat Thani

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla Pattani

Narathiwat

Chachoengsao

Position of release

Position of recapture

Route of migration

Figure 2a The migratory route of tagged Indo-Pacific mackerel (Rastrelliger neglectus) in the Gulf of

Thailand (Somjaiwong and Chullasorn 1974).


Figure 2b The migratory route of tagged Indo-Pacific mackerel (Rastrelliger neglectus) in the Gulf of

Thailand (Somjaiwong and Chullasorn 1974).

99° 100° 101° 104° 102° 103° 105°E

13°

14°N

12°

11°

10°


Chon Buri

Rayong Chanthaburi

Trat


Phetchaburi

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Chumphon

9°

8°

7°

6°

Surat Thani

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla Pattani

Narathiwat

Chachoengsao

Position of release

Position of recapture

Route of migration


Table 1 Key biological features and parameters for small pelagic fish species in the Gulf of Thailand. (Body size refers to total length unless specified as FL: fork length or SL: standard length; sexes are combined unless specified as M: male or F: female)

Area Vertical

distribu- Body size captured

Spawning

Recruitment Size at first

Sex Growth (rate or

Life

Food

Length-weight Species (country)

surveyed tion

range (m)

Mean (cm)

Maxi- mum (cm)

Area Season

(month)

Fecundity Size (cm)

Season (month)

maturity (cm)

ratio (M:F)

coefficient)

Mortality (coefficient)

span (year)

organisms relationship

FAMILY SCOMBRIDAE Rastrelliger brachysoma

Gulf of Thailand

20-40

15.0

20.95 21.5

10-40 mi off

Prachuap

Surattani

2-4, 6-8

egg = 9x10-8

L4.8356

20 000- 30 000/ batch

10.25

1-3, 7-9

17.5

1:1

0.33

z=1.06

2-3

Phyto- planktons,

zooplanktons

W = 0.006138L3.215

M : W = 0.000005732L3.1235

F : W = 0.000006578L3.1235

R. kanagurta Gulf of Thailand

30-60 16.0 22.9 - 2-4 7-8

200 000 7.5 5-6 18.6 1:1 k=2.76 M=3.75 F=4.973 Z=8.733

2-3 Phyto-, zoo-

planktons, diatoms, copepods

M : W = 0.0000001958L3.7653

F : W =

0.000009454L3.0375

Auxis thazard Gulf of Thailand

20 35.0 - - 4-6 8-9

- 19.0 27.0

8-11 2, 4-5

34.1 1:1 - - 3-4 Fish crustacean

W = 0.00002L2.99

Euthynnus affinis

Gulf of Thailand

20 37.0 - - 1-3, 6-7

1 730 000 21.0 26.0

2-4, 6.12

37.5 1:1 - - - Fish crustacean

W = 0.000015L2.979

Thunnus tonggol

Gulf of Thailand

20 38.5 - - 3-5 7-12

1 400 000 22.0- 26.0

1-2, 4-6

39.6 1:1 1.5 cm/ month

- 4 Fish crustacean

W = 0.000021L2.979

Scomberomorus commerson

Gulf of Thailand

20-60 50.0 92.0 - 2-3, 6-9 500 000-3 800 000 11.0-21.0 3-5, 7-10

58.6 1:1.6 0.12 3.4 cm /month

- 4-5 Fish, molluses,

crustaceans

W=0.01302L2.8843

FAMILY ENGRAULIDAE Stolephorus heterolobus

Gulf of Thailand

5-50

4.5

8.89

30 mi off

Prachuab

3-4, 7-9

2000-4000

2.8- 4.0

All around 4-12

5.5- 6.0

1:1

k=0.198 k=1.8/ year

Z=13.50 M=3.54

1-1.5

Phyto- planktons

M:W = 2.064x10-6L3.2494

F:W = 7.089x10-6L2.9329

Source : Chullasorn and Martosubroto, 1986.


Table 1 continued Key biological features and parameters for small pelagic fish species in the Gulf of Thailand.

Vertical distribu-

Body size captured

Spawning Recruitment Size at first Sex

Growth (rate or Life Food Length-weight

Mortality Area (coefficient)

(country) Species tion Maxi- Fecundity maturity ratio coefficient) span organisms relationship surveyed Season

(month) Size Season

(month) range Mean mum Area (cm) (M:F) (year)

(cm) (m) (cm) (cm) FAMILY CLUPEIDAE Sardinella gibbosa

Gulf of Thailand

15-40 10.0 18.4 entire coastal zone

All around 3-4, 7-8

- 12.9 - - - 0.33 - 1-2 Phyto- plankton

W=9.28*10-6 * L3.0047

FAMILY CARANGIDAE Decapterus maruadsi

Gulf of Thailand

30-40 13.2 23.1 Central Gulf.

2-3, 7-8 38 000- 515 000

5.5-6.5 1-2, 6-8 16.1 1:1.2 0.11 1-2 cm /month

- 2-3 crustaceans, copepods

W=0.00005L2.811

D. macrosoma Gulf of 30-60 - - - 12-5 - - - 16.5 1:0.9 - - - - - Thailand Gulf of 15-45 16.0 25.8 30 mi off 3-4 - 5.5-6.5 1-3, - - 0.8 cm/ - 2-3 - - Atule mate

Thailand Chumporn 6-9 k=0.107 Nakorn Si

Thammarat

Gulf of 30-60 20-25 28.4 - - - 10.0 - 19.4 1:1.3 k=2.4 Z=9.7 - - - Selar Thailand M=3.3 crumenophthalmus

F=6.5 Selaroides leptolepis

Gulf of Thailand

20-50 12 19.2-21.0

- All around 3, 7-8

- 4.0-5.5 6, 11 F:15.4 1: 1.02

k=0.128 - - Zooplanktons, phytoplanktons,

molluscs

M: Log W = 3.257Log L-5.567

F: Log W = 3.629Log L-6.369

Megalaspis cordyla

Gulf of Thailand

20-50 22.0 28.8 - 12-5, 8-11

- 10.5-11.5

5, 9 - 1:0.8 1.2 cm /month

0.2

- - Fish, crustacean

W=0.144L2.9785

Source: Chullasorn and Martosubroto, 1986.


Table 2 Key biological features and parameters of demersal fish in the Gulf of Thailand. (Body size refers to total length unless specified as FL: fork length or SL: standard length; sexes are combined unless specified as M: male or F: female)

Body size captured

Spawning Recruitment

Length-weight relationship

Species

Area

(country) surveyed

Vertical distribu-

tion range (m)

Mean (cm)

Maxi- mum (cm)

Area Season

(month)

Fecundity

Size (cm)

Season (month)

Size at first

maturity (cm)

Sex ratio (M:F)

Growth (rate or

coefficient)


Life span (year)

Food organisms

FAMILY LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus lineolatus

Gulf of Thailand

20-50

13.9

M: 18.0 F:

19.0

-

10-6

-

8.0

1-4

-

1:1

1-2 cm /month

-

-

Fish

Shrimps, squids

M:W= 0.0263L2.754

F:W= 0.0668L2.412

FAMILY NEMIPTERIDAENemipterus hexodon

Gulf of Thailand

10-40

M: 16.4

6 F:

15.12

M: 27.3 F:

24.4

-

All

around 1-4, 6-8

-

11.0, 12.0

5, 9, 11

-

1:0.97

(1-2)

-

-

Fish

Crustaceans

M:W= 0.1161L3.04

F:W= 0.0176L2.924

Nemipterus japonicus

Gulf of Thailand

25-50

-

M: 25.6 F:

23.3

-

-

-

10.0

-

-

-

M: k=0.1599

F: k=0.1207

M: Z=5.482

F: Z=4.814

-

-

-

Nemipterus nematophorus

Gulf of Thailand

15-50 >40

-

M: 13.34

F: 17.8

-

1-4, 8,

11

-

-

-

11.7

1:

0.85

M: k=0.1436

F: k=0.2275

-

-

-

-

Nemipterus mesoprion

Gulf of Thailand

30-60

M: 13.0 F:

11.1

M: 19.51

F: 15.52

-

2-4

-

6.5-7.0

3, 5, 6

-

1:1.1

M: k=0.179 (1.08)

F: k=0.224 (0.85)

-

-

Fish, molluscs,

crustaceans

M:W= 0.18*10-5L2.93

F:W= 7.8*10-5L3.10

Nemipterus peronii

Gulf of Thailand

30-40

M: 22.9 F:

21.6

M: 27.5 F:

27.0

-

2-4

-

15.2, 15.5, 15.7

3, 7, 9, 12

-

1:

0.84

-

-

-

Worms, fish, squid

crustaceans

M:W= 0.0122L2.988

F:W= 0.0199L3.004

Scolopsis taeniopterus

Gulf of Thailand

10-40

M: 21.7 F:

14.6

M: 27.0 F:

25.0

-

All

around 12-1, 4-

8

-

-

6-7, 11-12

-

1:0.8

-

-

-

Crustaceans, fish

M:W= 1.08*10-

4L2.6201

F:W= 6.17*10-5L2.718



Table 2 continued Key biological features and parameters of demersal fish in the Gulf of Thailand.

Body size captured

Spawning

Recruitment

Sex

Life

Food

Length-weight

Mortality Size at Growth Vertica

l (coefficient)Area

first (rate or (country)maturity coefficient)distrib

u- surveyed

(cm) ratio span organisms

relationship

Species Maxi- Fecundity Seas

on (month)

Size Season

(month)

tion (M:F) (year) Mean mum Area (cm) range (cm) (cm)

(m)

M: 56 000-152 000

11.0, 12.0, 10.5

M:W= FAMILY PRIACANTHIDAE Priacanthus tayenus

Gulf of

Thailand

40-50

27.0 F:

25.0

- - All around 1-3

3, 5, 10, 12

14.0 1:1 2.0 cm/month

-

-

Crustaceans

Fish, squid

3.16*10-6L2.919

F:W= 2.606*10-6L2.891

FAMILY Fish, SERRANIDAE - - - - - - - - - - Crustacea

ns -

Gulf of 20-70 - - Epinephelus Thailand Molluscs,

polychaetae

sexfasciatus

M: M: M: k=0.103

M:W= FAMILY SYNODONTODAE Saurida elongata

Gulf of

Thailand

10-20

26.3 F:

30.6

37.7 F:

41.6

-< 30 mi

1-3, 8-9

- - 5-7, 11 - - 1.4 cm/ month

F:k=0.099 1.5 cm/ month

M:Z= 5.622 F:Z= 5.278

-

-

5.644*10-6L3.054

F:W= 6.565*10-6L3.024

Gulf of M: M: Saurida Thailand - 26.31 34.0 - 1-3 - - 5-7, 12 - 1:1 - - - - tumbil

F: F: - 30.56 40.0

Gulf of M: M: W= Saurida undosquamis

Thailand 41-50 17.8 F:

18.31

36.5 F:

26.5

- 12-1, 5-9

- 12.0-14.0

6, 12, 2 - 1: 0.57

2.0 cm/ month

- - - 0.00000292L3.16

3



Table 3 Key biological features and parameters of small invertebrates in the Gulf of Thailand (Body size refers to total length unless specified as FL: for length or SL: standard length; sexes are combined unless specified as M: male or F: female)

Vertical distribu-

Body size captured

Spawning Recruitment

Species

Area

(country) surveyed tion

range (m)

Mean (cm)

Maxi- mum (cm)

Area Season

(month)

Fecundity

Size (cm)

Season (month)

Size at first

maturity (cm)

Sex ratio (M:F)

Growth (rate or

coefficient)


Life span (year)

Food organisms

Length-weight relationship

FAMILY PENAEIDAE Penaeus merguiensis

Gulf of Thailand1

15-30

-

-

-

1-3, 9-12

129 650-960 950

-

-

13.0-14.2

-

-

-

-

Polychaetae, Fish larvae,

Copepods euphausis

M:W= 0.000010L2.963

F:W= 0.0000049L3.113

Penaeus japonicus

Gulf of Thailand1

10-19 12.9 20.9 -

All around 1-3, 7-8

257 889- 1 009 459 7.0 -

14.0

1:1

-

-

-

Shrimps larvae, crabs larvae,

cephalopods larvae, molluscs

larvae

M:W= 0.0000712L2.5703

F:W= 0.0000149L2.9018

Loligo duvauceli

Gulf of Thailand2

:East coast

Shallow to depth

over 50 m

6-30 30 Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon

All around

1, 3-4, 6-7, 12

1,500-10,000 0.5-5.0 1,3-6,9 6.5-7.0 F>M M: 0.0083 day-1

or 2.52 year F:

0.0069 day-1

1 Fish, molluse and

shrimp

M:W= 0.9594L1.73509

F:W= 0.1829L2.16290

L. chinensis Gulf of Thailand2

:East coast

>30 6-42 42 South of Ko Chang, off shore of Chumphon

and Pracuap

Khiri Khan

All around

3-4, 6-7, 11-12

3,000-11,000 0.5-6.5 1, 3-6, 10 8.5 - M:0.0072 day-1

Or 2.62 yr-

1

F:2.704

day-1

or 2.70 year-1

1 Fish, mollusce

and shrimo

M:W= 0.2134L2.11948

F:W= 0.051L2.42078

Sepia aculata Gulf of Thailand Upper3

1-7 nmi or 20-25 m

5-16.9 - - 3-4,7-8 4,547 - - 8.1 - Crustacean, fish

M:W= 0.00099L2.5032

F:W= 0.000722L2.5919

S. recurvirostra Gulf of Thailand Upper4

>7 nmi or

21-40 m

- - - - - - - - - - - - Crustacean, fish

M:W= 0.00191L2.3579

F:W=

1 Chullasorn and Martosubroto, 1986. 2 Chotiyaputta. 1995b.

3 Chotiyapunta, 1977; 1978. 4 Chotiyapunta, 1977.


0.001984L2.3579

S. pharaonis Gulf of Thailand Upper5

10-24.5 - - 1-2,7-8 1,400 (900-2,700)

- - M:13.7 F:14.2

- - - - Crustacean, fish

W= 0.4118ML2.4233

5 Chotiyapunta, 1980; 1982; Nabthitabhata, 1997.


Known Spawning Grounds Describing the spawning and fishing grounds of 12 species/species groups is complicated. Here, the characteristics reviewed are similar to the environmental characteristics of the spawning grounds. The spawning grounds of some marine fauna in the Gulf of Thailand have been surveyed intensively. The results of the surveys, conducted since 1963, indicate that the larvae of Rastrelliger spp. concentrate in an area 10 to 40 nautical miles off the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand (Figure 3) (Boonprakob 1965; Matsui 1970). Phytoplankton and zoophankton were abundant in this area during the spawning season (Suvapepun and suwanrampha 1970).

