Cheilinus undulates and Bolbometopon muricatum are the first sea fish included in the government’s conservation efforts, the COA said. Those catching either of the two species are subject to a jail term of six months to five years and a maximum fine of NT$1.5 million (US$50,000), the COA added.
Jeng Ming-shiou, a biodiversity researcher with Academia Sinica, said overfishing has reduced the population of Cheilinus undulates and Bolbometopon muricatum to an estimated 30, respectively, off the coast of Kenting, as well as Green and Orchid islands, over the past decade.
Cheilinus undulates and Bolbometopon muricatum once numbered in their hundreds and thousands, respectively, only 40 years ago, he added.
In 2004, Cheilinus undulates was protected by U.S.-based Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora after Hong Kong foodies nearly ate the fish out of existence, Jeng said.
Measuring 2 meters long and weighing more than 200 kilograms, he said Cheilinus undulates is the world’s biggest species of coral reef fish.
According to Jeng, Bolbometopon muricatum—also a coral reef fish—is similarly large, growing to 1.3 meters in length. It is often killed by deep sea divers with a passion for spearfishing. (DF-JSM)
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