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South Pacific Islands - Reef and lagoon productivity

A report prepared for the Fisheries Development Agency Project

Year of publication 1972

Pages 68

Author Clutter, R.,I.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Document

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Reefs and lagoons are associated with most South Pacific Islands and with all atolls. They are integral parts of the human habitats of these regions, protect the land, form harbours and provide high protein food but despite their importance and recognized value, information about them is usually fragmentary. Evidence shows that the finely balanced reef-lagoon biological system can be disturbed by careless exploitation and other human activities. Imbalances in the natural components occur and ma ny of their fisheries are underproductive because of over-fishing. Failure to develop management and conservation practices in keeping with population growth, tourism and pollution can cause island environments and fisheries to become depleted. Fishery production from the reefs and lagoons can be enhanced and stabilized through management and considerable increases in production are possible through expanding the fishing areas and improving techniques. Further expansion is possible through caref ul and thoughtful manipulation of the environments.

Language English

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