Project update - Southern Leyte Coral Reef Conservation Project (Philippines) - October 2004
Added to website: 01 October 2004
Project Brief
Aim
The Southern Leyte Coral Reef Conservation Project is a three-year collaborative project (2002-2005), to survey the coral reefs of Sogod Bay. The programme provides training and conservation education opportunities for local Filipinos, as part of an integrated programme to develop local capacity and ensure the long-term protection and sustainable use of marine resources throughout the region.
Location
Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte, South-Eastern Philippines.
CCC Partners
CCC is working at the invitation of and in partnership with the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte and the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc (PRRCFI).
Marine Science Programme
Baseline Surveys
Our baseline surveying programme is designed to gather data about the biological and morphological standing of Sogod Bay. These data are combined with information on human and natural impacts on the reefs, along with oceanographic data, to ultimately produce a Geographical Information System ‘map’ of the various habitats of the bay. It is like a ‘stock-take’ of the current marine resources, which is being produced to provide policymakers and concerned institutions with information necessary to effectively manage those resources. To date, the northern end of Sogod Bay has been surveyed, and the remainder of the project will concentrate on the south and Limasawa Island. If you would like more information on our surveying rationale or methodology, please don’t hesitate to contact our Project Scientist.
Number of transects completed
Transect 0607A
Only one transect has been completed this month due to a busy science training programme for six new volunteers. All volunteers are now validated and keen to continue surveying next month.
Reef Check
Based at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), ReefCheck is the name of both the world’s largest coral reef monitoring network and of the common methodology used, allowing the comparison of results from various locations worldwide. Although less detailed than CCC’s baseline surveys, the ReefCheck method is effective for monitoring changes in reef health over time. In order to do this, we mark the survey ‘transect’ with metal stakes, to ensure that repeat surveys are in the same place each time. These stakes are sited in rock, dead coral or sand for minimal disruption of the fragile reef system. CCC is proud to be a major contributing member of ReefCheck. Check out their site at www.ReefCheck.org
Interesting / Unusual Sightings
An abnormally high amount of Crown of Thorns sea stars has been observed in Tomas Oppus fish sanctuary. The presence of elongated spines over its entire body makes the Crown of Thorns very distinctive . These spines contain venom which can cause permanent paralysis in humans. They are vicious predators of hard coral and can bleach and kill large areas if excessive numbers occur. Coral Cay Conservation was asked to assess Tomas Oppus fish sanctuary after concerns over an increase in numbers. Eleven divers surveyed the area and fortunately no Crown of Thorns were observed below 3.4 metres. However over 100 Crown of Thorns were seen in the shallows with clear evidence of associated damage to coral. We are now working with Tomas Oppus Fish Sanctuary to find the best method of monitoring the issue. It is important a suitable method is used to control the Crown of Thorns, because if stressed they release their eggs, which could potentially increase the problem unless handled correctly.
Environmental Awareness
Capacity Building/Training of Local Counterparts
On October the 16th over three thousand mangroves were planted as part of the “Alay Lakid” in barangay Buenavista. The area concerned used to be covered in mangroves but was destroyed by typhoons several years ago. Over 500 people planted two different types of mangroves chosen for the specific characteristics of the area concerned. Care was taken to ensure seeds were planted using the correct spacing and depth to help increase the chances of survival. Mangroves provide important nursery areas for fish and if established properly will help increase the fish found in the local area. Coral Cay Conservation is working with barangay Buenavista to ensure that correct management is maintained.
Some of over 500 people who helped plant over 3000 mangroves We were delighted to take part in further mangrove replanting in Maasin as part of scout week. 20 scouts were selected to take part in a series of lectures on the importance of marine conservation and mangroves, followed by the planting of over 100 seeds. The scouts learnt how each leaf on a mangrove can support a single juvenile fish. Therefore by giving nature a hand and planting some seeds they were helping ensure a future supply of fish for generations to come.
We were invited as a facilitator to attend the 2nd MPA (Marine Protected Areas) Stakeholder Congress in Hinundayan. This two-day event, run by the PCRMO, bought together representatives from all 37 fish sanctuaries in Southern Leyte, providing an ideal opportunity to exchange information and discuss management options for successful fish sanctuaries. We are obviously keen to support such an important event.
Upcoming Events
Coral Cay Conservation continues to work closely with the establishment of fish sanctuaries in barangays Buenavista, Santa Sofia, Tanka-an and also Lungsoda-an. This month involves a series of meetings with stakeholders to ensure a secure management structure. In the Second week of November a beach clean up will be completed as part of ‘volunteer day’ with barangay council in Buneavista within the mangrove replantation area. This is part of the ongoing monitoring of the area.
During November a tour of our “Fred the Fish Puppet Show” is planned around the local Barangays. This puppet show is aimed towards younger children and highlights the importance of marine conservation. The dates and locations are yet to be confirmed.
