Phase 1: Feasibility study
Light trap, CARE, 2015 © Remy Dubas; Ecocean
Before we start growing post larvae, we need to check that there are enough of them to repopulate. To do this, we and our partners are going to test several promising areas for catching post larvae. We will be using three light traps, known as CAREs (Collect by Artificial Reef Ecofriendly). The CAREs are specially designed to capture live post larvae.
This study will take place over 8 to 12 months, with 6 to 10 nights of fishing, only the most favourable nights, when the larvae colonise the reefs. If we judge that the quantity of post larvae is sufficient for repopulation, we will be able to start culturing post larvae in a second phase.
Goals
Check that the collection of post larvae is possible and sufficient to allow restocking.
Identify the best fishing sites for post larvae.
Check that the most threatened species of post larvae are available.
Deliverables of the phase
A detailed activity report specifying the best collection sites.
A guide to identifying post larvae in the region.
Reef fish awareness days in the region.