Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 4. Marine Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
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 2000, coral cover was low at 20 to 25 percent (Stone et al 2001). Forty seven species of
coral were observed on Enderbury. Little stress to corals was observed.
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 2004, the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation (2004) conducted dive surveys on Manra
(Sydney), Rawaki (Enderbury), Abaririgna (Kanton), McKean, and Nikumaroro (Gardner).
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.
MANRA (SYDNEY)
In 1842, Charles Darwin published his work on the structure and distribution of coral reefs
(Darwin 1962). Various reefs were examined, including Manra (Sydney), Rawaki (Phoenix),
and Nikumaroro (Gardner).
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 2000, forty three species of coral were identified in Manra (Stone et al 2001).
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 2004, the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation (2004) conducted dive surveys on Manra
(Sydney), Rawaki (Enderbury), Abaririgna (Kanton), McKean, and Nikumaroro (Gardner).
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.
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