Marine stock assessment survey, Vanuatu 1998-2000

Abstract

This report presents the result of the marine stock assessment survey conducted in Vanuatu from the period between 1998- 2000 on the status, abundance, distribution and diversity of beche-de-mer, giant clam, rock lobster and Coconut crab (Birgus latro) resources in the Vanuatu archipelago. These marine resources are socially and economically vital not only to the rural coastal people but also nationally. In remote rural areas of the country some of these resources may be the only form of cash crop available providing much needed cash for daily living and most importantly school fees and health fees.