The family Nautilidae are Guinea) and A. perforates Data exists for New found throughout tropical Asia (Indonesia). Caledonia and Fiji that did not Pacific region, but restricted to follow the same trend deep fore-reef slopes from The low productivity of (discussed in the full FAO 200–700 m in depth. Nautilus nautilids (late maturity, long Panel report). Whereas pompilius has the most lifespan, low fecundity and declines in heavily fished widespread distribution, with slow growth with no larval locations were noted and other species having a more phase) and the major decline some serial depletion has limited distribution; (70−90 percent) in fishery resulted in total local N. belauensis (Palau), independent CPUE recorded extinctions at some sites, N. macromphalus (New at locations where fishing has populations in non-fished Caledonia), N. stenomphalus occurred for greater than 10 locations of Australia and (NE Australia), N. repertus years, was determined by the Palau were demonstrated to (W Australia), Allonautilus Panel as meeting the criteria be stable. scrobicularis (Papua New for CITES Appendix II listing.

Above: Distribution of seven species of Nautilidae.

Left: Nautilidae population data collected in a number of locations across their range (circles), with declines noted in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Indonesia.

No change in general distribution has been recorded, although several local fishing sites in the Philippines have recorded total losses.

Meets CITES Listing Criteria

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Family Nautilidae

EXPERT PANEL SUMMARYProposal: 48

If nautilids were listed in In countries with less work towards conservation CITES Appendix II, it would capacity, where CITES and sustainable use of the provide a measure to ensure provisions prove a challenge, nautilids without unduly products entering the following outcomes could affecting coastal international trade were occur; previous trade ceases communities, Parties may derived from legal and with negative repercussions consider developing a sustainable fisheries. If on fishers, trade continues mechanism to allow properly implemented, this without proper CITES continued trade of small shell would require better documentation (i.e. illegal fragments, often sourced monitoring and reporting of trade) and/or trade continues from natural mortality (drift catches entering with inadequate shell). Use of nautilid shell in international trade, an non-detriment findings this manner is thought to improvement that should (NDFs). have minimal impact on wild enable new or enhanced populations and would assessments of stock status. Listing nautilids would impact present a greater challenge Successful implementation fishers, curio manufacturers to authorities than should help depleted and traders. It would be identification of whole populations recover, while important to assess the nautilus shells, due to the ceasing serial depletion of impact on local livelihoods similarity of shell fragments independent populations in and implement mitigating to a range of other shell areas where the fishery was measures where possible. nacre products.most active. To ensure CITES provisions

There are no known provincial regulation in species, and there does not International controls, Indonesia and Philippines). appear to be any harvest however nautilids are seasons or quotas in offered national protection Despite these measures countries where commercial to ensure sustainable there is very little evidence harvest occurs. harvest across a number that natural resource of range states (Australia, authorities have conducted Existing measures would not New Caledonia, India, regular assessments to appear to be effective in Indonesia, Palau and determine the status or managing these fisheries at Philippines, with some impact of harvest on these this time.

International trade is The distinctive coiled shells for in aquaria and research considered the main driver of nautiluses are traded institutions, and nautilid behind nautilus fishing, while internationally as souvenirs, pearls are of value. The shell local and domestic use is specimen shells for trade is the main driver of limited. All seven species are collectors, jewellery and international demand, included in international home décor items ranging although meat may be eaten trade, with significant from whole-shell decorative locally or traded commercial harvest in some objects to nautilus shell-inlay internationally as a areas. lacquerware. In addition, a by-product of the shell trade.

small number are sold live

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