This document outlines a study to monitor the health of marine ecosystems in Lokobe National Park in Madagascar. The study will conduct surveys of fish populations, coral health conditions, and oceanographic parameters to assess ecosystem health and determine if declines in coral health can be linked to environmental factors. Methods include rapid fish surveys, line transect surveys of coral cover and health, water quality testing, and GPS mapping. The goal is to establish long-term monitoring methods that can be conducted by students and researchers to track changes in the marine environment over time.
OBIS, a global biodiversity data-sharing platform for ABNJwardappeltans
OBIS as a potential contribution to a new implementing agreement to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). Presentation from the BBNJ side event at the IOC Assembly XXVIII, June 2015
OBIS, a global biodiversity data-sharing platform for ABNJwardappeltans
OBIS as a potential contribution to a new implementing agreement to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). Presentation from the BBNJ side event at the IOC Assembly XXVIII, June 2015
Occurrence patterns of alien freshwater turtles in a large urban pond 'Archip...Maria Paola Di Santo
The patterns of the occurrence and distribution of alien freshwater turtle species in an urban pond archipelago (Rome, Italy) were analysed, with the aim of exploring the role of a set of factors (type of ponds, landscape context, size area, distance from the nearest road) with a generalized linear model approach. A total of 311 ponds subdivided in three types (fountains, small basins, lakes) embedded in different landscape contexts (public parks, private parks, urban areas) at differing distances from the nearest road were sampled. Six non-native freshwater turtle species in 31 sites were recorded (9.97%). Lakes exhibited the highest occurrence rates of alien freshwater turtles, compared to small basins and fountains. Freshwater turtle species in urbanized areas were only observed in parks (both public and private). In both the public and private parks, the lakes exhibited the highest percentage of occupied sites, with fountains being the lowest. A direct and significant relationship was observed between pond size and species richness. The distance from the nearest road did not appear to affect species richness. A first interpretation of the data from this study facilitated the postulation of two a posteriori hypotheses that should be tested, as follows: (i) the causal process of turtle release is random, and the rate of extinction (and recapture) is higher in smaller ponds, thus producing the observed pattern; and (ii) the turtle release is not random, and people actively select the ponds they consider more suitable for their pet animals. In this study, it appears the lakes were perceived by those who abandon their pets as the most ecologically suitable habitats among other pond types to accommodate the different species of turtles. Knowledge of people's attitudes in regard to releasing pet animals also might assist managers of public green spaces to develop strategies aimed to preserve local biodiversity, and to educate the public about the conservation issue represented by the alien species.
Aspects of the Geomorphology and Limnology of some molluscinhabited freshwate...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) multidisciplinary peer-reviewed Journal with reputable academics and experts as board member. IOSR-JESTFT is designed for the prompt publication of peer-reviewed articles in all areas of subject. The journal articles will be accessed freely online
C2.02: Informing Priorities for Biological and Ecosystem Observations, suppor...Blue Planet Symposium
There are increasing opportunities to expand observation of ocean biology from advances in individual sensors to development of national and global networks. To leverage these opportunities, the ocean community has defined essential variables, initially in physical oceanography. In 2013, a Biological Integration and Observation Task Team (BIO-TT) was formed under the IOOC to focus on biological essential variables for U.S. IOOS. The primary goals of the BIO-TT were a) to improve availability of observations on the existing IOOS core biological variables (defined by BIO-TT as phytoplankton species; zooplankton species and abundance; fish species and abundance), and b) to identify and prioritize additional cross-cutting federal agency biological and ecosystem observation needs.
To address these objectives the team (1) completed a survey of federal agencies for existing core variable datasets and identified needs for biological and ecosystem observations and (2) conducted an expert workshop to explore best available science of biological and ecosystem observing, and determine implementation strategies for biological and ecosystem observation needs identified from the survey. To build upon the actions and recommendations made previously by several other groups working towards the development of a global, coordinated ocean observation system, the BIO-TT Expert Working Group activities followed the guidelines developed by the Framework for Ocean Observation (2012) and the prioritization themes identified by the GOOS Biology and Ecosystems Panel (IOC 2014).
