Poster

Abstract

The stocking of hatchery-produced marine animals into the sea is widely attractive as a solution to declining fisheries. But does stocking give good return on investment and how can its success be evaluated? A clear definition of stocking goals builds an essential platform for success. Stock enhancement, restocking and sea ranching will involve different stocking strategies. There is widespread interest in stocking seacucumbers. The genetic risks to wild stocks must be minimised by preventing translocation of juveniles to new regions. Cultured juveniles are easily marked by fluorochromes, providing a long-term, unequivocal means of distinguishing hatchery-produced animals from wild conspecifics. Sea pens offer an experimental tool to estimate the early success of stocking. Assessing the survival of juveniles and adults requires different field survey methods and stratified sampling. Stocking programs need to be conservative and realistic about the expected returns and time frames. Clear goals, use of existing technology, and realistic expectations in sea ranching and restocking of sea cucumbers will provide the foundation for success.

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 (programme soon available)