The large size, slow growth and schooling behavior of this species mean it is susceptible to overfishing.[5] This species is highly sought after by fishermen throughout its range, and it has declined from overharvesting[9]. Spearfishers and netters target large groups as they sleep at night.[10] The species was identified as a Species of Concern by NOAA/NMFS in 2004,[11] meaning that the species is thought to be threatened, but insufficient data are available to justify a listing under the Endangered Species Act.[12][13]
Habitat degradation and destruction has accelerated the decline. Juvenile habitats are susceptible to being degraded by poor water quality, such as run-off of sediments from logging.[6]
Spearfishing while scuba diving was banned in American Samoa in 2001.[14] The waters surrounding Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, and Palmyra Atoll from the shoreline out to 50 fathoms (91 m) are protected as low-use marine protected areas, which means any person of the United States fishing for, taking, or retaining this fish must have a special permit. Also, it may not be taken by means of spearfishing with SCUBA gear from 6 pm to 6 am in the US Exclusive Economic Zone waters around these territories. The population of the fish in Palau is now protected by an export ban.[1
Many animals with horns can be found on the African continent. Unfortunately, many of these are hunted for their horns. Some species face near extinction purely because they are animals with horns! However, millions of these animals still cover the African savanna. There are many graceful herds of the Bovidae family to appreciate. Here is everything you need to know about animals with horns.
Here in South Korea no such fish in the market, no seen or heard of.
ReplyDeleteDo they live on biting solid reef, no preying on smaller fish?
Impressive snout biting dynamics.