REEF FISH population within the reef systems of the Western Province and the Solomon Islands in general are in need of better management.
This is according to observations, along with the general lack of fish on various reefs as reported by divers and snorkelers, a latest World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) strategic paper has revealed.
It says although fish population appears to be in good condition during an assessment, an assessment report also indicated that overfishing of reef fish populations may already be occurring in some provinces, and is a problem expected to become more serious and widespread.
A total of 1,019 reef fish species have been reported in the Solomon Islands, including threatened species such as the Humphead Wrasse.
The 2004 Solomon Islands Marine Assessment reported Njari Island near Gizo in Western Province as the site with the highest fish count.
In a single dive, 279 species were recorded.
The WWF strategic paper states that overfishing may be attributed to Solomon Islands’ high annual per capita fish consumption derived from subsistence fishing at 64 percent, where the percentage of all animal protein contributed by fish in Solomon Islands at 92 percent.
It says fishermen report that effort and time required to meet daily sustenance and livelihood needs around Ghizo Islands continues to increase, while the size of fish on sale at Gizo town has been decreasing.
It adds land based activities, including logging also impacts the productivity of marine ecosystems.
“There is much knowledge confirming that coastal areas impacted by sedimentation from logging no longer offer the same fishing opportunities as they once did.
“These observations, along with the general lack of fish on various reefs reported by divers and snorkelers, is perhaps an indication that reef fish populations within the reef systems of Western Province are in need of better management.
Since its establishment in the province in 1995, WWF has been trying to working closely with the provincial government and national government to develop an effective model for co-management approaches to Marine Conservation in the province.
The Non-government organisation (NGO) has developed a four year, 2016 – 2020 strategic plan with three main strategies to further efforts to assist the people of Solomon Islands managing their natural resources for food security, livelihoods, and sustainable environment.
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