CAMBODIA BEACH CONSERVATION PROGRAMME Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

Transcription

1 CAMBODIA BEACH CONSERVATION PROGRAMME Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia CMM Phase 144 Science Report 1 st October 31 st December

2 Staff Members on CMM in 144 Name Jenn Reitz () Position Principle Investigator 2

3 1. Introduction Training Briefing Science lectures Field work training Research Work Program Survey areas Fish surveys Introduction Methodology Results Coral cover and other substrates surveys Introduction Methodology Results Benthic invertebrate surveys Introduction Methodology Results Willingness-to-Pay surveys Introduction Methodology Proposed work program for next phase References

4 1. Introduction The Cambodian coastline, which stretches 435km along the Gulf of Thailand, includes 69 islands and is an especially productive marine ecosystem (Touch, 1995). The elevated productivity in the region can be attributed to the influx of nutrients from five major river systems coupled with reduced salinity and its relatively shallow depth. Data collected from the Cambodian Department of Fisheries identified 474 different species of fish from 105 different families (Killeen, 2012). In addition to fish, Cambodia s waters are home to mammals (dolphins, dugongs), reptiles (sea snakes, sea turtles) cephalopods (squid, octopus), crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, lobsters), molluscs (snails, sea slugs, bivalves), cnidarians (jellyfish, coral, sea anemones), and echinoderms (star fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers), among other species (Killeen, 2012). Coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves fringe many of Cambodia s islands; each ecosystems providing critical habitat for countless marine species (Killeen, 2012). Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and the reefs of Southeast Asia are the most species-rich on earth. In fact, Southeast Asia is home to the Coral Triangle, considered the epicenter of global marine biodiversity (Carpenter and Springer, 2005). Historically, the main threat to coral reefs included storms and volcanic eruptions (Chou, 2000). More recently however, anthropogenic pressures, such as coastal development, overfishing and use of destructive fishing practices, ocean acidification and pollution, have proven to be incredibly detrimental to the health of coral reefs. Over half of Southeast Asia s reefs are classified as high risk, primarily from coastal development and fishing related pressures (Chou et al., 2002). Increases in coastal tourism can also have a detrimental impact on coastal ecology and reef ecosystems if not properly managed (Hawkins and Roberts, 1994). Unregulated development can lead to substantial, and potentially irreversible environmental degradation, through the construction of resorts and transportation infrastructure, overuse of water resources, increased fuel consumption, sewage and litter (Davenport and Davenport, 2006). Cambodia s minister of tourism, Thong Khon, reports that tourism rates in Cambodia are increasing. In 2013, 4.2 million foreign tourists visited Cambodia, an increase of 17.5% from the previous year (Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, 2013). Current information about Cambodia s reef systems is sparse and poorly documented. Whilst past studies have produced estimates of the number of species that inhabit the reef ecosystem, including hard and soft corals, marine fish and molluscs, there are few studies of the reef s current condition. Thus, there is an urgent need for accurate data on the current status of these critical habitats (Chou et al., 2002; Wilkinson and Souter, 2008). Furthermore, assistance is needed for long-term monitoring programs supported by in-country commitment (Wilkinson and Souter, 2008). 4

5 2. Training 2.1 Briefing Sessions Briefing sessions are conducted with research assistants (RAs) upon arrival at camp (Table 1). Table 1. Briefing sessions conducted during phase 144 Briefing session Introduction to CMM project Health and safety Medical brief Camp life and duties Presenter 2.2 Science Lectures After the initial briefing session, RAs were given science lectures covering the background and rationale behind the CMM project. Information related to the different habitats and species of Koh Rong Samloem, as well as current conservation issues in Cambodia were also provide through a series of lectures (Table 2). The initial lectures included topics such as coastal hazards, types of marine habitats in Cambodia, the forms and functions of coral reef habitat and reef fish morphology. Research assistants then proceeded to learn the reef fish that are surveyed by memorising a series of flash cards. After successfully learning the fish species, RAs moved on to learning benthic substrate, invertebrate species and survey methodology. A fifth lecture, Coral cover, other substrates and survey methodology, was presented at this time, followed by learning the types and classifications of substrates via flash cards. The final component of the main training module was a lecture covering basic invertebrate types and identification, combined with survey methodology, again accompanied by a series of flash cards. There is also a series of lectures available for periods of inclement weather when in-water work is not possible. Lecture topics included; mangroves, coral reefs and climate change, marine pollution, and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). 5

