Home Institution
Yale-NUS College
Publication Date
Spring 2023
Abstract
This study takes a socioecological approach to understanding triggerfish (Balistidae) in Pemba Island, using Misali Island reefs as a sample ecological site. Two reef sites on Misali Island and three of four districts in Pemba were observed during the study. The abundance of Balistipus undulatus at one of two study sites is close to the maximum carrying capacity of the reef. Overall observed biodiversity was low. Behavioural trends point to distinct species specific defence strategies and species aggression taking different forms. Triggerfishes cultural significance was primarily as a food fish, though it is not highly sought after. With polarised responses for both catch and as a food, the fishery pressure on them was assessed to be moderate. Balistidae abundance, especially B. undulatus could be a good reef health and fishery monitoring metric. This study samples triggerfish ecology, finding interactions and samples which produce a holistic idea of triggerfish in Pemba.
Disciplines
African Studies | Biodiversity | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Oceanography | Research Methods in Life Sciences | Zoology
Recommended Citation
Ng Shueh Yi, Hannah, "ABCDs of Triggerfish in Pemba and Misali Island: Abundance, Biodiversity, Behaviour, Cultural Significance and Distribution" (2023). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 3586.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/3586
Included in
African Studies Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Oceanography Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons, Zoology Commons
Program Name
Tanzania-Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management