Live Fish Fisheries
What is the Live Fish Fishery?
(1) Expansion of the LRFFT. [click map for larger size]
Also known as the Live Fish Trade or the Live Reef Food Fish Trade (LRFFT), the live fish fishery refers to the live harvesting of fish for human consumption. The live fish trade began in the mid 1980’s in countries that were close to Hong Kong, China, for example, the Philippines. The trade has since spread further through Southeast Asia and into the Southern Pacific. This is most likely due to resource fish stock depletion in the target fish species [4]. When the fish run out in the original fishing area, fisherman move on to other reefs in order to remain a part of this highly lucrative market. The main focus of the market involves the trade of large dinner plate-sized reef fish like rockfish and groupers. These fish will be served for dinner in high-end restaurants, mainly in Southern China or Hong Kong, where the trade is centered. [5]. The high demand for live reef fish drives the trade and links supply fisheries together into one big web with Hong Kong sitting in the center like a big spider in control of the whole web.
Where is the LRFFT Found?
(2) Trade Routes
(modified from WWF)
[click map for larger size]
The LRFFT is centered around Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia (see map). Other important markets that are involved in the LRFFT include Singapore and Japan along with communities scattered around the Pacific Rim. Included in these communities is the western United States. The fish used in the Live Reef Food Fish Trade can come from many places in the world but the majority comes from the oceans near and around Southeast Asia. This includes the waters around the South Pacific and Indo-Pacific Islands [5].
What Drives the Trade?
Consumers’ demand for live fish drives the LRFFT. In 1997, it was estimated that 32,000 metric tons (mt) of live reef fish was consumed per year in Hong Kong alone [3]. These same consumers are also willing to pay large amounts for the fish they crave to eat for dinner, making this trade extremely lucrative. From 1999-2002, it was estimated that the price for live coralgrouper was 75-220% more than that of a dead coralgrouper. It was also found that in Indonesia, live-fish fisherman possibly earn as much as 200-2500% more than dead-fish fisherman [2]. Consumers also thrive on the concept, the rarer the better. Consumers will pay more money for a fish that is less common.
Virtually all of the of the live reef fish imported into Mainland China goes first to Hong Kong where it is then re-exported to other cities in China or transferred to small coastal towns where fish traders further distribute it [3]. In 1995, imports into Hong Kong were estimated to make up 65% of the total regional live reef fish trade, this number is now thought to be higher but exact numbers are unknown [3].
Link to images of restaurant fish tanks
Virtually all of the of the live reef fish imported into Mainland China goes first to Hong Kong where it is then re-exported to other cities in China or transferred to small coastal towns where fish traders further distribute it [3]. In 1995, imports into Hong Kong were estimated to make up 65% of the total regional live reef fish trade, this number is now thought to be higher but exact numbers are unknown [3].
Link to images of restaurant fish tanks
Fishing Techniques
(3) Diver and Coral Reef Ecosystem
There are many different techniques used throughout the world to catch fish for the LRFFT. The most common and harmful way used to hunt for live fish is a technique that uses cyanide to cause a semi-paralysis in the fish so that they may be taken alive and removed from the water. The use of cyanide kills both non-target species fish as well as the coral that make up the reefs. This strategy therefore eventually will reduce the biodiversity of the habitat that is being used for hunting, as well as reduce the ecosystems ability to produce fish needed by people so that they can not only to make a living but also to have food to eat [3].
In certain places, dynamite is used for hunting. In this case, the explosion kills not only coral but any fish in the vicinity as well. Any fish that survive this blast are stunned and are then able to be taken for the trade. This technique is not used as frequently however since it does not produce as many fish to trade. It is therefore not as lucrative for the fisherman since they are unable to get the high prices that are offered for live fish [1].
Once fish are caught and brought off the reef they are then held until sufficient quantities of fish have been obtained for export. The fish are then placed into oxygenated plastic bags and placed into boxes for export by boat or plane [2]. Figure 1 shows the possible routes that fish may taken depending on the source country and other factors.
In certain places, dynamite is used for hunting. In this case, the explosion kills not only coral but any fish in the vicinity as well. Any fish that survive this blast are stunned and are then able to be taken for the trade. This technique is not used as frequently however since it does not produce as many fish to trade. It is therefore not as lucrative for the fisherman since they are unable to get the high prices that are offered for live fish [1].
Once fish are caught and brought off the reef they are then held until sufficient quantities of fish have been obtained for export. The fish are then placed into oxygenated plastic bags and placed into boxes for export by boat or plane [2]. Figure 1 shows the possible routes that fish may taken depending on the source country and other factors.
Aquaculture
(5) Aquaculture Ponds
Aquaculture is another technique used in order to fish live reef fish. It can be defined as, “an intervention in the rearing process that enhances production, such as feeding and protection from predators”[2]. The main focus of aquaculture in the LRFFT is the raising of grouper due this fish’s superior texture and taste, making it what is thought to be one of the most valuable fish in the trade [7]. Most of the aquaculture-produced groupers however, still come from fish captured in the wild, which are then grown out in cages. As technology improves though, the development of hatcheries for trade species are starting to increase [2]. This is extremely beneficial because the wild stock population will no longer be increasingly depleted in order to seed farms.
