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SAILFISH IN ARABIAN WATERS

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By John Hoolihan
Photos: Xavier Eichaker

The Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) occurs in both tropical and temperate waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Within the Arabian region they are found stretching from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf. Sailfish have also entered the Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. They belong to the group known collectively as billfishes, which also includes marlins, spearfishes and swordfish. All possess an elongated rigid rostrum (nose) referred to as a "bill". Sailfish are further characterized by their enormous dorsal fin resembling a sail, from which their name originates.

Sailfish are ranked as apex predators placed at the top of the food chain. They feed primarily on small schooling fish. Often they can be observed in the region feeding on schooling sardines and anchovies. Very small prey will be chased and swallowed. However, when pursuing larger prey the sailfish uses it bill to slash and maim the prey. It then circles back more leisurely to pick up its meal. This is an energy saving feat for the sailfish. Another energy saving trick is to combine hunting efforts. Sailfish often hunt together whereby they are more capable of rounding up a school of prey into a tight group and driving it to the water surface where evasion is difficult. Individual sailfish then take turns at feeding while the others prevent the prey group from escaping.

Renowned for tremendous speed and jumping ability, the sailfish remains a favorite amongst recreational game fishermen. Economically, it significantly benefits communities engaged in recreational fishing activities. In recent years a worldwide increase of tagging and releasing sailfish by recreational anglers has improved efforts of conservation and sustainability, and aided in the study of migratory movements. Considered a highly migratory species, sailfish do not observe political boundaries, but rather move freely across international borders and exclusive economic zones (EEZ’s).

The subject of animal migration has always held people’s fascination with regard to purpose and distance traveled, as well as method of navigation. Migration patterns of many highly observable terrestrial species including mammals, birds and insects are well documented. In contrast, fish are not easily observed and tracked, and knowledge of their movements is much less. New methods using hi-tech tracking devices are helping to better understand the fish in our seas. This is important in view of the fact that in recent years many world ocean fish stocks (once believed undepletable) are increasingly threatened from the effects of commercial overfishing. Understanding the biological processes and life history of marine species is a necessary prerequisite to making informed management decisions required for sustainable use and biodiversity preservation.

Inside the Arabian Gulf sailfish are being tagged and studied to better understand and manage area species. The Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) in Abu Dhabi operates a co-operative tagging program which promotes the tagging and live release of sailfish. This program would not be possible without the selfless efforts of private recreational fishermen and charterboat operators who contribute on a volunteer basis. ERWDA provides vinyl numbered tags and data cards to the fishermen who implant each tag into the muscle tissue of the sailfish. The data card containing capture information is then returned to ERWDA. Subsequent capture of a tagged sailfish can then provide useful information describing migratory movement and growth rates.

Sailfish are seasonal residents in Arabian Gulf waters of the United Arab Emirates, aggregating from about October through April each year. Tag recoveries have revealed that at the end of this period there is a migratory movement directed further northwest into Iranian territorial waters. This tag recovery data was received from Iranian commercial fishermen. At present, no tag returns have revealed the location of this Gulf sailfish population for the period of July - September. Further investigation is required to determine whether they are staying in the Gulf or moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Satellite tracking devices do not require recapture and are probably the most effective method for answering these questions.

Geographically the Gulf is a relatively small area and the EEZ’s of neighboring countries converge on each other. Many important fish species, including the sailfish, are described as straddling stocks because they are shared by multiple nations. Viewing these as shared resources exemplifies how important the biology, life histories and fishing catch rates are understood and managed properly. The combined efforts of dedicated persons will help to ensure these magnificent creatures are available to future generations.

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Unauthorised use of photographs or text is strictly prohibited.

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