NAPOLEON WRASSE

Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus, Red List IUCN status: Endangered)

ASIA DIVE EXPO

(ADEX 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 SPEAKER) The Napoleon wrasse is the star attraction of many dive sites in Palau. Viewed by locals as a national treasure, it’s big, cute and friendly and is probably one of my favourite fishes to photograph. However, it has also become a popular dish for tourists. Essential to coral reef health, as they eat crown-of-thorns starfish, a coral reef predator, the

Napoleon wrasse is highly vulnerable to overfishing. Fortunately, the Palau government has been quick to notice the dwindling numbers of mature fish, passing a law in 2007 banning the poaching and fishing of Napoleons.

Globally, the decline of mature individuals is continuing, due mainly to the trade in live reef fish and unregulated fisheries. Destructive fishing practices, such as the use of cyanide and other poisons, is destroying the coral habitats that support Napoleon wrasse and so many other reef fish species.

Meet ADEX Ambassador for Photography – Greater China Yorko Summer at the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2019 from April 11 to 14, 2019, at SUNTEC Singapore