Main Issues
(6) Philippines Fisherman
Overfishing
An obvious but simple issue with the Live Reef Food Fish Trade is that too many fish are being taken from the reefs [4]. The consumer demand for live fish is causing the reefs to be fished faster than they are able to replenish their stocks.
Fishing Strategies
The techniques being used for fishing are also a major issue; not only with depleting target species stocks but also with the indirect affects they have on the non-target species and the coral, which can both be killed as byproducts when cyanide is used.
The technique of “growing-out” fish during aquaculture is also a very destructive technique. Most of the species being caught, like rockfish and groupers, are long-lived and late to mature. When they are caught as juveniles for the grow-out process they usually have not had the opportunity to reproduce yet and so this makes these fish particularly vulnerable to overfishing [4].
The fishing of spawning aggregations also causes populations to decline. Fish come together periodically in large numbers in order to spawn. Since this is well known as an area with a high density of fish, species are often targeted when they are in these aggregating groups [2]. This can quickly lead to the depletion of a fish population.
Mortality
Many fish caught during the live fish trade do not make it to the dinner plates of consumers. It is estimated that the average mortality of fish during the holding phase between capture and the retailer can be as high as 50% and a 30% mortality rate within the first 3-5 days of capture [2]. This mortality can be a result of the cyanide used to originally capture the fish or can be a result of poor handling or feeding practices where the fish are being held [2].
Affects on Local Communities
As the reefs around the South Pacific are being overfished, there is not only not any fish left for the trade but more importantly there isn’t any fish left for the local coastal communities. These communities depend on the reef fish not only for their livelihoods but also for their personal food source [7]. With the amount of overfishing that is happening, these communities are not only running out of available sources of income but are also losing their food source.
An obvious but simple issue with the Live Reef Food Fish Trade is that too many fish are being taken from the reefs [4]. The consumer demand for live fish is causing the reefs to be fished faster than they are able to replenish their stocks.
Fishing Strategies
The techniques being used for fishing are also a major issue; not only with depleting target species stocks but also with the indirect affects they have on the non-target species and the coral, which can both be killed as byproducts when cyanide is used.
The technique of “growing-out” fish during aquaculture is also a very destructive technique. Most of the species being caught, like rockfish and groupers, are long-lived and late to mature. When they are caught as juveniles for the grow-out process they usually have not had the opportunity to reproduce yet and so this makes these fish particularly vulnerable to overfishing [4].
The fishing of spawning aggregations also causes populations to decline. Fish come together periodically in large numbers in order to spawn. Since this is well known as an area with a high density of fish, species are often targeted when they are in these aggregating groups [2]. This can quickly lead to the depletion of a fish population.
Mortality
Many fish caught during the live fish trade do not make it to the dinner plates of consumers. It is estimated that the average mortality of fish during the holding phase between capture and the retailer can be as high as 50% and a 30% mortality rate within the first 3-5 days of capture [2]. This mortality can be a result of the cyanide used to originally capture the fish or can be a result of poor handling or feeding practices where the fish are being held [2].
Affects on Local Communities
As the reefs around the South Pacific are being overfished, there is not only not any fish left for the trade but more importantly there isn’t any fish left for the local coastal communities. These communities depend on the reef fish not only for their livelihoods but also for their personal food source [7]. With the amount of overfishing that is happening, these communities are not only running out of available sources of income but are also losing their food source.
The Trade Beyond Southeast Asia
(7) Redbanded rockfish. Found in Olympic Coast waters
In the United States, the live fish trade is focused on the west coast. In California mostly plate-sized rockfish are targeted for future sale in Asian markets and restaurants. Like in the markets of Southeast Asia, a fish is more valuable when it is live landed a opposed to being brought to port dead. Efforts are starting to be made to rebuild the stock population of targeted species off the Western United States. Restrictions have been implemented on the live fishing industry off of the west coast of the United States, including limiting the number of fisherman and the size of the catch each fisherman may obtain. A baseline measurement of the stocks was taken in 2004 in order to have a tool to gauge the success of the rebuilding efforts for dwindling populations. Although the trade started to spread to the state of Oregon, Washington and Alaska have taken preemptive measures to prevent a live fin fishery from forming in their waters [6].
The International Standard
What is it?
The International Standard is a reference tool for all involved in the LRFFT, including participants and managers. The Standard provides guidance on best practices of the trade including, best management practices, best operational practices, and best handling, holding and transportation practices [4].
Divided into Three Parts
The Standard is then further divided into three parts: the capture of wild live reef food fish, live reef food fish aquaculture, trading and consumption of live reef food fish. Each of these parts includes a set of requirements and describes ideal conditions for how the LRFFT should function and run [4].
