Reef Check

Key examples: of “add-on” activities for reefcheck

•MPA / Marine sanctuary / park establishment•Mactraq•Coral planting•Divers Fees / user fees•Socmon

Why have – Add ons?

• To add to the interest in conducting reefcheck

• To ensure that we not only assist in the evaluation but also selected implementation

• To increase awareness and other activities related to reef management

• Reefcheck is just the beginning of reef management, there is plenty more activities out there

Going back to the first day – CRM planning presentation

• We noted that CRM was a cyclical process and that reefcheck can assist in monitoring and evaluating not only reefs, but changes over time – and therefore coastal management interventions

8. UpdateInformation

Base

7. Monitor andEvaluate Results

3. FormulateManagement PoliciesGoals and Objectives

4. DevelopStrategies

and Actions

5. Test Strategiesand Actions

6. Implement Actionsthrough Projects

2. PrioritizeIssues

ContinueCycle

RefineIssues

Refine Policiesand Objectives

ImproveStrategies

and Actions

ImplementStrategies and

Actions

1. Collect BaselineInformation and

Develop Database

Fig. 1. Basic Planning and Implementation Cycle

Reefcheck

Marine Protected Area (MPA)Marine Protected Area (MPA)Marine Protected Area (MPA)Marine Protected Area (MPA)

“Any specific marine area which has been reserved by law or other effective means and is governed by

specific rules or guidelines to manage activities and protect part or the entire enclosed coastal and

marine environment.”

SanctuarySanctuarySanctuarySanctuary

“An MPA where all extractive practices, such as fishing, shell collection, seaweed gleaning, and collecting of anything else is prohibited. It also

allows for control of other human activities, including access, in order to protect the

ecosystem within the specific site.”

Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s)

• One of the fastest growing management interventions in the world

• The favorite tool of most coastal managers• Because it is:• Easy and simple to establish and

management unlike other tools• Proven to work• Has many positive impacts on coral reefs

and related habitats

Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve

Marine Park Marine Park Marine Park Marine Park

‘An MPA where strict sanctuary conditions are not mandated for the entire area yet there is still a desire to control access and activities, such as

boating, mooring, and various fishing techniques. It allows for zones that include a sanctuary area.”

“An MPA where multiple uses are encouraged that emphasize education, recreation, and preservation; usually implemented by zonation schemes that can

include a sanctuary area (White 1988).”

Objectives of Marine Protected AreasObjectives of Marine Protected AreasObjectives of Marine Protected AreasObjectives of Marine Protected AreasPossible Objectives for establishing MPAs adapted from

R.V. Salm, John Clark and Erkki Siirila (2000)

Preservation of biodiversity and genetic biodiversity

Conserving ecosystems and maintaining ecological processes

Sustainable use of resources Protecting commercially valuable species Replenish depleted stocks Education and Research Protection from natural hazards Recreation and Tourism Multiple Objective MPAs

Participation and EquityWhat do stakeholders want?

Feasibility (realistic)Size, area etc.?

SustainabilityHow to try and make it as sustainable

as possible Use Adaptive Management Project Cycle

(ensures better monitoring and lessons to be learned) and keep referring back to the plan and adjusting as you go along

Considerations for choosing Considerations for choosing management objectives:management objectives:

Considerations for choosing Considerations for choosing management objectives:management objectives:

Benefits of ReservesBenefits of ReservesBenefits of ReservesBenefits of Reserves1. Increased spawning stock2. Increased spawning per unit stock3. “Spillover” – Enhanced catches close to

reserves4. Migratory species also benefit5. Improved habitats, increased

productivity and carrying capacity6. Maintained genetic diversity within

stocks7. Enhanced biodiversity and species

protection8. Reduced conflict among fishery sectors

andbetween fisheries and other uses

Dispersal of Fish and Larvae from the Dispersal of Fish and Larvae from the Sanctuary of a Marine ReserveSanctuary of a Marine Reserve

Dispersal of Fish and Larvae from the Dispersal of Fish and Larvae from the Sanctuary of a Marine ReserveSanctuary of a Marine Reserve

Bohonsack 1990

01976 1980

V io lat io n o f m ar in e r ese r veat Su m ilo n , N o v. 1 9 8 4

Fish

Yie

ld

(t/k

m/y

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A p o

1984

10

20

30

40Su m ilo n

Change in Fish Yield Reported for Sumilon and Change in Fish Yield Reported for Sumilon and Apo Island from 1976 through 1986, reflecting Apo Island from 1976 through 1986, reflecting the effects of different management regimesthe effects of different management regimes

Change in Fish Yield Reported for Sumilon and Change in Fish Yield Reported for Sumilon and Apo Island from 1976 through 1986, reflecting Apo Island from 1976 through 1986, reflecting the effects of different management regimesthe effects of different management regimes

Wh

ite 1

98

9W

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e 1

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9

Reasonable quality of resources, if habitat is poor, make it bigger and include more habitats

Management committee organized and active with clearly defined roles and medium term action plan

All sectors have a role in the sanctuary, women, fishers, youth council etc.

At least 60% of community are willing to support the sanctuary

Clear and strict guidelines developed through a series of consultations

Clear, delineated and marked boundaries and zones with guidelines on the use of each zone

Clear, attractive, well positioned and in local dialect, signboards

Attributes of a good MPAAttributes of a good MPAAttributes of a good MPAAttributes of a good MPA

Need a good initiator/facilitator with experience in implementation of coastal projects

Counterparting of resources and involvement of all agencies with a mandate

Involvement of all sectors of community and municipality – Co-management

Continuous IEC Clear and strict guidelines for the sanctuary A good management committee is established with

clear management plan Full time guarding and patrolling Aware and well-informed community Budget allocated for future years Variety of strong leaders in the community as well

as second liners

Factors of the Success of MPAFactors of the Success of MPAFactors of the Success of MPAFactors of the Success of MPA

Slowly – go at the pace of the community If there are problems go back a step and start again Need a good area which will give some impact within 6

months to one year Strong IEC even after establishment It is a process which takes 6 months to two years to

implement Include large buffer zone with restricted fishing gears Include landward section and other habitats in the area Monitor it ! Have a formal launching ceremony Be open to offer Technical assistance even after

establishment Staff should have a technical background Make the guardhouse an education center Make the sanctuary a showcase with other visitors if it is

doing well

Lessons learned and Lessons learned and recommendationsrecommendations

Lessons learned and Lessons learned and recommendationsrecommendations

Role of Reefcheck in MPA establishment

1. Help establish a baseline of the state of the area for feedback to local community and govt officials

2. Help establish which site is best for the MPA3. Help to facilitate collaboration of different groups, local

communities and government officials during the reefcheck

4. Help to monitor the impact of the sanctuary over time and identify whether it is working (management) or not

5. If you work with local divers / tourism industry can establish park / user fees very easily as well as helping to guard the area

Classic CDF- Reefcheck Phils process of establishment of an MPA (one year)

1. Initial request from government or local community2. Information Education and Communication workshop to

explain what MPAs are3. Reefcheck – baseline and site selection4. SocMon – social monitoring of resource users5. Presentation of results to community and govt officials for

their opinion6. Cross visit to local MPA already established7. Ordinance / law passing / launching program8. Prepare management plan for the MPA9. Management and enforcement / training of enforcers10. Introduction of user fees / dive fees to facilitate

management costs in the future