Following bonefishes in Hawai‘i: Connecting the dots from ocean to table

Abstract

Hawai‘i is home to the Indo-Pacific round jaw (Albula glossodonta) and the endemic sharp jaw (A. virgata). These species’ hold cultural, recreational, and commercial value in Hawai‘i and it is important to fill various data gaps in their life history. Our understanding of bonefish site fidelity, habitat use, population structure and effective conservation measures is based on limited information in Hawai‘i. First, leptocephalus larvae were captured by light trap in Kāne‘ohe and Maunalua Bays and aged through otolith analyses. Leptocephali ranged from 28-72 days old and 54-66 mm. The mean age of the larvae was 48.8 days, indicating high dispersal ability. Tissue samples from larvae and over 300 fin clips, collected by volunteer anglers from O‘ahu, Maui, Kiritimati and Anaa Atoll, were used to determine population structure within the Pacific Ocean. Results showed Anaa and Hawai‘i exhibiting distinct genetic stocks and Kiritimati with admixed individuals. Lastly, a survey was conducted of bonefish anglers to understand their motivations and preferences. Of the anglers that keep bonefish for food, they prefer fish over a four-pound threshold. Comments also revealed anglers’ attitudes towards current management and competing demands. Aligning biological and social information regarding bonefish life history is critical to update fisheries management tools and promote responsible fishing practices.