Socio-economic and fishery indicators to identify and monitor artisanal finfishing pressure in Pacific Island countries and territories

► Reef fisheries is likely to be unsustainable in half of all (63 sites) South Pacific communities studied. ► Combined analysis of resource, fishery and socio-economic data revealed indicators for reef fisheries management. ► Hb/Cb ratio confirmed as resource indicator (high correlation with CPUE, total annual catch). ► Current catch rates correlate with 4 major potential indicators per fish family (Scaridae, Siganidae, Acanthuridae): reported average catch size; proportion in total catch; ratio between reported and maximum fish size; average biomass. ► Variation in catch composition across 63 sites is mostly explained by socio-economic, rather than resource drivers.