CRISP Consolidated report 2008–2009

October 2009

This consolidated report presents the results obtained throughout the programme on the eight following themes:

• Applied ecosystem management
• Enhancement of scientific knowledge
• Economic development of reef resources
• Dissemination of knowledge and lessons learned
• Monitoring of coral reef resources
• Raising decision-maker and stakeholder awareness
• Creation of institutional links and networks
• Training and institutional strengthening

Download: Report (PDF File, 8.92 MB)

Téléchargement : Rapport (Fichier PDF, 3.04 MB)

Acidification and Coral Reefs October 2009

The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is leading to an increase in dissolved CO₂ in the oceans, leading to another increase in hydrogen ions and therefore a relative acidifi cation, although the pH still remains slightly alkaline. In addition, this will also lead to fewer available carbonate ions. This concentration contributes to the transformation of calcium ions from a solid state (calcium carbonate) to a liquid state. Thus, the calcifi cation rate will similarly decrease in all carbonate skeletal organisms, including corals. The risk of such a drop in calcium carbonate saturation is that dissolution factors, combined with mechanical destruction and bioerosion, will reverse coral reef construction and start fragmentation of the structure. It is generally thought that the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, currently of 386 ppm, should not exceed 450-500 ppm to avoid this situation. However, according to IPCC scenarios, such values will be reached in less than a century. More research is required to determine the eff ects of increasing seawater acidifi cation on more coral species, specifi cally through physiological studies on corals and their symbiotic zooxanthellae to establish the potential adaptability of some species. This report is available in English, French and Spanish. Download the report (1.55 MB)

CRISP supports the ARVAM agency for further developments of CoReMo3

Following the CoReMo workshop that took place in September 2009, the CRISP programme along with its regional strategy to harmonize coral reef monitoring and enhance the quality of our knowledge in this field, has decided to support the ARVAM agency for further developments of CoReMo3.
Based on the recommendations given during the workshop in Apia, specific demands were clearly identified for improvement and future development of the software. Major changes that need to be done are dealing with an increased flexibility to enter data when using different protocols for reef monitoring.
The ARVAM in collaboration with the CRISP Coordinating Unit has been working on the design of a project document and very recently, a grant agreement has been signed allowing the ARVAM to start their development work on CoReMo3 software.

Three major objectives will be targeted through this project:

1. The adjustment of methods for entering data from Benthos: The aim will be to bring flexibility for CoReMo3 benthos monitoring methods by adding specific protocols. Therefore, most of monitoring data from the region will be able to be entered into the database.
2. Improvement of flexibility and ergonomics: An important issue to consider is to gain time in entering data from all monitoring methods used in PICs.
3. Re-adaptation of the database model: This point is dealing with the update of some aspects of the Database HyperFile used for CoReMo3. The overall objective is to increase the utilization performances and store more information in more adapted formats.

This work will be conducted between October and December 2009. The Updated version of the software will then be available to all CoReMo workshop participants to start entering their monitoring data. This step is indeed fundamental to benefit from the current project aiming at further developing CoReMo version 3, and the CRISP would indeed be grateful if PICs were, on their side, willing to support this initiative, hence taking part into the implementation of CoReMo3 within the Pacific region by recording your monitoring data in it.

Pacific Regional conference on Marine Managed Areas 15–19 November, 2009 - Intercontinental Hotel, Moorea, French Polynesia

Hosted by the Government of French Polynesia, the main purpose of the conference is to pool efforts and develop synergy for the sustainable management and conservation of coastal and marine environments in the Pacific, through a regional network of MMAs.
This regional conference will give priority to bringing together the managers of French MMAs (in the region) and their counterparts from the Pacific Islands and major countries in the region such as Australia, the United States and New Zealand, but also scientific experts and representatives of national and regional institutions. [Read more]

Fisheries Newsletter Number 128 (January–April 2009)

In this issue of the Fisheries Newsletter published by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and prepared by the Information Section of the marine Resources Division, the Coral Reef Initiative for the South Pacific (CRISP) program is highlighted. Download the newsletter (PDF File)

Status and potential of Locally-Managed Marine Areas in the South Pacific: Meeting nature conservation and sustainable livelihood targets through wide-spread implementation of LMMAs

Study Report Hugh Govan

The South Pacific has experienced a remarkable proliferation of Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) in the last decade. These protected areas, implemented by over 500 communities spanning 15 independent countries and territories represent a unique global achievement. The approaches being developed at national levels are built on a unique feature of the region, customary tenure and resource access, and make use of, in most cases, existing community strengths in traditional knowledge and governance, combined with a local awareness of the need for action, resulting in what have been most aptly termed Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs). The main driver in most cases, is a community desire to maintain or improve livelihoods, often related to perceived threats to food security or local economic revenue. In the South Pacific, conservation and sustainable use are often seen as inseparable as part of the surviving concepts of traditional environmental stewardship. The extent of this shift towards Community Based Resource Management in Melanesia and Polynesia is unprecedented on a global scale and is the subject of this report.
Download the study report (PDF File, 1.62 MB)