CONCLUSIONS 



One objective of this research was to provide local Virgin Island pot 

 fishermen with data describing fish behavior that relates directly to 

 their fishing success. We concluded that the tunnel in the Virgin 

 Island pots was effective in the capture of small reef fishes and its 

 complexity reduced fish escape. The small size of the tunnel opening, 

 however, may reduce the catch of larger fish and probably prevent 

 lobsters from entering. The collapsible experimental pots may have 

 application in the local fishery, particularly if larger fish and/or 

 lobsters are desired. This pot appears to be a relatively efficient 

 method of capturing lobster, since 10 were captured during our 

 research and another TEKTITE II team studying lobsters estimated the 

 population in the area at that time numbered about 40 animals. 



The relevance of our studies on reef fishes during TEKTITE II to 

 research on sablefish in the northeastern Pacific may not be as 

 straightforward. After our early observations we concluded that a 

 broad spectrum of behavior patterns are exhibited by the different 

 species of reef fishes. One would expect similar differences 

 between the reef fishes and sablefish. We do feel observations 

 during TEKTITE II have presented reasonable explanations for phenomena 

 we have witnessed in sablefish catches. A good example is the "satu- 

 ration effect" encountered in both pots which now appears caused by 

 behavior rather than physical conditions. Other observations from 

 TEKTITE II research may be implemented in sablefish pots in the future 

 with the result that catch rates are being increased for this gear. 



It is indeed unfortunate that closed circuit breathing apparatus was 

 not available during our mission. In behavior studies exhaust 

 bubbles from open circuit SCUBA may have considerable impact on the 

 behavior of animals. Although we felt most fishes seemed to adjust 

 rapidly to the diver's presence, one must remain at a greater 

 distance from the animals when open circuit gear is used. 



The advantages of saturation diving over conventional scuba techniques 

 are obvious. However, to most scientists the experience is so novel 

 that it is difficult to preplan experiments due to a lack of experience 

 and knowledge of the full potential this type of diving offers. 

 Scientist-divers in coming years will profit greatly from the 

 experience gained by aquanauts trained during the TEKTITE program. 



LITERATURE CITED 



High, William L. 



1969. SCUBA diving--a valuable tool for investigating the behavior 

 of fish within the influence of fishing gear. Proceedings 

 of the FAO conference on fish behavior in relation to fish- 

 ing techniques and tactics. FAO Fish. Rep. No. 62, Vol. 2, 

 pp. 253-267. 



VI-13 