6 Table 2. Science lectures delivered during phase 144 Lecture Coastal Hazards Coastal Ecology and Conservation in Cambodia Coral Reefs - Form and Function Reef Fish Morphology Coral cover, other substrates and survey methodology Benthic invertebrates and survey methodology Presenter 2.3 Fieldwork Training After the first four science training lectures (Table 2), RAs underwent a series of reef fish fieldwork training tests before being allowed to survey. After passing a series of tests with flash cards, in-water species tests were conducted. In order to pass the test, the most frequently seen species had to be correctly identified three times each, before being allowed to survey. This test is administered on a one-to-one basis as attempts in earlier phases with larger groups proved difficult. Following completion of the in-water species identification test, an in-water size differentiation test was carried out. These tests ensure that the RAs are able to accurately estimate reef fish size. Following the training for reef fish surveys, benthic substrate composition and invertebrate identification training sessions were carried out using a similar procedure. Practice surveys were conducted on the beach and in-water to ensure RAs were fully familiar with the surveying methodology. During this time, RAs also received training on any equipment they were unfamiliar with, such as how to use a compass or transect line. Following successful completion of fieldwork training, RAs were ready to start collecting survey data. 6

7 3. Research Work Program 3.1 Survey areas CMM is located in M Pai Bai village on Koh Rong Samloem Island, which is situated approximately 23 km west of Sihnaoukville on the South Coast of Cambodia. There are currently two survey areas in the waters surrounding M Pai Bai (10 34 N E); house reef (Fig. 1), located on the east side of the village, is a coral reef located within a proposed conservation area currently in the planning stages (personal communication, Coral Cay Conservation), sunset reef (Fig. 2), on the west side of the village, is predominantly a rock reef with corals and other types of substrate scattered throughout. Between the two reefs, there are currently a total of twelve active transect sites. Weather conditions frequently prohibited data collection during this phase and tidal patterns at Sunset precluded any survey work at that site during phase 144. Accordingly, there is only limited data available from House Reef transects for this phase (Table 3). Table 3. Transect locations and bearings in use at House Reef on Koh Rong Samloem. Transect Reef Bearing ( ) Average depth phase 144 (m) Average depth (m) 1 House Reef House Reef House Reef 50 4 House Reef 50 5 House Reef House Reef

8 Figure 1. House Reef on the east side of M Pai Bai Village. Figure 2. Sunset Rock Reef, located on the west side of M Pai Bai village. 8

9 3.2 Fish surveys Introduction Reef fish diversity and abundance are important for the ecosystems and communities on the island of Koh Rong Samloem. Both are key components for maintaining ecosystem functioning and, in addition to their ecological importance, provide both a source of animal protein for the community and support a number of different livelihood strategies such as fishing, diving and ecotourism (De Lopez, 2003). Thus, the health of coral reefs in the area is important for the local economy, as most stakeholders rely on them in some capacity as a source of income. Factors that may impact diversity and abundance include overfishing, storm damage, terrestrial development, increasing sea surface temperature, ocean acidification and sea level rise (Cheal et al., 2002; Zhao et al., 2009). Spatial and temporal monitoring of reef fish will provide an indication of the impact of these disturbances on the reef. Effective monitoring efforts must be long-term, as certain species in the Pomacentridae and Chaetodontidae families can show a delayed response to disturbance (Lewis, 1998) Methodology Underwater visual census adapted from reef check methodology (Reef Check, 2007) was used for data collection. Transect sites were selected for surveying dependent upon visibility and tide levels. At each of the survey sites, abundance and size of 63 select families and species of fish were recorded. These species were selected based on ecological and commercial importance. Variables such as transect numbers, sea state, cloud cover (percentage), tidal level and start time were recorded on entry into the water. At the marker buoy of the specified transect, start depth was measured using a weighted measuring tape. One surveyor subsequently set off on a predefined bearing, swimming slowly on that heading whilst the second buddy member laid the tape out to a distance of 20 m. At 20 m, the buddy team waited approximately two minutes and then swam back along the length of the transect with one surveying 2.5 m left of the tape and the other surveying 2.5 m right of the tape, both recording species abundance and size (Fig. 3). On returning to the start of the transect, the team waited two further minutes and swam back along the length of the transect, again recording species abundance and size as they went. This allowed other species to occupy the area and be recorded. At the end of the survey, one team member kept a visual reference of the transect end point whilst the other reeled the tape in and returned to the end point. The water depth was then measured and recorded; all data was then verified by field staff. 9

