FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE,MOA,TAIWAN

Coastal fishery resources are very important to the major industries in Liuqiu, including fishing and tourism. Previous studies are lacking in terms of surveys relating to coastal fishermen activity patterns and economic fish species and thus lack relevant underlying data regarding the sustainable use of coastal and offshore fishery resources. Therefore, by conducting a survey regarding the operations of small sampans over the last two years, this study analyzed the operational patterns and geographic distribution of economic fish species of local sampan fisheries. The results suggested that fishermen from sampan fisheries usually operate in the eastern and northeastern coastal waters of Liuqiu and employ the angling fishing method. The main catch consisted of fish from the Carangidae family (30.8%), withthe major fishing period occurring from November to February in the east to northeastern waters. This was followed by fish from the Trichiuridae family (19.8%), with the major fishing period occurring from July to September in the southeastern waters. Fish from the Scombridae family accounted for 10.5% of the catch, with the major fishing period occurring from November to December in southwestern and southern waters. Fish from the Coryphaenidae family accounted for 10%, with the major fishing period occurring from June to July in the southeastern, northwestern, and northeastern waters. Finally, fish from the Belonidae family accounted for 9.9% and could be caught year round in the west to northwestern coastal waters. Fishermen have specific target fish species in different seasons. The diving dart fishing method is used to catch more vibrantly colored tropical reef fish species, including fish from the Monacanthidae, Siganidae, Acanthuridae and Chaetodontidae families. The findings of this study can provide a reference to fishery authorities or fishermen groups regarding the spatial-temporal distribution information of local fishery resources in locating appropriate fishing grounds and reducing fuel costs, as well as conservation and restoration of marine resources.