Predatory fish exploitation and relative abundance in a data-poor region from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, inferred from artisanal fishery interview surveys and baited remote underwater video systems

Artisanal fisheries are socially and economically important along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. These fisheries remain poorly characterized, making it difficult to estimate their potential impact, especially on non-targeted catch such as elasmobranchs. A rapid assessment framework was used to investigate the exploitation, use, and relative abundance of elasmobranchs and predatory teleosts in a region along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. In-person structured interview surveys (n = 188) were conducted during the autumn of 2016 at eight fishing towns around Cartagena and the islands of the Natural National Park (NNP) Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo. Baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) (n = 200) deployed at four reefs were used to assess the relative abundance of elasmobranchs and other predatory teleosts. Fishers reported capturing eight shark and five ray taxa. Although 99% of fishers indicated that they did not target sharks, 83% reported keeping the catches to sell, eat, or both. Similarly, 81% of fishers did not target rays, but 90% reported retaining catches. Most fishers (84%) perceived a decline of sharks in the coastal waters since they started fishing, compared with 41% reporting batoid declines. BRUVS data support the perceptions of elasmobranch declines. Elasmobranch abundances were very low and no difference was detected between protected and unprotected reefs. Results were similar for teleost taxa, but there were higher abundances inside one marine protected area (MPA) that had high enforcement. Taken together, the data suggest considerable degradation of not only elasmobranch populations but also predatory fish populations of coral reef habitats in a region of the Colombian Caribbean. Furthermore, artisanal fishers continue to exploit coral reef resources inside MPAs unless there is strong enforcement. Enforcement can be difficult with limited resources, and therefore community-based conservation methods may be more effective. Engagement with the local fishing community may help to reduce existing tensions and improve compliance.

Automated summary

Artisanal fisheries along the Caribbean coast of Colombia are socially and economically important, but their impact on non-targeted species and fishing practices are poorly understood. This study found declines in shark and ray populations, and artisanal fishers continue to exploit coral reef resources inside marine protected areas without strong enforcement. Collaborating with the local fishing community may be more effective in promoting conservation.