Workshop participants agreed that the highest priority is to include species and abundance of core functional groups (pelagic and benthic) not currently represented among the IOOS core variables. This presentation will summarize key results from the survey and then focus on analyses, outcomes and recommendations from the expert workshop for new and enhanced biological variables as part of IOOS.
Applying an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management: focus on seamou...Iwl Pcu
Carl Gustaf Lundin
IUCN (Indian Ocean Seamounts)
Presentation given during the 5th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference in Cairns, Australia (during the pre-conference workshop marine ecosystems, Global Change and Marine Resources).
Research Proposal - Are the Adélie penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, populations w...ElizabethHowarth1
Rational - The focus on this study is to evaluate how the population size and health of Adélie penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, colonies at Cape Royds, Cape Bird and Cape Crozier have changed over time, especially in relation to the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area, MPA, established in 2017 and considering major environmental and biological factors that could have an effect on these populations. We will continue to collect new data annually to look at any affects the Ross Sea region MPA is having on these populations. Using data about population sizes of colonies and health of individuals from within the colonies, we will evaluate the overall health of the colonies and predict how we expect them to change in the near future. This is an important study as P. adeliae are an indicator species for their local ecosystem – the health of the penguin colonies reflects the health of the local ecosystem.
Occurrence patterns of alien freshwater turtles in a large urban pond 'Archip...Maria Paola Di Santo
The patterns of the occurrence and distribution of alien freshwater turtle species in an urban pond archipelago (Rome, Italy) were analysed, with the aim of exploring the role of a set of factors (type of ponds, landscape context, size area, distance from the nearest road) with a generalized linear model approach. A total of 311 ponds subdivided in three types (fountains, small basins, lakes) embedded in different landscape contexts (public parks, private parks, urban areas) at differing distances from the nearest road were sampled. Six non-native freshwater turtle species in 31 sites were recorded (9.97%). Lakes exhibited the highest occurrence rates of alien freshwater turtles, compared to small basins and fountains. Freshwater turtle species in urbanized areas were only observed in parks (both public and private). In both the public and private parks, the lakes exhibited the highest percentage of occupied sites, with fountains being the lowest. A direct and significant relationship was observed between pond size and species richness. The distance from the nearest road did not appear to affect species richness. A first interpretation of the data from this study facilitated the postulation of two a posteriori hypotheses that should be tested, as follows: (i) the causal process of turtle release is random, and the rate of extinction (and recapture) is higher in smaller ponds, thus producing the observed pattern; and (ii) the turtle release is not random, and people actively select the ponds they consider more suitable for their pet animals. In this study, it appears the lakes were perceived by those who abandon their pets as the most ecologically suitable habitats among other pond types to accommodate the different species of turtles. Knowledge of people's attitudes in regard to releasing pet animals also might assist managers of public green spaces to develop strategies aimed to preserve local biodiversity, and to educate the public about the conservation issue represented by the alien species.
Aspects of the Geomorphology and Limnology of some molluscinhabited freshwate...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) multidisciplinary peer-reviewed Journal with reputable academics and experts as board member. IOSR-JESTFT is designed for the prompt publication of peer-reviewed articles in all areas of subject. The journal articles will be accessed freely online
C2.02: Informing Priorities for Biological and Ecosystem Observations, suppor...Blue Planet Symposium
There are increasing opportunities to expand observation of ocean biology from advances in individual sensors to development of national and global networks. To leverage these opportunities, the ocean community has defined essential variables, initially in physical oceanography. In 2013, a Biological Integration and Observation Task Team (BIO-TT) was formed under the IOOC to focus on biological essential variables for U.S. IOOS. The primary goals of the BIO-TT were a) to improve availability of observations on the existing IOOS core biological variables (defined by BIO-TT as phytoplankton species; zooplankton species and abundance; fish species and abundance), and b) to identify and prioritize additional cross-cutting federal agency biological and ecosystem observation needs.
