11th ICRS Abstract book - Nova Southeastern University

23.921
Improvements in Determination Of Mitigation Needs For Coral Reef Damage: The
Case Of Guam
Mike GAWEL* 1
1 Planning, Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Dededo, Guam
The study’s objective is to improve definition of mitigation needs and improve planning
for mitigation requirements in response to damage to coral reefs from development
projects.
Experiences of regulatory agencies in addressing methods of assessing mitigation for
coral reef damage on the reefs of Guam are summarized. The latest preferred method,
the use of Habitat Equivalency Assessment, is discussed. Use of this quantitative
mechanism has been proven and accepted in other habitats but was first used on Guam
coral reefs in 2006, to address the planned expansion of the Navy Ammunition Wharf.
The multi-agency approach that was used is assessed. Its prioritization for planning future
mitigation on Guam and its value for application to other Micronesian coral reefs is
discussed.
23.922
Undersea Explorer: A Unique Symbiosis Of Tourism And Research
Qamar SCHUYLER* 1 , Louise BERNSTEIN 1
1 Undersea Explorer, Port Douglas, Australia
Undersea Explorer is a live-aboard dive boat based in Port Douglas, Australia, that has
taken a unique approach to ecotourism. Based on a vision of utilizing tourism to support
research, Undersea offers a free berth space on each of its week-long trips to a research
scientist. Marine tourism, particularly on coral reefs, is a vast and sustainable source of
revenue. In many areas, it represents the largest single contributor to the economic value
of the coral reef ecosystem. Forming partnerships between the tourism industry and
research not only increases the success of the research, but also expands the audience
exposed to the research, engenders a more active and engaged public, and creates
informative and adventurous experiences for divers.
Undersea has been operating throughout the northern Great Barrier Reef and in the Coral
Sea for the past twelve years. This has enabled researchers to gain access to sites that
would not otherwise be achievable or affordable, and has allowed us to highlight areas in
need of research, advance and trial management actions, and generate new and
independent funds for research. Successful collaborations have included the creation of
best management practices for Australia’s world-renowned swim-with dwarf minke
whale industry, reef shark and tiger shark research, nautilus population and genetic
studies, as well as a variety of other projects. We present lessons learned from
establishing and maintaining these collaborations, with the final result being a WIN-
WIN-WIN-WIN interaction between research institutions, industry, management, and the
general public.
Poster Mini-Symposium 23: Reef Management
505
23.924
Guidelines For Dredging And Port Construction Around Coral Reefs
Thomas FOSTER* 1 , Emily CORCORAN 2 , Constantijn DOLMANS 2 , Paul ERFTEMEIJER 2 ,
Caroline FLETCHER 2 , Kobe PEIRS 2 , Adam SMITH 2 , Hidekazu YAMAMOTO 2
1 PIANC Working Group 15, Singapore, Singapore, 2 PIANC Working Group 15, Belgium,
Belgium
11 th International Coral Reef Symposium, Fort Lauderdale, USA, 7-11 Jul 2008: Abstracts of
paper and poster for presentation
Guidelines for Dredging and Port Construction Around Coral Reefs
The physical alteration of the coastal zone is one of the most immediate and visible outcomes of
population growth and expanding urbanisation. A third of the world’s population lives in
coastal areas, which constitute just 4% of the earth’s total land area. Rapid coastal development
has meant increased construction of coastal infrastructure, such as urban centres, ports, airports
and tourist facilities. To support such construction activities, dredging is often required to, for
example, maintain ports, navigation channels, reclaim land, or mine sand for construction. With
proper and prudent management, these construction and dredging activities can support
sustainable economic development, but without, they represent one of a number of major
threats to some of the world’s most productive coastal ecosystems and the services they
provide.
In September 2004, the International Navigation Association (PIANC) Environmental
Commission (EnviCom) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), Central Dredging Association (CEDA) and International Association of Dredging
Contractors (IADC), established a working group to produce best practice guidelines
concerning environmental effects of dredging and port construction activities around shallow,
warm water coral reefs and the appropriate methods for avoidance, minimization, mitigation
and compensation.
The generic guidelines on dredging, material relocation and port construction around coral reefs
are based upon: available scientific literature, existing local guidelines, legislation and
engineering practice, supported by case studies provided by industry practitioners. The
guidelines will undergo peer review by PIANC EnviCom and key user groups prior to
publication in mid 2008.
The present paper presents the key findings and recommendations put forward by the guidelines
with the purpose of increasing the awareness of the coral reef management and coral reef user
group community to the availability and relevance of these guidelines.