Poster

Abstract

Coastal marine animals have been widely overfished in small-scale and artisanal fishers and many face an elevated risk of extinction. Sea cucumbers are harvested in 70+ fisheries as a high-value export commodity. A global analysis revealed stark disparities between temperate and tropical fisheries. Key drivers of overfishing were high participation rates by fishers, poor enforcement capacity, a high number of species harvested, and weak fleet (vessel) controls and limited entry controls. Solutions for greater resilience of sea cucumber stocks must be embedded within those for poverty reduction and alternative livelihood options.
Sixteen sea cucumber species were recently evaluated as threatened with extinction by the IUCN. A global-scale analysis showed that high market value and wide geographic range were key factors that increased a species’ risk of extinction. Two anthropogenic variables were also useful in predicting extinction risks. Conservation must not lose sight of common species, especially those of high value. The findings also stress a need for research on the ecology and population demographics of unglamorous invertebrates.

Short CV

Dr Steven Purcell has conducted research on Indo-Pacific coastal fisheries for 16 years. His research has focussed on invertebrate fisheries in the Indo-Pacific, in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), WorldFish Center, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).  His recent projects have helped to develop reforms for fishery management and conservation of exploited sea cucumbers. He is author of more than 40 peer-reviewed research articles, co-author of an FAO-published regional review of sea cucumber fisheries in the Pacific, author of several books on the management of sea cucumber
fisheries, and is lead author of a recent global ID guidebook on commercially important sea cucumbers. Steve has been a trainer for workshops in the Philippines on restocking sea cucumbers and workshops in the Pacific and Indian Oceans on an ecosystem approach to the management
of sea cucumber fisheries.

Atendance Certificate

JUNE SEMINARS