Resort and Dive Operation Management, Marine Biology Support, Programmes and Training.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Resort and Dive Operation Management, Marine Biology Support, Programmes and Training."

Transcription

1 Helen Sykes & Stuart Gow Mail: PO Box 2558 Government Buildings SUVA, Fiji Islands Tel: (679) or Resort and Dive Operation Management, Marine Biology Support, Programmes and Training. Report on Reef Surveys carried out on the reef front of Lawaki Beach House, Beqa, by students from the Institute of Cultural Ecology, (I.C.E.) and Wildlands International 13 and 14 July 2004 Introduction: Helen R Sykes Resort Support Wildland International and I.C.E. are US based organizations that arrange educational programmes for students, largely from the U.S.A. The students on this course were from a variety of universities in the U.S., and were an average age of years old. They were trained in survey techniques, and their surveys were supervised by Helen Sykes of Resort Support, a Fiji Reef Check National Coordinator. Survey team members Jennifer Anglin, Erin Evans, Justin Fry, Nichole Corbo, Nicole Johnson, Adam Mazzado, Blake Freeman, Lauren Grieg, William Larsen, Bjorn Lapakko, Adrienne Salanga, Miyako Kodama, Christopher Williams, Katarina Hardegan (group leader). Survey Team Leader: Helen Sykes (Resort Support) Lawaki Beach House is a small resort on the South Western coast of Beqa island. It has been operating since the start of 2003, and can accommodate 9 guests only. The owners are a Fijian/Swiss couple, Christine & Semisi ("Sam") Tawake-Bachofner. Stakeholders on Beqa island are interested in marine protection and conservation of the island s reefs, but there have yet been very few studies done to acquire data on the reef in the area. In November 2003, a group of 12 students from Wildlands / I.C.E. carried out the first Reef Check baseline survey of the reef area immediately in front of Lawaki Beach Resort. This group of 14 students in July 2004 used Reef Check survey techniques to make follow up surveys of the same area, and extend the study to new reef areas. It should be noted that although this was a very basic study, carried out by volunteer student surveyors, this is the only survey taking place in this region, and is showing a definite trend in improving reef health.

2 Map showing location of Lawaki Beach House on Beqa Island 2

3 Methods used: Reef Check surveys were carried out on the shallow reef top at high tide, and the deeper reef just off the reef edge, with the surveyors using snorkel gear only. Reef Checks were carried out on the shallow reef flat within view of the deeper edge in water about 1m deep, and just off the deeper reef edge in water approximately 3M deep. Three surveys were done: Two were in the same area surveyed in 2003, on the shallow reef top on either side of the creek mouth at the North edge of the property at GPS point 18 o 24.47'S 178 o 05.37'E. The third was just off the reef edge in deeper water. (see Sketch Map) Sketch Map showing areas of Reef Check Surveys: Corals on the Reef edge July

4 Results: 1. Coral Cover: Reef Check Benthic Cover 2003 / 2004 C 2004 B 2004 B 2003 A 2004 A 2003 Hard Coral Soft Coral Dead Coral Algae Seaweed Sponge Rock Rubble Sand Silt Other 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Coral Cover has improved by around 10% on both sites A and B since 2003, and the reef top is showing a high level of new coral growth, especially Table and Finger forms of the Acropora Coral family. In particular the Reef Top at site B, opposite the Northern edge of the property, has a very high level of live new hard coral cover. In 2003 some coral was dead on the tips, probably due to exceptionally low tides just before the surveys. This was not seen in the 2004 surveys, so it is presumed that these corals recovered from that damage. The deeper reef edge (site C) was investigated for the first time, and shows a slightly lower level of coral, but different forms than the reef flat, being dominated more by larger boulder corals and areas of solid rock. Seaweed and algal cover was low in all areas, and the reef is in a clean and healthy condition. This is one of the best coral populations to be found on a reef top in the region, and indicates a good level of new growth. 4

5 2. Invertebrate Animals: Reef Check Invertebrates 2003 / 2004 C 2004 B 2004 B 2003 A 2004 A 2003 Banded coral shrimp Diadema urchin Pencil urchin Sea cucumber Crown of Thorns Giant clam Triton shell Tripneustes Cawaki urchin Lobster Overall, more urchins, of various types (Diadema, Pencil and Tripnuestes), were seen in the 2004 surveys than had been counted during the 2003 surveys. This may be due to seasonal variation, as urchins are known to remain under rocks and corals, concealed from strong sunlight, during the warmer months. Otherwise, invertebrate numbers had not changed significantly on the shallow reef top Sites A & B, suggesting that fishing pressures have not changed. The survey done for the first time on the deeper reef (Site C), showed that the invertebrate populations on the deeper reef are very different from the shallow reef top, with the deeper reef having many more Diadama (black spiky) sea urchins and sea cucumbers than the reef top. This may be due to the relative ease of harvesting sea cucumbers etc on the shallower reef, or may be due to the different habitat type, as the deeper reef has more flat and rocky surfaces better suited to these organisms. A few crown of Thorns Sea Stars were found on all three sites in 2004, and other surveys showed that 5% of the corals on the reef top had COTS scars. The resort is continuing a removal programme that is felt is keeping the COTS down to a sustainable level. 5

