[Coral-List] FW: [ReefCheck-list] Reef Fishes dying in huge numbers

[Gregor Hodgson]

-----Original Message-----
From: Taratau Kirata [mailto:TaratauK at mnrd.gov.ki]
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2003 5:48 PM
To: 'ReefCheck-list at yahoogroups.com'
Subject: [ReefCheck-list] Reef Fishes dying in huge numbers


I would just like to report and if possible would like
thoughts/comments on the incidence.

Fish species of Naso annulatus, Alectis ciliaris, Alectis inducus,
Carangoides orthogrammus, Lutjanus gibbus, Melichthys niger, Melichthys
vidua are reported of in its third week of dying on four islands in our
Kiribati group.  On some islands it is still going on while others stop, but
two more new islands are also experiencing this.

The islands are all coral atolls where they have small or
no lagoon.  The fishes are reported dying on the outer reef near to the open
ocean.  The fishes can be seen being washed ashore onto the beach at
specific locations on these islands in large numbers (250-400).  The numbers
may be greater for some species and slightly fewer for other species.

The local people and fisheries are suspecting it is something related to
increase in
water temperature around the area.  However, this arises another doubt since
we believe this fishes are able to tolerate increase in water temperature
(slight).  Since the area which this thing is happening is in the open
sea, it may be that the area which increases in water temperature is large
and that the temperature rise is more than slight, or what do you think.

Our local people are very concerned owning to the fact that we depend
heavily on these resources for our livelihood.

Thank you.  Should you like further information on this I am always
available in supplying it.

Best regards,

Taratau Kirata
Fisheries Officer
Ministry of Fisheries
Kiribati Government



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