Ensuring the Sustainability of Coastal Small-Scale Fisheries at Pitcairn Island (South Pacific) Within a Large Scale No-Take MPA

The Pitcairn Islands, located in the central South Pacific, contain near-pristine marine ecosystems which support unique fish assemblages, together with both endemic and threatened species. itself is only inhabited island group and, before this study, environmental impact of local fisheries was unclear, little data to inform conservation management. In 2014–2015 coastal populations were assessed using a mixed methods approach: newly introduced system fishers’ catch monitoring Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS). Thirty-nine BRUVS deployments recorded 88 species total, small-bodied herbivores (e.g., Kyphosus pacificus) mesopredators Xanthichthys mento ) dominating “bottom heavy” assemblage. Several large pelagic predators recorded, but reef-associated rare one shark observed. Pitcairn’s top predator assemblage relatively impoverished compared global “pristine” sites, including other islands within group. Top scarcity may be explained by artisanal fisheries, have historically targeted sharks reef carnivores, these taxa not recovered despite subsequent declines fishing pressure. dominant proliferated as result diminished populations. Subsequent sampling, officer post created collate from fishers. Regular returns obtained over half active fishers (representing approximately 80% catches), K. pacificus also catches small grouper Epinephelus fasciatus frequently targeted. Thirty represented 12 month period. Results shared community, providing basis for cooperative design Fisheries Management Plan. This plan ensured traditional could continue sustainable manner Coastal Conservation Zones around each four established large, no-take Marine Protected Area designated 2016, covering entire Exclusive Economic Zone. Monitoring should continued beyond one-off study order adjustment Plan, ongoing fishery still consequences long-term sustainability, particularly caught waters remain significant gap.