Siganus species in an artisanal fishery in the Eastern Aegean

Title:
Siganus species in an artisanal fishery in the Eastern Aegean. Rapp. Comm. Int. Mer Medit. (2013).
Authors:
Aganostou, B., Pennington, A., Shepperson, J., Jeffery, A., Miliou, A., (in press) and V. Anagnostou, Archipelagos, Institute of Marine Conservation.

Abstract:
Underwater visual census (UVC) surveys, fishery landings surveys and interviews were used to assess the level of Siganus spp. invasion in Fourni island complex, NE Aegean Sea, Greece. Results showed that despite a high abundance of Siganus spp. being observed in UVC surveys, this was not translated into fisheries landings. Interview surveys identified avoidance behaviour and discarding activities by local fishermen, due to the low economic value of Siganus spp. fish in the specific region. This study provides evidence that changing public perceptions could bring both economic and ecological benefits to the local area.