Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management in Pohnpei: A Case Study
The application of ecosystem-based fisheries management in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, involves a top-down regulatory history followed by a bottom-up approach focusing on the establishment of marine protected areas. The characteristics of Pohnpei's coral reef fisheries show declines in abundance, size, fecundity, species diversity, and reef condition, impacting fishers' income. Data indicates significant declines in spawning grouper abundance, fish size, and egg production, threatening the ecosystem's sustainability. Additionally, the reliance on undersized fish in markets, the loss of iconic species, and habitat degradation further highlight the challenges faced in managing the fisheries effectively.
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Application of Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management A Pohnpei Case Study Federated States of Micronesia
History Top Down Regulatory Measures FOREST CONSERVATION (1971) ENDANGERED SPECIES (1980) MARINE AND AQUATIC RESOURCES (1981) CONSERVATION AND RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT (1982) MARINE SANCTUARY AND WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM (1999) Bottom Up Approach Establishment of MPA Network Locally Managed Marine Areas Network (2003) MPA Executive Committee Marine Advisory Council (MAC)
Characteristics of Pohnpei Coral Reef Fisheries Declines in abundance Declines in fish size Declines in fish fecundity (number of eggs produced) Loss of species (e.g. giant clam) Deteriorating reef condition Habitat loss Worsening water quality Reduced catch and income, impoverished fishers
Declining Fish Abundance Data from the last 12 years of underwater fish monitoring within the Kehpara Marine Sanctuary shows ongoing and significant declines in spawning grouper A continuation of these trends without proper management will result in a the loss of this spawning site around 2020
Declining Fish Size and Egg Production A single illegal fishing event at Kehpara in 1998 resulted in declines in mean size and age of E.polyphekadion Less fish and smaller fish mean fewer eggs
Fishers and Markets Rely on Under- sized, Immature Fish Undersized and immature fish dominate up to 90% of marketed catch for some species
Loss of Ecologically Important and Iconic Species for Tourism Development Giant clams- Endangered (no breeding populations) Max. age 100 years Humphead wrasse- Endangered (no large adults, rapid population declines in recent years) Max. age 25 years Bumphead parrotfish- Endangered (90% population decline since 1960s) Max. age 42 years
Sedimentation and Loss of Nursery and Feeding Habitat 1998 The dredge sites surveyed have soft silty bottoms that do not appear to support food sources for animals in comparison to the reef flats, seagrass beds and mangrove areas. Smith, R. et al. (1998) SOPAC Tech. Report 257. 2005 Some reefs have been adversely affected by sediment runoff, dredging and predation and have caused a major loss of coral cover and diversity . Turak and Devantier. (2005) REA Report to CSP. 2006 .sedimentation (from poor farming and land-use practices) smothers corals and leads to substantial coral mortality in the lagoon. The mud is not flushed out . Victor et al. (2006) Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.
Micronesia Challenge and Coastal Fisheries Micronesia Challenge status: 36,687 out of 122,289 hectares of near shore is under conservation/management (GAP analysis 2010) Management agencies involved with MC: PRMC DLNR Management/Regulatory mandate (MC) OFA Economic Development/AIG (PIMPAC) CSP Community Network (LMMA Network) Opportunities and challenges to MC: Sustainable Financing Enhancing conservation & management practice and awareness Research and capacity building Enforcement and compliance Increase population vs. unstable economy
Community Request Municipal Government Project Team Traditional Leaders/Project Team Explain about the programme Seek their blessing Community/Project Team Project Task Force Prepare plan of activities Not endorsed Community Consultation/Workshops Situation analysis using the problem/solution tree Establish Community Committee Community Undertakings Project Team Undertakings DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN Endorsement/Approval by Community and Project Team Department of Land and Natural Resources Implementation Community Project Team Develop community by-laws and/or relevant policy Monitoring and Evaluation -Bi-annual review by Community and Project Team -Review Report for discussion
Current Management Export ban on marine resources, except aquacultured products or by permit only Seasonal ban on sale and catch of: Turtles June August & December January P.areolatus: January-May E. poly & E. fusco: February-May Restrictions on net mesh size less than 4 inches; 10-year moratorium on kemeik, merer, maud and giant clam Size limits 10 species or groups of fish (e.g. grouper)
Current Management 6 learning sites representing +20 villages MPA Executive Committee 6 village chiefs sharing lessons Watershed Steering Committee Inter-agency/community reps Marine Advisory Council 25 members (fisherman/fish market owners) Fisheries Working Group Multi-agency/organization committee 2003 2010
Fisheries Reform Launched a fisheries awareness campaign Target groups Community-based initiatives Data poor stock assessments Decentralization of resource management roles (turf) Municipality ordinance incorporating & recognizing community-based management plans
Challenges Community buy-in Translating SCIENCE into MANAGEMENT Enforcement & Compliance Financial resources Data management
Lessons Learned Fisheries management is far greater than any one agency can solve alone Press leaders to prioritize fisheries issues Accessibility of information and awareness Involve fisherman in decision making process Once a plan is developed, be responsive, be ready to adapt strategies Synchronize or align our efforts Avoid duplication, rather supplement & maximize complementary efforts.
