Management Plan - Glover's Reef Marine Reserve

Glovers Reef Marine Reserve – Management Plan
An assessment of management effectiveness was conducted in 2006, focusing on Biophysical,
Socioeconomic and Governance indicators (Gibson and Hoare). Results suggested that
enforcement against the main perceived threat of illegal fishing would benefit from further
strengthening, both on-site through increased presence (both in terms of number of patrols and
number of staff), and through increasing awareness of the benefits of the Conservation Zone in
stakeholder fishing communities (particularly Sarteneja, where there is less support (50%) for
the fact that a ‘no-take’ zone is important for sustaining fisheries).
A review of the management programmes themselves (Appendix 1) suggests that of the 93
action points identified within the 2003 management plan, 28% have been implemented
successfully, 50% have resulted in an improvement in the situation (partial implementation) and
22% showed no change (Tables 24 and 25). No area, however, showed a decrease in status.
Table 24: Summary of Success of Activities Identified from the 2003 Management Plan
Succeeded Improved No Change Worse
Total No. Action Points (of 93) 26 47 20 0
% of total 28% 50% 22% 0%
% +ve change 78%
% -ve change or no change 22%
Table 25: Programme Rating Table for 2003 Management Plan
Programme
Surveillance and
Enforcement
Programme
Research and
Monitoring
Programme
Interpretation and
Education
Programme
Recreation and
Tourism Programme
Administration and
Maintenance
Programme
Total no.
Action
Points
Succeeded Improved No Change Worse
10 4 3 3 0
25 11 10 4 0
23 1 13 9 0
12 0 8 4 0
23 10 13 0 0
Total no. Objectives /
Actions
93 26 47 20 0
% of total 28% 50% 22% 0%
The weakest area is the Interpretation and Education Programme, with the majority of identified
action points rating as ‘No Change’, showing no successful implementation of recommended
actions under the 2003 management plan. Conversely, the Research and Monitoring
Programme is considered to be very strong, particularly with the research input from Wildlife
Conservation Society, highlighting the benefits of such a collaborative relationship.
The Surveillance and Enforcement Programme has been strengthened over the three years
since the 2003 management plan was unofficially adopted for guiding management, though still
has weak areas, such as radio communications, and the implementation of special licensing of
traditional fishermen for Glover’s Reef General Use Zone.
Wildtracks / Wildlife Conservation Society, 2007 94