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

Status of Coral Reefs in the Eastern Caribbean
Two major studies were carried out on the role of marine reserves in reef fishery
sustainability: a cooperative venture entitled ‘Soufriere Experiment in Reef Fisheries
Sustainability’and annual reef fish stock assessment. Scientists assessed the net
export of adult fishes from the marine reserves into fished areas, and the mean
distance of fish dispersal was 50m. It is unknown how net export will change as fish
densities increase inside the SMMA. Fish stock surveys from 1994 to 2000, in both
marine reserve and fished areas, show increases in stocks of commercially important
species in both areas. Furthermore, fish catch is also increasing to almost double.
The number of fish species has also increased, which may indicate benefit of marine
reserves to local reef fish communities.
Socio-economic Monitoring: The increased fish stocks outside the SMMA is
reflected in improved catches, which is significant to the fishers who depend on this
for their livelihood and who lost prime fishing grounds after the establishment of the
SMMA. The increased fish stocks also benefit tourism.
Monitoring Effectiveness: The SMMA management team recognizes the value of
constant monitoring for informed decision making, for the benefit of tourism,
fisheries and local recreation. Monitoring has demonstrated the impacts on
resources in the area of external influences, which cannot be managed in isolation.
There is need for more collaborative management.
Contact: Glenda Allain, Soufriere Marine Management Area, smma@candw.lc
Coral reefs are 20% of the natural resources.
Ecological Monitoring is effective.
Socio-economic Monitoring is occasional.
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