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, 49 species of coral were identified at Orona (Stone et al 2001). Threats to coral
included algae overgrowth of coral colonies.
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.
The algae corner on Orona, reported in 2000 (Stone et al 2001) was again surveyed in 2002
(Obura and Stone 2003).
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 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.
RAWAKI (PHOENIX)
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, coral cover exceeded 60 percent in some areas of Rawaki (Phoenix) (Stone et al
2001). Branching corals were not dominant. Thirty eight species of coral were identified in
Rawaki (Phoenix). Few threats to coral were observed.
In 2000, if sandy benthic areas were omitted, Rawaki (Phoenix) had the highest coral cover
compared with other Phoenix Islands (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.
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