Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 4. Marine Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
In 2000, 73 species of coral were identified on Abariringa (Stone et al 2001). Threats to coral
were minimal. Coral cover varied considerably around Abariringa depending on the site
visited (Stone et al 2001). In some sites, coral cover was more than 50 percent.
In 2002, coral reef surveys were conducted in the Phoenix Islands (Obura and Stone 2003).
All of the Phoenix Islands were surveyed except McKean. Lagoon communities were highly
differentiated between Abariringa (Kanton), Orona, and Nikumaroro, with Abariringa the
most developed (Obura and Stone 2003). Minor coral bleaching was observed primarily in
the lagoons of Abariringa (Kanton) and Orona.
In July to September 2002, there was a hot-spot over the Phoenix Islands (Planetary Coral
Reef Foundation 2004). It was speculated that this caused the mass bleaching of corals most
notably in the lagoons of Abariringa (Kanton) and Orona.
In 2004, the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation (2004) conducted dive surveys on Manra
(Sydney), Rawaki (Enderbury), Abaririgna (Kanton), McKean, and Nikumaroro (Gardner).
In 2005, less than 5 percent of the coral reef on Abariringa (Kanton) was bleached (Planetary
Coral Reef Foundation 2004).
Planetary Coral Reef Foundation (2006) reported that the bleaching event took place in
November and December 2004. Bleaching in Abariringa (Canton) lagoon was 100 percent.
Obura (in press) examined the coral reef structure and zonation of each of the Phoenix
Islands. For detailed descriptions of coral reefs of each Phoenix Islands, see Tables III-4.4 to
III-4.6 above.
BIRNIE
Lovell et al (2000) provided a summary of reef types in Abriringa (Kanton), Birnie,
Enderbury, Manra, McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, Rawaki, Carondelet Reef, and Winslow
Reef were provided (see Table III-4.2 above).
In 2002, coral reef surveys were conducted in the Phoenix Islands (Obura and Stone 2003).
All of the Phoenix Islands were surveyed except McKean.
In 2006, Kerr and Wragg (2006) conducted coral health rapid assessment surveys on Manra,
Rawaki, Enderbury, Birnie, McKean, Orona, and Nikumaroro. All surveys were completed
on the lee sides of these islands. Kerr and Wragg (2006) reported no evidence of the recent
coral bleaching events and they did not observe any significant coral diseases.
Obura (in press) examined the coral reef structure and zonation of each of the Phoenix
Islands. For detailed descriptions of coral reefs of each Phoenix Islands, see Tables III-4.4 to
III-4.6 above.
ENDERBURY
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