Recovery of the Napoleon Fish (Cheilinus undulatus) Population in the Waters of Misool, Raja Ampat Regency: Evaluation of Trends, Density, and Impact of Conservation Policies 2013-2023 Pemulihan Populasi Ikan Napoleon (Cheilinus undulatus) di Perairan Misool, Kabupaten Raja Ampat: Evaluasi Tren, Densitas, dan Dampak Kebijakan Konservasi 2013-2023
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Abstract
The Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a large-sized coral reef fish species, listed under Appendix II of CITES for trade regulation and categorized as a partially protected species in Indonesia. This partial protection is enforced through a quota system based on scientific recommendations to prevent extinction due to overexploitation. This study aims to evaluate changes in the Napoleon wrasse population in the waters of Misool, Raja Ampat Regency, by comparing survey data from 2013 (t₀) with monitoring results from 2023 (t₁). The Snorkeling Visual Census (SVC) method was used to estimate abundance and spatial distribution, while semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess utilization practices by local communities. Results show a population increase of 114.86%, from 2.83 ind./ha (2013) to 5.41 ind./ha (2023). Size distribution was dominated by juveniles (25–40 cm), although the presence of adult individuals (up to 90 cm) was also recorded, indicating a trend of natural recruitment. Habitat degradation due to destructive fishing practices, such as blast fishing, was still detected at several sites, although overall the coral reef ecosystem remains in good condition. The moratorium on exploitation since 2020 and the presence of marine protected areas have significantly contributed to population recovery. These findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring and the strengthening of adaptive management based on scientific data to support the sustainable utilization of Napoleon wrasse in Indonesia.
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