Keeping algae from taking over coral reefs just got harder
NASSAU, BAHAMAS Parrotfish harvesting is on the rise due to its taste, consumers’ requests and largely because it ends up on hooks, in nets and traps when fishermen troll for other species.
While the fish is often overlooked in favor of its more popular cousins, snappers and groupers, new research suggests its growing demand is likely to continue, spelling big trouble for local coral reefs an ecosystem already in serious decline.
Dubbed “nature’s lawn mowers”, parrotfish spend most of their day binging on algae, thereby helping coral reef grow in a delicate balancing act. In places where the species were overfished, reefs have suffered tragic declines in coral numbers.
Perry Institute of Marine Science Senior Scientist Dr Krista Sherman on a dive as part of research on the Nassau grouper. (PHOTO: VALERIA PIZARRO)
NASSAU, BAHAMAS There are glimmers of hope for the critically endangered Nassau grouper, a species which despite seasonal closures and size restrictions continue to experience declines throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean, according to the Perry Institute of Marine Science (PIMS).
Dedicated protection and conservation efforts have led to positive changes at some breeding sites also called fish spawning aggregations (FSAs).
But Dr Krista Sherman, senior scientist at PIMS, noted that the popular fish’s fate will be decided by taking action.