Welcome to SCRFA

Many coral reef fishes form spawning aggregations, spatially and temporally discrete gatherings that are solely for the purpose of reproduction. For most species, such gatherings are their only opportunities to reproduce. Many of these species have a long history of commercial importance, and some are intensively fished on their aggregations. It is now widely acknowledged that unmanaged fishing on spawning aggregations can rapidly deplete fish populations with undesirable impacts on the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

The Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations (SCRFA) was formed in 2000 to promote responsible stewardship of reef fish spawning aggregations. Our work seeks to highlight the vulnerability of reef fish spawning aggregations to fishing, and the need for their better protection and management.