PROTECTING A KEY SPECIES IN OUR FISHERY
Conservation has been at the forefront of our operation for many years now and projects are continuously happening throughout each of our seasons. This has contributed to making informed decisions on how to manage our fisheries as well as contributes to the data being collected for the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan. Highlighting the importance and contribution of recreational catch and release fishing to the Seychelles blue economy. A recent study looked at one of the key species in our fisheries and fisheries worldwide.
Bonefish account for almost 80% of the fish caught across our destinations with an astounding average of 9 000 fish caught and released per season on Alphonse alone, making this a key species. Prolific shoals of bonefish may be a common sight in the outer islands of the Seychelles, but this is not so much the case elsewhere in the world. The species is known for being highly sensitive to habitat degradation, environmental pollution and in areas of recreational fishing – high levels of post-release predation. We decided to investigate the health of the Bonefish on St Francois and rates of post-release mortality in order to fine-tune our conservation best-practices as well as contribute as a baseline study for bonefish health worldwide.
So, what were the outcomes of the study?
Catch and release fishing is believed to be sustainable because the fish survives the angling event, and an angler watches it swim away. While the release may be successful if done correctly, a few actions (poor handling, prolonged air exposures, prolonged fight times and poor release locations) may have consequences if not done correctly. Previous research on other destinations in the Seychelles shows extremely high post-release mortality. Primarily due pristine tropical shallow water ecosystems in the Seychelles having large quantities of predators including sharks and barracuda. Our study caught 94 bonefish and subjected them to varying levels of air exposure and handling techniques and then release them whilst monitoring their behaviour for 20mins post-release.
The results are very interesting- the overall level of post-release mortality across St Francois was 13% but was incredibly site-specific with one release location called ‘Brown Spot’ accounting 75% of the post-release predation. The released fish were 15x more likely to be eaten at the ‘Brown Spot’ compared to anywhere else on the atoll where the average was a mere 8%. Whilst air exposure certainly had an effect on the natural reflexes of the fish, interestingly this did not translate into any statistical difference in post-release mortality, although as a general rule the less stressed the fish is on release the greater survival chance it has.
The results of this study have provided great tangible information on area-management for St Francois atoll. Bone fishing on St Francois atoll was also seen to be highly sustainable; with much lower post-release predation rates compared to previously studied Atolls. The higher post-release predation rates at certain sites is a concern to the sustainability of the fishery and as a result an advised closure of this site was recommended. This has been taken on board by the company with a closure of the site and has been built into the guides understanding of the atoll and the Blue Safari Fly Fishing Code of Conduct, in addition to the of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan.
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