10 Figure 3. Baseline Survey Protocol (BSP) procedure for a 20 m transect. If any fish are seen in the 25 m 2 box, they are recorded by the surveyor Results Since the project began data collection at its present location on Koh Rong Samloem, 141 fish abundance surveys have been carried out on House Reef and Sunset Rock Reef in total. The different species observed at each of the sites are listed below, designated by an (table 4). However, due to weather conditions, only 6 fish surveys were carried out during this phase, one on each of the House Reef transects. This is insufficient data for analysis; thus, this phase s data will be combined with next phase s data to investigate changes in abundance and species composition between one year and the next. Table 4. Species observed during surveys on House Reef and at Sunset during Fish Species House Reef Sunset Crescent Wrasse Blue Streaked Cleaner Wrasse Tripletail Wrasse 10

11 Chequerboard Wrasse Freckled Grouper Bluelined Grouper Chocolate Grouper Honeycomb Grouper Spotted Coral Grouper Longfin Grouper Baramundi Grouper Peacock Grouper Starry Grouper Java Rabbitfish Golden Rabbitfish Virgate Rabbitfish Indian Goatfish Freckled Goatfish Eight Banded Butterflyfish Long Beak Coral Fish Blue-spotted Ribbon Tail Ray Checked Snapper Other Snapper Spp. Damselfish Spp. Monacle Bream Spp. Cardinalfish Spp. 11

12 Sweeper Spp. Parrotfish Spp. Fusilier Spp. Squirelfish Spp. Emperor Spp. Porcupine Spp. Puffer Spp Coral cover and other substrate surveys Introduction In coral reef ecosystems, declining coral cover and condition has been linked to declines in fish and invertebrate biodiversity (Jones et al., 2004; Wilson et al., 2006). Thus, it is important to survey coral and other substrates to ascertain the overall health of a reef. Identifying coral to genus level is difficult and requires a long period of training to acquire a high degree of accuracy. To address this issue, Frontier Cambodia Marine has created 20 key morphological categories to attain increased identification accuracy during substrate surveys (Table 5). It is suggested that the three dimensional physical structure of the reef has a bigger role in influencing reef fish assemblage than the overall health of the coral (Yahya et al., 2011). Friedlander and Parish (1998) proposed that a more complex habitat may provide additional refuge from predators and currents, as well as increasing the availability of resources. The key structural coral categories created could be used as a proxy for coral reef complexity i.e. branching coral has a more complex three-dimensional structure than massive coral Methodology Coral and substrate surveys occurred along transects set up for surveying reef fish abundance (Table 3). After completing the reef fish survey, five locations were randomly selected along each 20 m transect. A 50 by 50 cm quadrant was placed at each of these locations and used to assess the percentage of cover for each substrate category (Table 5). Any damage to coral in the form of bleaching, anchor damage or disease was also recorded. If any dead coral was observed, it was recorded even if it was not possible to ascertain causation. After completing each of the five sample quadrants, end depth was measured and end time recorded. 12

13 Table 5. Categories used to assess coral cover and substrate type on reefs surrounding Koh Rong Samloem Category Massive coral Sub-massive coral Branching coral Meandering coral Plates of coral Corals with daytime polyps Corals forming columns Solitary corals Sea fan Sea rod Sea plume Sponge Coralline branching algae Coralline encrusting algae Macroalgae - Fleshy Macroalgae - Filamentous Sand Bare rock Rubble Litter Other information to be recorded Percentage cover of each coral category present will be recorded. If there is bleaching, damage to coral or diseases (type) it will also be recorded. Type of litter will be recorded Results Due to weather conditions, only 12 benthic substrate surveys were carried out during this phase, two on each of the House Reef transects. This is insufficient data for analysis thus, this phase s data will be combined with next phase s data to investigate changes in percentage cover of different substrate types between one year and the next. 13

