Assessing the sustainability of subsistence fisheries in the Pacific: The use of data on fish consumption

Coastal fisheries in Pacific island countries are characterised by a strong predominance of catches for subsistence purposes which involves mainly finfish and is difficult to quantify. In 1997–1998, a consumer survey conducted in the Northern Province of New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific Ocean) made it possible to indirectly estimate subsistence fishing production. Catch from subsistence fishing did not result in a significant change of the exploitation potential. The catch composition of subsistence fishing differed significantly from commercial fishing, with a higher proportion of species less vulnerable to exploitation. Interpretation of the consumer typology highlighted the importance of factors such as ethnic group and geographical location in explaining eating habits and therefore, indirectly, fishing behaviours. These results suggest that this fish consumption survey could assist in the design of subsistence fisheries monitoring programmes.