Campagne de prospection de poissons démersaux profonds réalisée autour de La Réunion en 2011

Since 2000, the exploitation of the deep demersal fish (200-700 m) with the use of electric winches has been increasing in Reunion island ; and this has needed a new appraisal of yields (CPUE) and individual fish sizes, as indicators of the state of the fish stocks. A first survey has been carried out at the first half of 2011, in order to set up the comparison with a previous survey in 2000 on the West coast of Reunion island. Drops of yields and sizes could be pointed out, attesting the overexploitation of the commercial species (Fleury et al 2011). This present report displays the results of a second campaign, carried out in the second half of 2011 all around the island. 32 fishing trips have been conducted which have permitted 251 fishing operations. The overexploitation (i.e. decreasing of yields and fish sizes) has been confirmed in the West of the island, and in a lower stage in the North. Yields are better in the East and the South. As much as in the first survey, the small non commercial sharks (Squalus megalops) could be countered for half of the catches. At the same time, 2 hook sizes have been tested and the small hooks have displayed a better efficiency in number of catches but not in global weight. Various types of bait have been tested and meat of small local pelagic fish (Selar crumenophtalmus and Decapterus macarellus) have appeared to be the most efficient. This report provides helpful indicators for the management of fish stocks which have been poorly surveyed and poorly regulated till now.