Airport Indonesian authorities have seized 36 humphead wrasse, the 
third seizure of this endangered fish species in the country this year. Live fish, harvested in Indonesia, were destined for Hong Kong.
"Indonesia remains a major supplier of Hong Kong and other end-use markets, driving the demand for this valuable fish," said TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Regional Director James Compton.
Prisé as a delicacy and served in high-end restaurants, Napoleon may sell for more than U.S. $ 100 per kilogram on the market. Hong Kong is the largest consumer market for this species, although high-end restaurants in Malaysia, Singapore and mainland China are also known to offer servings of fish electric blue.
It is found among the coral reefs across Southeast Asia, Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the humphead wrasse can reach more than two metres long, weigh up to 190 kg and live more than 30 years. The trade in this case, however, is selective, with smaller sizes people, including many young people preferred full-grown adults because the flesh is considered more tender. Small fish are better suited to the restoration which prefers to serve whole fish. The species is typically traded live.
Indonesia allows an annual catch of 8000 individual Napoleon - none for local consumption, all for export - and the fish harvest is allowed only in specific sectors, particularly in Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara and East West Nusa Tenggara.
"The challenge for Indonesia is to develop a viable strategy for the monitoring of trade and improving law enforcement," Compton said, "otherwise the fishery can not be managed long-term local and national interests. "
Indonesian recently joined representatives from Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines to discuss the humphead wrasse trade. Participants at the workshop - co-organized by WWF, TRAFFIC and IUCN - have agreed to develop science-based guidelines for sustainable use of resources of the humphead wrasse, as well as promoting regional cooperation and awareness Increased trade between the fishing industry and consumers.
"Cooperation between countries and fisheries and management authorities in the countries of origin is the key to successful implementation of a CITES listing for the humphead wrasse," said Dr. Yvonne Sadovy of University of Hong Kong and chairman of IUCN Groupers and Wrasses Specialist Group.
The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulates) is included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This means that international trade in species is possible only with valid CITES permit. The CITES Appendix II contributes to provide the list and consumer countries to ensure that trade in this species is both legal and sustainable.
At present, Hong Kong has not implemented Appendix II list of Napoleon and, therefore, the species of fish can be legally imported. New legislation, however, would require both import and possession permits in Hong Kong, in addition to the CITES permit to be issued by exporting countries.
"If the species is sustainably managed and exchanges, the situation is win-win," said Sadovy. "Operators can continue their activity, consumers can eat fish, fish populations and can again be in good health for everyone can enjoy."
third seizure of this endangered fish species in the country this year. Live fish, harvested in Indonesia, were destined for Hong Kong."Indonesia remains a major supplier of Hong Kong and other end-use markets, driving the demand for this valuable fish," said TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Regional Director James Compton.
Prisé as a delicacy and served in high-end restaurants, Napoleon may sell for more than U.S. $ 100 per kilogram on the market. Hong Kong is the largest consumer market for this species, although high-end restaurants in Malaysia, Singapore and mainland China are also known to offer servings of fish electric blue.
It is found among the coral reefs across Southeast Asia, Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the humphead wrasse can reach more than two metres long, weigh up to 190 kg and live more than 30 years. The trade in this case, however, is selective, with smaller sizes people, including many young people preferred full-grown adults because the flesh is considered more tender. Small fish are better suited to the restoration which prefers to serve whole fish. The species is typically traded live.
Indonesia allows an annual catch of 8000 individual Napoleon - none for local consumption, all for export - and the fish harvest is allowed only in specific sectors, particularly in Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara and East West Nusa Tenggara.
"The challenge for Indonesia is to develop a viable strategy for the monitoring of trade and improving law enforcement," Compton said, "otherwise the fishery can not be managed long-term local and national interests. "
Indonesian recently joined representatives from Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines to discuss the humphead wrasse trade. Participants at the workshop - co-organized by WWF, TRAFFIC and IUCN - have agreed to develop science-based guidelines for sustainable use of resources of the humphead wrasse, as well as promoting regional cooperation and awareness Increased trade between the fishing industry and consumers.
"Cooperation between countries and fisheries and management authorities in the countries of origin is the key to successful implementation of a CITES listing for the humphead wrasse," said Dr. Yvonne Sadovy of University of Hong Kong and chairman of IUCN Groupers and Wrasses Specialist Group.
The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulates) is included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This means that international trade in species is possible only with valid CITES permit. The CITES Appendix II contributes to provide the list and consumer countries to ensure that trade in this species is both legal and sustainable.
At present, Hong Kong has not implemented Appendix II list of Napoleon and, therefore, the species of fish can be legally imported. New legislation, however, would require both import and possession permits in Hong Kong, in addition to the CITES permit to be issued by exporting countries.
"If the species is sustainably managed and exchanges, the situation is win-win," said Sadovy. "Operators can continue their activity, consumers can eat fish, fish populations and can again be in good health for everyone can enjoy."
