Ferry,-R.E.; Kohler,-C.C. Effects of trap fishing on fish populations inhabiting a fringing coral reef. N.-AM.- J.-FISH.-MANAGE. 1987. vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 580-588. Fish populations of two separate but structurally similar fringing coral reefs at La Gonave, Haiti, empirically determined to differ with respect to level of exploitation, were assessed by experimental trapping and visual censusing. The fish species composition, total fish abundance, and numerical catch per unit of effort did not differ significantly between sites. Scarids and chaetodontids, which collectively made up over 50% of the catch, were significantly smaller at the site of higher exploitation. The relatively small sizes of resident fishes on both reefs suggested there was overexploitation. We suggest a system of passive management employing fishermen "cooperatives" whereby new and modified gear could be introduced for exploitation of fish stocks that inhabit the deeper waters.