2009 Volume 49 Issue 3 Pages 67-89
Among fishery multi-functionalities, coral reef conservation is inseparably related to fisheries management. In Yaeyama, fishermen utilize “Remote Islands Revitalize Grant” with many activities. The coral reefs there have been threatened by mass-bleaching, red soil run-off, excess nutrient inflow, or crown of thorns starfish. Although coral transplanting has become popular recently, it has many conceptual and technical issues. The Sekisei-lagoon Nature Restoration Council is conducting many conservation activities. However these activities are not linked well to fisheries management. Coral-reef-fish catch has rapidly decreased in Yaeyama. Although the main cause may be over fishing, coral reef devastation would be related. The fishermen have managed reef fish stocks using marine protected areas and fish size limits as management tools and recreational fishers and divers are included in the management.
