11th ICRS Abstract book - Nova Southeastern University

23-1
Conservation Of Coral Reefs By The Global Network Of Marine Protected Areas
Camilo MORA* 1
1 Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being used as a primary solution to the worldwide
decline of coral reefs, but there is no global summary of their performance. In this
project, I carried out a global survey to assess the regulations of MPAs and their
enforcement and compliance and used existing databases to assess their levels of risk
from human threats. I found that whilst 18% of the world’s coral reefs are covered by
MPAs, only ~2% is in areas of adequate conservation status, and less than 0.01% in areas
of excellent status. Troublingly, a threefold increase in the number of existing MPAs is
estimated to be necessary for the protection of ecological processes that maintain the high
diversity of coral reefs. The inefficiency and insufficiency of existing MPAs in protecting
coral reefs globally highlights the current vulnerability of this ecosystem and the need for
an urgent reassessment of global-scale conservation strategies, if the worldwide decline
of coral reefs is to be reduced.
23-2
Mohéli Marine Park, Comoros – Successes And Challenges Of The Co-Management
Approach
Melissa HAUZER 1 , Chris POONIAN* 2 , Cheikh MOUSSA IBOURA 3
1 C3-Comores, Iconi, Comoros, 2 Community Centred Conservation (C3), London, United
Kingdom, 3 Mohéi Marine Park, Moheli, Comoros
Mohéli Marine Park (Parc Marin de Mohéli, PMM) was the first Marine Protected Area
(MPA) to be established in the Comoros in 2001. Initially regarded as a model for comanagement
of marine resources, PMM is now operating at a vastly reduced capacity
following an end to external funding sources. An assessment of current perceptions of
local stakeholders of PMM was recognized as an essential first step in rebuilding its
capacity and effectiveness as an MPA. This study aimed to ascertain stakeholders’
current perceptions of PMM, using focus group interviews to evaluate six key
parameters: (1) basic awareness, (2) value, (3) effectiveness, (4) environmental threats
and solutions, (5) stakeholder roles and responsibilities and (6) future aspirations and
expectations. It was apparent that most local communities were aware of the importance
of PMM, but felt that it had failed to include their needs or consider their input in its
management. Concern was expressed for the lack of sustainability or alternative
livelihoods; inequitable distribution of benefits; exclusion of women; continuing
environmental threats and a concurrent lack of enforcement of regulations. The key
recommendations to arise from this work were: (1) ensure sustainability through effective
financial planning and promotion of low-cost, appropriate management techniques; (2)
mobilize local communities to create a truly co-managed PMM; (3) ensure tangible
benefits to local communities through realistic alternative livelihood options, particularly
for fishers; (4) ensure equitable sharing of benefits and awareness of PMM, (5) involve
women in the management of PMM, they are the primary local educators and motivators
for future generations; (6) inform law enforcement officials and members of the justice
system to ensure understanding, respect and enforcement of PMM regulations.
Oral Mini-Symposium 23: Reef Management
23-3
Systematic Marine Conservation Planning Towards A Representative Areas Network in
Aceh, Indonesia
Yudi HERDIANA* 1 , Stuart CAMPBELL 1 , Andrew BAIRD 2
1 Wildlife Conservation Society - Indonesia Marine Program, Bogor, Indonesia, 2 Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (ARCCoERS), Townsville,
Australia
A turbulent history and geographic isolation have prevented systematic surveys of coral reef
resources in Aceh. Following the Indian Ocean tsunami, ecological studies revealed that while
most marine habitats where unaffected by the tsunami, many reefs were seriously degraded as a
result of decades of destructive fishing and poor coastal development. The recovery of these
degraded reefs following dramatics reductions in human activity as a result of the tsunami is
remarkable. Ironically, socio-economic recovery in Aceh is re-introducing anthropogenic
threats as fishing pressure and coastal development increase. Some conservation initiatives are
in progress, however, these also pose a threat because they lack coordination and integration. A
systematic marine conservation plan is required to allow natural recovery processes to continue
and to protect marine resources from emerging threats. Here we outline an Initiative planning
process following the ‘Systematic conservation planning’ guidelines (Margules and Pressey,
2000) in which the conservation goal was to protect at least 30% of existing coastal ecosystems.
Data for the analysis included ecological (e.g. coral substrate, reef fish condition, invertebrate),
socio-economic (e.g. fishing pressure) and reef resilience data collected from 64 sites within the
province. Spatial information for this analysis (e.g. mangrove habitat, distance to inhabitant)
was derived from satellite imagery due to an extended coast line, habitat complexity, variation
in accessibility and the number of existing stakeholders throughout the region the optimal
approach suggested was the establishment of many small protected areas in a network as
opposed to a few large areas. Furthermore, our analysis also suggests that existing MPAs in
Aceh do not achieve the target of habitat representation. This work provides a solid basis for the
establishment of a network of MPAs to achieve the conservation goals for the region and
protect and enhance livelihoods.
23-4
Changes in The Reef Fish Biomass in Karimunjawa National Park: A Test Of The
Effectiveness Of Government Gazetted Marine Parks in Indonesia
Rizya ARDIWIJAYA* 1 , Andrew BAIRD 2 , Tasrif KARTAWIJAYA 3 , Stuart CAMPBELL 3
1 Marine Program Indonesia, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bogor, Indonesia, 2 ARC Centre of
Excellence Studies - Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia,
3 Wildlife Conservation Society, Bogor, Indonesia
In August 2005 following extensive community consultation, national legislation was enacted
that changed the boundaries of zones that regulate fishing and other marine resource use
activities in Karimunjawa Marine National Park in the Java Sea, Indonesia. The park included 5
management zones ranging from a no-take area to open access. Here, we report the results of
three years of monitoring reef fish assemblages conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the
zoning regime. Fish biomass within the park has decreased by 40% since 2005. This decrease
was mostly caused by a reduction in the numbers of large fish and decreases in the abundance
of some of the more common family eg. Scaridae. Further analysis by trophic groups indicated
that the biomass of carnivores, herbivores and planktivores had all decreased compared to 2005.
Missing carnivores included large individuals from targeted families eg. Lutjanidae,
Haemulidae, Serranidae and Lethrinidae whose biomass has decreased by 41 % from 2006.
Scaridae fishes where the dominant herbivores and their biomass decreased by 35% from 2005.
Caesionidae were the most abundant planktivore and their biomass decreased by 57% from
2006. This decrease in the biomass of Scaridae was linked to an increase in fish catch recorded
within 2006. While this initial three years of monitoring is not sufficient to be confident of these
trends in fish fluctuations, the decrease of several target species is a cause for concern and they
should continue to be monitored. Furthermore, many of the declines were evident in all
management zones, including the no-take zone, which suggests stronger enforcement and
greater engagement with the fishing communities is required to prevent a continued decline in
fish stocks within the park.
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