A call to conserve the Arabian Sailfish

A reduction in the abundance of this large apex predator could reduce genetic diversity, alter the balance of the ecosystem and impact negatively on the economy.

In response, WWF UAE has proposed a challenging project to address and solve this regional issue by working with scientists, agency authorities, as well as commercial and recreational fishermen to promote the conservation and sustainable use of sailfish in the Gulf.

Sailfish are classed as a member of the billfish family along with marlins, spearfishes and swordfish. All are categorized as highly migratory species. They are collectively referred to as billfish because of their distinct 'bills', or elongated rostrums. Sailfish are also characterized by their large "sail-like" dorsal fin, from which their name is derived.

Known to be extremely fast and agile, sailfish are favoured worldwide by recreational fishermen. In the UAE, sailfish are an important species for the recreational fishing and tourism sector. An increasing number of foreign travellers are visiting the UAE annually with the specific purpose of experiencing the pleasure of catching, tagging and releasing the sailfish.

Gulf sailfish are facing increasing mortality when captured in Iranian gillnets targeting kingfish and small tunas. Sailfish are a non-target species, but are affected because their habitat preferences coincide with those of the kingfish and tuna species. To further our understanding, WWF UAE recently invited ERWDA fisheries scientist, John Hoolihan, to present his sailfish research findings to an interested audience at Dar Al Nadwa, in Al Bastakiya, Bur Dubai.

Hoolihan revealed that through genetic analysis it has been suggested that a small founding population of sailfish entered and colonized the Gulf after the last ice age. Variation in mitochondrial DNA indicates that the population of sailfish residing inside the Gulf are genetically isolated from those outside.

Hoolihan also indicated that because Gulf sailfish are isolated, population extirpation would reduce the genetic diversity of Gulf species. In addition, loss of this apex predator could potentially initiate cascading effects that have both direct and indirect impacts on the marine ecosystem.

WWF UAE has been following the status of the Gulf sailfish population for some time now. Ten pop-up satellite tags donated by and WWF UAE in association with Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) are scheduled for deployment on sailfish in March 2005 by ERWDA scientists for the purpose of gaining information on movement and summertime location of the Gulf population.

However, there is still a need to ascertain the spatial and temporal spawning requirements for Gulf sailfish, and to better understand the quantity and age/size component of the landed catch. In addition, there is a need to develop regional cooperation and joint management strategies to conserve this important species.