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

Executive Summary
There is clear evidence that protecting some fish stocks from exploitation results in more
fish reaching their full breeding potential. There is also indisputable evidence that
exploiting fish stocks reduces the numbers and sizes of the larger breeding stocks of
preferred target species. But there are still arguments about the value of establishing notake
zones. An interesting case study occurred in an estuary and coral community area in
front of the Cape Canaveral space launch station in Florida. Merritts Reserve has been an
unintended fisheries protected area for 40 years, and has resulted in sport fishing records
for a number of species caught adjacent to the reserve.
One recurring theme is that communities will take the initiative to manage their own
resources for their own and their children’s future, if they are provided with information,
support (usually via NGOs), and the responsibility. Few governments willingly devolve
power to lower authorities but this has occurred in the Philippines, where local
authorities (barangays) have been encouraged for years to manage their own coastal
resources. This model is spreading to Indonesia, where decision making was previously
concentrated in Jakarta. The government is progressively passing responsibility to the
provinces and eventually to local governments. It will be a slow road, however, as these
provincial authorities must develop the capacity for governance. These examples from
Southeast Asia are promising in that these countries rank 1 and 3 in the global list of
coral reef area.
The messages coming from these examples are:
• Communities must be given the necessary information in culturally and
linguistically appropriate ways;
• Communities should be involved in all stages of resource management,
especially in the initial assessment and mapping process to determine the extent
and status of the resources;
• Communities should also be trained in coral reef monitoring of corals and the
target fisheries species because this raises awareness of the problems;
• Often communities will require assistance to develop alternative livelihoods to
enable them to shift away from over- and destructive-exploitation of coral reef
resources;
• Community leaders, including religious leaders, should be targeted to lead the
process;
• Governments should be prepared to devolve responsibility to local authorities
and NGOs;
• Funding is necessary to seed projects and to employ community liaison officers;
• Successful community projects should be used to demonstrate success to
neighbouring communities (and to other countries);
• Above all, patience is required and years of assistance and encouragement may
be necessary.
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