that number as a percentage of the total known
Wolcott Henry
aggregations.
Usefulness
Usefulness
This indicator is useful as an overall measure of the
level of protection afforded to various species that
form spawning aggregations, but does not necessarily
evaluate the effectiveness of the protection. This
characterization is based on the assumption that
greater protection and regulatory efforts regarding the
exploitation of fish spawning aggregations translate
to greater potential for the spawning success that
maintains overall population viability.
However, because aggregations are highly
differentiated based on species and breeding
population, this indicator is very generalized. It does
not provide any information on the status of individual
aggregations or individual species. In addition, this
measure assumes that all spawning aggregations are
equal, which is not necessarily the case. To a fisher,
Nassau grouper aggregations generally represent a
higher economic value than snapper aggregations.
A regional assessment of spawning aggregations
Although monitoring and protection of known
was recently conducted by the MBRS Project. There
spawning sites is relatively straightforward, what
is a need for harmonized regulations, including the
they represent in terms of total spawning activity
protection of SPAG sites and the concurrence of
and breeding success in the region is not known (i.e.,
closed seasons in all the countries.
including potential aggregations that have not yet
Data Needs
been identified). Therefore, the assumptions made
in interpreting the results of this indicator must be
Additional information is needed regarding the
carefully balanced out with more detailed site-specific
following:
monitoring of the abundance of fish at each of the
spawning aggregations.
· Status of spawning aggregations (numbers of fish at
each site) per species at all identified SPAG sites;
Status
· Further work to identify potential spawning
To date, Belize has the highest percentage of its
aggregations in Honduras;
known spawning aggregation sites protected (11 of
32 sites). Belize also has a seasonal fishing closure
· Level of fishing pressure at each aggregation; and
for Nassau grouper (December March) throughout
the country.
· Effectiveness of existing regulations at protected
aggregations.
Many aggregation sites have been identified in Mexico
(approximately 36), but only one has been placed
Priority should be given to obtaining data and
under full protection. Only one site has been identified
protection for highly endangered species such as the
in Honduras. None are known in Guatemalan waters.
Nassau grouper.
Summary of the Protected Status of Spawning Aggregations in the MAR Region per Country
Total SPAG Sites Identified
Total Protected
% Protected
Country
to Date
Belize
32
11
34%
Guatemala
NA
NA
NA
Honduras
1
0
0
Mexico
36
1
3%
D1 2
D1
NA = not applicable
Data Source45,46
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