14 3.4. Invertebrate surveys Introduction Invertebrate species are an important component of coral reef ecosystems and provide a wide variety of ecosystem services. They are important grazers, filter feeders and predators within the reef community and perform key services to reef systems in the form of nutrient recycling, water quality regulation and herbivory (Przeslawski et al., 2008). Invertebrates play an important role in reef health and due to their vulnerability to climate change (Hutchings et al., 2007), it is important to obtain baseline data of invertebrates inhabiting the reefs off Koh Rong Samloem Methodology In addition to fish and benthic substrate surveys, invertebrate diversity and abundance surveys were conducted to sample the coral reef systems surrounding Koh Rong Samloem as a whole. Transects set up for surveying reef fish abundance and benthic composition were also used to assess the diversity and abundance of benthic invertebrates (Table 7). After completing the reef fish survey, but before measuring the end depth of the transect, the abundance and diversity of invertebrates present were recorded. Five stations were randomly selected along each 20 m transect. At each station a 50 by 50 cm quadrant was placed. At each of these five stations, any benthic invertebrates present within the quadrant area were recorded according to the categories shown in Table 6. Table 6. Class of invertebrates surveyed during the fish and benthic composition surveys Class of invertebrates recorded in surveys Polychaeta Bivalves Feather duster worm Christmas tree worm Flatworm Cephalapods Tridacna spp. Sea pen Crustaceans Octopus True crab Shrimp spp. Anemone shrimp Mantis shrimp Hermit crabs Echinoderms Chocolate drop starfish Cushion star Feather star Crown of thorns starfish 14

15 Gastropods Brittlestar Topshell Cowrie Conch Drupella spp. Cone shell Collector urchin Pencil urchin Diadema spp. Holothuria spp. Synaptid spp. Murex shell Nudibranch spp. Phyllidia spp. Jorunna funebris Glossodoris spp. Phyllidiella spp Results The total abundance of the different invertebrate species observed on House Reef during this phase are displayed below (Fig. 4). Consistent with other phases this year, clams were the most frequently observed type of invertebrate species, however, due to weather conditions, only 12 benthic invertebrate surveys were carried out during this phase, two on each of the House Reef transects. This is insufficient data to calculate the mean abundance of different species and complete additional analysis; thus, this phase s data will be combined with next phase s data to investigate changes in abundance and species composition between one year and the next. 15

16 Total number observered on House Reef during Phase 144 CMM 144 Science Report Clams Drupella Diadema Giant Clam Hermit Crab Invertebrate type Feather Duster Worm Cowrie Starfish Figure 4. Total observed abundance of different invertebrate species found on House Reef. 3.5 Willingness-to-Pay surveys Introduction The Royal Government of Cambodia s Fisheries Administration, together with many local, national and international partners, have been working to establish the Koh Rong Archipelago Marine Fisheries Management Area (MFMA). The proposed MFMA would be a multiple-use marine protected area (MPA), intended to help sustainably manage Cambodia s marine natural resources (Yeang, 2014). Designing and establishing the MFMA has been an on-going process occurring over the past four years and has included; gathering biophysical data for use in zoning decisions, conducting community consultations on draft zoning maps, conducting private sector consultations on zoning and financing, creating a provincial management committee and Technical Working Group for the Koh Rong Archipelago MFMA (TWG-MFMA), and developing the vision, goals, and objectives of the MFMA. Developing a sustainable financing plan is an important task that still remains to ensure the longevity and effective management of the MFMA (Yeang, 2014). Financing mechanisms play an important role in the management of protected areas. In 2012, a survey of MPAs in the Philippines identified the lack of a sustainable financing mechanism as the primary management concern for newly established MPAs (Maypa, White, Canares, Martinez, Eisma-Osorio, Alino & Apistar, 2012). Combining marine ecotourism with MPA management has been proposed as a way to provide funding for communities that have little financial capacity for such projects. For instance, scuba diving can contribute direct economic benefits to local communities through the implementation of a user-fee system (Brunnschweiler, 2010). Some 16

17 MPAs within the Philippines have already created user-fee systems to capture revenue from tourists who dive or snorkel inside the protected area (Tongson & Dygico, 2004). These user-fees are intended to offset the start-up and maintenance costs of the protected area (Fabinyi, 2008). In order to develop a viable financing plan, Fauna and Flora International and Frontier Cambodia Marine are collaborating to conduct a willingness-to-pay survey of tourists to the Koh Rong Archipelago to inform the TWG-MFMA of tourist opinions prior to the development of the financing plan. With this information, the working group will be better prepared to create a plan that will be supported by tourists to the region Methodology The willingness-to-pay survey contains questions on the dates and length of stay of the tourist in the Koh Rong Archipelago, as well as the monetary value of goods and services purchased during that time. It then asks for the respondent s opinions on a proposed user fee for the area. This includes questions on what amount would be acceptable for such a fee, how the tourist would prefer the fee to be collected, which type of organization the tourist would prefer to control the income from the fee system, etc. The survey then asks whether the tourist has engaged in SCUBA diving while in the Koh Rong Archipelago, and if so, what would their opinions be on a separate user fee system specific to SCUBA diving. Finally, the survey concludes by asking questions intended to ascertain demographic information on the tourist. Data collection began in November 2014 and will conclude in December The sample size is 1000 respondents, with a target of 70% low-budget tourists, 15% mid-range tourists, 5% high-end tourists and 10% domestic tourists. Data analysis is slated to occur in January 2015, with the results provided to members of the MFMA technical working group shortly thereafter. 4. Proposed work programme for next phase The proposed work programme for next phase includes a continuation of the current studies: fish, coral and invertebrate surveys on House Reef and Sunset Rock Reef, with an emphasis on collecting data from Sunset if tidal levels permit. Other potential survey sites will be investigated and integrated into the program as appropriate. During the next phase, data entry and analysis for the willingness-to-pay survey will be completed in coordination partner from Fauna and Flora International and the University of Singapore. This information will be provided to the MFMA technical working group to advise their decisions surrounding financing mechanisms for the MFMA. 17

18 5. References Brunnschweiler, J. M. (2010). The Shark Reef Marine Reserve: a marine tourism project in Fiji involving local communities. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18,1: Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, (2013). Available at statistic_reports/tourism_statistics_annual_report_2013.pdf. Date visited June Carpenter, K. E., and V. G. Springer The center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity: The Philippine islands. Environmental Biology of Fishes 72: Cheal, A. J., Coleman, G., Delean, S., Miller, I., Osbourne, K., & Sweatman H., (2002). Responses of coral and fish assemblages to a severe but short-lived tropical cyclone on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Coral Reefs 21: Chou, L. M. (2002). Southeast Asian Reefs-Status update: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam." Status of coral reefs of the world: Chou, L. M., Tuan, V. S., Philreefs, Yeemin, T., Cabanban, A., Suharsono, & Kessna, I., (2002). Status of Southeast Asia Coral Reefs. Status of Coral Reefs of the World. Davenport, J., & Davenport, J.L. (2006). The impact of tourism and personal leisure transport on coastal environment: A review. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 67, De Lopez T. T., (2003). Economics and stakeholders of Ream National Park, Cambodia. Ecological Economics 46: Fabinyi, M. (2008). Dive tourism, fishing and marine protected areas in the Calamianes Islands, Philippines. Marine Policy 32: Hawkins, J. P., & Roberts, C. M. (1994). The growth of coastal tourism in the Red Sea: present and future effects on coral reefs. Ambio. 23: Hutchings, P., Ahyong, S., Byrne, M., Przeslawski, R. and G. Wörheide, G. (2007). Chapter 11: Vulnerability of benthic invertebrates of the Great Barrier Reef to climate change. In Climate change and the Great Barrier Reef: a vulnerability assessment. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Home Page at: Accessed June 2014 Jones, G. P., McCormick, M. I., Srinivasan M., & Eagle, J. V. (2004). Coral decline threatens fish biodiversity in marine reserves. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 101: Killeen, T. J. (2012). The Cardamom Conundrum: Reconciling development and conservation in the Kingdom of Cambodia. NUS Press, National University of Singapore. Lewis, A. R. (1998). Effects of experimental coral disturbance on the population dynamics of fishes on large patch reefs. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 230: Maypa, A. P., White, A. T., Caňares, E., Martinez, R., Eisma-Osorio, R. L., Porfirio, A. & Apistar, D. (2012). Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness: Progress and Lessons in the Philippines. Coastal Management 40,5: Przeslawski, R., Ahyong, S., Byrne, M., Worheide, G., & Hutchings P. (2008). Beyond corals and fish: the effects of climate change on noncoral benthic invertebrates of tropical reefs. Global Change Biology. 14:

19 Reef Check, (2007). Monitoring Protocol. Available at: Date visited January 2014 Tongson, E. and Dygico, M. (2004). User Fee System for Marine Ecotourism: The Tubbataha Reef Experience. Costal Management 32: