Modeling Tools To Help Assess the Distribution of Priority Reef Fish Species for Jurisdictional Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans in Guam
March 19, 2024
To assess the distribution of priority reef fish species around Guam, we analyzed five years of fish survey data from the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (2009–2022) using various spatial modeling techniques.
Reef fishes play a vital role in supporting local fisheries and providing essential ecosystem services, particularly for maintaining the health of coral reefs. In Guam, shore-based fishing methods contribute significantly to the local fisheries catch for cultural, recreational, and economic benefits. Understanding the distribution of reef fish species is therefore crucial for effective fisheries management and would inform the ongoing effort by the Government of Guam to develop Guam’s Jurisdictional Coral Reef Fisheries Management Plan (JCR-FMP). This effort requires consideration of environmental factors such as temperature and reef substrate, and human influences such as fishing pressure and water quality. To assess the distribution of priority reef fish species around Guam, we analyzed five years of fish survey data from the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (2009–2022) using various spatial modeling techniques.
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service uses the NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-PIFSC series to disseminate scientific and technical information that has been scientifically reviewed and edited. Documents within this series reflect sound professional work and may be referenced in the formal scientific and technical literature.
Perelman JN, Tanaka KR, Suca JJ, Oliver TA, Gajdzik L 2024. Modeling tools to help assess the distribution of priority reef fish species for jurisdictional coral reef fishery management plans in Guam U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-PIFSC-158, 42 p.
https://doi.org/10.25923/v50k-pc85