Reference | Nishimoto, R. T., T. E. Shimoda, and L. K. Nishiura. 2007. Mugilids in the Muliwai: a tale of two mullets. Bishop Museum Bulletin in Cultural and Environmental Studies 3:143-156 |
Abstract | The ‘ama‘ama or striped mullet, Mugil cephalus, is circumglobal in tropical and warm temperate seas. This species is common in estuaries, inland lagoons, and rivers. There are only two species of native mullet in Hawai‘i. The uouoa or sharpnose mullet, Neomyxus leuciscus, is a small species and common along the rocky coastline. The striped mullet is an estuarine inhabitant as larvae and juveniles; the adults are found in deeper waters, usually where there is significant freshwater outflow, as stream surface flow or by groundwater intrusion. The ‘ama‘ama is a significant species in traditional Hawai‘i. This fish was coveted by royalty, and there are numerous words in the Hawaiian language describing the life stages and migration pattern. The species was once cultured in Hawaiian fish ponds but now is more significant as a recreational fishery species. Because of the general decline in coastal fish species, the Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources partnered with the Oceanic Institute to develop a prototype marine stock augmentation program for the ‘ama‘ama fishery. A centralized hatchery spawned adults, reared the larvae, tagged young fingerlings with coded wire tags, and released them into juvenile habitats, such as Wailoa River estuary and Waiäkea Pond in Hilo. The release of 20,000 hatchery fingerlings/year had no negative effect on the native mullet stocks, but made a significant contribution to the fishery. The size, location, and season at release of hatchery mullet fingerlings were critical to the success of the effort. The alien mullet, Valamugil engeli (kanda), accidentally released on O‘ahu from 1955–1958, are reported to occur in great numbers in many estuaries in the main Hawaiian Islands. Kanda are very common in Hilo Bay,Wailoa, River and Waiäkea Pond, a significant juvenile fish habitat for coastal marine species. The effort to protect the decline of the native mullet by classical fishery management rules has inadvertently provided greater protection for the alien mullet. The impact of the alien on the native mullet is now being studied, and, concomitantly, novel approaches are being discussed to control this invasion. |
Tag | Coded Wire Tag (CWT) |
Objective | Evaluate stocking programs |