Surviving under pressure and protection: a review of the biology, ecology and population status of the highly vulnerable grouper Epinephelus daemelii
Malcolm P. Francis A D , David Harasti B and Hamish A. Malcolm C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Private Bag 14901, Wellington 6241, New Zealand.
B Fisheries Research, Marine Ecosystems, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315, Australia.
C Fisheries Research, Marine Ecosystems, NSW Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 4297, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: malcolm.francis@niwa.co.nz
Marine and Freshwater Research 67(8) 1215-1228 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF15099
Submitted: 6 March 2015 Accepted: 28 May 2015 Published: 7 September 2015
Abstract
Epinephelus daemelii is a threatened serranid grouper species that is restricted to the south-western Pacific Ocean, ranging from eastern Australia to northern New Zealand and the Kermadec Islands. Declines in its abundance due to fishing pressure were reported as early as 1916. Aspects of this species’ biology and behaviour that make it vulnerable include its longevity, late age at maturity, protogynous hermaphroditism, territoriality and limited shallow reef habitat. Adults prefer complex habitat with caves and overhangs at depths of less than 50 m, whereas juveniles live in rock pools, shallow intertidal reefs and estuaries. Epinephelus daemelii lives at least 65 years and reaches 170-cm total length. Individuals change sex from female to male at ~100–110 cm and ~25 years. Absence of large (>100 cm) fish across a large part of their range has implications for reproduction. Although nearly fully protected, incidental bycatch still occurs. A lack of long-term data hinders determination of population status, but abundance appears to be much lower than before, except in remote regions (Kermadec Islands, Elizabeth and Middleton reefs) with extensive no-fishing areas. Further prohibitions on fishing in key locations are likely to be important for the recovery and long-term survival of this species.
Additional keywords: black cod, black rockcod, conservation, marine protected areas, otolith, Serranidae, spotted black grouper.
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