CFMC UPDATES FEBRUARY 2021 I n t h e C a r ib b e a n F i s h e r y M a n a g e m e n t C o u n c i l ( C F M C ) ' s b u lle t in y o u w ill f in d a n n o u n c e m e n t s , f a c t s a b o u t m a r i n e s p e c i e s , a n d v a lu a b le i n fo rm a t io n o n f is h i n g a n d r e g u l a t io n s t h a t r u l e t h i s a c t i v i t y i n P u e r t o R i c o a n d t h e U S Virg in Isla n d s.
SPAWNING AGGREGATIONS = FISH FOR TOMORROW During specific times of the year, depending on the moon phases, and in particular places, different species of fish aggregate (get together) to spawn. Tenths or even hundreds of fish join in a big reproduction festival. Fishes such as the red hind (Epinephelus guttatus), the black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), the tiger grouper (Mycteroperca tigris), and the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus); or snappers such as the mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis) form spawning aggregations in our Caribbean waters. This method of reproduction, even though constitutes a beautiful event of nature, makes fish vulnerable to overfishing. This is why there are fishing prohibitions that have been established with the purpose of protecting these species during the spawning aggregations. If we allow species to quietly aggregate and reproduce, we will have fish for tomorrow. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFyqKTs-QlM and watch the video on spawning aggregations.
LEARN ABOUT THE PLUMA PORGY (Calamus pennatula)
Photo: whatsthatfish.com
The Pluma porgy’s overall color is silvery with purple, or lavender iridescence. Individual scales have brownyellow edges with iridescent, blue-green spots. This species inhabit rocky areas, reefs, and also flat bottoms. It is edible! You can include it within the diversity of species that we are able to consume and ask for it in your favorite fish market.