Artisanal fisheries and NTZs in Nabq, Egypt: effect on gleaned molluscs and reef top benthic assemblages

November 11, 2014 - Benzoni, F.; J. S. Ashworth; A. M. Addamo; F. Stefani; A. Mabrouk; P. Galli

Journal or Book Title: The 10th International Coral Reef Symposium, Okinawa – Japan

Keywords: Bedouin fisheries; Nabq, no-take zones; Red Sea; Tectus; Tridacna

Volume/Issue: ICRS10

Page Number(s): 1362-1368

Year Published: 2006

The Nabq Managed Resource Protected Area (MRPA) is located on the southern part of the Gulf of Aqaba coast of South Sinai, Egypt. A network of four no-take zones (NTZs) was established in 1995 within the Nabq MRPA to promote sustainable management of finfish stocks exploited by artisanal Bedouin fishermen. Gathering of Tridacna spp. and of other edible invertebrates on the reef top is also part of the traditional fishery practised by the local Bedouin population, mainly by women. To assess the effects of these NTZs on gleaned molluscs and on the reef top benthic assemblages, a survey of edible molluscs, along with reef top profile and coral community composition, was undertaken within NTZs boundaries, and in four adjacent fished areas. Tridacna spp., Tectus dentatus, Lambis lambis and Strombus spp. population distribution and structure were assessed on reef flat and crest at sites within and outside NTZs, with a survey of Tridacna discarded shells also conducted. No significant differences in benthic assemblages composition were found between take zones (TZs) and NTZs. Broken coral colonies and coral rubble, however, were found on the reef flat in TZs only, possibly as a result of trampling. Differences in Tridacna spp. and Tectus dentatus populations were found on the reef flat between TZs and NTZs. The size-frequency distribution of gleaned Tridacna showed a smaller size range than live giant clams within NTZs, while the formers had a greater modal size than live clams. Although the establishment of NTZs was initially planned for the management of finfish, it has lead to differences in molluscs populations between TZs and NTZs. For Tridacna, being sessile bivalves, spillover from NTZs to fished areas, such as may be important with finfish, is negligible or absent.

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Tag List
  • bedouin fisheries,
  • center for systems integration and sustainability,
  • nabq,
  • no-take zones,
  • red sea,
  • tectus,
  • tridacna
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