Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
Vanuatu
There is a strong belief that reef monitoring and management should be devolved to the
communities as principal resource owners, as well as to NGOs and the private sector (such
as tourist resorts). The Marine Biodiversity Strategic Action Programme was set up to
monitor MPAs, but there is a need to reinforce monitoring capacity, and extend the results
of pilot reef conservation projects to other areas.
LEGISLATION AND REGULATION
Only 4 fisheries departments have been established within Pacific Island governments since
the 1960s. Colonial governments did not administer fisheries separately, irrespective of the
importance in these islands. There were no licensing schemes, with only passive fisheries
regulations e.g. minimum size limits and reservations on certain areas. These were
enforceable with the minimum of effort and designed to prevent major damage to
fisheries, not towards the maintenance of a sustainable yield.
There is no legislation in the Pacific that is dedicated to conserving coral reefs, although
some governing fisheries resources may include coral reefs. These are usually covered by
legislation under several government departments in some countries. Traditional marine
tenure systems have been eroded in many countries, however the indigenous system is
strong and still effective in others (e.g. Vanuatu and Fiji). Customary systems are being
revived to complement state legislation for better management of marine resources in
Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. The following is pertinent legislation in the region:
Fiji
• State Lands Act 1946 - governs littoral zone, foreshore and submerged seafloor;
• Fisheries Act 1942 - prohibits destructive fishing and imposes minimum sizes on
a number of reef species;
• Sustainable Development Bill 1999 (currently under review) provides codes for
sustainable practice, national management plan, offences and penalties.
Nauru
• Fisheries and Marine Resources Authority Act 1997 - enables the management
and sustainable utilisation of the fisheries and marine resources;
• Fisheries Act 1997 - provides for the management, development, protection and
conservation of the fisheries and marine resources.
These two are inadequate to address conservation programmes, and a Marine Conservation
Bill has been tabled in Parliament. A draft was written, but widespread consultation with
stakeholders should be undertaken first.
New Caledonia
Territorial and Provincial regulations cover: Protected Areas; Biological Resources; and
Noumea Agreements (improved recognition of customary laws and administrative structures).
The enforcement of laws and regulations is complex because of overlapping powers of
State, Territory and Provincial bodies, and this is especially acute in marine affairs where
there is a lack of enforcement. The Southern province has two patrol boats, which are also
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