Aspects of the biology and ecology of the Napoleon wrasse Cheilinus undulatus Ruppell, 1835 for fisheries management in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
2024
Paradela, M.A.C.
Cheilinus undulatus (or Mameng) is a highly sought species in live reef fish food trade (LRFFT) nations including the Philippines. Subsequently, the IUCN [International Union for Conservation of Nature] listed C. undulatus as Red-List Endangered, after which fishing for it became immediately banned; it is also CITES[Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora]-listed, in which NDF's [Non-Detrimental Findings] have to be established regarding its trade and use. This study intended to obtain biological and ecological information on C. undulatus to be used for the ecosystem-based managemenet of fisheries in Taw-Tawi [Philippines], where the LRFFT continues to have a high demand for Mameng. Ecological surveys revealed that mixed Enhalus and Thalassia beds associated with 'agal-agal' farms safeguarded juveniles (approx 7 cm TL) while sloping coral reefs accommodated sub-adult to adult individuals (13 cm TL). Mean Mameng density was found to be quite low at 0.13 individualsha-1 in Sitangkai and at 4.76 individuals/ha in Sibutu. Fishers' Ecological Knowledge (FEK) was established from key informant interviews (KII; about Mameng biology and ecology as well as practices and attitudes) with 83 traders and fishers in Sitangkai and Sibutu between February 2022 and July 2023. In general, respondents cited Mameng's high density specially in intact coral reefs and that the species' population appears to be increasing. These results are prompts to encourage the barangay as the management unit for C. undulatus. Results also highlight the comparability and complementation of FEK and quantitative ecological observations, which may be used to significantly contribute to the effectiveness of fisheries management strategies.
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