Development of economically viable postlarval capture and culture (PCC) based activities in Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

Abstract

What is PCC? PCC stands for postlarval capture and culture (or "grow-out"). Postlarvae are a development stage in reef fi sh and crustaceans prior to both settlement in the lagoon and adulthood. The vast majority of animals start their development cycle with an ocean phase lasting one to three months, after which fi sh and crustaceans re-enter the lagoon in their hundreds of millions. Only approximately one in a million individuals will reach their adult stage, with most juveniles being eaten by predators. Using innovative techniques (such as crest nets or light traps -see photos below), postlarvae can be captured and bred for sale to four potential uses: aquaculture for food purposes; restocking into ecosystems to boost biodiversity and fish density for fi shing purposes or simply for ecotourism such as snorkelling in coral gardens; and the lucrative aquarium market. Despite their impressive numbers, the captured animals only account for a very small portion of the larval fl ow, hence the very slight impact on the ecosystem compared to techniques involving the capture of adults with large quantities of breeding individuals. This makes PCC a potentially e c o f r i e n d l y industry.