VALUES AND CONSERVATION OF GOBY (Actinopteri: Gobiiformes) IN XUAN THUY NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

In Xuan Thuy National Park, gobies have a high diversity and play important values for local communities. This study aims to examine information of values, exploitation status and sustainable development of this fish group. Information was collected from fishers, local business fish sellers, managers of the park via three interview surveys in 2021-2023. The results show that the goby is a significant resource in providing foods and commercial values, especially for Bostrychus sinensis and Glossogobius olivaceus. Fishers mainly exploit gobies in mangroves by a long trap net, with a high fishing frequency (about 5.75 day/week). Fishing was usually corresponding to reproductive periods of fishes. The fishery resources have declined in 5 and 10 years, with an average of 42.07% and 61.33%, respectively, which is probably due to the water pollution, overfishing and small mesh-size nets. Sustainable development programs were performed, but the effort is still limited. Based on the aforementioned issues, this study proposes several measures for conservation and sustainable development of goby, contributing to proper exploitation and usage of this resource.