Biology, fishery and trade of sea moths (Pisces: Pegasidae) in the central Philippines

Abstract

Sea moths (family Pegasidae) are little-studied benthic fish, found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Two species of sea moths, Pegasus volitans and Eurypegasus draconis, are caught incidentally in illegal trawl gear in the Philippines and sold into the dried fish trade. Approximately 130,000–620,000 P. volitans and 130,000 E. draconis were landed off north-western Bohol alone in 1996. An additional 43,000–62,000 sea moths (predominantly P. volitans) were caught live for the aquarium trade. Catch per unit effort for P. volitans was double that of E. draconis, probably because of its occurrence in shallower waters where fishing effort was concentrated. Sea moths may be unsuited for heavy exploitation as they occur at low densities. Moreover, a female-biased catch could lower the effective population size, given the reported monogamy amongst sea moths. No population data were available for a complete conservation assessment, although divers surveyed did report declines in their abundance.

Preservation causes shrinkage in seahorses: implications for biological studies and for managing sustainable trade with minimum size limits

“…Posture and measurement method also influenced size measurements. Therefore, the effects of preservation should be considered when establishing or adjusting size limits, particularly for species destined for dried trade (Martin-Smith et al, 2003;Wabnitz et al, 2003;McPherson and Vincent, 2004;Pajaro et al, 2004;Grey et al, 2005;Giles et al, 2006), and if the morphometric trait is sensitive to the effects of preservation (e.g. HT).…”

“…The life histories and complex behaviours of many traded species, including sharks, sea moths, and seahorses, make them vulnerable to overexploitation (Lourie et al, 1999b;Fong and Anderson, 2002;Foster and Vincent, 2004;Pajaro et al, 2004).…”

Fisheries and trade of seahorses in Brazil: historical perspective, current trends, and future directions

“…We analyzed data from 54 logbooks covering the period May 2002 to June 2003 to estimate the mean annual catch rate, as follows: catches for individual trawlers were combined to calculate mean catch rate, which was multiplied by the mean number of monthly trips made by the 54 trawlers. The result was multiplied by monthly mean fleet size (n = 121), and then extrapolated to the 12 months of operation of the fleet, following the approach used by Pajaro et al (2004), Baum and Vincent (2005), Meeuwig et al (2006) and Perry et al (2010). With regards to the live trade, calculations of seahorse catches per year primarily relied on volume estimates provided by traders in four states (Piauí, Ceará, Pernambuco and Bahia, all in NE Brazil), and were adjusted by comparison with import/export data, except for the state of Bahia, where daily catches covering the period 1997-2005 were recorded at the main retailer of marine ornamental fishes in the State.…”

Marine Invertebrates in Traditional Medicines

“…Humans have used marine animals since prehistoric times as food sources, for personal adornment, medicines, souvenirs, as pets, among other uses (Dias et al 2011;Gössling et al 2004;Marean et al 2007;Morwood et al 1998;Pajaro et al 2004;Rosa et al 2011;Stringer et al 2008). In general, attention has traditionally focused on their capture, use, and trade for food, while other forms of exploitation were comparatively considered minor, and the use of non-food marine species (e.g., in traditional medicines, for aquarium display, as curiosities), although widespread, has not been well studied or documented (Pajaro et al 2004;Vincent 2006).…”

“…In general, attention has traditionally focused on their capture, use, and trade for food, while other forms of exploitation were comparatively considered minor, and the use of non-food marine species (e.g., in traditional medicines, for aquarium display, as curiosities), although widespread, has not been well studied or documented (Pajaro et al 2004;Vincent 2006).…”