Management and benthic characteristics influence the distribution of the Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, India

The charismatic bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), a highly prized fishery resource worldwide, has experienced population declines throughout its geographical range. Currently, there is limited knowledge on... [ view full abstract ]

The charismatic bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), a highly prized fishery resource worldwide, has experienced population declines throughout its geographical range. Currently, there is limited knowledge on distribution, abundance and threats to these fish from Indian waters, particularly from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To assess their distribution and conservation status, we conducted systematic underwater surveys across 51 islands (n=75 sites) and semi-structured interviews with fishers (n=99) across the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. We recorded a total 59 individuals of B. muricatum across nine sites from the northernmost island in the Andamans (Landfall Island) to the southernmost island in the Nicobars (Great Nicobar Island). Interviews revealed that the most fishers (100 % in Central Nicobar, 94 % in Middle Andaman, and 62 % in South Andaman) have seen the bumphead parrotfish, and knowledge about the bumphead parrotfish is highest amongst the spear fishers. A Zero Inflated Poisson, Generalised Linear Models indicated that presence of marine protected areas and high live coral cover influenced the abundance and distribution of B. muricatum. Along with this, the species densities seem to be naturally low in the study area. The results are discussed in the light of protecting rare and endangered species with the recommendation of strengthening the existing marine protected areas in these islands.