Torba province Vanuatu stock assessment survey: beche-de-mer, giant clam, rock lobster & coconut crab

Abstract

The purpose of this survey is to assist the Fisheries Department in gathering data for the stock assessment program so management strategies can be formulated for the long term. This stock assessment survey was year two of a three-year program. The survey encompassed the Torba Province, which is the northern most province of the Vanuatu group and is made up of the Banks and Torres group of islands. The species surveyed were beche-de-mer, rock lobsters, giant clams, and coconut crabs. This area has not been surveyed before so this will provide a base line for future surveys and play an integral part in formulating management plans for the fishery.