To address these objectives the team (1) completed a survey of federal agencies for existing core variable datasets and identified needs for biological and ecosystem observations and (2) conducted an expert workshop to explore best available science of biological and ecosystem observing, and determine implementation strategies for biological and ecosystem observation needs identified from the survey. To build upon the actions and recommendations made previously by several other groups working towards the development of a global, coordinated ocean observation system, the BIO-TT Expert Working Group activities followed the guidelines developed by the Framework for Ocean Observation (2012) and the prioritization themes identified by the GOOS Biology and Ecosystems Panel (IOC 2014).
Workshop participants agreed that the highest priority is to include species and abundance of core functional groups (pelagic and benthic) not currently represented among the IOOS core variables. This presentation will summarize key results from the survey and then focus on analyses, outcomes and recommendations from the expert workshop for new and enhanced biological variables as part of IOOS.
Applying an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management: focus on seamou...Iwl Pcu
Carl Gustaf Lundin
IUCN (Indian Ocean Seamounts)
Presentation given during the 5th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference in Cairns, Australia (during the pre-conference workshop marine ecosystems, Global Change and Marine Resources).
Research Proposal - Are the Adélie penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, populations w...ElizabethHowarth1
Rational - The focus on this study is to evaluate how the population size and health of Adélie penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, colonies at Cape Royds, Cape Bird and Cape Crozier have changed over time, especially in relation to the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area, MPA, established in 2017 and considering major environmental and biological factors that could have an effect on these populations. We will continue to collect new data annually to look at any affects the Ross Sea region MPA is having on these populations. Using data about population sizes of colonies and health of individuals from within the colonies, we will evaluate the overall health of the colonies and predict how we expect them to change in the near future. This is an important study as P. adeliae are an indicator species for their local ecosystem – the health of the penguin colonies reflects the health of the local ecosystem.
Physico-chemical parameters and macrobenthic invertebrates of the intertidal ...Angelo Mark Walag
Physico-chemical parameters and macrobenthic invertebrates of the intertidal zone of Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines were assessed from March to May 2014. Water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, and type of substrate were determined in the study were within the normal range. A modified transect-quadrat method was used in an approximately 14,000 m2 of study area. Seven hundred twenty seven individuals belonging to 15 species were found in the area. These organisms belong to four phyla namely: Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and Annelida. The three most abundant organisms found were Coenobita clypeatus, Ophiothrix longipeda, and Cypraea poraria with relative abundance of 73.86%, 4.13% and 3.71% respectively. Most of the macrobenthic fauna identified exhibited a clumped pattern of distribution, while the rest are randomly distributed. The species diversity of the area is 1.19 which is very low compared to reports from related studies.
Mobile sailing robot for automatic estimation of fish density and monitoring ...Mateusz383
ntroduction
The paper presents the methodology and the algorithm developed to analyze sonar images focused on fish detection in small water bodies and measurement of their parameters: volume, depth and the GPS location. The final results are stored in a table and can be exported to any numerical environment for further analysis.
Material and method
The measurement method for estimating the number of fish using the automatic robot is based on a sequential calculation of the number of occurrences of fish on the set trajectory. The data analysis from the sonar concerned automatic recognition of fish using the methods of image analysis and processing.
Results
Image analysis algorithm, a mobile robot together with its control in the 2.4 GHz band and full cryptographic communication with the data archiving station was developed as part of this study. For the three model fish ponds where verification of fish catches was carried out (548, 171 and 226 individuals), the measurement error for the described method was not exceeded 8%.
Summary
Created robot together with the developed software has features for remote work also in the variety of harsh weather and environmental conditions, is fully automated and can be remotely controlled using Internet. Designed system enables fish spatial location (GPS coordinates and the depth). The purpose of the robot is a non-invasive measurement of the number of fish in water reservoirs and a measurement of the quality of drinking water consumed by humans, especially in situations where local sources of pollution could have a significant impact on the quality of water collected for water treatment for people and when getting to these places is difficult. The systematically used robot equipped with the appropriate sensors, can be part of early warning system against the pollution of water used by humans (drinking water, natural swimming pools) which can be dangerous for their health.
