Abstract

Eleven species of flyingfishes have been reported in the eastern Caribbean and the four-wing flyingfish (Hirundichthys affinis), in particular, supports valuable and growing fisheries in the region. Collectively, flyingfishes, or exocoetids, are an important component of the pelagic food web. Several species have been extensively studied in the eastern Caribbean and special attention has been given to the biology and fisheries for H. affinis, such that many of the issues surrounding them are well known. In spite of this, the regional flyingfish fisheries continue to operate essentially unmanaged and are poorly monitored. Taken in a single-species context, flyingfish, specifically Hirundichthys affinis, appear to be a productive and lightly fished resource, perhaps not warranting strong management measures. There are, however, possible dangers in this view when considering the broader ecosystem.

The Lesser Antilles Pelagic Ecosystem project of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has completed a four-year study that included flyingfishes and related issues under an ecosystem approach. The results of these investigations included both ecosystem models and stakeholder consultations on relevant issues. What emerged is consistent with our past knowledge, but also provides a means of estimating the less direct interactions of fish and fishing. The trophic dependence of dolphinfishes (coryphaenids) on flyingfishes in the eastern Caribbean was well known, but the sensitivity of their responses was modelled and shows dolphinfishes to be particularly vulnerable to any substantial decrease in abundance of flyingfishes, even without any change in fishing pressure on dolphinfishes. Furthermore, the growing longline fisheries of the region have both a technical and economic dependence on flyingfish to a much higher degree than was previously considered and also link the flyingfish and beach seine fisheries through the year-round demand for bait.

The continuing and often discussed weaknesses in the regional fisheries data collection systems are a particular concern for flyingfish under an ecosystem management regime. Flyingfish landings remain poorly monitored or not monitored at all in the regional fisheries, and growth in flyingfish catch is taking place at completely unmonitored bait fisheries. This situation will need to be addressed if an ecosystem approach is to be seriously considered.