Journal article
Octopuses in the south-west Pacific region: a review of fisheries, ecology, cultural importance and management
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Vol.33, pp.977-1003
2023
Abstract
Octopuses present a difficult resource to manage because of their relatively short life spans, rapid growth rates, high natural mortality and seasonal fluctuations in abundance. With exploitation efforts increasing worldwide, particularly in the Pacific Island region, substantial knowledge gaps in their biology, exploitation and management remain. We conducted a literature review to summarise their species distribution, abundance, ecological attributes, utilization, importance and management within the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) of Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa. We found that 23 species of octopuses within 11 genera were recorded from these PICTs, belonging to the families Amphitretidae and Octopodidae. Overall, Tonga was the most speciose country with 11 occurrence records and Samoa recorded the least with just a single species. All other countries recorded between 2 and 8 taxa. The day octopus (Octopus cyanea) was recorded from all PICTs except Samoa. There are no specific national regulations on octopus fisheries within the PICTs and management is largely dependent on overarching national fisheries legislation. However, community-based management efforts can be an effective platform in sustaining octopus stocks. Octopuses also play an important role in the folklore and customs of many Pacific Islanders, and we provide a summary of these for the specific PICTs assessed. This review highlights areas for further research and development for the Pacific Island region and the urgent need to address specific knowledge gaps on octopus taxonomy, stock assessment and fishery management.
Details
- Title
- Octopuses in the south-west Pacific region: a review of fisheries, ecology, cultural importance and management
- Authors
- Epeli M Loganimoce (Corresponding Author) - University of the South PacificKelly T Brown (Author) - University of the South PacificRusila Savou (Author) - University of the South PacificJokim V Kitolelei (Author) - University of the South PacificMax Tukana (Author) - University of the South PacificPaul C Southgate (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringMonal M Lal (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Vol.33, pp.977-1003
- Publisher
- Springer Dordrecht
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11160-023-09772-9
- ISSN
- 1573-5184
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99720261302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Fisheries
- Marine & Freshwater Biology
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Source: InCites