A review and analysis of Easter Islands traditional and artisan fisheries

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Based on a review of published and unpublished reports we analyzed Rapa Nui´s (Easter Island) traditional and artisan fisheries. We include information from 2000-2009 on landings, species, fishing grounds, fleet and number of fisherfolks according to the Servicio Nacional de Pesca (SERNAPESCA) and personal communication with SERNAPESCA officials. Presently, 29 species of fishes and two invertebrates are fished (along with a group of species reported as "non-identified"), primarily from the 10 main fishing grounds within 5 nm from the shore. Sporadic fishing trips reach areas up to 25 nm offshore. Statistics about the artisan fleet and number of operative fishers is spotty and unreliable. In 2011 SERNAPESCA reported 123 artisan fishers and 31 boats for the island. Landings occur in five coves, of which Hanga Piko and Hanga Roa are the most important. Between 2000-2009 the mean annual landing ranged between 109-171 ton. The main exploited resources during this period were yellowfin tuna, snoek, Pacific rudderfin, rainbow runner, glasseye, oilfish, deep-water jack and swordfish. We highlight the urgent need to improve fisheries statistics (catch, effort, fishing grounds) in order to develop a science-fishery management and conservation plan, particularly linked with artisan fishery activities. Globally, we identify the need to integrate across fields (i.e., ecology, conservation, fisheries, education, outreach) more broadly in the national research system, to improve the management and conservation of Easter Island's unique marine environment. Within this framework, we identify an urgent need to create a research marine station on the island with permanent personnel, which can focus on this fragile oligotrophic ecosystem.

Overview of recent advances in oceanographic, ecological and fisheries research on oceanic islands in the southeastern Pacific Ocean

“…The reconstructed fishing history suggests that domestic fisheries catches have increased substantially since the late 1970s, mostly explained by the increase in offshore catches, specifically of T. albacares, which in turn may be related to the five-time growth in tourist arrivals on the island in the last 40 years. The estimated legal catches (Zylich et al, 2014) match the annual landing reported by Castilla et al (2014), ranging between 109 and 171 ton yr -1 during 2000-2009. Using different approaches Castilla et al (2014) and Zylich et al (2014) also conclude that a) yellowfin tuna is the main exploited species, and b) in spite temporal fluctuation, total catch has remained stable during the last decade.…”

“…The estimated legal catches (Zylich et al, 2014) match the annual landing reported by Castilla et al (2014), ranging between 109 and 171 ton yr -1 during 2000-2009. Using different approaches Castilla et al (2014) and Zylich et al (2014) also conclude that a) yellowfin tuna is the main exploited species, and b) in spite temporal fluctuation, total catch has remained stable during the last decade. However, fishery data collection is poor and there appears to be a lack of scientific rigor in the information collected, affecting the estimates of total catch.…”

“…The increase in fishing effort is, in part, reflected in studies by Castilla et al (2014) and Zylich et al (2014). Using anecdotal information, historical descriptions and the limited quantitative information available, Zylich et al (2014) reconstructed fisheries catches in the EEZ of Easter and Salas y Gómez islands between 1950-2010, identifying two fisheries: the local, domestic, small scale fisheries, and the foreign, large scale fisheries.…”

“…Using anecdotal information, historical descriptions and the limited quantitative information available, Zylich et al (2014) reconstructed fisheries catches in the EEZ of Easter and Salas y Gómez islands between 1950-2010, identifying two fisheries: the local, domestic, small scale fisheries, and the foreign, large scale fisheries. Castilla et al (2014) report that the local, domestic, small-scale fisheries can be deconstructed in three groups of fisheries depending on the use of boats and gear. Although 29 species are exploited in Easter Island, the main species targeted were Pacific chub (Kyphosus sandwicensis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), with spiny lobster (Panulirus pascuensis) as the most exploited invertebrate species .…”

“…However, fishery data collection is poor and there appears to be a lack of scientific rigor in the information collected, affecting the estimates of total catch. Castilla et al (2014) report that annual landings from SERNAPESCA (Servicio Nacional de Pesca, Chile) show serious flaws, including catches of species that are not found in the region. Additionally, there is no official information for intertidal or subtidal marine organisms extracted by food-gathers.…”