Supported by the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Even though APEC and all 21 of its member countries (see map) support the International Standard, the adoption and incorporation of this standard is still completely voluntary. The Standard is also only in its first draft. It is foreseen that it will be redone periodically as feedback from participants is received in order to make appropriate improvements to create a stronger Standard [4].
The International Standard is a reference tool for all involved in the LRFFT, including participants and managers. The Standard provides guidance on best practices of the trade including, best management practices, best operational practices, and best handling, holding and transportation practices [4].
Divided into Three Parts
The Standard is then further divided into three parts: the capture of wild live reef food fish, live reef food fish aquaculture, trading and consumption of live reef food fish. Each of these parts includes a set of requirements and describes ideal conditions for how the LRFFT should function and run [4].
Supported by the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Even though APEC and all 21 of its member countries (see map) support the International Standard, the adoption and incorporation of this standard is still completely voluntary. The Standard is also only in its first draft. It is foreseen that it will be redone periodically as feedback from participants is received in order to make appropriate improvements to create a stronger Standard [4].
Citations
External Links (In order of appearance)
1. http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2010/07/qingdao-an-abundance-of-seafood.html
Images
(1) Expansion of LRFFT (modified): http://www.livefoodfishtrade.org/development/index.htm
(2 )Map of live reef food fish trade routes in the Asia Pacific region (modified): http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/coraltriangle/WWFImgFullitem12833.jpg
(3) Diver and Coral Reef Ecosystem: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/weeklynews/july09/coralstrat.html
(4) Figure 1: LRFFT Fisher to Consumer, modified from Graham et. al. 2003
(5)Aquaculture Ponds: http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/724653
(6) Philippines Fisherman: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/water/globalwaters/p08_fishing100904.html
(7)Redbannded Rockfish: http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/expl1095.htm
(8)APEC Memberstates: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:APEC_Memberstates.PNG
References
1 "Developing the Standard." Live Food Fish Trade. 2004. The International Standard for the Trade in Live Reef Food Fish. November 2011. http://livefoodfishtrade.org/index.htm.
2 Graham, T. A collaborative strategy to address the live reef food fish trade. The Nature Conservancy (2001).
3 Graham, Y. J. S. T. J. D. T. R., Phillips, F. M. G. G. J. M. M. J. & Yeeting, M. A. R. A. S. B. While Stocks Last: The Live Reef Food Fish Trade. (2003).
4 "The International Standard from the Trade of Live Reef Food Fish." World Wildlife Fund. 2011. World Wildlife Fund. November 2011. http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/coraltriangle/international-standard.html.
5 Lee, C. & Sadovy, Y. A taste for live fish: Hong Kong’s live reef fish market. Ambio 11, 258-261 (1998).
6 Lucas, S. History and status of commercial live fish fisheries in California and the United States West Coast. Ressources marines et commercialisation restauration et aquariophilie bulletin d'information, 19-19-25 (2007).
7 " The Live Reef Food Fish Trade (LRFFT)" World Wildlife Fund. 2011. World Wildlife Fund. November 2011. http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/coraltriangle/live-reef-food-fish-trade.html
1. http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2010/07/qingdao-an-abundance-of-seafood.html
Images
(1) Expansion of LRFFT (modified): http://www.livefoodfishtrade.org/development/index.htm
(2 )Map of live reef food fish trade routes in the Asia Pacific region (modified): http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/coraltriangle/WWFImgFullitem12833.jpg
(3) Diver and Coral Reef Ecosystem: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/weeklynews/july09/coralstrat.html
(4) Figure 1: LRFFT Fisher to Consumer, modified from Graham et. al. 2003
(5)Aquaculture Ponds: http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/724653
(6) Philippines Fisherman: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/water/globalwaters/p08_fishing100904.html
(7)Redbannded Rockfish: http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/expl1095.htm
(8)APEC Memberstates: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:APEC_Memberstates.PNG
References
1 "Developing the Standard." Live Food Fish Trade. 2004. The International Standard for the Trade in Live Reef Food Fish. November 2011. http://livefoodfishtrade.org/index.htm.
2 Graham, T. A collaborative strategy to address the live reef food fish trade. The Nature Conservancy (2001).
3 Graham, Y. J. S. T. J. D. T. R., Phillips, F. M. G. G. J. M. M. J. & Yeeting, M. A. R. A. S. B. While Stocks Last: The Live Reef Food Fish Trade. (2003).
4 "The International Standard from the Trade of Live Reef Food Fish." World Wildlife Fund. 2011. World Wildlife Fund. November 2011. http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/coraltriangle/international-standard.html.
5 Lee, C. & Sadovy, Y. A taste for live fish: Hong Kong’s live reef fish market. Ambio 11, 258-261 (1998).
6 Lucas, S. History and status of commercial live fish fisheries in California and the United States West Coast. Ressources marines et commercialisation restauration et aquariophilie bulletin d'information, 19-19-25 (2007).
7 " The Live Reef Food Fish Trade (LRFFT)" World Wildlife Fund. 2011. World Wildlife Fund. November 2011. http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/coraltriangle/live-reef-food-fish-trade.html