1-100 / 1000 m3

101-500 / 1000 m3

>500 / 1000 m3

99° 100° 101° 104° 102° 103° 105°E

13°

14°N

12°

11°

10°

9°

8°

7°

6°


Chon Buri

Rayong Chanthaburi

Trat


Phetchaburi

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Chumphon

Surat Thani

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla Pattani

Narathiwat

Chachoengsao

Figure 3 The abundances of Indo-Pacific mackerel larvae (R. neglectus) observed at various

surveys stations in the Gulf of Thailand (Boonprakob 1965).


The spawning grounds and season for Decapterus maruadsi and D. macrosoma in the Gulf of Thailand was determined from observations of seasonal changes in the stage of gonad development. Spawning was believed to occur from February to August, with peaks from February to March and from July to August in the deeper area of the Gulf (Figure 4) (Chullasorn and Yusukswad 1978). Spawning grounds of neritic tuna are located along the Gulf’s western coast, with concentrations in the middle of the Gulf (Figure 5). The spawning grounds for anchovy are depicted in Figure 6. 99° 100° 101° 104° 102° 103° 105°E

13°

14°N

12°

11°

10°

9°

8°

7°

6°


Chon Buri

Rayong Chanthaburi

Trat


Phetchaburi

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Chumphon

Surat Thani

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla Pattani

Narathiwat

Chachoengsao

Jan-Mar Jul-Aug

Jan-Mar Jul-Aug

Feb-Mar Jul-Aug Feb-Mar

Jul-Aug

Figure 4 The spawning grounds of round scads (Decapterus spp.) in the Gulf of Thailand

(Chullasorn and Yusuksawad 1978).



Chon Buri

Rayong Chanthaburi

Trat


Phetchaburi

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Chumphon

Surat Thani

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla Pattani

Narathiwat

Chachoengsao

99° 100° 101° 104° 102° 103° 105°E

13°

14°N

12°

11°

10°

9°

8°

7°

6°

Stations were found neritic larvae in 1987 Stations were found neritic larvae in 1975, 1983

Figure 5 The stations where the eggs and larvae of neritic tunas have been observed to be

abundant during surveys conducted in the Gulf of Thailand (Chamchang and Chayakul 1990).


99° 100° 101° 104° 102° 103° 105°E

13°

14°N

12°

11°


Chon Buri

Rayong Chanthaburi

Trat


Phetchaburi

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Chumphon

10°

9°

8°

7°

6°

Surat Thani

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla Pattani

Narathiwat

Chachoengsao

Figure 6 The spawning grounds for anchovy in the Gulf of Thailand (Vatanachai 1978; Chansakul

1988; Chayakul 1990 cited in Saikliang 1995b). Known Nursery Areas Many studies have shown that the distribution and abundance of pelagic and demersal fish larval are related to plankton densities. Plankton production rates are higher in near shore areas and decrease vertically with depth. The nursery areas of important marine fauna in the Gulf of Thailand are mostly located in inshore areas, including mangrove areas, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. The feeding grounds of most fished species are generally the same as the areas in which they are fished.


2. INPUTS FROM THE FISHERIES COMPONENT FOCAL POINT FOR THAILAND

Table 4 Fisheries management areas that may qualify as candidate sites of fisheries refugia in Thai waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Country Province/State Geographical Location Type of Management Area Species for

which the Area is Managed



Objective of the Management

Area6 and Associated

Management Measures

Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces (September 24, B.E. 2542)

A conservation area of approximately 26,400 km2 offshore of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces

CS : 15 February – 15 May (15 February – 31 March : spawning and breeding seasons); (1 April - 15 May : nursery season)

• All kind of trawls used with motor vessels except trawls used with only one motor vessel of which the length is not more than 16 meters and fishing only on night time

• Gill nets and entangling nets used with a motor vessels in fishing by method of entangling for catching mackerel or by other similar method

• All kind of surrounding nets used with motor vessels

• Push nets used with a motor vessel of more than 16 meters in length

Several commercially important fish species.

According to the study of life cycles of some aquatic animals, they spawn, breeding and their larvae nurture in this area

To protect the spawner and juvenile fish species

Gulf of Thailand (July 20, B.E. 2515 and February 18, B.E. 2517)

Within a distance 3,000 m from the shore line and of 400 meters surrounding a place of all kinds of stationary gear permitted for fishing in the sea or Gulf or bay in any province

Trawler, push net and dredge with any motor vessels by any method

Several commercially importance fishes species

nursery grounds Maintaining the productivity of near shore waters

Gulf of Thailand (November 14, B.E. 2534)

Gulf of Thailand To prohibit the use of all purse seine which the mesh less than 2.5 centimetre operated in night time

Several commercially importance fishes species

Attract a juvenile fishes To minimize the catch of small fish

6 Enter JN for Juvenile Nursery, SA for Spawning Area, and MR for areas used to safeguard Migratory Routes.


Table 4 cont. Fisheries management areas that may qualify as candidate sites of fisheries refugia in Thai waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Objective of the

Management AreaImportance of the Area to the Life-Cycle of the Species for which it is

Managed

7Species for which the Area is

Managed

and Associated

Management Measures

Country Province/State Geographical Location Type of Management Area

Chonburi province (June 26, B.E. 2518)

Sattahip Bay, Chonburi province

Used any kind and any size of fishing appliance in fishing by any method

Department of Fine Arts shall, on the next occasion, bring them as well as an ancient boat out of the water for national education

Diving and searching for ancient objects or objects of art

To prevent such precious remains of ancient boat or ancient object sunk in that area from being damaged by the fishing

Chonburi province (June 26, B.E. 2518)

Koh Loi in Sriracha district, running straight to Sampayue Rock and passing Luem Island, Maravichai Island, Rin Island, back sides of Lai Kram Island, Chuang Island and Chan Island, Chang Klua Island and Rade Island, until meeting with Chong Same San lighthouse in the locality Sattahip District, Chonburi province

Used any kind and any size of trawls, push nets, La-wa, Chip, Shrimp push nets, Krill push nets and all kinds of bag-nets, with motor vessels

Several commercially importance fishes species.

This area are shelters and habitats of young aquatic animals

To conserve such aquatic animal varieties from being caught or destroyed in an inappropriate amount and for the efficient and sustainable utilization of marine resources

September 1 to the end of February

Songkhla, Southern Gulf of Thailand

Offshore of Songkhla FMZ : Zone management (0-3 nautical mile from shore line is a zone for small scale fisheries, 5-12 nautical mile, operating zone for anchovy light fishing boat which the length less than 14 meter and more than 15 nautical mile is operating zone for anchovy light fishing boat which the length 14-16 meter and 3-5 and 12-15 nautical mile are buffer zone)

Anchovy fisheries and small scale fisheries or artisanal fisheries

Fisheries management zone for anchovy fisheries

To reduce the conflict between small scale fisheries and anchovy fisheries with light luring ( Anchovy lift net, falling net and scoop net with light luring)

Samut Sakhon Province (June 17, B.E. 2518)

Gulf of Thailand, in the locality of Tambol Pantai Norasing, Tambol Kokkham and Tambol Bang Ya Praek, Samut Sakhon Province

Use all kinds and all sizes of shellfish dredges or other similar appliances of similar use, with motor vessels, in fishing of bivalves by any method whatsoever

Bivalves (Short neck clam)

To protect habitat or nursery ground of bivalves

7 Enter JN for Juvenile Nursery, SA for Spawning Area, and MR for areas used to safeguard Migratory Routes.


3. EXTRACTED FROM THAILAND’S DRAFT NATIONAL CORAL REEF REPORT AND SITE CHARACTERISATIONS Table 5 Number of Coral Reef Fish and Transient Fish Genera and Species that depend on Coral Reef Sites in Thailand for part of their life-cycle

Site Name Location Latitude Longitude Number of coral reef fish (genera/species)

Number of transient fish (genera/species)

Reference

Chumphon Group Chumphon Province

10° 04′N - 10° 92′N

99° 16′E - 99° 53′E

62/106 13 (Genera only Plathong et. al. (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Mu Koh Chang Trat Province, Thailand

11°56′N - 12°16′N

102°25′E- 102°61′E

63/129 9/12 Satapoomin (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Angthong Group Surat Thani Province

9° 19′N - 9° 47′N

99° 39′E - 99° 45′E

62/106 13 (Genera only) Satapoomin (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Samui and Phangan Group

Surat Thani Province

9° 17′N - 9° 48′ N

99° 53′E - 100° 05′E


Samed Group Rayong Province 12° 50′N - 12° 67′ N

101° 13′E - 101° 71′E


Sichang Group Rayong Province 12° 50′N - 13° 18′ N

101° 69′E - 100° 98′E

41/86 8 (Genera only) Somkleeb, et. al. (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Sattaheep and Samaesarn Group

Chonburi Province

12° 60′N - 12° 65′ N

100° 87′E - 100° 92′E


Lan and Phai Group

Chonburi Province

12° 30′N - 13° 20′ N

100° 40′E - 101° 00′E


Chao Lao Chanthaburi Province

12° 46′N - 12° 53′ N

101° 92′E - 102° 03′E


Prachuap Khiri Khan Group

Prachuap Khiri Khan

11° 04′N - 12° 48′ N

99° 52′E - 100° 02′E

78/162 8/12 Vidthayanon (1999) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Tao Group Surat Thani Province

10° 03′N - 10° 07′ N

99° 48′E - 99° 51′E

62/106 13 (genera only) Satapoomin (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Koh Nhu and Maew Song Khla Province

7° 13′N - 7° 15′ N

100° 35′E - 100° 36′E

17/30 13 (genera only) Plathong et. al. (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Koh Kra Nakorn Srithammarat Province

7° 13′N - 7° 15′ N

100° 35′E - 100° 36′E

50/80 13 (genera only) Plathong et. al. (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)

Koh Losin Narathiwat Province

7° 31′N 100° 98′E 55/99 10 (genera only) Plathong et. al. (2002) and Fisheries Department (1996)


4. EXTRACT FROM THAILAND’S DRAFT NATIONAL SEAGRASS REPORT Known Use of Seagrass by Crustaceans in Thailand Several families of decapodid, amphipodid, and Isopodid crustacea predominantly represented crustaceans. Eighty-seven species belonging to 48 families of crustaceans were recorded within four different seagrass locations. The crustacean fauna is a very diverse group and a major component of macrofauna in the seagrass beds. It was numerically abundant, and it contributed to the high biomass as well. The crustaceans are mostly free swimming. Some others make burrows that protect them from predators, as well as temperature and salinity stress. Many species of shrimps, including Peneaus merguiensis, Peneaus monodon, Peneaus semisulcatus, Metapeneaus spp. and Acetes erythraeus, were caught in seagrasses. They are quite expensive seafood in the market. Swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) and mud crab (Scylla serrata), the most popular seafood in Thailand, are commonly found in seagrass areas (Table 6). Table 6 Crustaceans Found at Seagrass Sites in the Gulf of Thailand

Crustaceans Seagrass Site Khung

Krabane Bay (1,2)

Samui Island (3)

Pha Ngan Island (4)

Pattani Class Order Family Species Bay (5)

Balanus amaryllis - - - / Thoracica BalanidaeSubclass Cirripedia .B amphitrite - - - /

Acanthomysis spp. / / - - Mesopodopsis spp. / / - -

Mysidacea Mysidae

Rhopalopthalmus spp. / / - -

Subclass Malacostaca

Mysids - / - / Idoteidae Pentidotea spp. - - - / Anthuridae Unknown - / - -

Isopoda

Sphaeromatidae Unknown - / - - Cirolanidae Cirolana spp. - / - / Aegidae Aega spp. - - - / Gnathiidae Gnathia spp. - - - /

