Start of studies on grouper larvae in Saint Martin

From October 3 to 9, 2019, the company ECOCEAN was in Saint-Martin to transfer its know-how to the team of the AGRNSM for the Post-Larval Capture and Culture method.

The CCP method

Post-Larval Capture and Culture (PCC) method is a technique for capturing and culturing marine post-larvae. Post-larval fish is the last larval stage of their ocean life cycle. In the great majority (over 95%) these post-larvae disappear by natural predation. The CCP is therefore to collect these larvae before this high mortality in order to strengthen the fish populations.

Saint-Martin

Specifically, in Saint-Martin, it is a question of exploring colonization periods on the small coastal bottoms, post-larvae of reef fish including Nassau groupers and Atlantic goliath groupers, after their first stage of life offshore. With the deployment of light machines and artificial habitats for several months, the AGRNSM will pilot this Life BIODIV’OM’s flagship mission.

Highly threatened species

In addition to the lack of regulation, other threats such as human activities contribute to the destruction of key grouper habitats: coastal developments, wastewater discharges, shoreline clearing, over-frequenting of reef areas, etc. In addition, coral reefs, habitat frequented by the Goliath grouper and the Nassau grouper, are particularly affected by global changes, resulting in reduced coral cover and coral bleaching events. Better protection of its habitats will strengthen their conservation status.