Utilization of Multiple Habitat Sampling Protocol for Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Water
Quality in Stream Ecosystem in Lawis,
Buruun, Iligan City
OPPURTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS FOR POP-UP SATELLITE TAGS IN FRESH WATER ENVIRO...DesertStarSystems
Marco and Jacob discuss how pop-off satellite tags can give fresh water researchers insight like never before. Using the SeaTag line, Marco and Jacob delve into current studies demonstrating the limitations and opportunities afforded by the robust, easy to use, and insightful SeaTags.
A Rapid marine biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs in morales Beach, B...Innspub Net
Morales beach is one of the beaches located in the coastal town of Glan, Sarangani Province and noted for its quite enormous coral reef which is continuously degrading. This study was conducted to assess the health status of coral reef ecosystem and to evaluate the physico-chemical parameters of the area. Point Intercept Transect (PIT) method was used to monitor live coral condition and the supporting fauna at a coral reef ecosystem. Physico-chemical parameters were obtained in situ using a thermometer, refractometer, and a pH meter. The result of the study showed a very low percentage cover of hard corals, no cover percentage of soft corals and high cover percentage of other biota or substrate. The reef areas exhibited poor coral cover with an average of 15 percent live hard corals having family Acropora as the most dominant species (Shannon diversity index of 1.653). Water samples obtained were within the DENR (1990) standards suitable for the optimum growth of coral reefs. The health status of the coral reefs in Morales beach showed a partially disturbed reef due to human intervention. It is greatly recommended to constantly monitor the coral conditions in order to effectively manage and protect the increasing number of Marine Protected Areas (MPA).
C5.02: The Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network: data for decisions -...Blue Planet Symposium
Ocean acidification describes the changes in seawater chemistry that result from the uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide by the ocean. The changes this century are predicted to have profound impacts on marine ecosystems with potential flow-on effects to economic and environmental services the ecosystems provide, including fisheries and aquaculture, coastal protection, and tourism. The Global Ocean Acidification - Observing Network (GOA-ON) has been developed in response to the widespread concern of the impacts of ocean acidification. The network is an internationally coordinated effort, combining ‘bottom up’ collaboration by the research community with ‘top down’ encouragement and support from a range of international bodies and organisations, including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). The aim is to provide chemical and biological data from local to global scales that can be used to improve understanding of ocean acidification conditions and ecosystem responses, and to provide uniformly collected and quality-controlled data to assist policy making through research products and model-based projections of ecosystem responses. Capability development is a key aspect of the network. The status and future plans of the GOA-ON initiative will be described – providing the opportunity for additional involvement in its implementation.
This study was aimed to know the sedimentation rate and the total suspended solid of the estuary in
relation to the implementation of melombo culture practice area. The sedimentation rate was measured using
sediment traps placed in 3 set stations and data were taken for 8 months of two weeks interval. The sediment
traps weremade of PVC pipe, 11.5 cm long and 5 cm diameter and located at 20 cm above the sea bottom.
Sediment samples were firstly soaked in freshwater for approximately 4 hours to remove salt content.
Sedimentation rate was determined as πr
2
h/time length, while Total Suspensi Solid (TSS) followed the formula
of Eaton, et al (1995). Results showed that the sediment trapped in station 1 ranged from 5.6 cm (109.9 cm3
) –
7.7 cm (151.11 cm3
) with an average of 6.61 cm (129.7 cm3
), station 2 from 5.3 cm (104 cm3
) to 8.5 cm (166.8
cm
3
) with an average of 7.18 cm (140.9 cm3
) and station 3 from 3.8 cm (74.6 cm3
) to 7.6 cm (149.2 cm3
) with an
average of 6.8 cm (133.8 cm3
), respectively. Total suspended solids (TSS) ranged from 18.28 to 50.60 with an
average of29.165 (29.59%) for station 1, 27.84 to 47.48 with an average of38.99 (39.56%) for station 2, and
18.28 to 50.60 with an average of 30.405 (30.85%) for station 3, respectively.Based upon the decree of Living
Environment Minister Numbered 51, 2004, for marine biota, the TSS has been above the standard seawater
quality.
