#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

Status of Coral Reefs in East and North Asia
In Korea, there are 6 types of national coastal and marine protected (or managed) areas
that have been designated for different purposes under different laws or acts since the
1960s. The first marine national park was the Hallyeosudo Marine National Park in the
South Sea of Korea, established in 1968. In 2000, 4 areas along the coastal zone of Jejudo
totalling 29.1km 2 , were established as Natural Monument Protection Areas (NMPA) to
conserve unique marine life and biodiversity. These areas were designated under the
Cultural Property Protection Law of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and are the first
MPAs to include coral reefs. Although many terrestrial surveys have been implemented,
there is no long-term monitoring or research of the marine components of the parks.
There are currently 20 coastal and marine protected areas, which are shielded from land
development impacts by the prohibition of developments within 500m of the coastal zone.
However, most protected areas have not been effective due to poor design, enforcement,
management and funding. Moreover, an insufficient number have been designed to focus
on sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems to be effective as a whole.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES, LAWS AND LEGISLATION
The collection of corals for lime has been stopped in Hainan, China and all lime kilns have
been destroyed. Reef conservation awareness is improving and there has been a reduction in
previous levels of degradation. Japan continues to develop the Basic Environment Plan of
1994, to conserve natural resources, both within the country and internationally to ensure
sustainable benefits for all stakeholders. They are focusing on improved environmental
education with more community participation. Special attention is being paid to the
biodiversity value of coral reefs through: the establishment of Natural Parks, which contain
specific Marine Park Zones; the protection and management of fishery resources; and
prevention of runoff of sediments onto coral reefs. Japan is also seeking to assist people in
Asia and the Pacific with their efforts in environmental conservation and governance.
The responsibility for managing the Natural Monument Protection Areas in Korea is shared
between the central and local governments. For example, the NMPAs in Sungsan
Ilchulbong, Munsom and Bumsom, Chagwido and Marado of Jejudo belong to 3 different
local governments. Even though the NMPAs were established by one ministry, the
management of coastal and marine ecosystem and integrated coastal management are
carried out by a different ministry, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF).
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Although most of the coral reefs in the Ryukyu Islands in Japan are recovering from
bleaching damage in 1998, they are still under severe stress from terrestrial run-off,
repeat bleaching and COTS.
Taiwan also has similar problems of terrestrial run-off, with most coastal reefs severely
damaged by sedimentation caused by poor land development, poor agricultural practices,
road building and deforestation.
A coordination mechanism involving all stakeholders concerned with coral reefs should be
formed to develop active conservation measures and programs for each country. A regional
coordination system is also needed to improve the capacity of management in those countries.
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