Humphead Parrotfish Biting Solid Reef

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