Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
Montserrat
No data have been collected on the status of reefs and associated fisheries since a survey
in 1995-1996 that was conducted during a peak period of volcanic activity, mostly due to
limited human and financial resources. A number of sites have been identified as suitable
MPAs but none has been designated.
BVI
Monitoring has been most consistent and detailed at sites around Guana Island, where it
started in 1991, and coral cover has not declined since then. The sites did not experience
the effects of storms seen at many other site. A monitoring programme began at the same
time at 4 sites selected for the nature of the impacts on them, including overfishing, anchor
damage from yachts, damage from divers and snorkelers, sewage from yachts and onshore
sources, and sedimentation. Data collection was discontinued in 1992 but the planned
resumption should provide valuable information on trends over the past decade. Isolated
studies and surveys by people from outside the Territory have recently come to light and
results should be available for future status reports.
The French Caribbean
Reef monitoring has mainly focused on Guadeloupe, and a monitoring programme will be
extended to Martinique and Saint-Barthélémy in 2001.
The Netherlands Antilles
Bonaire has an actively managed Marine Park which has been in continuous operation since
1991. Much of the Park’s success can be attributed to the emphasis placed on outreach
and education and an ongoing policy of stakeholder participation. Conservation efforts
have been largely successful as can be seen by the conferment of National Park status. The
most difficult task of the Marine Park is balancing conservation needs against the continued
development of Bonaire and exploitation of the island’s marine resources for tourism. Much
more research and monitoring could be achieved with more funding. It will be difficult for
the Curaçao Marine Park to move forwards until it is legally designated. Lack of political
support for the Park have hampered progress since its establishment. Nevertheless there is a
good knowledge base and the Park is well staffed.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORAL REEF CONSERVATION
The following recommendations were made:
• enhancement of the information base on trends in coastal systems and increased
sensitisation of the public is needed, and particularly for policy-makers,
regarding the impacts of human activities on coastal ecosystems;
• strengthening and broadening Integrated Coastal Management frameworks is
required beyond the responsibilities of government Fisheries Departments;
• sharing of responsibilities for monitoring is essential by involving user groups and
coastal communities, and this will enhance capacity for monitoring to guide
management;
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