Cuttlefish is fast-growing and has a short lifespan, reproducing only once in their lifetime. They gather in big groups during mating season, making them vulnerable to fishing activities. The stock is not well-monitored with only limited information on the species and no reliable fishery data available. The overall current fishing practice may threaten cuttlefish populations in the area.
Information on the ecological effects of the trammel net fishery is scarce. The fishery is likely to cause significant damage to some endangered, threatened, protected (ETP) species. The level of discards in that area is considered low as all the catch is used. The likelihood of ecosystem impact cannot be determined because of insufficient information. The impact of the fishery on habitat appears to be moderate.
Management measures in Hong Kong and China include protection of ETP species, gear registration to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. There is a lack of monitoring of management, which is considered marginally effective.
