Where do the billfish go? Using recreational catch data to relate local and basin scale environmental conditions to billfish occurrence in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Recreational fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) have increased in popularity since the 1970s, contributing to the eco-tourism industries of many Central American economies. However, pelagic gamefish face several direct and indirect threats which can affect population health and sustainability. We use daily catch logs from three recreational fishing lodges in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama as records of change in blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) sightings per unit effort (SPUE) between 2010 and 2019. Using cross-correlational analysis, we compared billfish SPUE to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index and local oceanographic conditions (sea surface temperature [SST] and chlorophyll [chl a]) to understand how billfish availability to recreational fishers is related to environmental conditions at different time lags. Blue marlin occurrence was negatively correlated with the ENSO at time lags of 9-22 months in Guatemala and Costa Rica, while sailfish occurrence was positively correlated with ENSO at time lags of 5-10 months in all three regions. Cross-correlations with local SST were similar to ENSO patterns; however, results were unclear and nonsignificant for local chl a. By comparing recreational fisher SPUE to reported catch per unit effort (CPUE) of these two species by the international longline and purse seine fisheries, we show possible offshore movement of fish stocks during the 2016 warming event. Recreational fishing records provide an alternative way to monitor the occurrence of targeted fish species. By determining correlations of these species to environmental conditions, we begin to distinguish the effects of natural variability in the environment, from direct anthropogenic impacts.

Automated summary

Recreational fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific have grown in popularity since the 1970s, benefiting the eco-tourism industries of many Central American economies. However, pelagic gamefish face threats that impact population health. This study analyzed catch logs from three recreational fishing lodges in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama to evaluate the relationship between billfish sightings and environmental conditions over a decade. The results showed correlations between billfish occurrence and the El Nino Southern Oscillation, with indications of possible offshore movement of fish stocks during a warming event in 2016.