Environmental conditions and zooplankton community structure in five ponds in...Innspub Net
The degradation of surface water quality in Cameroon is linked to the absence of a functional waste management strategy. For such a strategy to be efficient, a general understanding of aquatic ecosystems will be of importance, these management strategies are particularly lacking in the eastern part of the country. To better understand and appreciate the ecosystems in the town of Bertoua, five ponds where chosen for the physicochemical and zooplankton communities analysis. Sampling on these ponds was conducted from March 2016 to April 2017 on a monthly basis. Samples for physicochemical analysis were collected at 20cm below water surface at the middle of each pond and measured were done following the recommendations of Rodier and Alpha. Biological samples were collected by filtering 50 liters of water through a 64µm mesh opening sieve. Identification was done using standard methods and identification keys. One-way ANOVA analysis was conducted to assess the potential differences between the different ponds base monthly observations. Although they are all hypereutrophic, with regard to the values of the physicochemical parameters, the five ponds showed no significant difference between them but, the structure of the zooplankton community remains very diverse. 118 zooplankton species have been identified in the five ponds. The distribution of zooplankton in these hydrosystems was mainly governed by the presence of organic matter. This study sheds light on the status and biological diversity of ponds in eastern Cameroon, data on which to rely to develop management strategies.
This research was done in Pelabuhan Ratu Bay, about 60 km South Sukabumi Regency. The aim of this study is to determine the suitable area for floating net cage culture that can be developed. The method used in this study is spatial analysis using GIS technique. The data used include secondary and primary data from 2007 until 2008. Spatial analysis result shows, about 8,500 ha of location is suitable for the development of floating net cage culture or about 98% of the total research region worked.
1. KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016
Schmidt [1]
MONITORING METHODS FOR ASSESSING THE HEALTH OF THE MARINE BIOME
LOKOBE NATIONAL PARK, NOSY BE – MADAGASCAR
In collaboration with: Operation Wallacea (OPWALL), Reef Divers (Pretoria)
INTRODUCTION
With its high levels of endemism and species richness, Madagascar is consistently cited as a
global conservation priority (Cinner & Fuentes 2008; Rogers et al. 2010; Harris 2009). Its 5,000 km of
coastline and 270 islets host the most biologically diverse marine life in the West Indian Ocean
(Koopman 2008). Current conservation management of the marine ecosystem is gravely ineffective.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Madagascar cover just 0.1% of the country’s territorial waters.
The island of Nosy Be, situated off the coast of northwestern Madagascar, has become an
increasingly popular international tourist destination (CNRO 2014). On the island, the Lokobe Special
Reserve (13°23′57″S, 48°19′6″E) is in the province Antsiranana and covers an area of 15.23 km2
, or 3,763
acres. This reserve includes the last remaining lowland rainforest found on the island of Nosy Be. It is
one of Madagascar’s five Strict Nature Reserves (Réserves Naturelles Intégrales). Its status was changed
from Strict Nature Reserve to National Park in June 2014.
Regarding the marine environment, the Lokobe region remains comparatively poorly studied
relative to the better-known reefs near Toliara to the southwest (McKenna and Allen 2003). The
headquarters of the National Center for Oceanographic Research (Centre National des Recherches
Océanographiques, or CNRO), located just outside Hell-Ville, are therefore ideally placed for the further
study of the area’s marine ecosystems. A fringing reef surrounds the southern coast of the park and is
included in Lokobe’s MPA. Twelve freshwater sources drain into the MPA from the forested mountain.
Restricted use of this area is allowed, but the MPA was designated primarily to limit fishing pressure that
might degrade the reef. Many of the other fringing reefs of the Nosy Be area remain unprotected and
are likely to experience greater fishing pressure as a result.
SPECIFIC AIMS OF THE STUDY
1. Conduct surveys of the general fish assemblage using Rapid Environmental Assessments (REAs)
to determine trophic health of the ecosystem.
2. Characterize patterns of several negative coral health conditions at specific locations within
Lokobe National Park through the use line transect methodology.
3. Sample a number of oceanographic parameters at the surface and underwater during surveying,
with the intent to determine if the decline of coral health can be linked to a specific parameter.
4. To establish an effective, user friendly methodology for sampling which can be performed at
remote locations by inexperienced scientists and novice divers on both scuba and snorkel.
5. Create an open source database which will be updated annually, during the OPWALL excursions
each year from June – September.
6. Map the fringing reef using GPS and identify locations of interest for future studies.
2. KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016
Schmidt [2]
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fish survey: Utilize Rapid Environmental Assessments (REAs) to conduct a basic survey of the fish
assemblage. Follow up in future years with Stereo-BRUV equipment at sites which are identified as
regions of poor trophic health.
Whenever possible, students will carry REAs affixed to dive slates. They will conduct a timed (20 minute)
swim survey, and tally the number of organisms they see on the reef. This includes detritivores, bivalves,
herbivores, corallivores, and piscivores. They will also conduct a basic coral mortality survey which will
be used by researchers to identify areas of interest for specific types of coral mortality.
Equipment Required: Wristwatch/ Timer, Tube/ Dive Slate with REA affixed
Hard Coral Cover Composition: evaluating live hard coral cover and generic composition using benthic
line transect survey methodology.
At each site, 20-meter belt transects will be placed randomly within a 100 m radius of the noted GPS
coordinates. Locations of all substrates and organisms directly beneath the tape measure while
swimming each transect will be recorded. For every hard coral, the form (branching, plate, digital,
massive, fan, or encrusting) and genus will also be recorded. All data will be recorded using underwater
writing tablets and later transferred to digital logs. Relative abundances of coral genera will be compiled
for each site. The percent live hard coral cover relative to other benthos (e.g., sand, herbaceous cover,
coral debris, etc.) will also be calculated on a site-by-site basis.
Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Line/Reel and Buoy, 50 meter Transect Tapes, Tube/ Dive
Slate
Coral bleaching, diseases, and opportunism: Eight sub-categorizations of disease are designated
according to prior studies (Weil 2006, Séré et al. 2015a, Bruckner 2008, Allen Walker, 2015). The
following hard coral health conditions will be surveyed: bleaching, disease, and algal colonization.
Sampling plots for each site will be established using the same four randomly placed 20m transects that
are used to assess coral cover composition. Focal areas extend 2.5 meters to either side of each
transect, so that a total area of 400 meters2
will be scanned at each station. The number and category of
every health condition are recorded, as well as the genera and form of the affected coral. To obtain
disease rates by site, the numbers of incidents of each disease at each site will be divided by the total
area surveyed (400 meters). Bleaching and colonization can be evaluated on a binary basis
(presence/absence) and counts are totaled for each station.
Using a systematic sampling approach, 1 meter2
quadrat surveys will be conducted at 5 meter intervals
along the line transect tape. These images will be used to assess the extent/ severity of mortality per
individual organism.
Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Line/Reel and Buoy, 50 meter Transect Tapes, Quadrat/
Quadropod with Camera (GoPro), Tube/ Dive Slate
3. KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016
Schmidt [3]
MATERIALS AND METHODS (continued)
Oceanographic sampling: A number of parameters will be sampled at each site before entering the
water as well as during the survey underwater.
- Wind Speed and Direction: use of satellite forecast data (obtained online weekly from satellite
reanalysis wind products, ECMWF)
- Current Speed and Direction: use of GPS, timing device and a surface float (reel and buoy)
- Temperature: Dive Computer/ Thermometer
- Turbidity/ Visibility: Secchi Disk along with a Forel-Ule scale
- pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Salinity, Nitrates: Use of a water sample kit (i.e. LaMotte’s, litmus)
Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Line/Reel and Buoy, Dive Slate, Secchi Disk and Forel-Ule
Scale, Water Sampling Chemistry Kit (LaMotte’s)
Dive environment mapping: using GPS in tandem with standard dive equipment, the objective is to
create a bathymetric map of the study region to show changes in topography along with the survey
locations.
General depth profiles will be created using the average depth of the dive. Over time, layers can be
created to show the spatial coverage of individual species as well as to highlight points of interest and
safe training grounds for the openwater scuba diving course.
- Depth: Dive computers/ pressure gauges
- Location: GPS, waypoint function
Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Dive Slate, Wristwatch
PROJECT TIMELINE
Mock Timeline (likely to change depending on environmental conditions)
**Either sites will cycle on a weekly scale, or different groups will go to different sites per day and conduct the same
surveys. This will ensure that all sites are surveyed on a weekly timescale.
4. KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016
Schmidt [4]
PLANNING/ BUDGETING:
- All diving needs will be planned and coordinated through Reef Divers.
- Design of projects, dive slates, and charts will be done by Kevin Schmidt.
Materials required:
- Hand-held, weatherproof GPS (NOT TOUCH SCREEN) -> ± $100 (Kevin will buy)
- Secchi Disk -> materials to build will cost ± $30
- Water Sample Kit -> ~ $300 or more, depending on the parameters tested
- Quadropod -> materials to build will cost ± $50
- Transect Tape -> ± $40 per tape, need 2 at least
Total Cost: ± $510
CONCLUSION:
This project is in the developmental stage. More research will be done to further lower the cost
of materials, as well as streamline student and researcher efforts. The objective is to further previous
studies conducted in the region, such as the one conducted by Luella Allen-Walker in 2015.
5. KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016
Schmidt [5]
REFERENCES:
Allen-Waller, Luella. (2015) "Bleaching, disease, and colonization: The ecology of coral health in
southeastern Nosy Be, Madagascar". Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. Paper 2149.
Cinner, J. & Fuentes, M. (2008) Human Dimensions of Madagascar's Marine Protected Areas.
CORDIO Status Report
Cinner, J.E., Wamukota, A., Randriamahazo, H. & Rabearisoa, A. (2009) Toward institutions for
community-based management of inshore marine resources in the Western Indian Ocean.
Marine Policy, 33, 489-496.
Cinner, J., McClanahan, T. & Wamukota, A. (2010) Differences in livelihoods, socioeconomic
characteristics, and knowledge about the sea between fishers and non-fishers living near and far
from marine parks on the Kenyan coast. Marine Policy, 34, 22-28.
Centre National des Recherches Océanographiques (2014) Rapport: Travaux sur Nosy Be. CNRO,
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar.
Durbin, J. (2007) Madagascar’s new system of protected areas – Implementing the ‘Durban Vision’.
Harris, A. (2009) “To live with the Sea” Development of the Velondriake Community-Managed
Protected Area Network, Southwest Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation & Development, 2.
Koopman, M. (2008) Velondriake Ecotourism Plan. Blue Ventures, London.
Madagascar National Parks. (2010) Madagascar National Parks: Conservation,
http://www.parcsmadagascar.com/madagascar-national-parks_en.php?Navigation=26
Rabearivony, J., Thorstrom, R., de Roland, L.A., Rakotondratsima, M., Razafimanjato, G.,
Rakotondravony, D., Raselimanana, A.P. & Rakotoson, M. (2010) Protected area surface
extension in Madagascar: Do endemism and threatened species remain useful criteria for site
selection? , 5.
Rakotoson, L.R. & Tanner, K. (2006) Community-based governance of coastal zone and marine
resources in Madagascar. Ocean & Coastal Management, 49, 855-872.
Rogers, H.M., Glew, L., Honzák, M. & Hudson, M.D. (2010) Prioritizing key biodiversity areas in
Madagascar by including data on human pressure and ecosystem services. Landscape and Urban
Planning, 96, 48-56.
6. KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016
Schmidt [6]
APPENDIX:
LEGAL/ POLICY FRAMEWORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN MADAGASCAR
Malagasy environmental policy is based on a Charter adopted in 1990. Between 1991 and 2009,
this policy was enacted through the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), a three-phase multi-
donor programme. However, there is no separate or clearly defined policy on conservation of the
marine environment (Cinner et al. 2009). Although management of both terrestrial and marine
protected areas is governed by the Code des Aires Protégées (COAP), there is a clear bias towards
terrestrial ecosystems (Durbin 2007; Madagascar National Parks 2010; Cinner et al. 2009). Accordingly,
early MPAs like Nosy Atafana and Masoala were initially established through a top-down procedure
rooted in terrestrial conservation and largely without community involvement (Cinner et al. 2009). In
1996, this changed with the introduction of a legal framework to enable community-based management
of natural resources, known as Gestion Locale Sécurisée (GELOSE) (Cinner et al. 2010; Rakotoson &
Tanner 2006). Then in 2003 at the fifth World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa, the Malagasy
president recognised the need to protect the country’s unique natural assets and committed to the
Durban Vision, a national conservation plan to triple the amount of protected area coverage (Durbin
2007; Rabearivony et al. 2010). This was codified into law shortly afterwards. The decree set up a
System of Protected Areas of Madagascar, or SAPM, which simplified and redefined the legal process
used in protected area creation. Under this more flexible model, organizations other than Madagascar
National Parks are allowed to manage protected areas. These can include NGOs, community
organizations, and the private sector.
RECENT LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS:
2014 – The president of Madagascar, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, has pledged to triple his
country’s marine protected areas and set up a legal framework to defend local communities’
rights to manage their own fishing grounds. The framework will formalise existing locally-
managed marine areas (LMMAs), which now cover over 7% of Madagascar's waters.
2015 – In April, the Government of Madagascar commemorates Earth Day with the formal
creation of three community-led marine protected areas that will double the surface of the
country’s marine protected area network. The Malagasy Government also granted permanent
protection to 27 protected areas, including the country’s first three community-led marine
protected areas: Soariake Marine Park in the island nation’s southwest, and Ankarea and
Ankivonjy Marine Parks in the northwest. The three marine parks are located along the west
coast of Madagascar in what is known as the Mozambique Channel, home to the world’s
second-most diverse coral population.
7. KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016
Schmidt [7]
48 MPAs IN MADAGASCAR:
Ambodiforaha Locally Managed Marine Area
Ambodilaitry Masoala Marine Park
Ambodimangamaro Locally Managed Marine Area
Amboditangena Locally Managed Marine Area
Ambodivahibe Locally Managed Marine Area
Ambohibola Locally Managed Marine Area
Analanjahana Locally Managed Marine Area
Aniribe Locally Managed Marine Area
Ankarea Locally Managed Marine Area
Ankarea Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)
Ankivonjy Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)
Ankivony Locally Managed Marine Area
Antisakivolo Locally Managed Marine Area
Baie de Baly National Park
Barren Isles Locally Managed Marine Area
Beheloke Locally Managed Marine Area
Belo-sur-mer Locally Managed Marine Area
Cap Sainte-Marie Special Reserve
Fimihara Locally Managed Marine Area
Future AMP Barren Locally Managed Marine Area
Grand Recif Marine National Park
Imorona Locally Managed Marine Area
Itampolo Locally Managed Marine Area
Kirindy Mitea National Park
Littoral Sud Toliara Collaborative Fishery Management Area
Lokobe Strict Nature Reserve
Mahasoa Locally Managed Marine Area
Maintimbato Locally Managed Marine Area
Mamela Honko Locally Managed Marine Area
Manjaboaka Locally Managed Marine Area
Maromena/Befasy Locally Managed Marine Area
Masoala National Park
Nosy Atafana Marine Park
Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve
Nosy Ve Locally Managed Marine Area
Ranobe Locally Managed Marine Area
Rantohely Locally Managed Marine Area
Seranambe Locally Managed Marine Area
Soariake Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)
Tahosoa Locally Managed Marine Area
Tampolo Marine Park
Tampolo Locally Managed Marine Area
Tanandava Locally Managed Marine Area
Tanjona Marine Park
Teariake Locally Managed Marine Area
Vatolava Locally Managed Marine Area
Velondriake Locally Managed Marine Area Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)
Vohitralanana Locally Managed Marine Area
3 Marine Managed Areas:
Antongil Bay Shark Sanctuary
Mananara Nord UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve
Sahamalaza - Iles Radama UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve