Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 4. Marine Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
In 2000, the coralline algae, Halimeda, and rubble were second most dominant substrate type
behind corals (Stone et al 2001). Coralline algae dominated in shallower waters. Halimeda
and rubble dominated deeper unconsolidated slopes.
South et al (2001) reported on marine algae collected from Abariringa (Kanton), Enderbury,
Manra (Sydney), McKean, Nikumaroro (Gardner), Orona (Hull), and Rawaki (Phoenix) in
2000 by the New England Aquarium Expedition (see also Stone et al 2001). A total of 69
taxa were identified (see Table III-4.1 above).
ORONA (HULL)
Two test seaweed farms were established one at a site opposite Moantewa and the other at the
north end of this village (Government of Kiribati 1995).
In 2000, at algae corner on Orona, a filamentous whispy brown algae, Halimeda and other
algae covering all surfaces (Stone et al 2001). This suggested high nutrient levels in that
area. Small tufts of brown algae dominated the habitat at the entrance to the lagoon.
South et al (2001) reported on marine algae collected from Abariringa (Kanton), Enderbury,
Manra (Sydney), McKean, Nikumaroro (Gardner), Orona (Hull), and Rawaki (Phoenix) in
2000 by the New England Aquarium Expedition (see also Stone et al 2001). A total of 69
taxa were identified (see Table III-4.1 above).
Tioti et al (2001) conducted algal surveys on Orona to assess ciguatera there. Halimeda sp.
and filamentous algae were collected for subsequent analysis.
Neilson (2002) reported that the first attempt at seaweed culture on Orona in 2000 failed
because of overgrazing by turtles and insufficient seedstock (see also Timeon 2001). This
was part of the Phoenix Islands Kakai Scheme.
The second attempt at seaweed culture had just begun with the arrival of new seed stock 8
days prior to the arrival of the Phoenix Islands Expedition team (Neilson 2002). Six separate
plots of seaweed had been distributed around Orona. Neilson (2002) presented 5 day results
of seaweed growth trials on Orona. The trial sites were all inside of the lagoon.
Obura (in press) noted that the western point of Orona was unique for the Phoenix Islands as
it was dominated by turf and fleshy algae (both brown algae and Halimeda) with < 5 percent
coral cover. The algae were present even before recent human settlement in 2001.
RAWAKI (PHOENIX)
Hollenberg (1968c) proposed several new tetrasporic algae, Polysiphonia, species and
varieties including Polysiphonia anomala. This was based in part to a specimen that was
found on Halimeda sp. from Rawaki (Phoenix).
In 2000, coralline algae was the next dominant benthic cover (behind coral) in shallow water
around Rawaki (Phoenix) (Stone et al 2001). Rubble was the dominant cover in deeper
water.
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