Fisheries catch reconstruction

French Polynesia's total marine fisheries catches were estimated for the 1950-2007 time period. The 'catch reconstruction method used to estimate total catches includes all fisheries sectors (i.e., commercial, artisanal and subsistence catches). Separate approaches were used for each of the major island groups, reflecting differences in fishing activities between the islands. Overall, our estimated catch for French Polynesia's fisheries from 1950 to 2007 was approximately 600,000 t. This total was twice the amount reported by the FAO on behalf of French Polynesia. The data supplied to the FAO reflect only commercial landings, while our reconstructed catch estimate was more comprehensive, combining small-scale fisheries catches with commercial sector catches. This method of accounting for all fisheries components is essential to improving the management of fisheries resources and reducing threats to food security in French Polynesia.