Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 4. Marine Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Yeeting (1988) reported the presence of giant clam, Tridacna maxima, on the southern side of
Abariringa (Canton). Yeeting (1988) recommended that a survey be conducted to determine
the presence of T. gigas.
Sims et al (1990) noted that Abariringa (Canton) may have potential for pearl oyster culture.
Fisheries Department should conduct a stock assessment for pearl oysters.
Visual censuses of reef fish were conducted in the lagoon between Tirieta and Uamari
(Government of Kiribati 1995). Clams were found between Bikentabwakea and Umari at a
density of 15 to 20 clams per m 2 . Pearl oysters were not found. They had been heavily
exploited by local divers. The oyster, te bwere, occurred in abundance.
In 2000, Tridacna sp. was observed at three of the four sites surveyed on Abariringa (Stone et
al 2001).
In 2002, surveys of selected invertebrate diversity and abundance were conducted in the
Phoenix Islands (Obura and Stone 2003). Abariringa, Birnie, Enderbury, Manra,
Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki were surveyed.
ENDERBURY
Bryan (1974) presented a table listing the bivalves found on Abariringa (Canton) and
Enderbury. This was modified and presented below (see Table III-4.10 above).
In 1995, clams were found at a density of 5 to 7 clams per m 2 (Government of Kiribati 1995).
Sea cucumbers were at 1 to 2 per m 2 .
In 2000, Tridacna sp were observed in moderate numbers at Enderbury (Stone et al 2001).
In 2002, surveys of selected invertebrate diversity and abundance were conducted in the
Phoenix Islands (Obura and Stone 2003). Abariringa, Birnie, Enderbury, Manra,
Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki were surveyed.
MANRA (SYDNEY)
Fish and mollusks were abundant in the lagoon until it became too salty (Bryan 1941 and
1942).
In 1995, pearl oyster surveys were planned, but cancelled due to the aggressive sharks
(Government of Kiribati 1995).
In 2002, surveys of selected invertebrate diversity and abundance were conducted in the
Phoenix Islands (Obura and Stone 2003). Abariringa, Birnie, Enderbury, Manra,
Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki were surveyed.
MCKEAN
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