BibliographicReference 322101

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Type: Bibliographic resource
Type of document: Journal article
BibLvlCode: AS
Title: Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of trochus introductions to Samoa – A project of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Abstract: Trochus were introduced to Samoa from 2003 to 2006 with the goal of creating a new fishery that would diversify seafood supply for local communities. It took at least 10–15 years for trochus populations to become established on Samoa’s reefs. Underwater visual censuses in 2018 showed that populations are now established around both main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, although they are spatially variable. The project estimated that over 1000 fishers now harvest trochus in Samoa, and 300 of them sell the flesh in villages, roadside stalls and markets. Informal networks are used to sell and distribute the seafood in villages. Analyses found the benefits to be inclusive and gender equitable. For a majority of fishers surveyed, trochus is now one of the most harvested reef resources by volume. The project found significant positive impacts to income, local diets and satisfaction of fishers. Further income from trochus could be made through handicrafts from the shells or shell exports. Permitting exports would need to be accompanied by the implementation of a fishery management plan and a robust system of monitoring, control and surveillance. The fishery is a welcomed success story in an era when seafood supply in the Pacific is under threat.
Bibliographic citation: Purcell, S.W.; Tiitii, S.; Aiafi, J.; Tone, A.; Tony, A.; Lesa, M.; Esau, C.; Cullis, B.; Gogel, B.; Seinor, K.; Ceccarelli, D.M.; Tagliafico, A. (2019). Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of trochus introductions to Samoa – A project of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Fish. Newsl. (Noumea) 160: 36-40
Access rights: open access
Is accessible for free: true

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