Munnidae Munna spp. - - - / Suborder Anthuridae Unknown - - / - Suborder Flabellifera Unknown - - / - Ampeliscidae Unknown - / - - Ampithoidae Unknown - / - -

Amphipoda

Aoridae Unknown - / - - Corophiidae Grandidierella spp. - / - /

Quadrivisio bengalensis - / - / GammeridaeEriopisella spp. - - - /

Hyalidae Parhyale spp. - / - /



Krabane Bay (1,2)

Samui Island (3)

Pha Ngan Island (4)


Isaeidae Photis spp. - / - / Ischyroceridae Unknown - / - - Leucothoidae Unknown - / - - Liljeborgiidae Unknown - / - - Lysianassidae Unknown - / - - Oedicerotidae Oediceroides spp. - / - / Podoceridae Unknown - / - -

Tanaidacea Tanaidacea Tanaidacea - / / / Harpiosquillidae Harpiosquilla harpax - - - /

Miyakea nepa - - - / Stomatopoda

SquillidaeSqilla larvae / - - - Peneaus merguiensis / - - /

P .monodon / - - / Decapoda Penaeidae

P .semisulcatus - - - / Peneaus spp . / / - - Metapeneaus spp. / / - /

M. brivicornis - - - / M .conjunctus - - - /

M .elegans - - - / M. ensis - - - / Acetes erythraeus - - - / Acetes spp. / / - /

Sergestidae

Lucifer henseni / / - / Exopalaemon styliferus / - - / Macrobranchium spp. / - - /

Palaemonidae

M .sintangense / - - / M .rosenbergii / - - /

Paleamon spp. / - - / Caridean shrimp - / / -

Alpheus euphrosyne / - - / AlpheidaeAlphaues spp. / - - /

Infraorder Anomura Unknown - / / - Clibanarius infraspinatus - - - /

C .longitarsus - - - / Diogenidae

C .striolatus - - - / Clibanarius spp. / - - -

Diogenes planimanus - - - /



Krabane Bay (1,2)

Samui Island (3)

Pha Ngan Island (4)


D .rectimanus - - - / Paguridae Pagurus spp. / - / - Dorippidae Unknown / - - - Calappidae Matuta spp. / - - -

Leucosia longifrons / - - / Leucosia spp. / / - /

Leucosiidae

Arcania spp. / - - - Majidae Unknown / - / -

Hymenosomatidae Hymenosomatids crab - - - / Parthenopidae Parthenope longimanus - / - /

Podophthalmus vigil - - - / Charybdis feriatus - - - /

Portunidae

Portunus pelagicus / / - / Sylla serrata - - - /

Thalamita crenata / - - - T .macrospinnifera / - - -

Thalamita spp. - / - - Charybdis spp. - / - - Portunus granulatus - / - -

Menippidae Sphaerozius nitidus - - - / Pilumnidae Pilumnus spp. / - - -

Actumnus spp. - / - - Leptodius sanguineus - - / -

Xanthidae

Leptodius spp.1 - - / - Xanthus lamarki - - / - Zozymodes spp. - / - - Calmania simodensis / - - - Metopograpsus spp. - - - / Grapsidae

Veruna litterata / - - / Pinnotheridae Unknown - / - - Ocypodidae Unknown / - - -

References : 1. Karkai, N. and K. Sangrungrieng. 1998. List of crustacean and fish in the seagrass bed, Khung Krabane Bay. (Unpublished Data) 2. Sudara, S., S. Nateekanjanalarp, T, Thamrongnawasawat, S. Satumanatpan and W. Chindonnirat 1991. Survey of fauna associated with the seagrass community in Aow Khung Krabane Chanthaburi, Thailand. In; R.M. de la Paz (eds.) Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Living Resources in Coastal Areas. 30 January to 1 February 1989, Manila, Philippines. pp. 347-352.


3. Nateekanjanalarp, S. 1990. Seagrass Communities at Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand. Master of Science, Department of Marine Science. Graduate School. Chulalongkorn university. 148 pp. 4. Sudara, S., S. Nateekanjanalarp and P. Chinsupangpimet. 1992. Comparison of Associated Fauna in Enhalus Acoroides Beds between High and Low Tides at Pha-Ngan Island, Gulf of Thailand. In; Chou, L.M. & C.R. Wilkinson (eds.) Third ASEAN Science and Technology week of Conference Proceedings, Vol.6, Marine Science: Living Coastal Resource, 21-23 Sept. 1992, Singapore. pp. 281-287. 5. Intharasook, K. 1999. Seasonal Distribution and Diversity of Marine Fauna in Seagrass Beds at Pattani Bay. Master of Science, Department of Marine Science. Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. 209 pp. (in Thai) Known Use of Seagrass by Fish in Thailand Fishes of seagrass beds in the Gulf of Thailand were identified from samples collected from four different areas. 152 species belonging to 58 families were recorded, of which 103 species, 56 species, 44 species and 28 species were reported at Pattani Bay, Khung Krabane, Samui Island and Pha Ngan Island, respectively. The dominant group of fishes found in seagrasses showed a degree of overlap of the species pool of inshore fishes, such as Siganus spp. (seagrass dominated species) and mangrove dominated species such as Ambassis spp., Leiognathus spp. and Secutor spp. Approximately 70% of the economically important species have been recorded, including catfish (Arius sagor), mullets (Chelon subviridis and Chelon dussumeri), barramundi (Lates calcarifer), grouper (Epinephelus coioides, E. sexfasciatus, E. tauvina and E. bleekeri), sillago (Sillago sihama), almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana), snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus), emperor (Lethrinus miniatus), croaker (Johnieops vogleri), rabbitfish (Siganus javus and Siganus canaliculatus) and short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma). Although these group of fish were only juveniles or sub-adults (Table 7). Table 7 Fishes Found at Seagrass Sites in the Gulf of Thailand (all are juveniles unless otherwise noted)

Fishes Seagrass Site

Family Species Khung Krabane Bay (1,2,3) Samui Island (3) Pha Ngan

Island (3) Pattani Bay (4)Economic Species

Dasyatidae Himantura imbricatus - - - / / Elopidae Elops machnata - - - A / Megalopidae Megalops cyprinoides - - - A /

Stolephorus indicus - - - / A / S. tri - - - / A / S. dubiosus - - - / A / Stolephorus spp. (Juvenile) / - - / / Thryssa halmiltoni - - - / A /

Engraulidae

T. kammalensis - - - / A / Ilisha kampeni - - - / A / Pristigasteridae Ililsha spp. - - - / A / Escualosa thoracata - - - A / Anodontostoma chacunda - - - / / Nematalosa nasus - - - / /

Clupeidae

Sardinella fimbriata - - - / A /


Fishes Seagrass Site Economic Species Pha Ngan Khung Krabane

Bay Family Species (1,2,3) Samui Island (3) Pattani Bay (4)Island (3)

Sardinella spp. - - - / / Clupea spp. / / / - / Spratelloidae spp. - / - - /

- - - A / Arius sagor Ariidae A. maculatus - - - A /

Plotosidae - - - / / Plotosus canius Synodontidae Saurida nebulosa - - - A / Batrachoididae Batrichthys grunniens - - - A -

Chelon subviridis (Liza subviridis) / - - / A / C. dussumeri - - - / A /

Mugilidae

- - - / A / Moolgarda cunnesius Mugil spp. / - - - /

/ - - - / Liza subviridis / / / A - Atherinomorus duodecimalis

A. lacunosus - - - A - Atherinidae

- - - A - Hypoatherina valenciennei Belonidae - - - A - Tylosurus crocodilus

/ - - - / Zenarchopterus kampei Hyporhamphus limbiatus - - - / /

Hemiramphidae

- - - / / Hemiramphus far Holocentridae - / - - / Sargocentron rubrus

/ - - - / Hippocampus kuda Trachyrhmphus longirostris / - - - -

Syngnathidae

- - - A - Hippichthys heptagonus Syngnathus spp. / / / - -

Synbranchidae - - - / / Ophisternon bengalensis - - - / - Vespicula trachinoides Scorpaenidae - - - / - Synanceia horrida

Hoplichthyidae Hoplichthys spp. / - - - / Inegocia spp. / - - - / Platycephalus indicus - - - / /

Plathycephalidae

Platycephalus spp. / / - - / - - - / / Cociella crocodila - - - / / Lates calcarifer Centropomidae - / / - / Psammoperca waigiensis - - - / A - Ambassis commersonii

A. urotaenia / - - - - Ambassidae

- - - / A - A. kopsii




- - - / A - A. macracanthus Ambassis spp. - - - / A -

Acropomatidae / - - - / Malakichtbys wakiyae / - - / / Epinephelus coioides

E. sexfasciatus - - - / / Serranidae

- / - - / E. tauvina - - - / / E. bleekeri / - - - / Cephalopholis boenack

Apogonidae Apogon spp. - / - - / / - / / A / Sillago sihama Sillaginidae

Sillago spp. / - - / A / Carangidae - - - / / Seriola rivoliana

Leiognathus brevirostris - - - / A - Secutor insidiator / - - / A -

Leiognathidae

- - - / A - Leiognathus equulus / - - - - Gazza minuta - - - / A - Leiognathus elongatus - - - / A - L. spendens

Leiognathus spp. / - - / A - Lutjanus russelli / / / / / L. kasmira - / - - /

Lutjanidae

/ / - / / L. monostigma - / - - / L. vitta - - - / / L. fulviflamma / / / - / L. carponotatus

Lutjanus spp. - - - / / / - - / / Gerres filamentosus

G. oyena / / / / / Gerreidae

- - - / / G. abbreviatus Gerres spp. - / - / /

Haemulidae Pomadasys spp. / - - - / - - - / / Lethrinus lentjan

L. miniatus / / / - / Lethrinidae

/ / / - / L. ornatus / / / - / L. nebulosus

Lethrinus spp. / / / / / Scolopsis spp. - / - - / Nemipteridae

- / / - / Scolopsis ciliatus




Dendrophysa russelli / - - / / Johnieops vogleri / - - / /

Sciaenidae

/ - - / / Nibea soldado Upeneus tragula / / / / / Mullidae Upeneus spp. / - - - /

Toxotidae - - - A / Toxotes jaculatrix Chaetodontidae - / / - / Chelmon rostratus

Pelates quadrilineatus / / / / / Terapon jarbua / - - / /

Teraponidae

- - - / / T. puta / - - - / Mesopristes cancellatus

Monodactyidae Monodactylus argenteus / - - - / Cichidae - - - / A / Oreochromis mossambicus

- / - - / Halichoeres poecilopterus Labridae Halichoeres spp. - / / - /

- / - - - Petroscirtes mitratus Petroscirtes spp. - / - - -

Blenniidae

/ / / - - Petroscirtes lupus Callionymidae Callionymus spp. / / / / -

Butis butis - - - / A / Eleotridae - - - / A / B. koilomatodon

Glossogobius biocellatus / - - - / G. giuris - - - / A /

Gobiidae

- - - / A / G. circumspectus - - - / A - Acentrogobius viridipunctatus - - - / A - A. viganensis

Favonigobius spp. - / - - - Cristatogobius spp. - - - / A - Oplopomus spp. - - - / A - Drombus spp. - - - / A -

- - - / A - Papillogobius reichei - - - / A - Pseudogobius javanicus / / / - - Goby - - - / A - Mulgilogoblis plapensis - - - / A - Stigmatogobius sadanundio - - - A - Yongeichthys criniger - - - / A / Ctenotrypauchen microcephalus - - - A / Pseudopocryptes lanceolatus

x 2 4

Fishes Seagrass Site

Family Species Khung Krabane Bay (1,2,3) Samui Island (3) Pha Ngan

Island (3) Pattani Bay (4)Economic Species

Scatophagidae Scatophagus argus - - - / A / Siganus javus / - - / A / S. canaliculatus / / / / A / S. guttatus - - - / A / S. fuscescens - - - / A / S. virgatus - / / / A /

Siganidae

Siganus spp. - / - / A / Sphyraenidae Sphyraena spp. / / / - / Scombridae Rastrelliger brachysoma - - - / / Paralichthyidae Pseudorhombus arsius / / - - / Soleidae Pardachirus pavoninus / / / - /

Cynoglossus bilineatus - - - / / C. puncticeps - - - / /

Cynoglossidae

Cynoglossus spp. / - - - / Triacanthidae Triacanthus blochii - - - / -

Monacanthus chinensis / / / / - Arceichthys tomentosus / / / - -

Monacanthidae

A. hajam - / - - - Chelonodon patoca / / / - / Tetraodontidae Arothron immaculatus - - - A / Diodon hystrix - - - / - Diodontidae D. liturosus / / / - -

Remark : A = Adult Stage References : 1. Karkai, N. and K. Sangrungrieng. 1998. List of crustacean and fish in the seagrass bed, Khung Krabane Bay. (Unpublished Data) 2. Sudara, S., S. Nateekanjanalarp, T, Thamrongnawasawat, S. Satumanatpan and W. Chindonnirat 1991. Survey of fauna associated with the seagrass community in Aow Khung Krabane Chanthaburi, Thailand. In; R.M. de la Paz (eds.) Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Living Resources in Coastal Areas. 30 January to 1 February 1989, Manila, Philippines. pp. 347-352. 3. Sudara, S., S. Nateekanjanalarp and P. Chinsupangpimet. 1992. Comparison of Associated Fauna in Enhalus Acoroides Beds between High and Low Tides at Pha-Ngan Island, Gulf of Thailand. In; Chou, L.M. & C.R. Wilkinson (eds.) Third ASEAN Science and Technology week of Conference Proceedings, Vol.6, Marine Science: Living Coastal Resource, 21-23 Sept. 1992, Singapore. pp. 281-287. 4. Intharasook, K. 1999. Seasonal Distribution and Diversity of Marine Fauna in Seagrass Beds at Pattani Bay. Master of Science, Department of Marine Science. Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. 209 pp. (in Thai)



5. COMPILATION OF INFORMATION FROM THE SITE CHARACTERISATIONS CONDUCTED FOR MANGROVE SITES IN THAILAND

Table 8 Fish Utilisation of Mangrove Sites on Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand Coast

Site Name Location Comment Thung Kha Bay – Savi Bay

Muang and Sawee Districts, Chumphon Province

At least 50 fish species are known to utilise the site for part or all of their life-cycles. Species that are critically dependent on the site for nursery areas include Clupeoids like, slip mouth (Leiognathus decorus, L. equulus), slender slip mouth (L. elongatus), Indian anchovy (Stolophorus indicus), spotted catfish (Tachysurus sp.), milkfish (Chanos chanos) and several species of Mugil.

Ban Don Bay Chaiya, Donsak and Muang Districts, Surat Thani Province

At least 50 fish species are known to utilise the site for part or all of their life-cycles. Species that are critically dependent on the site for nursery areas include include milkfish (Chanos chanos), Lates calcarifer, Mullet (Mugil spp.), glassfish (Ambassis spp.), Lujanus spp., slipmouth (Leiognathus spp.) and goby (Butis butis).

Pak Phanang Bay

Pak Phanang and Muang districts, Nakhon Si Thammarat province

At least 50 fish species are known to utilise the site for part or all of their life-cycles. Species that are critically dependent on the site for nursery areas include milkfish (Chanos chanos), Lates calcarifer as well as several species of slipmouth (Leiognathus spp.), mullet (Mugil spp.) and glassfish (Ambassis spp.).

Welu River Estuary

Khlung District, Chantaburi Province. Khaosaming District, Trat Province

There are at least 59 fish species found in the area, including endangered seahorse (Hippocampus kuda). The vulnerable species of the area include chawnda gizzard-shad (Anodontostoma chacunda), silver pomfret (Pampus chinensis), Chinese pomfret (P. argenteus), bambooshark (Chiloscyllium burgeri) and slender bambooshark (C. indicum). Other important species are sole (Cynoglossus macrolepidotus) and freshwater pipefish (Doryichthys deokhatoides).

Khoa Sam Roi Yot National Park

Sam Roi Yot and Kuiburi district, Prachuap Khirikhan Province

There are at least 25 fish species, including species use in aquaculture, marine species and fresh water fishes. The only vulnerable species of the national park is walking catfish (Clarias batrachus), while other noteworthy species include snakeskin gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis), striped snake-head (Channa striata), swamp eel (Mopnopter albus), striped tiger nandid (Pristolepis fasciatus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Pattani Bay Muang and Yaling districts, Pattani Province

At least 32 fish species known to utilise the mangroves in this area for part or all of their life-cycles. The mangroves in the area are known critical nursery areas for glassfish (Ambassis kopsii), crimsontip flathead gudgeon (Butis butis), Engraulis sp., Lates calcarifer, slipmouth (Leiognathus spp.), Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Indian anchovy (Stolephorus sp.) and rabbitfish (Siganus spp.).

Khung Kraben Bay

Tamai District, Chantaburi Province

Mangroves in the area are known juvenile nursery area for Orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides. Known spawning area for in excess of 30 important commercial fishery species.

Laem Phak Bia

Petchaburi Province Fish larvae from more than 30 families of of economic importance species including snappers, milkfish, groupers and mullets have been recorded in mangroves of this area (Vatanachai, 1979)

Klong Wan

Prachaub Khiri Khan Province

Fish larvae from more than 31 species of important fish, including tarpon, ladyfish, milkfish, and snappers are known to utilise this site (Sontirat, 1982).

Klong Klone Samut Songkhram Province

55 species in 32 families are known to depend on this site for critical phases of life-cycle (Nateekarnchanalarp et al., 1994)

Trat Bay Trat Province 111 species of fish from 47 families are known to depend on this site for critical phases of life-cycle.


6. COMPILATION OF INFORMATION FROM THE SITE CHARACTERISATIONS CONDUCTED FOR WETLAND SITES IN THAILAND

Table 9 Information on Fish Utilisation of Wetland Sites in Thailand

Site Name Geographical Location

Comment

Pattani Bay At least 215 fish species have been observed to utilise the site for significant stages of life-cycle, including Freckled Hawkfish (Ambassis kopsii), Crimsontip Flathead Gudgeon (Butis butis), Anchovy (Engraulis sp.), Giant Seaperch (Lates calcariter), Slipmouth (Leiognathus spp.), Mangrove Redsnapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) and Anchovy (Stolephorus sp.) (OEPP, 1999a)

6° 49′- 57′ N and 101° 14′- 29′ E

Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park

The site is an important fishery area known as “the centre of golden area for fishery” which signifies its role as a key nursery areas for various commercial species such as Indo-pacific mackerel, Indian mackerel, grouper, Jew fish and mullet.

9° 30′-43′ N and 99° 39′-44′ E

Ban Don Bay 9°7′-30′ N and 99°13′-34′ E

The site is an important nursery area for commercial fish species including Milkfish (Chanos chanos), Giant Sea perch (Lates calcarifer), Mullet (Mugil spp.), Glassfish (Ambassis spp.), Snapper (Lutjanus spp.), Slipmouth (Leiognathus spp.) and Crimsontip Flathead Gudgeon (Butis butis).

Welu River Estuary Identified as an important nursery area for 52 fished species 12°16′-28′ N and 102° 07′-23′ E

Thung Kha Bay- Savi Bay

86 fish species depend on the site for all or part of their life-cycles. Important species that depend on the site for nursery habitat include Common species of the area include White Sardine (Clupeoides lile), Slipmouth (Leiognathus decorus), Common Slipmouth (L. equulus), Slender slipmouth (L. elongatus).

10 °16′-23′ N and 99° 09′-14′ E

Pak Phanang Bay Atleast 140 fish species depend on mangrove forests in the area for part or all of their life-cycle.

8° 19′-31′ N and 100° 03′- 13′ E


ANNEX 3

COMPILATION OF INFORMATION PREPARED BY FISHERIES AND HABITAT COMPONENTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROJECT ON FISH HABITAT AND LIFE-CYCLE LINKAGES IN THE

PHILIPPINES

1. EXTRACT FROM THE PHILIPPINES’ DRAFT NATIONAL FISHERIES REPORT Table 1 List of species commonly caught by various fishing gear (hook & line, gill nets & trawls)

in Lingayen Gulf and Manila Bay and their use of the respective ecosystems.

Use of habitat by species Species Spawning

grounds Feeding grounds Nursing areas

Lingayen Gulf ? Carangoides malabaricus Chanos chanos ? Decapterus maruadsi Elagatis bipinnulata Istiophorus platypterus

Leiognathus spp ? Mugil cephalus

Nemipterus nematophorus ? Rastrelliger brachysoma Scomberomorus commersoni

Siganus fuscesens Sphyraena barracuda Thunnus albacares ? Trichiurus sp ? Sepioteuthis lesonniana

Manila Bay Secutor insidiator Leiognathus bindus

Trichiurus setirostris Valamugil seheli Caranx malabaricus Sardinella fimbriata

Upeneus tragula ? Siganus fuscesens Stolephorus commersonii Sphyraena barracuda ? Portunus pelagicus Rastrelliger brachysoma ? Scylla serrata Mugil cephalus Sardinella fimbriata Rastrelliger kanagurta

Large pelagic fishes This group includes the various tuna species. In the Philippines, there are a total of 21 tuna and tuna-like species, but only six are caught in commercial quantities (PCAMRD 1993). The six species include the highly migratory Thunnus albacares (yellowfin) and Katsuwonus pelamis (skipjack), which are normally caught in offshore waters, and Thunnus obesus (big-eyed), Euthynnus affinis (eastern little), Auxis thazard (frigate), and A. rochei (bullet), which are more frequently caught in inshore waters. Tuna spawning grounds are located throughout Philippine waters (Figure 1), including the waters off West Palawan, Mindoro Strait, and West Luzon. The major spawning ground, however, is the Celebes Sea in the south. Migration through the Sulu Sea (Figure 2) allows the mixing of stocks between the Pacific Ocean (via the Celebes Sea) and the SCS.


The prevalence of young tuna (TL<30 cm) in commercial and municipal catches has been a major concern since the 1980s because it may lead to growth overfishing (Aprieto 1982). Worse, the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs), locally called “payaos”, tends to enhance cannibalism thus exacerbating the above situation (PCAMRD 1993). Of the six tuna species mentioned above, only T. obesus is believed to be facing a high risk of extinction and is thus listed under the vulnerable category. Large pelagics typically include other oceanic fish such as Makaira spp. (marlin), Xiphias gladius (swordfish), Istiophorus platypterus (sailfish), Scomberomorus commerson (Spanish mackerel), Elopidae (tenpounder), Sphyraenidae (barracuda), Coryphaenidae (dolphinfish), large Caranx spp. (cavalla), Elagatis bipinnulatus (rainbow runner), and Chanos chanos (milkfish). As a group, these fish contribute around 7% to total landings of pelagic fish (Pagdilao et al. 1991), but little is known about their biology or ecology in local waters. Milkfish are extensively cultured in the Philippines, but only those caught in the wild are included as large pelagics.

Celebes Sea

Sulu

Sea

South China Sea

Pacific

Ocean

Figure 1 Tuna spawning grounds in the Philippines (Wade 1951).


Celebes Sea

Sulu Sea

South China

Sea

Pacific

Ocean

Figure 2 Tuna migration routes to the South China Sea.


Known Spawning Grounds Several ichthyoplankton surveys have been conducted in various parts of the country wherein information regarding spawning grounds is available. However, since larvae are generally only identifiable to family level, species-specific spawning grounds cannot be identified. Spawning grounds for tuna (Figure 1) include the west coast of Palawan, Mindoro Strait extending further into the Sulu Sea, the offshore areas of Manila Bay-Zambales, and the Ilocos coast. Findings that are more recent consider the Celebes Sea, including Moro Gulf, as the major spawning grounds for tuna, with subsequent migration through the Sulu Sea via Balabac Strait, Northern Palawan, and Mindoro Strait (Figure 2). This migration facilitates mixing of tuna stocks from the South China Sea with those from the Celebes Sea, the major spawning ground.

a) Mangrove Priority Areas

b) Seagrass Priority Areas

Figure 3 Areas of highest priority for a) mangrove and b) seagrass biodiversity and

conservation along the coast of the western Philippines.


Celebes Sea

Sulu Sea

South

China

Sea

Pacific

Ocean

Mindoro Strait

Malampaya Sound

Lingayen Gulf

Figure 4 Major areas of intense fish spawning based on Magnusson (1970) and Tan (1970). Table 2 provides a summary of zooplankton biomass and ichthyoplankton density in various areas along the western Philippines and adjacent internal waters. Both fish egg and larval density estimates are highest in Malampaya Sound (Estudillo et al. 1980), a rather deep embayment on the west coast of northern Palawan (Figure 4). Zooplankton biomass for the same year was likewise high in this area. Recent estimates of zooplankton density in the Sound (Ingles 2002) also show high values (Table 3). If a zooplankton biomass of 0.01 ml/m3 is considered typical of oceanic waters (Hermes and Villoso 1985), then based solely on plankton densities, Malampaya Sound is likely a spawning ground for various fish species. Unfortunately, species composition of ichthyoplankton is not reported.

Ordoñez et al. (1975) reported concentration of fish larvae in Mindoro Strait (Figure 4) during their survey, although reported values were much lower than that recorded in Malampaya Sound (Table 3). Because larval densities have large differences with those observed in internal waters (Batangas Coast/Manila Bay), the area was thus considered a spawning ground, especially for Thunnidae, Carangidae, Serranidae, and Mullidae, which comprised over 75% of the ichthyoplankton in the area.


Specific areas of high larval densities may not necessarily be the area where the spawning actually took place, but more likely at the downstream portion of the latter due to the displacement by water currents. Local hydrography (current speed and direction) would then determine the magnitude of the displaced distance. What is perhaps more relevant is that locations for both spawning (i.e. high egg concentrations) and settlement (high larval concentrations) are equally important for the survival and continued reproduction of fish stocks. In the marine environment, both locations are more likely found within at least a portion of a fishing ground rather than in a single specific habitat within the fishing ground (e.g. specific reef or seagrass bed).

Table 2 Comparison of zooplankton biomass (ml/m3) and fish egg and larval densities (ind/100 m3) at locations along the South China Sea side of the Philippines.

Location Biomass Egg Larvae Density

Peak References Density Density Chamchang and Chayakul

(2000) South China Sea (W. Phil.) - 18.4 11.9 -

Lingayen Gulf 0.6 115.4 53.6 Dec–Apr Estudillo (1985) Malampaya Sound (Inner) 5.1 1126.7 575.0 May–Sep Estudillo et al. (1980) Malampaya Sound (Outer) 3.6 1081.7 465.2 May–Sep Estudillo et al. (1980) Mindoro Strait 1.9–26 1.08 28–35 - Ordoñez et al. (1975) Northern Palawan - - 10-50 - Armada (1997) Northern Palawan 0.2 41.2 12.3 - Campos (2000) Batangas Coast/Manila Bay - - 1.2 - Ordoñez et al. (1975)

Sulu Sea 0.03–0.25 - - - Hermes and Villoso (1985)

Visayan Sea 0.86 339.6 67.9 - Campos et al. (2002) Table 3 Comparison of net primary production (gC/m2/d) and zooplankton density

(ind/m3) in the South China Sea and some coastal areas of the Philippines. Area Net 1o Zooplankton

Density Reference

ProductionSouth China Sea (Western Philippines) 0.1–1.53 446–4,683 Furio and Borja (2000)

Relox et al. (2000) South China Sea (NW Palawan) 0.4–0.5 – San Diego-McGlone et al. (1999) South China Sea (North of KIG*) 4114±256 Palermo et al. (2003) Lingayen Gulf 0.5–2.8 1,000–9,000 MERF (2002) Manila Bay 0.7–3.8 220–6240 MADECOR (1995) Malampaya Sound (Northern Palawan) – 1,900–10,700 Ingles (2002) Visayan Sea – 11,700 Campos et al. (2002) *Kalayaan (Spratlys) Islands Group.

Comparable larval densities have also been recorded in Lingayen Gulf (Estudillo 1985), the SCS (Chamchang and Chayakul 2000), and Northern Palawan (Armada 1997; Campos 2000) (Table 3). In Lingayen Gulf, eggs and larvae were concentrated along the coast from the southern central to the eastern portions of the Gulf. Low ichthyoplankton densities were recorded at the mid-Gulf stations (Estudillo 1985). Unfortunately, the survey did not include the western Gulf area, which includes much of the reefs in there. A more recent plankton survey (MERF 2002) reported a hundredfold difference in zooplankton biomass between the high concentrations in the Western Gulf region extending from Bolinao to the Hundred Islands Reef system, and the rest of the Gulf. Water circulation in Lingayen Gulf (Figure 5) is forced by the northward shelf current passing Cape Bolinao, resulting in a wake feature that forms an eddy across the mouth of the Gulf (Altemerano and Villanoy 2002). Dispersal modeling showed that most particles (i.e. larvae) released near the Bolinao Reef Flat are entrained in the headland eddy, favoring settlement and recruitment along the western Gulf region. Therefore, it is more likely that the latter region is a major spawning ground for reef and other fish within Lingayen Gulf.

In the SCS, highest egg concentrations were recorded at about 100 nm off the coasts of Ilocos southward to Zambales, whereas the highest larval densities occurred further south and in internal waters of Mindoro and Northern Palawan (Chamchang and Chayakul 2000). The latter is consistent


with the results of Ordonez et al. (1975). The dominant fish groups in more recent surveys include the gobiids, carangids, and apogonids, which were found closer inshore, whereas the scombrids and thunnids were found further offshore (Chamchang and Chayakul 2000).

In northern Palawan, spawning and settlement grounds are likely further inshore, particularly within the numerous embayments and indentations along the coast (Campos 2000). The major pelagic groups in the area include the carangids, clupeids, scombrids, and engraulids, whereas the most common epibenthic groups are the gobiids, mugilids, and the reef-associated haemulids, monacanthids, and lutjanids. Collectively, these groups comprised about 65% of the larval assemblage in the area (Floro 2003).

From the foregoing discussion and based on available data from plankton surveys, three major spawning areas are identifiable: (a) the western portion of Lingayen Gulf; (b) Mindoro Strait; and (c) Northern Palawan including the Calamianes Islands. While it is believed that Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) are major sources of propagules for the country’s archipelagic waters (and fishing grounds), comparable information (e.g. plankton) useful for more definitive examination are lacking. Known nursery areas and feeding grounds There is a paucity of available information regarding the potential productivity of waters along the western Philippines. Investigations in 1998 show that the area south of Subic Bay extending to waters west of northern Palawan has higher phytoplankton biomass, as indexed by chlorophyll α concentrations, than waters further north (Bajarias 2000; Furio and Borja 2000). Relatively high concentrations of chlorophyll α have also been reported for the shelf, shoal, and oceanic areas west of northern Palawan (San Diego-McGlone et al. 1999). An overall distribution of chlorophyll α, zooplankton, and small pelagic fish abundance indicators is shown in Figure 5. High zooplankton biomass is also closely associated with areas of high chlorophyll α concentrations (Relox et al. 2000). Purse seine fishing experiments conducted in the vicinity in 1998 showed that catch rates for small pelagic fish, primarily Decapterus spp., were at least tenfold higher just off the Bataan Peninsula than in other coastal areas further north or south (Pastoral et al. 2000), thus showing a good spatial correspondence with the concentrations of phytoplankton and zooplankton. High fish biomass is normally supported by high primary and secondary plankton production. From the information presented above, it can also be inferred that, within the SCS sub-region, high fish abundance is in close spatial correspondence with both high zoo- and phytoplankton biomass. Hence, it follows that higher concentrations of nutrients are required to sustain the primary and secondary production, which in turn supports the fisheries production capacities, in coastal embayments. A comparison of net primary production and zooplankton concentrations in the SCS area (Table 3) highlights the large difference. This implies that if early developmental stages (e.g. larvae) of coastal stocks were to benefit from areas that provide natural protection from open water predation, and from those where productivity adequately supports high consumption and rapid growth rates, Lingayen Gulf and Manila Bay would likely serve as important nursery grounds. The prevalence of juveniles in trawl catches in Lingayen Gulf (MERF 2002) and Manila Bay (Armada 1995) is a clear indication that both areas serve as nursing and feeding grounds for many coastal stocks, including those of transboundary significance. Definitely, for some species, these areas would be important spawning grounds as well, although for migratory species such as tuna and other large pelagics, their dependence on such areas for spawning is uncertain.

UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-F.8/5 AnnePage 8

x 3

Figure 5 Water circulation in Lingayen Gulf showing eddy formation at the mouth and

entrainment within the western portion of the Gulf (Altemerano and Villanoy 2002).

5 Water circulation in Lingayen Gulf showing eddy formation at the mouth and entrainment within the western portion of the Gulf (Altemerano and Villanoy 2002).

Figure 6 General distribution of chlorophyll α (green: concentration increases with

darkness), high zooplankton concentrations (blue), and highest catch rates for small pelagics (red) in western Philippines during April–May 1998.

Figure 6 General distribution of chlorophyll α (green: concentration increases with darkness), high zooplankton concentrations (blue), and highest catch rates for small pelagics (red) in western Philippines during April–May 1998.

119.5 119.75 120 120.25 120.516

16.25

16.5

16.75

17

Bolinao Reef Flat

Cape Bolinao

Hundred Islands


2. INPUTS FROM THE FISHERIES COMPONENT FOCAL POINT FOR THE PHILIPPINES Table 4 Locations on the South China Sea Coast of the Philippines that act as critical inshore nursery refugia for important demersal species

Country Habitat Demonstration Site

Important Demersal Species for which the Site is Critical Inshore

Nursery Habitat

Fishing Gears and Practices Used in the Area of the Site


Philippines Busuanga, Coron and Culion, Palawan; along South China Sea

Sharks, tarpons, catfishes, mullets, goatfish, squirrelfish, crocodileflathead, whhitings, groupers, big-eye, cardinalfish, perch, silverbelly, spinecheek, breams, emperors, snappers, caesios, caranx, ponufish, slipmouths, parrotfish, angelfish, archerfish, butterflyfish, scat, surgeonfish, filefish, triggerfish, siganids, rabbitfish

Marine reserve Marine park

Philippines Malampaya Sound, Taytay, Palawan; South China Sea

Penaeid shrimps, rabbitfish, mullet, anchovies, carangidae families, scombroids; hawksbill & green sea turtle; bottlenose & irrawady dolphin, sea cow

Marine reserve Marine park Philippines Bolinao and Anda,

Pangasinan Squirrelfish, sweetlips, wrasses, grunts, angelfish, catfish, coral breams, Moorish idol, mullet, milkfish, perches, triggerfish, surgeonfish, emperors

Marine reserve Marine park Philippines Masinloc, Zambales Angelfish, big-eye, catfish,

coralbream, filefish, snappers, soldierfish, surgeonfish, jacks, groupers, goatfish, emperors, cardinal fish, damselfish, butterflyfish,



Table 5 Locations on the South China Sea Coast of the Philippines that important pelagic species utilise for spawning (compiled by Mr. Noel Barut, Fisheries Focal Point for the Philippines)

Country Geographical Location Important Pelagic Species that

Utilise the Area for Spawning Fishing Gears and Practices Used

in the Area Existing Fisheries Management

Measures in the Area Philippines Busuanga, Coron, Culion

and Tayaty Palawan; along South China Sea

Sharks, rays, garfish, hemiramphus, mackerels, scads, belonidae, salmon, fusiliers, sardines, milkfish, garfish, herrings, penaeid shrimps, rabbitfish, mullet, anchovies, carangidae families, scombroids; hawksbill & green sea turtle; bottlenose & irrawady dolphin, sea cow


Philippines Mabini and San Juan, Batangas; South China Sea

Anchovy, jacks, mackerels, tunas, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna, rays, remora, sailfish, flying fish, halfbeak, herring, sardines, salmon, golden trevally, barracuda, fusiliers

Marine reserve Marine park Philippines Bolinao and Anda,

Pangasinan; along South China Sea

Anchovies, herrings, sardines, salmon, tuna, rays, sharks, sailfish, fusiliers, barracuda

Marine reserve Marine park Philippines Masinloc, Zambales; along

South China Sea Barracuda, halfbeak, tuna, sharks, sardines, fusiliers, scads, barracuda, half beak



Table 6 Fisheries management areas in the Philippines that may qualify as candidate sites of fisheries refugia (compiled by Mr. Noel Barut, Fisheries Focal Point for the Philippines)

Importance of the Area to the Life-

Cycle of the Species for which it is

Managed

Objective of the Management Area9

and Associated Management

Measures

Country Province/State Geographical Location


8Type of Management Area

Philippines Palawan South China Sea FMZ Various coral sps., fishes, marine mammals and algae

Natural habitat spawning grounds, nursery grounds,

JN, SA

Philippines Batangas Lingayen gulf, South China Sea

FMZ Various coral sps., fishes, marine mammals and algae

Natural habitat

spawning grounds, nursery grounds,

JN, SA

Philippines Pangasinan South China Sea FMZ Various coral sps., fishes, marine mammals and algae

Natural habitat spawning grounds, nursery grounds,

JN, SA

Philippines Zambales South China Sea FMZ Various coral sps., fishes, marine mammals and algae

Natural habitat spawning grounds,

nursery grounds,

JN, SA

8 Enter SC for Spot Closure (short-term closure), CS for Closed Season, or FMZ for a Fisheries Management Zone of a Marine Protected Area. 9 Enter JN for Juvenile Nursery, SA for Spawning Area, and MR for areas used to safeguard Migratory Routes.


3. INPUTS FROM THE SEAGRASS SUB-COMPONENT FOCAL POINT FOR THE PHILIPPINES Table 7 Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding

RWG-F Demersal Species Threadfin bream Nemipterus spp Bolinao x 1,2,3 Mangrove Red snapper Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Lutjanus argentimaculatus Brownstripe red snapper Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Lutjanus vitta Leopard coral grouper Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Plectropomus leopardus Sixbar grouper Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Epinephelus sexfasciatus Greasy grouper Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Epinephelus tauvina

Other Species Cooks Cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Apogon cookii Amboina cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Apogon amboinensis Bigeye cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Apogon bandanensis Ruby cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Apogon coccineus Ochre-striped cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Apogon compressus Yellowstriped cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Apogon cyanosoma Sevenstriped cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Apogon novemfasciatus Sangi cardinalfish Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Apogon sangiensis Shimmering cardinal Bolinao x 1,2,3 Archamia lineolata Truncate cardinalfish Bolinao x x x 1 Cheilodipterus singapurensis Five-lined cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus Pajama cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Sphaeramia nematoptera Orbiculate cardinalfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Sphaeramia orbicularis False cleanerfish Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Aspidontus taeniatus Cirripectes polyzona Bolinao x 1,2,3 Cirripectes polyzona Red-speckled blenny Bolinao x 1,2,3 Cirripectes variolosus Leopard blenny Bolinao x 1,2,3 Exallias brevis Striped poison-fang blenny Bolinao x 1,2,3 Meiacanthus grammistes

Bolinao x 1,2,3 Striped poison-fang blenny mimic

Petroscirtes breviceps

Bluestriped fangblenny Bolinao x 1,2,3 Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos Piano fangblenny Bolinao x 1,2,3 Plagiotremus tapeinosoma Jewelled blenny Bolinao x 1,2,3 Salarias fasciatus Moorish Idol Bolinao x 1,2,3 Zanclus cornutus Unicorn fish Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Naso lituratus Big-nose Unicornfish Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Naso vlamingii


Table 7 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding Other species Eyestripe Surgeonfish Acanthurus dussumieri Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Black-spot surgeonfish Acanthurus bariene Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Black surgeonfish Acanthurus gahhm Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Whitecheek surgeonfish Acanthurus glaucopareius Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Japan surgeonfish Acanthurus japonicus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Lined surgeonfish Acanthurus lineatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Elongate surgeonfish Acanthurus mata Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Brown surgeonfish Acanthurus nigrofuscus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Orangespot surgeonfish Acanthurus olivaceus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Chocolate surgeonfish Acanthurus pyroferus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Convict surgeonfish Acanthurus triostegus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Yellowfin surgeonfish Acanthurus xanthopterus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Twospot surgeonfish Ctenochaetus binotatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Striated surgeonfish Ctenochaetus striatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Spotted unicornfish Naso brevirostris Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Bluespine unicornfish Naso unicornis Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Twotone tang Zebrasoma scopas Bolinao x 1,2,3 Sailfin tang Zebrasoma veliferum Bolinao x 1,2,3 Striped Eel Catfish Plotosus lineatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Orage-lined Triggerfish/ Balistapus undulatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Picasso triggerfish Rhinecanthus aculeatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Yellowmargin Triggerfish Pseudobalistes flavomarginatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Titan Triggerfish Balistoides viridescens Bolinao x 1,2,3 Gray triggerfish Bursa sufflamen Bolinao x 1,2,3 Black Triggerfish Melichthys niger Bolinao x 1,2,3 Pinktail triggerfish Melichthys vidua Bolinao x 1,2,3 Yellowmargin triggerfish Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Yellow-spotted triggerfish Pseudobalistes fuscus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Wedge-tail triggerfish Rhinecanthus rectangulus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Blackbelly triggerfish Rhinecanthus verrucosus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Spectacled filefish Cantherhines fronticinctus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Scrawled filefish Aluterus scriptus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Fan-bellied leatherjacket Monacanthus chinensis Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Fringed filefish Monacanthus ciliatus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Threadfin Butterfly Fish Chaetodon auriga Bolinao x 1,2,3


Table 7 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding

Other species Philippine butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon adiergastos Eastern triangular butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon baronessa Bluelashed butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon bennetti Speckled butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon citrinellus Saddle butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon ephippium Sunburst butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon kleinii Lined butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon lineolatus Raccoon butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon lunula Blackback butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon melannotus Atoll butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon mertensii Eightband butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon octofasciatus Ornate butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon ornatissimus Spotband butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon punctatofasciatus Latticed butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon rafflesi Chevron butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon trifascialis Melon butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon trifasciatus Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish

Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon ulietensis

Teardrop butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon unimaculatus Pearlscale butterflyfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon xanthurus Black-saddled Butterfly Fish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chaetodon epphipium Pennant Coralfish/ Bolinao x 1,2,3 Heniochus acuminatus Pennate Butterfly Fish Bolinao x Soldierfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Myripristis leiognathus Blotcheye soldierfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Myripristis berndti Pinecone soldierfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Myripristis murdjan Silverspot squirrelfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Sargocentron caudimaculatum Crown squirrelfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Sargocentron diadema Samurai squirrelfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Sargocentron ittodai Redcoat Bolinao x 1,2,3 Sargocentron rubrum Geographic Wrasse Bolinao x 1,2,3 Anampses geographicus Eclipse wrasse Bolinao x 1,2,3 Bodianus hirsutus Yellowtail Wrasse Bolinao x 1,2,3 Anampses meleagrides Yellowbreasted Wrasse Bolinao x 1,2,3 Anampses twistii Zigzag Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres scapularis



Other species Cigar Wrasse Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Cheilio inermis Celebes Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Oxycheilinus celebicus Cheeklined Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Oxycheilinus digramma Six-barred Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Thalassoma hardwicke Twospot Maori Wrasse Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Cheilinus bimaculatus Slender Maori Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Cheilinus celebicus Redbreasted Maori Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Cheilinus fasciatu Red Rose Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Cheilinus rhodochrous Trilobed Maori Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Cheilinus trilobatus Humpheaded Maori Wrass Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Cheilinus undulatus Yellow-cheeked Tuskfish Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Choerodon anchorago Blackspot tuskfish Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Choerodon shoenleini Blue-head fairy wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura Twinspot Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Coris aygula Pale-barred coris Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Coris dorsumacula Yellowtail coris Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Coris gaimardi Dapple coris Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Coris variegata Slingjaw wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Epibulus insidiator Red-lined wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres biocellatus Checkerboard wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres hortulanus Pink-belly wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres margaritaceus Dusky wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres marginatus Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres melanochir Tail-spot wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres melanurus Nebulous wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres nebulosus Wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres poecilopterus Twotone wrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres prosopeion Zigzag wrasse Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Halichoeres scapularis Threespot wrasse Bolinao x 1,2,3 Halichoeres trimaculatus Barred thicklip Bolinao x 1,2,3 Hemigymnus fasciatus Blackeye thicklip Bolinao x 1,2,3 Hemigymnus melapterus Wrasse Bolinao x 1,2,3 Hemipteronotus taeniurus Ring wrasse Bolinao x 1,2,3 Hologymnosus annulatus Pastel ringwrasse Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Hologymnosus doliatus


Table 7 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding Other species Tubelip wrasse Labrichthys unilineatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Bicolor cleaner wrasse Labroides bicolor Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Bluestreak cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Northern tubelip Labropsis manabei Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Blackspotted wrasse Macropharyngodon meleagris Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Yellowspotted wrasse Macropharyngodon negrosensis Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Seagrass wrasse Novaculichthys macrolepidotus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Rockmover wrasse Novaculichthys taeniurus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Striated wrasse Pseudocheilinus evanidus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Sixline wrasse Pseudocheilinus hexataenia Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Eight-lined wrasse Pseudocheilinus octotaenia Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Red shoulder wrasse Stethojulis bandanensis Bolinao x 1,2,3 Three-ribbon wrasse Stethojulis strigiventer Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Three-lined rainbowfish Stethojulis trilineata Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Bluntheaded wrasse Thalassoma amblycephalum Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Sixbar wrasse Thalassoma hardwickii Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Jansen's wrasse Thalassoma janseni Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Moon wrasse Thalassoma lunare Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Yellow-brown wrasse Thalassoma lutescens Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Surge wrasse Thalassoma purpureum Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Fivestripe wrasse Thalassoma quinquevittatum Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Common ponyfish Leiognathus equulus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Smithurst's ponyfish Leiognathus smithursti Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Thumbprint Emperor Lethrinus harak Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Small-tooth Emperor Lethrinus microdon Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chinese emperor Lethrinus haematopterus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Pink ear emperor Lethrinus lentjan Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Longspine emperor Lethrinus nematacanthus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Orange-striped emperor Lethrinus obsoletus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Ornate emperor Lethrinus ornatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Slender emperor Lethrinus variegatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Hump-nosed Big-eye Bream Monotaxis grandoculis Bolinao 1,2,3 White-spotted Red Snapper Lutjanus bohar Bolinao 1,2,3 Large mouth snapper Lutjanus rivulatus Bolinao 1,2,3


Table 7 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding Other species Black-spot Snapper Lutjanus ehrenbergii Bolinao 1,2,3 Two-spot banded snapper Lutjanus biguttatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Checkered snapper Lutjanus decussatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Dory snapper Lutjanus fulviflamma Bolinao 1,2,3 Blacktail snapper Lutjanus fulvus Bolinao 1,2,3 Humpback red snapper Lutjanus gibbus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Common bluestripe snapper Lutjanus kasmira Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Snapper Lutjanus lineolatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Bigeye snapper Lutjanus lutjanus Bolinao 1,2,3 Onespot snapper Lutjanus monostigma Bolinao 1,2,3 Russell's snapper Lutjanus russellii Bolinao 1,2,3 Barred Sandperch Parapercis nebulosa Bolinao 1,2,3 Reticulated Sandperch Parapercis tetracantha Bolinao 1,2,3 Yellowstripe goatfish Mulloidichthys flavolineatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Bicolor Goatfish Parupeneus barberinoides Bolinao x 1,2,3 Dash-and-dot Goatfish Parupeneus barberinus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Goldsaddle Goatfish Parupeneus cyclostomus Bolinao 1,2,3 Indian Goatfish Parupeneus indicus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Longbarrel Goatfish Parupeneus macronema Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Manybar Goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Doublebar goatfish Parupeneus bifasciatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Cinnabar goatfish Parupeneus heptacanthus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Indian goatfish Parupeneus indicus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Sidespot goatfish Parupeneus pleurostigma Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Doublebar goatfish Parupeneus trifasciatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Freckled goatfish Upeneus tragula Bolinao 1,2,3 Striped Monocle Bream Scolopsis lineatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Small toothed jobfish Aphareus furca Bolinao x 1,2,3 Golden threadfin bream Nemipterus virgatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Small-toothed whiptail Pentapodus macrurus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Two-lined monocle bream Scolopsis bilineatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Striped monocle bream Scolopsis cancellatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Saw-jawed monocle bream Scolopsis ciliatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Bicolor/Oriole Anglefish Centropyge bicolor Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Pearly-scaled Angelfish Centropyge vrolikii Bolinao x x 1,2,3


Table 7 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding Other species Twospined angelfish Centropyge bispinosus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Yellow angelfish Centropyge heraldi Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Keyhole angelfish Centropyge tibicen Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Pearlscale angelfish Centropyge vrolicki Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Vermiculate Angelfish Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Emperor Angelfish Pomacanthus imperator Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Royal/Regal Angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Golden Damselfish Amblyglyphidodon aureus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Staghorn damselfish Amblyglyphidodon curacao Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Yellowbell Dameslfish Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Scissor-tailed Sergeant Major Abudefduf sexfasciatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Black-spot sergeant Major Abudefduf sordidus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Indo-Pacific Sergeant Abudefduf vaigiensis Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Spiny chromis Acanthochromis polyacanthus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Sergeant Major Abudefduf coelestinus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Singlebar devil Abudefduf leucozonus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Banded sergeant Abudefduf septemfasciatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Sergeant major Abudefduf saxatilis Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Yellowtail clownfish Amphiprion clarkii Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Blackback anemonefish Amphiprion frenatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Clown anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Pink anemonefish Amphiprion perideraion Bolinao x 1,2,3 Yellow clownfish Amphiprion sandaracinos Bolinao x 1,2,3 Green chromis Chromis caerulea Bolinao x 1,2,3 Scaly chromis Chromis lepidolepis Bolinao x 1,2,3 Bicolor chromis Chromis margaritifer Bolinao x 1,2,3 Weber's chromis Chromis weberi Bolinao x 1,2,3 Paletail chromis Chromis xanthura Bolinao x 1,2,3 Surge damselfish Chrysiptera leucopoma Bolinao x 1,2,3 Whitetail dascyllus Dascyllus aruanus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Blacktail humbug Dascyllus melanurus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Reticulate dascyllus Dascyllus reticulatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Threespot dascyllus Dascyllus trimaculatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Lagoon damsel Dischistodus chrysopoecilus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Black-vent damsel Dischistodus notopthalmus Bolinao x 1,2,3



Other species White damsel Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Dischistodus perspicillatus Honey-head damsel Bolinao x 1,2,3 Dischistodus prosopotaenia Monarch damsel Bolinao x 1,2,3 Dischistodus

pseudochrysopoecilus Blunt snout gregory Bolinao x 1,2,3 Eupomacentrus lividus Dusky farmerfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Eupomacentrus nigricans Twinspot damselfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Glyphidodontops biocellatus Sapphire devil Bolinao x 1,2,3 Glyphidodontops cyaneus Azure demoiselle Bolinao x 1,2,3 Glyphidodontops hemicyaneus Surge damselfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Glyphidodontops leucopomus Rolland's demoiselle Bolinao 1,2,3 Glyphidodontops rollandi Starck's demoiselle Bolinao 1,2,3 Glyphidodontops starcki Lagoon damselfish Bolinao 1,2,3 Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon Black-and-gold chromis Bolinao 1,2,3 Paraglyphidodon behni Carlson's damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Paraglyphidodon carlsoni Bowtie damselfish Bolinao 1,2,3 Paraglyphidodon melas Black-and-gold chromis Bolinao 1,2,3 Paraglyphidodon nigroris Multispine damselfish Bolinao 1,2,3 Paraglyphidodon polyacanthus Blackbar devil Bolinao 1,2,3 Plectroglyphidodon dickii Whitespotted devil Bolinao 1,2,3 Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus Singlebar devil Bolinao 1,2,3 Plectroglyphidodon leucozona Ambon damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus amboinensis Speckled damselfish Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus bankanensis Neon damselfish Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus coelestis Whitetail damsel Bolinao x 1,2,3 Pomacentrus flavicauda Bluespot damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus grammorhynchus Big-lip damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus labiatus Scaly damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus lepidogenys Charcoal damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus melanopterus Lemon damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus moluccensis Nagasaki damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus nagasakiensis Philippine damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus philippinus Smith's damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus smithi Brackish damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus taeniometopon White damsel Bolinao 1,2,3 Pomacentrus trimaculatus


Table 7 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding Other species Threespot damsel Pomacentrus tripunctatus Bolinao 1,2,3 Ocellate damselfish Pomacentrus vaiuli Bolinao 1,2,3 Richardson's reef-damsel Pomachromis richardsoni Bolinao 1,2,3 Coral Hind Cephalopholis miniata Bolinao 1,2,3 Jewel Grouper Bolinao 1,2,3 Peacock hind Cephalopholis argus Bolinao 1,2,3 Chocolate hind Cephalopholis boenack Bolinao 1,2,3 Darkfin Hind Cephalopholis urodeta Bolinao 1,2,3 Starspotted grouper Epinephelus hexagonatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Snubnose grouper Epinephelus macrospilus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Longfin grouper Epinephelus megachir Bolinao x 1,2,3 White-streaked grouper Epinephelus ongus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Areolate Grouper Epinephelus areolatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Coral Grouper Epinephelus corralicula Bolinao x 1,2,3 Black-tipped Grouper/ Epinephelus fasciatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Red-bandedGrouper Brown –marbled Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Honeycomb Grouper Epinephelus merra Bolinao x 1,2,3 Marbled parrotfish Leptoscarus vaigiensis Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Longfin grouper Epinephelus megachir Bolinao x 1,2,3 Queen parrotfish Scarus vetula Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Blue-barred parrotfish Scarus ghobban Bolinao x x 1,2,3 Common parrotfish Scarus psittacus Bolinao x 1,2,3 Orange-spotted Spinedfoot Siganus guttatus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3,4 Vermiculated spinefoot Siganus vermiculatus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3,4 Streaked Rabbitfish Siganus javus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3,4 Gold-spotted Spinefish Siganus punctatus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3,4 Barhead spinefoot Siganus virgatus Bolinao x x 1,2,3,4 Mottled spinefoot Siganus fuscescens Bolinao x x x 1,2,3,4 Streamlined spinefoot Siganus argenteus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3,4 Blue-spotted spinefoot Siganus corallinus Bolinao x x 1,2,3,4 Foxface Siganus vulpinus Bolinao x x 1,2,3,4 White-spotted puffer Arothron hispidus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Immaculate puffer Arothron immaculatus Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Map puffer Arothron mappa Bolinao x 1,2,3



Other species Blackspotted puffer Bolinao x 1,2,3 Arothron nigropunctatus Starry toadfish Bolinao x 1,2,3 Arothron stellatus Axilspot hogfish Bolinao x Bodianus axillar Hawaiian Hogfish Bolinao x Bodianus bilunulatu Splitlevel hogfish Bolinao x Bodianus mesothorax Compressed toby Bolinao x 1,2,3 Canthigaster compressa Crowned puffer Bolinao x 1,2,3 Canthigaster coronata Honeycomb toby Bolinao x 1,2,3 Canthigaster janthinoptera Spotted sharpnose Bolinao x 1,2,3 Canthigaster solandri Valentinni's sharpnose puffer Bolinao x 1,2,3 Canthigaster valentini Torafugu Bolinao x 1,2,3 Takifugu rubripes Milkspotted puffer Bolinao x 1,2,3 Chelonodon patoca Red bigeye Bolinao x 1,2,3 Priacanthus macracanthus Gracile lizardfish Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Saurida gracilis Variegated lizardfish Bolinao x x x 1,2,3 Synodus variegatus English sole Bolinao 1 Parophrys vetulus Common silver-biddy Bolinao 1 Gerres oyena Yellowbanded sweetlips Bolinao x 1 Plectorhinchus lineatus Dolphin shell Bolinao x x x 5,34 Angaria delphinus Smoky goblet Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cantharus fumosus Checkerboard Engina Bolinao x x x 5,34 Engina alveolata Pacific/Large True Bubble Bolinao x x x 5,34 Bulla ampulla Granular frogsnail Bolinao x x x 5,34 Bursa granularis Dark brown cone Bolinao x x x 5,34 Conus boeticus Crowned cone Bolinao x x x 9,34 Conus coronatus Ivory cone Bolinao x x x 9,34 Conus eburneus Soldier cone Bolinao x x x 9,34 Conus miles Marble cone Bolinao x x x 5,34 Conus marmoreus Young Cone Bolinao x x x 6,34 Conus parvulus Yellow Cone Bolinao x x x 6,34 Conus guercinus Striate cone Bolinao x x x 6,34 Conus striatus Virgin Cone Bolinao x x x 6,34 Conus virgo Channeled Cerith Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cerithium alveolus Columnar Cerith/Horn Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cerithium columna



Other species Giant Knobbed/Many Sided Cerith

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cerithium nodulosum

Ivory cone Bolinao x x x 9,34 Conus eburneus Zoned Cerith Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cerithium tenellum Bolinao x x x 34 Clypeomorus batillariaformis Short Cerith Bolinao x x x 9,34 Clypeomorus brevis Coralline/Ruppell's Cerith Bolinao x x x 5,34 Clypeomorus corallium Common( Pacific)/Ribbon Cerith

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Rhinoclavis vertagus

Bolinao x x x 34 Coralliophila costularis South Seas Coral Shell Bolinao x x x 5,34 Coralliophila erosa Plaited Mitre Bolinao x x x 5,34 Vexillum (Costellaria) plicarium Costate Mitre Bolinao x x x 5,34 Vexillum subdivisum Virgin Mitre Bolinao x x x 5,34 Vexillium virgo Common Hairy Triton Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cymatium pileare Dwarf Hairy Triton Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cymatium vespaceum Tadpole Triton Bolinao x x x 5,34 Gyrineum gyrinum Ring Top Cowry; Gold Ringer Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cypraea annulus Arabian cowry Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cypraea arabica Gnawed/Eroded cowry Bolinao x x x 9,34 Cypraea (Erosaria) erosa Cowry shell Bolinao x x x 7,34 Cypraea (Erosaria) errones Honey cowry Bolinao x x x 10,34 Cypraea helvola Isabella cowry Bolinao x x x 10,34 Cypraea (Luria) isabella Lynx cowry Bolinao x x x 10,34 Cypraea lynx Money cowry Bolinao x x x 10,34 Cypraea moneta Mole cowry Bolinao x x x 10,34 Cypraea talpa Whitish nassa Bolinao x x x 9,34 Nassarius albenscens albenscens Coronate/Crown nassa Bolinao x x x 5,34 Nassarius coronatus Margarite nassa Bolinao x x x 5,34 Nassarius margaritiferus Gualtieri's Moon-shell Bolinao x x x 8,34 Natica gualtieriana Black-mouth Moon Bolinao x x x 9,34 Polinices melanostomus

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Pear-shaped/White Moon Snail

Polinices tumidus

Flat-spired Nerite Bolinao x x x 9,34 Nerita planospira Guamanian/Dubious Nerite Bolinao x x x 5,34 Clithon oualaniensis



Other species Girdled Horn Shell Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cerithedea cingulata Sulcate Swamp Cerith Bolinao x x x 5,34 Terebralia sulcata Banded Pyram Bolinao x x x 5,34 Pyramidella ventricosa Cat's Ear Otopleura Bolinao x x x 9,34 Otopleura auriscati Telescoped/Punctate Dove Shell

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Pyrene punctata

Black-mouth Stromb Bolinao x x x 20,34 Strombus aratum Dog Conch Bolinao x x x 9,34 Strombus canarium Gibbose Conch Bolinao x x x 9,34 Strombus gibberulus gibbosus Plicate Conch Bolinao x x x 9,34 Strombus labiatus labiatus Shouldered Castor Bean Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cronia (Morula) margariticola Pinkmouth drupe Bolinao x x x 10,34 Drupa rubusidaeus Orange-mouth drupe Bolinao x x x 10,34 Drupella ochrostoma Granulated drupe Bolinao x x x 10,34 Morula granulata Lamarck's Spiny Rock-shell Bolinao x x x 9,34 Thais echinulata Silver Lip; Sliver/Freckled Conch

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Strombus lentiginosus

Wavy Turban Bolinao x x x 11,34 Astralium calcar Gold-mouth/Yellow-mouth Turban

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Turbo chrysostomus

Hermit crab Bolinao x x x 34 Vassum turbinellum Worm Snails Serpulorbis sp Bolinao x x x 12,34 Sea Hare Bolinao x x x 13,34 Dolabella auricularia Ark shell Bolinao x x x 14,34 Anadara maculosa Pacific Yellow Cockle Bolinao x x x 15,34 Trachycardium flavum Modiolid mussels Bolinao x x x 16,34 Modiolus philippinarium Palm rooted oysters Bolinao x x x 17,34 Crassostrea palmipes Pacific penshell Bolinao x x x 18,34 Atrina pectinata Fan shell Atrina sp Bolinao x x x 19,34 Blacklipped pearl oyster Bolinao x x x 10,34 Pinctada margaritifera Pearl oyster Bolinao x x x 21,34 Pinctada martensi Pearl oyster Pteria sp Bolinao x x x 34 Venus cockle Bolinao x x x 14,34 Placamen tiara Thick shell clam Meretrix sp Bolinao x x x 17,34 Tiger Cowry Bolinao x x x 5,34 Cypraea tigris



Other species Trapezium Horse Conch Bolinao x x x 5,34 Fasciolaria trapezium Tectum Modulus Bolinao x x x 9,34 Modulus tectum Adusta/Burnt Mure Bolinao x x x 5,34 Chicoreus brunneus

Bolinao x x x 22,34 Blood-mouth or Strawberry Conch

Strombus luhuanus

Mutable Conch Bolinao x x x 22,34 Strombus mutabilis Little Bear Conch Bolinao x x x 5,34 Strombus urceus urceus Orange Spider Conch Bolinao x x x 5,34 Lambis lambis Millipede Spider Conch Bolinao x x x 5,34 Lambis millepeda Fly-spotted/Dark-spotted Auger

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Terebra areolata

Blackish Margarite Bolinao x x x 5,34 Euchelus atratus Canal Monodont Bolinao x x x 9,34 Monodonta canalifera Swollen Stomatella Bolinao x x x 5,34 Stomatia phymotis Fenestrate Top Shell Bolinao x x x 5,34 Tectus fenestratus Pyram/Green Top Shell Bolinao x x x 5,34 Tectus pyramis Maculated Top Shell Bolinao x x x 22,34 Trochus maculatus Commercial Trochus/Top Shell

Bolinao x x x 5,34 Trochus niloticus

Top shell Bolinao x x x 5,34 Trochus stellatus Hermit crab Pagurus sp Bolinao x x x 35,34 Shore crab Hemigrapsus sp Bolinao x x x 23,34 Blue crab Portunus sp Bolinao x x 24,34 Box crab Calappa sp Bolinao x x 25,34 Mantis Shrimp Squilla sp Bolinao x x x 26,34 Barnacle Balanus sp Bolinao x x x 27,34 Long spine Urchin Bolinao x x x 28,34 Diadema setosum Pastel sea urchin Bolinao x x x 29,34 Echinometra mathaei Double spine urchin Bolinao x x x 28,34 Echinotrix calamaris Diadema urchin Bolinao x x x 28,34 Echinotrix diadema Ten lined urchin Bolinao x x x 30,34 Eucidaris metularia Heart urchin Echinocardium sp Bolinao x x x 31,34 Sand dollar Bolinao x x x 29,34 Laganum laganum Flower urchin Bolinao x x x 28,34 Toxopneustes pileolus Sector urchin Bolinao x x x 28,34 Tripneustes gratilla


Table 7 cont. Information regarding demersal fish usage of seagrass sites as nursery areas, spawning areas, and feeding areas in the Philippines Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding Other species Salmacis sphaeroides Bolinao x x x 34 Deep-water redfish Actinopyga echinites Bolinao x x x 17,34 Tigerfish Bohadschia argus Bolinao x x x 17,34 Brown sandfish Bohadschia marmorata Bolinao x x x 9,34 Lollyfish/black sea cucumber Holothuria atra Bolinao x x x 17,34 Holothuria fuscocinerea Bolinao x x x 34 Black spiny sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota Bolinao x x x 9,34 Holothuria pulla Bolinao x x x 34 Sandfish Holothuria scabra Bolinao x x x 17,34 Warty sea cucumber Stichopus sp Bolinao x x x 32,34 Synapta spp. Bolinao x x x 34 White burrowing star Archaster typicus Bolinao x x x 33,34 References 1. www.fishbase.org 19. http://www.arch.dcr.state.nc.us/subsist/zooarch.htm 2. Observation on the itchyofauna of an artificial seagrass bed in Bolinao, Pangasinan by Salita-Espinosa, J. T., Fortes, M.D.

20. data.acnatsci.org/obis/search2.php/8000

3. Resource Ecology of the Bolinao Coral reef System by McManus, John., et.al 21. http://experts.about.com/e/p/pe/Pearl_oyster.htm4. Abundance and Seasonality of Siganid Fishes (Teleostei, Perciformes) in Cape Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines With Note on Siganus Fuscescens by De La Paz, Reynaldo., etl al.

22. http://ourworld.cs.com/gmfontaine/myshells.htm

5. http://www.gastropods.com/Taxon_pages/Class_GASTROPODA.html 23. www.pesticideinfo.org/List_AquireAll.jsp?Species=1329 6. http://grimwade.biochem.unimelb.edu.au/cone/conetype.html 24. www.tracc.org.my/Borneocoast/PUBLICATIONS/adobe_docs_publications/man-crabs-mar-99.pdf 7. http://seashellsofnsw.org.au/Cypraeidae/Pages/cypraeidae_intro.htm 25. www.reefimages.com/Shrimp/Shrimp.htm 8. http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=7542 26. ww.fishlarvae.com/photos.asp?AID=6&GID=101&PID=504 9. http://park.org/Guests/Shells/ 27. www.oceanoasis.org/fieldguide/balanus.html 10. http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/stender/marine/mollusks/gastropods 28. http://www.edge-of-reef.com/echinoidi/ECHEchinometramathaeien.htm 11. http://www.trockenaquaristik.de/tr_illustrationen/astralium_calcar_3 29. yapsfamily.com.ne.kr/Echinodermata/Echinodermata.htm 12. http://fm1.fieldmuseum.org/aa/Files/bieler/Serpulorbis-2b 30. www.mnre.gov.ws/biodiversity/popup_Marine.cfm?RecordID=167 13. http://www.fishfools.com/ReefTank-SPS/Inverts/SeaHare.htm 31. articles.uwphoto.no/oversikter/Marine_biology_Echinodermus_Heart_Urchins.htm 14. http://www.marine.csiro.au/caabsearch/caab_search.caab_report?spcode=23226014 32. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seacukes.htm 15. http://shell.kwansei.ac.jp/~shell/pic_book/family/6320.html 33. species.fishindex.com/species_2787archaster_typicus_white_burrowing_star.html 16. ib.bioinfo.pl/auth:Rajagopal,S 34. Bolinao Seagrass Demonstration Site Species List 17. http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/AB716E/AB716E11.htm 35.www.oceanlight.com/lightbox.php?sp=Pagurus_sp 18. http://www.deepseaimages.com/dsilibrary/showphoto.php?photo=13186

http://experts.about.com/e/p/pe/Pearl_oyster.htm


ANNEX 4

COMPILATION OF INFORMATION PREPARED BY FISHERIES AND HABITAT COMPONENTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROJECT ON FISH HABITAT AND LIFE-CYCLE LINKAGES IN

INDONESIA

1. EXTRACT FROM INDONESIA’S DRAFT NATIONAL FISHERIES REPORT Spawning grounds of demersal species are close to coastal waters of the South China Sea, where eggs can settle on the substrate or adhere to vegetation. Demersal fish spawning grounds are concentrated along the east cost of Sumatra, coastal waters adjacent to the many islands of Riau Province, Bangka and Belitung Islands province, and along the west coast of Kalimantan. Whilst pelagic fish spawning and nursery grounds are scattered in the ‘open waters’ of the South China Sea, specifically from the north of the southern Bangka and Belitung Islands to Natuna Islands in the north (Figures 1 and 2).

2 ° 2 °

0 ° 0 °

2 ° 2 °

4 ° 4 °

103 °

103 °

1 0 5 °

1 0 5 °

107°

107°

109°

109°

111°

111°

LAUT CINA SELATAN

Natuna

N

Figure 1 Spawning areas of demersal finfish and small pelagic fish species in Indonesia’s South China Sea area (Sumiono and Widodo 2003).

P

P

ontianak

emangkat

KetapangSU M A T E R A

M A L A YSI

#S

#S

#S

A

4 0 0 40 8 0 K m


100 102 104 106 108 110 112

- 3

- 2

- 1

0

1

2

3

4

5

Figure 2 Spawning and nursery grounds of small pelagic fishes in Indonesia’s South China Sea area (Haryati et al. 2003).

2. EXTRACT FROM INDONESIA’S DRAFT NATIONAL SEAGRASS REPORT Fish Studies on seagrass fish in Indonesia have gradually increased since the late 1980s. However, in contrast to temperate regions, little is known of the community structure in tropical regions. Seagrass beds at Kotania Bay were inhabited by the most diverse fish fauna (205 species). The second most diverse seagrass fish area studied was at Banten Bay (180 species). The significant character of seagrass fishes in Banten Bay is the domination of economically important species. In the seagrass beds of Grenyang Bay, 8 out of 10 of the most important species are economically significant and form 63.72% of the total individuals of all species. The earliest study of a seagrass fish community was that conducted in the seagrass of Jakarta Bay by Hutomo and Martosewojo. It was dominated by Siganus canaliculatus. The domination of siganid in the Indonesian seagrass fish community is common, except for that of Lombok Island, which is dominated by syngnathid and labrid species Syngnathoides acoroides and Cheilio enermis. A study on seagrass fish larvae and juveniles was first conducted by Suharti (50) in Kuta Bay, Lombok Island. She collected 53 species. Species belonging to the families Channidae, Ambassidae, Engraulidae and Gobiidae dominated the collected specimens. High numbers of species and individuals were found in bare areas with a lot of broken seagrass leaves, and at the Enhalus acoroides beds. Hutomo and Martosewojo studied fish fauna in Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides seagrass meadows, which were associated with a multi-lagoonal patch reef (Pari Island) in the Kepulauan Seribu complex. A total of 78 seagrass-associated fish species were collected during the study. However, out of the 32 fish families collected, only six (Apogonidae, Atherinidae, Labridae, Gerridae,

= spawning ground = nursery area nursery areas of Sardinella


Siganidae and Monacanthidae) could be considered as an important resident group. Hutomo and Martosewojo classified the Pari Island’s seagrass fish into four main categories as follows:

• Permanent residents; refers to fishes which spend most of their lives in seagrass beds (e.g., Apogon margaritophorus);

• Temporary residents; refers to fishes which spend their lives during their juvenile through adult life cycle in seagrass beds, but spawn outside the seagrass beds (e.g., Halichoeres leparensis, Pranaesus duodecimalis, Paramia quinquelineata, Gerres macrosoma, Monacanthus tomentosus, Monacanthus hajam, Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon, Sygnathoides biaculeatus);

• Temporary resident; refers to fishes which occur in seagrass beds only during their juvenile stage (e.g., Siganus canaliculatus, S. virgatus, S. chrysospilos, Lethrinus spp., Scarus spp., Abudefduf spp., Monacanthus mylii, Mulloides samoensis, Pelates quadrilineatus, Upeneus tragula;

• Occasional residents or transients; refers to the fishes that visit seagrass beds to seek shelter or food. The 1977 study in the Pari Island was followed by a long-term study of seagrass fish assemblages in Banten Bay, southwest Java Sea. The results from the Banten Bay study supported earlier views that only small numbers of fish species permanently reside in seagrass beds. However, it was also reconfirmed that seagrass beds act as nursery grounds for many economically valuable fish species. Table 1 Usage of the East Bintan Seagrass Demonstration Site by Juveniles Fish SITES FAMILY/SPECIES KWL TB TRL MLR PP TT TGB ABK NOTE

I. Syngnathidae 1. Syngnathus biaculeatus 1 2 3 1 3 2 1 2. Hippocampus kuda ** 1 II. Centriscidae 3. Aeoliscus strigatus 9 4 6 9 III.Serranidae 4. Centrogenys vaigiensis 1 8 6 22 13 32 IV.Apogonidae 5. Apogon margaritophorus 21 2 15 23 6. Cheilodipterus macrodon 1 7.Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus 3 V. Leiognatidae 8. Leiognathus splendens * 3 VI.Gerridae 9. Gerres filamentosus 3 10. Gerres Oyena 3 2 2 1 VII.Nemipteridae 11. Scolopsis xenochrous 5 12. Pentapodus bifasciatus 1 13. Pentapodus canius 2 VIII.Lutjanidae 14. Lutjanus fulviflamma * 6 15. Lutjanus johni * 3 IX.Lethrinidae 16. Lethrinus harak * 12 17. Lethrinus lentjan * 4 1 6 3 18. Lethrinus omatus * 6 10 X. Mullidae 19. Upeneus tragula * 10 11 2 19 4 1 1 20. Upeneus vittatus * 1 XI.Pomacentridae 21. Abudefduf sexfasciatus 2 22. Neoglyphidodon melas 1 23.Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon 3 24. Dischistodus perspicillatus 3 1 XII.Labridae 25. Choerodon anchorago 2 2 2 26. Halichoeres melanurus 3 3 27. Halichoeres papileonaceus 2 28. Halichoeres chloropterus 1

*. Important economic value species **. Protected Species

Sites: KWL : Kawal; TB : Teluk Bakau; TRL : traveler lode; MLR: Malang Rapat; PP; : Pulau Pucung; TT: Tanjung Timah; TGB: Tanjung Berakit; ABK: Abang Kecil (Batam Island)


ANNEX 5

COMPILATION OF INFORMATION PREPARED BY FISHERIES AND HABITAT COMPONENTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROJECT ON FISH HABITAT AND LIFE-CYCLE LINKAGES IN

CAMBODIA 1. EXTRACT FROM CAMBODIA’S DRAFT NATIONAL FISHERIES REPORT Yellowtail scad (Atule mate) (Khmer Name Trey Kaun Kum) Yellowtail scad (Atule mate) spawns throughout the year, however, a peak was observed during May 1985 (58.7% of the females in spawning condition) and in April 1986 (26.6% of females in spawning condition). Sex ratios of this species are observed to vary distinctly, such that during December the proportion of females is higher than males (1.38:1) and during May the sex ratio is equal. For the remainder of the year, the proportion of males tends to be higher than females (with ratios ranging from 1:1.1 to 1:1.4). Selar scad (Selaroides leptolepis) (Khmer Name Trey Si Ki) The majority of selar scad spawn from February to April, as 54.4% of mature female specimens collected during this period were ripe and another 24.3% were spent. From May to June, approximately 21.3% of mature females were ripe, and by July, only 4% of collected mature females contained eggs and 14 % had recently spawned. Selar scad reached an early stage of maturity during September to December in 1985. The sex ratio of this species is nearly equal. Hard-tail scad (Megalaspis cordyla) (Khmer Name Trey Kantuy Roeung) Surveys of the hard-tail scad in April 1985 found this species in two different habitats. The study concluded that juvenile fish prefer to inhabit shallow water due to the domination of juveniles in catches within this habitat type. In its adult form, this species prefers to inhabit deep-water areas (deeper than 40 m). Juveniles were not caught in water deeper than 30 m. Stomach content analyses identified a dietary preference for fish (fish fingerlings) and squids. Selar scad were not observed to be feeding actively from July to August 1983, as gonad development during this period was at stage II and most specimens had empty stomachs. This species was observed to be feeding actively from September to December 1985 and February to April 1986, as stomach content analysis of fish caught during these periods indicated that most fish had full stomachs. Round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) (Khmer Name Trey Kuon Kum) The proportion of mature females was 18% in 1983, 6.5% from September to December 1985, and 40.2% from February to April 1986. Sex ratio (male:female) was 1.68:1 in 1983, 1:1.58 in 1985, and 1.28:1 in 1986. Stomachs were half-full during July 1983 and nearly full in September to December 1985. Analyses identified fish fingerlings and zooplankton as the preferred dietary items for this species. Jack, Cavalla (Alectis kalla) (Khmer Name – not available) The gonads of this species were at stage II to III from October to December, and by mid-December, only 6% of specimens were at stage I. In 1985, this species spawned from May to June. During this period, 54% of mature females were at stage I or II, and 5.8% were recently spent or at stage VI. The sex ratio at this time was 1.5:1. The stomachs of this species were full from February to April 1986. The main food items identified during stomach content analysis of fish collected from May to June 1986 were detritus, phytoplankton, and copepods. Trevally (Alectis indicus) (Khmer Name Trey Chen Chas) Analysis of the stomach contents of specimens of this species collected from May to June 1986 indicated a dietary preference for zoobenthos (small crabs were most abundant). Golden toothed trevally (Scomberoides lysan) (Khmer name Trey Kalang) Studies of this species from February to April 1986 revealed that all the females were at the spawning stage with an equal male to female sex ratio.


2. INPUTS FROM THE SEAGRASS SUB-COMPONENT FOCAL POINT FOR CAMBODIA Table 1 Importance of the Kampot Seagrass Demonstration Site to the Life-Cycle of Important Species in Cambodia

Common Name Species Name Seagrass Site Importance of the Site to the Life-Cycle of the Species References Nursery Area Spawning Area Feeding RWG-F Demersal Species

Greasy grouper Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Epinephelus tauvina Mangrove red snapper Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Lutjanus argentimaculatus Malabar grouper Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Epinephelus malabaricus Threadfin breams Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Nemipterus spp Leopard coral grouper Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Plectropomus leopardus Lizardfish Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Saurida spp Brownstripe red snapper Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Lutjanus vitta Sixbar grouper Kampot Yes N/A Yes Interview/Kampot report Epinephelus sexfasciatus

Other Species Goldenspotted spinefoot Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Singanus guttatus Whitespotted spinefoot Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Singanus canaliculatus Bluespot grey mullet Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Valamugil sehell Humphack grouper Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Cromileptes altivelis Longfin grouper Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Epinephelus quoyanus Orangespotted grouper Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Epinephelus coioides Blacktip grouper Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Epinephelus faciatus Brownstripe red snapper Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Lutjanus vitta Lined silver grunt Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Pomadasys hasta Wrasse Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Halichoeres kallochroma Harrowed Sole Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Strabozebrians cancellatus Streaked spinefoot Kampot N/A N/A Yes Kampot report Singanus javus