6 3. Fish: Reef Check Fish 2003/ 2004 C 2004 B 2004 B 2003 A 2004 A Butterfly fish Sweetlips Snapper Grouper Humphead wrasse Bumphead parrot Parrotfish Moray eel In 2003 it was noted that on the shallow reef top, butterflyfish were the most common fish, followed by parrotfish and a few small snappers. No grouper, sweetlips or larger food fish species were recorded. In 2004 similar levels of fish populations were seen, probably indicating no change in fishing pressures on the region. It should be noted that site B showed more butterflyfish than Site A in both years, and this links with the higher coral cover seen in this area, as most butterlyfish feed on and around hard corals. The new survey of the deeper reef (Site C) showed that the populations on the reef edge and deeper areas are very different from the shallow reef top. The shallow reef top is dominated by small fish, mostly butterflies, whereas the deeper areas are home to larger species such as snappers, groupers and parrotfish. This is probably due to the different habitat type, and also to the increased difficulty of fishing in deeper waters. Much of the subsistence fishing done in Fiji is done by walking on reef tops. NOTE: Groupers counted were all under 30cm, and are not included in the results reported to Reef Check. In Fiji these smaller grouper are a targeted food fish and so we record them as well as larger ones. 6

7 Discussion of factors affecting reef health : General: This shallow reef top was fished over a long period by village subsistence fishers. It is also rapidly recovering from a large coral bleaching event in the year 2000, due to extremely warm water conditions. There is now a lot of new coral growth on the reef top. Most of this is of the Acropora family, small table, finger and branching corals. These are probably new colonies that have grown since A few show signs of COTS feeding, but in general they are in very good health. Coral cover increased by 10% on the reef top between November 2003 and July Semisi Tawake has started a small clam farm, where he has placed about 30 Giant Clams (Vasua) which he gathered from other reef areas. These have been on the reef for the past 4 years and are now between 20 and 25 cm along their longest side. The clams grew about 3.5cm between November 2003 and July 2004, and in a year or so should reach mature breeding size. There are also several clams seen elsewhere on the reef, around the same size. Semisi has asked the villagers not use the traditional fishing method of fishing with the poison vine, Duva, which is suspected to have an adverse effect on coral growth, and this has been observed for two years or so at this point. This may also be playing a role in the growth seen of the reef top corals. Conclusions: This reef area is showing a rapidly increasing amount of healthy coral cover, and has a good population of invertebrates and corals. It is low in larger fish counts due to local subsistence fishing, but has plenty of small ornamental fish, and schools of mackerel and needle fish, especially early in the morning. The operation of the resort does not appears to be harming the reef at this time, and indeed is benefiting it by protecting the reef from poison fishing and Crown of Thorns incursions, and by providing breeding grounds for Giant Clams. This reef has a variety of habitats from reef top to deeper boulders and cuts, and with the baseline information now collected, would be a good location for a Marine Protected Area. This is the second study in the area, and regular such studies once a year are recommended to record any changes in health. 7

8 Photographs of the 2004 survey team: Entire team ready for Reef Check Survey: Standing L R Jenny, Adrienne, Erin, Adam, Justin, Bill, Bjorn, Nick, Miyako, Lauren, Chris Kneeling L R Nichole, Blake, Kat Making Reef Check equipment: Making survey lines Making record slates Practising Reef Check techniques: 8

Reef Watch Guidelines

Reef Watch Guidelines Reef Watch Guidelines What is Reef Watch? Reef watch is a simple one-dive-one-survey method to record the health of coral reefs. The method is easily learnt and it is even easier to participate in the

More information

John Brewer Reef Sunferries-Townsville

John Brewer Reef Sunferries-Townsville John Brewer Reef Sunferries-Townsville Latitude: 18 57.364S Longitude: 146 57.375E Date: 31-1-4, 1-2-4 and 24.3.4 Florent Cade 24 SITE DESCRIPTION John Brewer Reef is a mid shelf reef situated approximately

More information

Reef Check Australia 2009 Great Barrier Reef Survey Season Report

Reef Check Australia 2009 Great Barrier Reef Survey Season Report Reef Check Australia 2009 Great Barrier Reef Survey Season Report Supported by the Australian Government s Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility Project 1.1.2 Condition and trend of the Great

More information

Great Barrier Reef Season Summary Report 2014 Reef Check Foundation Ltd Annie Bauer Edited by Jennifer Loder

Great Barrier Reef Season Summary Report 2014 Reef Check Foundation Ltd Annie Bauer Edited by Jennifer Loder Reef Check Australia Great Barrier Reef Season Summary Report 214 Reef Check Foundation Ltd Annie Bauer Edited by Jennifer Loder www.reefcheckaustralia.org Reef Check Australia This project is supported

More information

4 Reef Watch Guidelines

4 Reef Watch Guidelines 11 4 Reef Watch Guidelines Reef watch is a simple one-dive-one-survey method to record the health of a coral reef. You can easily learn the method and take part in the programme. On your dive or snorkel

More information

STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE FIJI ISLANDS, Fiji Coral Reef Monitoring Network. Part 1: Reef Health across the Fiji Islands

STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE FIJI ISLANDS, Fiji Coral Reef Monitoring Network. Part 1: Reef Health across the Fiji Islands STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE FIJI ISLANDS, 2006 Fiji Coral Reef Monitoring Network Part 1: Reef Health across the Fiji Islands Helen R Sykes Marine Ecology Consulting Resort Support May 2007 Contents Page

More information

Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom (ELOC)

Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom (ELOC) Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom (ELOC) This guidebook provides lesson ideas and activities to get students engaged with outdoor learning. Created by the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service

More information

Reef Check Australia. Magnetic Island Season Report 2016

Reef Check Australia. Magnetic Island Season Report 2016 Reef Check Australia Season Report 16 Reef Check Foundation Ltd. (Australia) www.reefcheckaustralia.org PO Box 134 George St Brisbane QLD 43 This report should be cited as: M. Welch, J. Salmond and J.

More information

CUSTOM CREATED FOR NAMUKA BAY BY DAEIRA CONSERVATION NAMUKA BAY 2018 REEF GUIDE

CUSTOM CREATED FOR NAMUKA BAY BY DAEIRA CONSERVATION NAMUKA BAY 2018 REEF GUIDE CUSTOM CREATED FOR NAMUKA BAY BY DAEIRA CONSERVATION NAMUKA BAY 2018 REEF GUIDE WELCOME Welcome to the reef at Namuka Bay! ABOUT DAEIRA CONSERVATION Located on the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji, Namuka

More information

OBSERVING CORALS and ALGAE:

OBSERVING CORALS and ALGAE: 5 OBSERVING CORALS and ALGAE: MANTA TOW, SNORKEL SURVEY, and POINT-INTERCEPT TRANSECT A. Manta Tow Definition A manta tow survey is the observation of an underwater area of good visibility by a snorkeler

More information

marine protected areas

marine protected areas marine protected areas Action Sheet 71 What is this Action Sheet about? If you live near the coast, you may know of local or national Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or marine reserves. MPAs are tools to

More information

Reef Check Monitoring and COTs Control in Palu Bay Central Sulawesi, Indonesia: Earth Day 2007 Activity Repo rt

Reef Check Monitoring and COTs Control in Palu Bay Central Sulawesi, Indonesia: Earth Day 2007 Activity Repo rt Reef Check Monitoring and COTs Control in Palu Bay Central Sulawesi, Indonesia: Earth Day 7 Activity Repo rt By: Yayasan Palu Hijau (YPH) and STPL-Palu (LP3M & MAPALA) Supported by Yayasan Reef Check Indonesia

More information

CUSTOM CREATED FOR NAMUKA BAY BY DAEIRA CONSERVATION NAMUKA BAY 2018 REEF GUIDE

CUSTOM CREATED FOR NAMUKA BAY BY DAEIRA CONSERVATION NAMUKA BAY 2018 REEF GUIDE CUSTOM CREATED FOR NAMUKA BAY BY DAEIRA CONSERVATION NAMUKA BAY 2018 REEF GUIDE WELCOME Welcome to the reef at Namuka Bay! ABOUT DAEIRA CONSERVATION Located on the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji, Namuka

More information

Reef Check Australia South East Queensland Survey Season Summary

Reef Check Australia South East Queensland Survey Season Summary 2009 Reef Check Australia South East Queensland Survey Season Summary Ian Banks Jennifer Loder Reef Check Foundation Ltd Reef Check Australia greatly appreciates all of the people and organizations who

More information

The status of coral reefs of Surin Islands, Thailand based on surveys in December 2003

The status of coral reefs of Surin Islands, Thailand based on surveys in December 2003 The status of coral reefs of Surin Islands, Thailand based on surveys in December 2003 L. L. Koh, K. P. P. Tun and L. M. Chou REST Technical Report No. 5 2003 Marine Biology Laboratory Department of Biological

More information

Reef Check Australia Moreton Bay Oil Spill Monitoring Report Prepared for: SEQ Catchments Ltd

Reef Check Australia Moreton Bay Oil Spill Monitoring Report Prepared for: SEQ Catchments Ltd 2009 Reef Check Australia Moreton Bay Oil Spill Monitoring Report Prepared for: SEQ Catchments Ltd Ian Banks Reef Check Foundation Ltd Geoffrey M. Cook, statistical analysis Jody Kreuger, editor 2 Jennifer

More information

Reef Check Australia South East Queensland Season Summary Report 2015

Reef Check Australia South East Queensland Season Summary Report 2015 Reef Check Australia South East Queensland Season Summary Report 2015 Reef Check Foundation Ltd R. Pentti, J. Loder, J. Salmond. J. Passenger, J.Schubert www.reefcheckaustralia.org 2016 This project was

More information

Dive Site details. Description: Hard and soft corals, blue ribbon eels, sharks, reef fish, leaf fish, garden eels

Dive Site details. Description: Hard and soft corals, blue ribbon eels, sharks, reef fish, leaf fish, garden eels Dive Site details 1 - Highway to Heaven Outside Beqa Lagoon Reef Depth: 18 115 Visibility: up to 125 Description: Coral reef starts at 18-20 and goes down to 115 at the pinnacles. At the pinnacles there

More information

Reef Check Malaysia Annual Survey Report

Reef Check Malaysia Annual Survey Report Reef Check Malaysia 2007 Annual Survey Report Page 1 Executive Summary 1. Coral reefs are a valuable economic and biological resource. They are the foundation of a significant proportion of the global

More information

4 Night Yasawa Island Cruise Dive Sites information

4 Night Yasawa Island Cruise Dive Sites information F I J I S C R U I S E L I N E 4 Night Yasawa Island Cruise Dive Sites information Naviti Babylon Caves The Caves of Babylon: an aptly named dive that starts off by entering into what feels like the gates

More information

Case Study 3. Case Study 3: Cebu Island, Philippines MPA Network 10

Case Study 3. Case Study 3: Cebu Island, Philippines MPA Network 10 Case studies of mpa networks Case Study 3: Cebu Island, Philippines MPA Network 10 Location and background Cebu Island in the Philippines lies in the center of the Visayan Islands, known as an area high

More information

PART 2 CORAL REEF ECOLOGY

PART 2 CORAL REEF ECOLOGY PART 2 CORAL REEF ECOLOGY Coral reefs are rocky mounds and/or ridges formed in the sea by marine organisms through the accumulation and deposition of limestone (calcium carbonate). The reef framework provides

More information

Reef Check Australia. Great Sandy Marine Park Reef Health Survey Report 2017

Reef Check Australia. Great Sandy Marine Park Reef Health Survey Report 2017 Reef Check Australia Great Sandy Marine Park Reef Health Survey Report 2017 Reef Check Foundation Ltd M. Welch, J. Salmond. J. Passenger and J. Loder www.reefcheckaustralia.org March 2018 We acknowledge

More information

Biogeographic Assessment of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Biogeographic Assessment of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Biogeographic Assessment of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Photos

More information

Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia, Reef Check Malaysia

Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia, Reef Check Malaysia Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia, 217 Reef Check Malaysia May 218 Contents Executive Summary... 1 1. Introduction... 2 2. Reef Check... 3 2.1 Background... 3 2.2 Survey Methodology... 3 2.3 Survey Sites...

More information

Lee E. Harris, Ph.D., P.E. Assoc. Professor of Ocean Engineering. Doug Bowlus and Ashley Naimaster Ocean Engineering Graduate Students

Lee E. Harris, Ph.D., P.E. Assoc. Professor of Ocean Engineering. Doug Bowlus and Ashley Naimaster Ocean Engineering Graduate Students FLORIDA TECH OCEAN ENGINEERING PROFESSOR LEE HARRIS AND HIS GRADUATE STUDENTS ASSIST WITH POST-HURRICANE IVAN CORAL REEF RESTORATION IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Lee E. Harris, Ph.D., P.E. Assoc. Professor of

More information

Diadema antillarum (Long-spined Black Urchin)

Diadema antillarum (Long-spined Black Urchin) Diadema antillarum (Long-spined Black Urchin) Order: Diadematoida (Hollow-spined Sea Urchins) Class: Echinoidea (Sea Urchins) Phylum: Echinodermata (Starfish, Sea Urchins and Sea Cucumbers) Fig. 1. Long-spined

More information

In this issue: Rena operational roles and responsibilities. Issue 13 September 2013

In this issue: Rena operational roles and responsibilities. Issue 13 September 2013 Issue 13 September 2013 In this issue: Rena operational roles and responsibilities An update on Rena Recovery activities What s happening with wildlife Operational update on the wreck from the owners Cutting

More information

Reef Ecology and Fisheries Anal ysis in Diani Diani--Chale, southern Kenya: Chale, southern Kenya: A G IS GIS & RDBMS application

Reef Ecology and Fisheries Anal ysis in Diani Diani--Chale, southern Kenya: Chale, southern Kenya: A G IS GIS & RDBMS application Reef Ecology and Fisheries Analysis in Diani-Chale, southern Kenya: A GIS & RDBMS application Jelvas Mwaura 4 th. Symposium on GIS/Spatial analysis in Fisheries Sciences and Management Nearshore reef fishery

More information

SNORKELING AT ATMOSPHERE

SNORKELING AT ATMOSPHERE SNORKELING AT ATMOSPHERE One of the essential parts of any Maldivian holiday experience is the fantastic snorkeling opportunities that are available. Each atoll, region, and house reef is unique and is

More information

Annual Report and Plan 2006

Annual Report and Plan 2006 Annual Report and Plan 2006 April D. Ridlon & Bryan Bugler, Marine Biologists 1 2006 Annual Report and Plan Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Reef Check Monitoring Project 2.1 Substrates 2.2 Fish 2.3

More information

Boulder Island Coral Survey. Project Manaia. Phase one - Final Report

Boulder Island Coral Survey. Project Manaia. Phase one - Final Report Boulder Island Coral Survey Project Manaia Phase one - Final Report Thor Jensen & Annika Dose January 2018 Content 1. Coral genera and their abundance in the bays of Boulder Island...3 2. Reef maps...5

More information

Domestic Fishing Regulations 1996

Domestic Fishing Regulations 1996 Domestic Fishing Regulations 1996 NIUE LAWS LEGISLATION AS AT DECEMBER 2006 DOMESTIC FISHING REGULATIONS 1996 1996/1 5 March 1996 1 Title 2 Interpretation 3 Prohibited fish exports 4 Fish size limit 5

More information

6 Definition OBSERVING REEF FISHES: FISH VISUAL CENSUS

6 Definition OBSERVING REEF FISHES: FISH VISUAL CENSUS OBSERVING REEF FISHES: FISH VISUAL CENSUS 6 Definition Fish visual census is the identification and counting of fishes observed within a defined area. Purpose Fish visual census can be used to estimate

More information

NIUE DOMESTIC REGULATIONS 1996

NIUE DOMESTIC REGULATIONS 1996 NIUE DOMESTIC F I S H I N G REGULATIONS 1996 DOMESTIC FISHING REGULATIONS 1996 Approved by Cabinet, at the Cabinet Chambers, Fale Fono, Alofi, this 5th day of March 1996 Pursuant to the Domestic Fishing

More information

Community-based Coral Reef Monitoring and Management. Report of the Community Reef Watchers Workshop

Community-based Coral Reef Monitoring and Management. Report of the Community Reef Watchers Workshop Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies Funded by Folkestone Marine Reserve, St. James Barbados University of the West Indies Barbados Community-based Coral Reef Monitoring and Management

More information

Overview. What are Corals?

Overview. What are Corals? Overview Coral Reefs extend back over 500 m.y. Grow in tropical seas with normal salinity Support a great variety of plant and animal life Cover less than 0.2% of sea floor Contain about 25% of marine

More information

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level and Advanced Level

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level and Advanced Level UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level and Advanced Level *2677524077* MARINE SCIENCE 9693/03 Structured Questions May/June 2013 Paper

More information

Animals of the Benthic Environment

Animals of the Benthic Environment Animals of the Benthic Environment Name: Section: 1. Of the 250,000 known species that inhabit the marine ecosystem, more than 98% (about 245,000) live in or on the ocean floor. 2. Living at or near the

More information

ROTUMA CORAL REEF SURVEY REPORT 2006 November 8 - December 7, 2006

ROTUMA CORAL REEF SURVEY REPORT 2006 November 8 - December 7, 2006 ROTUMA CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROJECT III ROTUMA CORAL REEF SURVEY REPORT 26 November 8 - December 7, 26 LäjeRotuma Initiative Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC PREPARED

More information

Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level

Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level *4245615796* MARINE SCIENCE 9693/03 Paper 3 A2 Structured Questions May/June 2015 1 hour 30 minutes Candidates

More information

EDA. - Divers for the Environment -

EDA. - Divers for the Environment - EDA Edition 1 Vol. 1 May 2004 - Divers for the Environment - v EDA is an environmental voluntary organization established in 1995. v Over 200 diving members support EDA. v EDA is now focusing efforts into

More information

satellite image Penjalin (30th Nov - 2nd Dec 2006) N E

satellite image Penjalin (30th Nov - 2nd Dec 2006) N E Page 1 Penjalin (30th Nov - 2nd Dec 2006) N E SV Infinity's anchorage rocks with fringing reef, west side Penjalin Besar bay on east side Penjalin Besar 22.1910' 22.8764' 20.5266' Penjalin Besar: beach

More information

Life at its Peak of Exuberance: Coral Reefs and Tropical Rainforests

Life at its Peak of Exuberance: Coral Reefs and Tropical Rainforests Life at its Peak of Exuberance: Coral Reefs and Tropical Rainforests Note: These links do not work. Use the links within the outline to access the images in the popup windows. This text is the same as

More information

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Mason Smith Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Marine Fisheries Management Version 1 FWC Mission To manage fish and wildlife

More information

The importance of giant clam fisheries management and trade to the Pacific

The importance of giant clam fisheries management and trade to the Pacific The importance of giant clam fisheries management and trade to the Pacific Regional Management of Sustainable Fisheries for Giant Clams (Tridacnidae) and CITES Capacity Building Workshop Nadi, Fiji Islands

More information

CORAL REEFS IN CRISIS. Mudjimba Island

CORAL REEFS IN CRISIS. Mudjimba Island CORAL REEFS IN CRISIS Mudjimba Island LOCATION REEF STRUCTURE - NORTH Fringing reef around a continental island, bigger drop off with slabs of rock Average water depth: 4 to 8 metres Higher diversity of

More information

Student Exploration: Coral Reefs 2 Biotic Factors

Student Exploration: Coral Reefs 2 Biotic Factors Name: Date: Student Exploration: Coral Reefs 2 Biotic Factors [Note to teachers and students: This lesson was designed as a follow-up to the Coral Reefs 1 Abiotic Factors lesson. We recommend doing that

More information

Oceans Alive Resource Book

Oceans Alive Resource Book E-BOOK CODE: REAU5023 Special School Photocopy Master Edition Oceans Alive Resource Book Image courtesy Microsoft Design Gallery by Sandy Tasker Contents OCEANS ALIVE Contents... 3 The Wonderful World

More information

2008 Site Report Great Barrier Reef Project

2008 Site Report Great Barrier Reef Project 2008 Site Report Great Barrier Reef Project By Jessica Stella, Steve Prutzman, Tara Swansborough and Jos Hill support@reefcheckaustralia.org www.reefcheckaustralia.org ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was

More information

Survey on Village Reef Fishing Problems in American Samoa

Survey on Village Reef Fishing Problems in American Samoa Survey on Village Reef Fishing Problems in American Samoa By: Fatima S. Sauafea and Flinn Curren Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources American Samoa Government Pago Pago, American Samoa December,

More information

30. I thought coral growth and reef growth were the same. Is there a difference?

30. I thought coral growth and reef growth were the same. Is there a difference? About reefs 29. Corals are minute invertebrates, yet they can build vast reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which is the largest natural structure in the ocean. How is a coral reef formed?

More information

REEF CHECK DESCRIPTION OF THE 2000 MASS CORAL BEACHING EVENT IN FIJI WITH REFERENCE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC

REEF CHECK DESCRIPTION OF THE 2000 MASS CORAL BEACHING EVENT IN FIJI WITH REFERENCE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC REEF CHECK DESCRIPTION OF THE 2000 MASS CORAL BEACHING EVENT IN FIJI WITH REFERENCE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC Edward R. Lovell Biological Consultants, Fiji March, 2000 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction...4

More information

Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Meeting on 8 March WWF s Submission

Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Meeting on 8 March WWF s Submission Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Meeting on 8 March 2011 WWF s Submission I. Introduction WWF welcomes the ban on all trawling in Hong Kong waters as announced in the

More information

FRONTIER-TANZANIA MARINE PROGRAMME PHASE 122

FRONTIER-TANZANIA MARINE PROGRAMME PHASE 122 FRONTIER-TANZANIA MARINE PROGRAMME PHASE 122 SCIENCE REPORT UTENDE BEACH, MAFIA ISLAND, TANZANIA 2 ND APRIL 8 TH JUNE 2012 Nahla Mahmoud (Research & Development Intern) Eibleis Fanning (Managing Director)

More information

Focus Benthic habitats found at Gray s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Focus Benthic habitats found at Gray s Reef National Marine Sanctuary NOAA Gray s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Acoustic Fish Tagging Project Activity: Discover Gray s Reef Habitats Grades 6-8 Developed by C.J. Carroll and Cathy Sakas 9/3/2009 Focus Benthic habitats found

More information

Kuwait Dive Team's Report of Coral Bleaching in the Reefs of the State of Kuwait

Kuwait Dive Team's Report of Coral Bleaching in the Reefs of the State of Kuwait Kuwait Dive Team's Report of Coral Bleaching in the Reefs of the State of Kuwait 19/09/2009 Created by: Kuwait Dive Team Guardians of the Sea, Kuwait Dive Team (KDT) resumed the inspection tours for the

More information

Following Information Compliments of Avadon Divers, Placencia Belize

Following Information Compliments of Avadon Divers, Placencia Belize Following Information Compliments of Avadon Divers, Placencia Belize The Blue Hole & Lighthouse Reef Trips to this atoll are done only when there are good surface conditions as it is a 3-hour boat ride

More information

Sat, 4 Feb Sat, 4 Mar Sat, 1 Apr Sat, 29 Apr. Sat, 11 Feb Sat, 11 Mar Sat, 8 Apr Sat, 5 May. Sat, 25 Feb Sat, 25 Mar Sat, 22 Apr Sat, 20 May

Sat, 4 Feb Sat, 4 Mar Sat, 1 Apr Sat, 29 Apr. Sat, 11 Feb Sat, 11 Mar Sat, 8 Apr Sat, 5 May. Sat, 25 Feb Sat, 25 Mar Sat, 22 Apr Sat, 20 May Join us in an adventure at the remote Banda Islands in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Experience the wonders of tropical coral reefs, participate in on-going research projects, learn underwater survey

More information

SUMMARY OF CORAL CAY CONSERVATION S REEF CHECK DATA (1997 AND 1998) FROM TURNEFFE ATOLL, BELIZE

SUMMARY OF CORAL CAY CONSERVATION S REEF CHECK DATA (1997 AND 1998) FROM TURNEFFE ATOLL, BELIZE SUMMARY OF CORAL CAY CONSERVATION S REEF CHECK DATA (1997 AND 1998) FROM TURNEFFE ATOLL, BELIZE - by - Deborah Taylor, Research Assistant Alastair Harborne, Marine Science Co-ordinator December 1999 CORAL

More information

TANZANIA MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAMME. Utende, Mafia Island, Tanzania

TANZANIA MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAMME. Utende, Mafia Island, Tanzania TANZANIA MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAMME Utende, Mafia Island, Tanzania TZM Phase 144 Science Report 23 rd September 15 th December 2014 Catherine Gutmann Roberts (Project Manager) 1 Staff Members Name Catherine

More information

SALINITY. It's the amount of dissolved salts the water contains.

SALINITY. It's the amount of dissolved salts the water contains. AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS SALINITY The types of organisms in an aquatic ecosystem depend upon the water s Salinity. It's the amount of dissolved salts the water contains. Salinity determines the two main aquatic

More information

Bonaire National Marine Park Hurricane Matthew Reef Damage Assessment

Bonaire National Marine Park Hurricane Matthew Reef Damage Assessment Bonaire National Marine Park Hurricane Matthew Reef Damage Assessment Hurricane Matthew passed north of Bonaire on September 23 rd, 2016. After it passed Aruba, it decelerated, and then it slowly began

More information

Field Protocol for Monitoring Coral Reef Fisheries Resources in Belize

Field Protocol for Monitoring Coral Reef Fisheries Resources in Belize Field Protocol for Monitoring Coral Reef Fisheries Resources in Belize Charles A. Acosta, PhD Wildlife Conservation Society Glover s Reef Marine Research Station P.O. Box 272 Dangriga, Belize and Department

More information

WHAT ARE ECOSYSTEMS? Dr. V. N. Nayak Professor of Marine Biology (Retd)

WHAT ARE ECOSYSTEMS? Dr. V. N. Nayak Professor of Marine Biology (Retd) WHAT ARE ECOSYSTEMS? Dr. V. N. Nayak Professor of Marine Biology (Retd) An ECOSYSTEM is an interacting system of plant, animals, and humans and the surrounding environment. An ecosystem contains living

More information

Oceanic Society Reef Research Team: Nicole Crane, Avigdor Abelson, Peter Nelson, Giacomo Bernardi, Michelle Paddack, Kate Crosman

Oceanic Society Reef Research Team: Nicole Crane, Avigdor Abelson, Peter Nelson, Giacomo Bernardi, Michelle Paddack, Kate Crosman The coral reef of Tamil (Yap, FSM): Preliminary ecological assessment of reef state and fish assemblages, and potential of conservation for sustainable use Report compiled by vigdor belson, Peter Nelson

More information

Barnacles attach to hard surfaces and use their legs to catch tiny particles of food, including plankton from the water around them.

Barnacles attach to hard surfaces and use their legs to catch tiny particles of food, including plankton from the water around them. Food Web Resources - Food Chain Cards Barnacles attach to hard surfaces and use their legs to catch tiny particles of food, including plankton from the water around them Barnacle Edible crabs use their

More information

Inshore wrasse pot fishery What are the issues?

Inshore wrasse pot fishery What are the issues? Our Position - Summary Devon Wildlife Trust is calling for the immediate ban on live capture of all wrasse species in the South West from within Marine Protected Areas. Wrasse are being captured live from

More information

Vol. 10, Issue Sunday, December 25, 2005 HAWAII'S CORAL REEFS

Vol. 10, Issue Sunday, December 25, 2005 HAWAII'S CORAL REEFS Vol. 10, Issue 359 - Sunday, December 25, 2005 HAWAII'S CORAL REEFS Oh, no! A zit! GRETA AEBY, UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII INSTITUTE FOR MARINE BIOLOGY A growth anomaly (tumor) on rice coral. Coral disease is

More information

ADVANCED INVERTEBRATES HAVE COMPLEX BODIES AND INTERNAL SYSTEMS

ADVANCED INVERTEBRATES HAVE COMPLEX BODIES AND INTERNAL SYSTEMS ADVANCED INVERTEBRATES HAVE COMPLEX BODIES AND INTERNAL SYSTEMS Arthropoda Most successful phylum on Earth Exoskeleton chitin Striated muscle Articulation Crayfish, lobsters, shrimp, crabs Echinodermata

More information

Sea urchin density along a depth gradient at Rodney's Rock and Champagne Bay, Dominica

Sea urchin density along a depth gradient at Rodney's Rock and Champagne Bay, Dominica Sea urchin density along a depth gradient at Rodney's Rock and Champagne Bay, Dominica Michele Felix Cassie Kalinec Julia Lemmon Carl Raetzsch A.J. Vale Andrew Woolley May 28 June 17, 2004 1 Abstract The

More information

The Population Density of Diadema antillarum at Champagne Reef at Scott s Head Soufriere Marine Reserve

The Population Density of Diadema antillarum at Champagne Reef at Scott s Head Soufriere Marine Reserve The Population Density of Diadema antillarum at Champagne Reef at Scott s Head Soufriere Marine Reserve Katy Schumann Dominica 2008 Dr. Lacher Dr. Woolley ABSTRACT: The abundance of the long-spined sea

More information

Protect Our Reefs Grant Interim Report (October 1, 2008 March 31, 2009) Principal investigators: Donald C. Behringer and Mark J.

Protect Our Reefs Grant Interim Report (October 1, 2008 March 31, 2009) Principal investigators: Donald C. Behringer and Mark J. Investigating the role of the spotted spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus) in the recovery of the long spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum) on the coral reefs of the Florida Keys Protect Our Reefs Grant

More information

Experimental reestablishment of populations of the long spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, on two small patch reefs in the upper Florida Keys

Experimental reestablishment of populations of the long spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, on two small patch reefs in the upper Florida Keys Principal Investigator Ken Nedimyer 212 Silver Palm Avenue Tavernier, FL 33070 phone (305) 852-4955, fax (305) 852-3500 email, sealife@terranova.net Associate Investigator Martin A. Moe, Jr. 222 Gulfview

More information

ROTUMA ISLAND (FIJI) CORAL REEF SURVEY REPORT 2006

ROTUMA ISLAND (FIJI) CORAL REEF SURVEY REPORT 2006 COMPONENT 2A - Project 2A2 Knowledge, monitoring, management and beneficial use of coral reef ecosystems January 27 REEF MONITORING ROTUMA ISLAND (FIJI) CORAL REEF SURVEY REPORT 26 November, 8 - December,

More information

STATUS OF REEFS AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND:

STATUS OF REEFS AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND: STATUS OF REEFS AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND: 2003-2007 REEF CHECK AUSTRALIA Zoë Andrews Loren Hartley Jos Hill Revised by Steven Prutzman Tara Swansborough Jos HIll February 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS STATUS OF

More information

About Dive 360 Pemba. The most experienced dive team on Pemba.

About Dive 360 Pemba. The most experienced dive team on Pemba. About Dive 360 Pemba A five star PADI dive center. - 3 dive instructors. - 1 dive master. - 18 years of diving experience on Pemba. - Bauer clean air compressor, certified. The most experienced dive team

More information

Citizen Science Based Survey GBR Far North Dive Trip 2016 April 18-26

Citizen Science Based Survey GBR Far North Dive Trip 2016 April 18-26 Citizen Science Based Survey GBR Far North Dive Trip 2016 April 18-26 Chris Roelfsema Karen Johnson Douglas Stetner Trevor Baerenger Peran Brady May 2016 GBR Far North Citizen Science Trip 5 May 2016 1

More information

ROV Transects of Deep Sea Coral Communities Habitat Type, Species Abundance and Diversity The teacher may choose to explore species abundance and diversity in deep sea coral communities in several different

More information

ACT NOW for the future of our reefs

ACT NOW for the future of our reefs Do It Yourself Kit WWW.CORALWATCH.ORG ACT NOW for the future of our reefs Rising water temperatures are a major contributor to mass coral bleaching events. Get involved in CoralWatch to monitor and protect

More information

Relation between coral reef degradation and the Overexploitation of coral reef fishes in El-Tur region, Egyptian Red Sea Coast

Relation between coral reef degradation and the Overexploitation of coral reef fishes in El-Tur region, Egyptian Red Sea Coast Relation between coral reef degradation and the Overexploitation of coral reef fishes in El-Tur region, Egyptian Red Sea Coast By Manal M. Sabrah and Azza A. El-Ganainy National Institute of Oceanography

More information

Volunteer and Internships Programs ECUADOR

Volunteer and Internships Programs ECUADOR Volunteer and Internships Programs ECUADOR Equilibrio Azul is a non-for profit organization created in 2005 to protect the marine resources of Ecuador. Our mission is to integrate local communities, governmental

More information

St. Croix-Draft Actions and Alternatives.

St. Croix-Draft Actions and Alternatives. [Type the document title] St. Croix-Draft Actions and Alternatives. Scoping Meetings April 2014 Table of Contents List of Tables... 2 List of Figures... 2 Action 1. Identify Fishery Management Units (FMUs)

More information

Coral Reefs Lecture Notes

Coral Reefs Lecture Notes Coral Reefs Lecture Notes (Topic 10D) page 1 Coral Reefs Lecture Notes Corals Polyps & Zooxanthellae Coral Polyps Are coral polyps algae or animals? Description (What do coral polyps look like? Make a

More information

Shipwrecks of Coron AKITSUSHIMA Sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Task Force 38 Location: Access: Condition:

Shipwrecks of Coron AKITSUSHIMA Sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Task Force 38 Location: Access: Condition: Shipwrecks of Coron AKITSUSHIMA One of the few true warships among the Coron wrecks, was the Akitsushima, a Japanese flying boat tender Location: Between Lajo Island and Manglet Island, south of Concepcion

More information

Frequency of Percnon gibbesi in relation to. Diadema antillarum at Rodney s Rock

Frequency of Percnon gibbesi in relation to. Diadema antillarum at Rodney s Rock Frequency of Percnon gibbesi in relation to Diadema antillarum at Rodney s Rock By: Rickey Wallace Study Abroad Dominica Summer 2007 Texas A&M University Dr. Bob Wharton Dr. Jim Woolley Abstract The nimble

More information

Productivity Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) Tool overview and preliminary findings

Productivity Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) Tool overview and preliminary findings Productivity Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) Tool overview and preliminary findings ERA Workshop Long Beach, CA June 15, 2017 Overview Share information about PSA tool and process Share draft results Discuss

More information

ARI DIVERS RANVELI VILLAGE

ARI DIVERS RANVELI VILLAGE Dive center ARI DIVERS RANVELI VILLAGE Name of the dive center is ARI DIVERS. The dive center is a PADI international dive center and the management is Maldivian. The staff s currently working at the dive

More information

STATUS OF REEFS AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND: REEF CHECK AUSTRALIA

STATUS OF REEFS AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND: REEF CHECK AUSTRALIA STATUS OF REEFS AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND: 2003-2006 REEF CHECK AUSTRALIA Zoë Andrews Loren Hartley Jos Hill April 2006 1 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this project was to engage Townsville community members

More information

Preliminary survey of the coral reefs

Preliminary survey of the coral reefs Preliminary survey of the coral reefs from Beloi (Atauro Island, Timor-Leste): alternatives for sustainable use Centre for Ecological Economics and Water Policy Research University of New England, Armidale,

More information

MBARA Diver s Reef Survey Form Updated 4 April 2010

MBARA Diver s Reef Survey Form Updated 4 April 2010 MBARA Diver s Reef Survey Form Updated 4 April 2010 Reef Site Name: MB 104 Unnamed Reef Position Readings: GPS Manufacturer & model: Garmin 188C N Lat.: 29 43.487 W Lon.: 85 41.562 Sonar Depth: Survey

More information

Fiji Marine Conservation &Diving

Fiji Marine Conservation &Diving Fiji Marine Conservation &Diving Scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of the south Pacific. Live in paradise on a beach camp and carry out important marine conservation work. The Fijian archipelago lies

More information

CROC'S WALL NORTH MARK (16-40)

CROC'S WALL NORTH MARK (16-40) Diving at Pomene is remote and very beautiful with no other operations in the area. We can easily guarantee that you will not be sharing the reefs with any other divers. The dives are however, a fair distance

More information

Summary of Research within Lamlash Bay No-Take Zone - Science report for COAST July

Summary of Research within Lamlash Bay No-Take Zone - Science report for COAST July Summary of Research within Lamlash Bay No-Take Zone - Science report for COAST July 2013 - *Picture of a spider crab (Macropodia spp) inside a plumose anemone. Taken within Lamlash Bay No-Take Zone by

More information

STATUS REPORT FOR THE SUBMERGED REEF BALL TM ARTIFICIAL REEF SUBMERGED BREAKWATER BEACH STABILIZATION PROJECT FOR THE GRAND CAYMAN MARRIOTT HOTEL

STATUS REPORT FOR THE SUBMERGED REEF BALL TM ARTIFICIAL REEF SUBMERGED BREAKWATER BEACH STABILIZATION PROJECT FOR THE GRAND CAYMAN MARRIOTT HOTEL August 23 STATUS REPORT FOR THE SUBMERGED REEF BALL TM ARTIFICIAL REEF SUBMERGED BREAKWATER BEACH STABILIZATION PROJECT FOR THE GRAND CAYMAN MARRIOTT HOTEL performed by Lee E. Harris, Ph.D., P.E. Consulting

More information

PEDRO BANK ATLANTIC AND GULF RAPID REEF ASSESSMENT (AGRRA), APRIL 18-26, 2005, SUMMARY REPORT

PEDRO BANK ATLANTIC AND GULF RAPID REEF ASSESSMENT (AGRRA), APRIL 18-26, 2005, SUMMARY REPORT PEDRO BANK ATLANTIC AND GULF RAPID REEF ASSESSMENT (AGRRA), APRIL 18-26, 2005, SUMMARY REPORT Prepared by N. Zenny, May 2005 Introduction: The very first coral reef assessment on the Pedro Bank was recently

More information

DESCRIPTION OF REEF FISH SPAWNING AGGREGATIONS AT MONA ISLAND PUERTO RICO

DESCRIPTION OF REEF FISH SPAWNING AGGREGATIONS AT MONA ISLAND PUERTO RICO DESCRIPTION OF REEF FISH SPAWNING AGGREGATIONS AT MONA ISLAND PUERTO RICO Michelle Schärer, Michael Nemeth, Alfonso Aguilar, Richard Appeldoorn Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico,

More information

Lat: Long: Captain: Crew: Topside conditions: Cloud cover (%): Wind Spd & Dir: Wave height (ft):

Lat: Long: Captain: Crew: Topside conditions: Cloud cover (%): Wind Spd & Dir: Wave height (ft): Great Goliath Grouper Count: Survey Data Site name: Date: Dive# of day Lat: Long: Captain: Crew: Diver names: Topside conditions: Cloud cover (%): Wind Spd & Dir: Wave height (ft): Site type (check one):

More information

Fish Survey Report and Stocking Advice for Loch Milton. (Loch a Mhuilinn), May 2011

Fish Survey Report and Stocking Advice for Loch Milton. (Loch a Mhuilinn), May 2011 Fish Survey Report and Stocking Advice for Loch Milton (Loch a Mhuilinn), May 2011 Jonah Tosney Freshwater Fisheries Biologist Wester Ross Fisheries Trust 1 Loch Milton (Loch a Mhuilinn) Fish Survey Report

More information

Animals of the Benthic Environment II

Animals of the Benthic Environment II Animals of the Benthic Environment II Anticipation Guide Name: Section: 1. he shallow offshore ocean floor extends from the spring low tide shoreline to the seaward edge of the continental shelf. 2. he

More information