Management of Humphead Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) · Web viewAFMA.GOV.AU 2 of 9 Management of Humphead Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) November 2020 Table of Contents 1.Introduction3

Management of Humphead Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)

November 2020

Management of Humphead Maori Wrasse 2020

Table of Contents1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................32. Life History...............................................................................................................................4

2.1 Distribution, habitat and movement.........................................................................................42.2 Population Density and Abundance........................................................................................52.3 Biology...................................................................................................................................52.4 Mortality..................................................................................................................................62.5 Commonwealth......................................................................................................................6

3. Management Arrangements for the Commonwealth-managed Coral Sea Fishery.........................6

3.1 Catch.....................................................................................................................................63.2 Characteristics of the Coral Sea Fishery.................................................................................73.3 Industry initiatives...................................................................................................................73.4 Spatial closures......................................................................................................................73.5 Reporting and Monitoring........................................................................................................8

4. Summary.....................................................................................................................................8References......................................................................................................................................9

List of FigureFigure 1 Distribution map of Humphead Maori Wrasse, Cheilinus undulates (Source: AquaMaps GNIF

OBIS (expert reviewed) in Fishbase.org, 2010).....................................................................4

Securing Australia’s fishing future AFMA.GOV.AU 2 of 9


1. Introduction Humphead Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is the largest member of the wrasse family, Labridae, and one of the largest reef associated fish (excluding sharks) in the world. The species occurs in relatively low densities generally down to 100 metres depth; has a modest life span (30 years) compared to temperate or deeper water species; and has relatively high growth and turn over rates (Choat et al. 2006).

Humphead Maori Wrasse is a highly prized food fish in some countries, and has been heavily exploited for the live reef fish trade through its core range in southeastern Asia (Sadovy et al. 2003 and 2010). Fishery-dependent and trade-related data suggest a 10-fold or greater decline over the last 10 to 15 years in heavily exploited areas such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Much of the catch for the live fish trade in these source countries is of small, juvenile fish (Russell, 2004). However, export of this species has been prohibited from Maldives, New Caledonia, Niue, Palu and Philippines for about 10 years (Sadovy et al., 2003), and Fiji and Palau prohibited capture in 2004; PNG no longer allows the species to be exported (Sadovy et al., 2010).

Humphead Maori Wrasse has been listed threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 1996, initially as Vulnerable and since 2004 as Endangered. In 2005 it was listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).

In Australia, Humphead Maori Wrasse has historically been subject to some commercial fishing pressure, primarily in state-managed fisheries. However, the species has been protected under State legislation since 1998 in Western Australia, and since 2003 in Queensland. The species is not protected in the Northern Territory, however catches are thought to be negligible. In Commonwealth-managed fisheries, catches are extremely low, with less than 10 animals exported per year for the past three years. These animals have been taken by the aquarium sector of the Coral Sea Fishery (CSF) and are sold to aquaria around the world for public display and educational purposes.

Whilst the current rate of exploitation of Humphead Maori Wrasse in the CSF is considered negligible (Choat pers comm., Bellwood pers comm.), the CITES listing requires member nations, including Australia, to ensure the trade of Humphead Maori Wrasse is controlled, so as not to jeopardise the survival of the species. Australia’s obligations under CITES are met through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act). For this species to be exported, the EPBC Act requires a non-detriment finding to be made.



2. Life History

2.1 Distribution, habitat and movementHumphead Maori Wrasse is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and the coast of east Africa, to the central Pacific; south from Japan to New Caledonia and the Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands (Sadovy et al. 2003, Figure 1). In Australia, Humphead Maori Wrasse occur on offshore reefs from north-western to north eastern Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef (Pogonoski et al. 2002).

Post-settlement, Humphead Maori Wrasse typically inhabit area with seagrass and hard corals. Juveniles also favour similar areas, such as coral-rich lagoon reefs, seagrass beds, murky outer river areas with patch reefs; shallow sandy areas adjacent to coral reef lagoons, and inshore mangrove and seagrass areas. Adults are more common offshore than inshore, occupying steep outer reef slopes, reef drop-offs, reef tops, channel slopes, reef passes, and lagoon reefs to at least 100 metres (various authors cited in Russell 2004). Humphead Maori Wrasse feed primarily on crustaceans, molluscs, fish and echinoderms (Choat et al, 2006).

Figure 1 Distribution map of Humphead Maori Wrasse, Cheilinus undulates (Source: AquaMaps GNIF OBIS (expert reviewed) in Fishbase.org, 2010).



Apart from spawning aggregations, Humphead Maori Wrasse are generally solitary, travelling across the reef by day and sheltering in reef caves and under coral ledges at night. Occasionally groups of several females may be observed, however males are seldom found in the company of other males (Colin 2010).

Spawning aggregations can vary in their size and timing, depending on location, but may form daily during most months of the year (Colin 2010). Whilst limited, the available information suggests individuals may travel kilometres from their home range to participate in these spawning aggregations (Sadovy et al 2003).

2.2 Population Density and AbundanceDensities of Humphead Maori Wrasse rarely exceed 20 fish per hectare in their preferred habitats of outer reefs (Russell, 2004), but are generally not more than 10 fish per hectare (Sadovy et al 2004).

The population density of adult Humphead Maori Wrasse in the CSF is thought to be between three and five adults per hectare (Choat, 2010). A separate estimate, using data from the CSF and Great Barrier Reef, suggests the population occurring on reefs typically fished by CSF Aquarium sector operators is between 50,000 and 100,000 adult Humphead Maori Wrasse (Bellwood, pers comm.).

2.3 BiologyHumphead Maori Wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The majority of animals in the population develop first as females, reaching sexual maturity at an age of approximately five years (approximately 35-50cm). They then develop as males at an age of approximately nine years (approximately 70cm); at this time their growth rates also increase significantly (from 17.9 ± 2.1mm per annum to 44.6 ± 14.4mm per annum. Choat et al 2006). Humphead Maori Wrasse are thought to reach a maximum age of between 25 and 30 years.

The age and size of sexual transformation (from female to male) can be influenced by the number of males present in the population. This means that the population may adapt to ensure there are sufficient males present to sustain reproduction (Colin 2010.). A small proportion of Humphead Maori Wrasse do not change sex and remain as females throughout their life. These animals are typically the oldest animals in the population; they are uncommon but have large reproductive capacities and may contribute significantly to the population (Choat et al 2006).



2.4 MortalityNatural mortality and fishing mortality are the only known sources of mortality for Humphead Maori Wrasse in Australian waters. The species occurs in area of waters under both State and Commonwealth jurisdictions, and is known to be taken, albeit in small numbers, from Queensland, Western Australian (Cocos Island), Northern Territory and Commonwealth (Coral Sea) managed waters.

2.5 CommonwealthLess than 10 animals per year have been exported from the CSF over the last three seasons (2017-18 to 2019-20).

3. Management Arrangements for the Commonwealth-managed Coral Sea FisheryThe CSF extends from Cape York to Sandy Cape, Queensland. It is bounded on the east by the Australian Fishing Zone and on the west by a boundary line 10 to 100 nm east of the western boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There are currently 12 permits in the CSF: six line, two lobster and trochus, two sea cucumber, and two aquarium sector permits. The CSF is a limited entry fishery, with entry to the fishery restricted to the existing permits. Humphead Maori Wrasse is taken by the CSF Aquarium sector for display in public aquaria. There are no reports of Humphead Maori Wrasse being taken in any other Commonwealth-managed fishery.

3.1 CatchThe catch of Humphead Maori Wrasse is restricted to 50 animals in the CSF, 25 individuals per permit. The revised Aquarium Sector Harvest Strategy (2019) requires an assessment of catch against triggers whenever 10 individuals are caught and when 50 individuals are caught within a fishing year. Since the WTO accreditation of the CSF in 2017, less than ten animals have been taken each year. This level of catch is considered to be well withing sustainable limits based on previous advice received by AFMA.

Due to the spatial scale of the fishery, the low maximum catch limit, the highly selective and often opportunistic targeting of the species, spatial management is not considered necessary at this time. AFMA will monitor catches of Humphead Maori Wrasse and continue to work with fishing industry members to ensure fishing practices remain sustainable.



3.2 Characteristics of the Coral Sea FisheryWhilst the set annual catch limit of 50 Humphead Maori Wrasse from the CSF is considered well within sustainable limits, additional characteristics of the fishery also contribute to its sustainability.

The CSF is a small fishery with only two Aquarium sector operators. Fishing grounds are a long way from shore which means that they are costly to get too, further, the opportunity for fishing throughout the year is restricted due to weather. Humphead Maori Wrasse are caught opportunistically as well as on market demand, but fishers are highly selective about which fish are taken. Fishing in the CSF Aquarium sector is extremely selective and may be based on size, condition and colour.

Catching these fishes can often be very difficult due to their size and power and the fishers restriction to using only a barbless hook and line, small scoop nets and seine nets in which fish may be herded into before being caught. The use of chemicals, including cyanide, is prohibited in the CSF.

As Humphead Maori Wrasse collected by the CSF Aquarium sector are destined for display, fishing is extremely selective, not all specimens with the appropriate size are in the condition suitable for this purpose or even able to be captured. Further, larger fish are typically targeted, which provides some opportunity for breeding before capture.

3.3 Industry initiativesThe CSF Aquarium sector has demonstrated a strong sense of stewardship over the resources of the CSF and other fisheries in which they operate. Operators in this fishery are signatories to the ProVision Reef Stewardship Action Plan that aims to develop ‘best practice’ collection standards in the CSF among others. They have just taken four fish in 2017-18, seven in 2018-19 and two in 2019-20.

3.4 Spatial closuresA large area of the Coral Sea is closed to all forms of fishing under marine parks, some of which have been in place since 1982, and more recently, the Coral Sea Marine Park that expanded closed areas. These marine parks provide additional protection to Humphead Maori Wrasse in the region of the Coral Sea.



3.5 Reporting and MonitoringThe two operators in the CSF Aquarium sector are required to report catches of Humphead Maori Wrasse in their logbooks along with date, location and size of the animals caught. Catch is assessed against triggers in the Aquarium Sector Harvest Strategy and reported by AFMA annually on its website, as well as to the DAWE.

4. SummaryHumphead Maori Wrasse has been subject to relatively low levels of fishing pressure in Australian waters, particularly during the last decade, and due to current State and Commonwealth regulations this unlikely to increase. The take of up 50 Humphead Maori Wrasse per year by the CSF Aquarium sector is considered to pose no significant risk to the ongoing sustainability of Humphead Maori Wrasse populations in Australian waters and the methods used to capture this species is highly selective, with little impact on other species and the marine environment. The catch in the CSF is also regulated, monitored and supported by a compliance program.

The size of Humphead Maori Wrasse targeted by the Aquarium sector means that individuals have had a chance to breed. Large areas of habitat have been closed to fishing since 1982 and were recently expanded with the implementation of the Coral Sea Marine Park in 2018, providing additional refuge for Humphead Maori Wrasse. These factors further contribute to the sustainability of the fishery.

The continued take of Humphead Maori Wrasse by the CSF Aquarium sector has an important role to play internationally in raising awareness of this species importance, its depleted status and the need for effective management around the world.



References Anderson C, Clarke K, Higgs H and Ryan S., 2005. Ecological assessment of the Queensland coral

reef fin fish fishery; A report to the Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage on the ecologically sustainable management of a multi-species line fishery in a coral reef environment. Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries. 149 pp

Colin, P.R., 2010. Aggregation and spawning behaviour of the humphead wrasse Cheilinus undulates (Pisces: Labridae): general aspects of spawning behaviour. Journal of Fish Biology; 76, pp.987-1007.

Choat, J.H., Davies, C.R., Ackerman, J.L. and Mapstone, B.D., 2006. Age structure and growth in a large teleost, Cheilinus undulates, with a review of size distribution in labrid fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 318, pp.237-246.

Froese, R. and Pauly, D. (eds.), 2000, FishBase 2000, Concepts, design and data sources. xvii,344p. Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, ICLARM.

Pogonoski, J.J., Pollard, D.A. and Paxton, J.R. 2002. Conservation overview and action plan for Australian threatened and potentially threatened marine and estuarine fishes. Environment Australia, Canberra, Australia.

Russell, B. 2004. Cheilinus undulatus. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.3. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 8 September 2010.

Sadovy, Y.,Liu, M. and S. Suhartis. 2010. Gonadal development in a giant threatened reef fish, the humphead wrasse Cheilinus undulates, and its relationship to international trade. Journal of Fish Biology 77: 706–718.

Sadovy, Y., Kulbicki, M., Labrosse, P., Letourneur, Y., Lokani, P. and Donaldson, T.J. 2003. The humphead wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus: synopsis of a threatened and poorly known giant coral reef fish. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 13(3): 327–364.


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Management of Humphead Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) · Web viewAFMA.GOV.AU 2 of 9 Management of Humphead Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) November 2020 Table of Contents 1.Introduction3