Protected areas and benthic characteristics influence the distribution of the Vulnerable bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

AbstractThe Vulnerable bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum, a highly prized fishery resource worldwide, has experienced population declines throughout its geographical range. There is limited knowledge of the distribution and abundance of, and threats to, this fish in Indian waters, particularly for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To assess the species’ distribution and conservation status we conducted underwater surveys across 75 sites around 51 islands and interviewed 99 fishers across the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. We recorded a total of 59 individual B. muricatum across nine sites from the northernmost island in the Andamans (Landfall Island) to the southernmost island in the Nicobars (Great Nicobar Island). Interviews revealed that most fishers (100% in Nicobar, 94% in Middle Andaman, 62% in South Andaman) had seen B. muricatum, and knowledge of the species is highest amongst spearfishers. Generalized linear models indicated that presence of marine protected areas and high live coral cover influenced the abundance and distribution of B. muricatum. The species' density seems to be naturally low in the archipelago. We discuss our findings in the light of protecting rare and threatened species, and recommend strengthening the existing marine protected areas in these islands.

Download Full-text

Through the Boundaries: Environmental Factors Affecting Reef Benthic Cover in Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines

Frontiers in Marine Science ◽

10.3389/fmars.2021.702071 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Fleurdeliz M. Panga ◽

Jonathan A. Anticamara ◽

Miledel Christine C. Quibilan ◽

Michael P. Atrigenio ◽

Porfirio M. Aliño

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Multiple Stressors ◽

Coral Cover ◽

The Philippines ◽

Live Coral ◽

Live Coral Cover ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Storm Frequency ◽

Benthic Condition

Philippine coral reefs have been on the decline since the 1970s, and this degradation has posed a risk to biodiversity, food security, and livelihood in the country. In an effort to arrest this degradation, marine protected areas (MPAs) were established across the country. MPAs are known to improve fish biomass, but their effect on live coral cover and other benthos is not yet well documented and understood. In this study, 28 MPAs across the Philippines were surveyed comparing benthic cover and indices between protected reefs and adjacent unprotected reefs. No consistent differences were found between reefs inside and outside MPAs through all the benthic categories and reef health indices considered that are indicative of protection effects or recovery within MPAs. However, there were notable site-specific differences in benthic cover across the study MPAs-suggesting that factors other than protection play important roles in influencing benthic cover inside and outside of MPAs. Storm frequency and proximity to rivers, as a proxy for siltation, were the strongest negative correlates to live coral cover. Also, high coastal population, a proxy for pollution, and occurrence of blast and poison fishing positively correlated with high dead coral cover. The lack of significant difference in benthic cover between reefs inside and outside MPAs suggests that protection does not necessarily guarantee immediate improvement in benthic condition. Correlations between benthic condition and storm frequency, siltation, and pollution suggest that it is necessary to augment MPAs with other management strategies that will address the multiple stressors that are usually indiscriminate of MPA boundaries. Supplementing long-term and systematic monitoring of benthic cover and biodiversity inside and outside of MPAs with data on other important environmental and human impact variables will help improve understanding of benthic cover and biodiversity dynamics inside and outside of MPA boundaries.

Download Full-text

Bias in evaluating the effects of marine protected areas: the importance of baseline data for the Galapagos Marine Reserve

Environmental Conservation ◽

10.1017/s0376892904001584 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 212-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

G.J. EDGAR ◽

R.H. BUSTAMANTE ◽

J.-M. FARIÑA ◽

M. CALVOPIÑA ◽

C. MARTÍNEZ ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Marine Reserve ◽

Baseline Data ◽

Important Species ◽

Fishery Resource ◽

Political Processes ◽

High Level ◽

Conservation Zones ◽

Galapagos Marine Reserve

Analysis of ecological baseline data collected for key resource species within the Galapagos Marine Reserve indicates that variation in animal density associated with the location of fully protected zones can be comparable to protected area effects. Even with a high level of interspersion between conservation, tourism and fishing management zones, major differences in densities of economically important species were evident between zone types prior to enforcement of fishing restrictions. Densities of the most valuable fishery resource, sea cucumbers, were three times higher in zones that remained open to fishing compared to ‘no-take’ conservation zones, and densities of sharks were five times higher in tourism zones than fishing or conservation zones. These results highlight bias in the socio-political processes that can accompany selection of marine protected areas, where fishers attempt to minimize perceived impacts on their livelihood by locating large protected zones in resource-poor areas, and tourism operators and sport divers argue for protection of areas containing atypically-interesting features. Bias in the location of fully protected zones can seriously confound ‘control-impact’ field investigations when data prior to prohibitions on fishing are lacking, including meta-analyses, which are dominated by such potentially systematically biased studies.

Download Full-text

Diversity, distribution and status of bats on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605312000646 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 204-212 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Bandana Aul ◽

P.J.J. Bates ◽

D.L. Harrison ◽

G. Marimuthu

Keyword(s):

Local Communities ◽

Anthropogenic Pressure ◽

Nicobar Island ◽

Andaman Islands ◽

Andaman And Nicobar Islands ◽

Secondary Sources ◽

Community Initiative ◽

Nicobar Islands ◽

Cynopterus Brachyotis ◽

Flying Fox

AbstractInformation on the bat fauna of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was limited previously to the results of sporadic surveys, with no specific focus on the habitats or distribution of the species. We carried out the first extensive survey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 2003–2006, covering 40 islands. Our objective was to map the bat species, their habitats and distribution. This resulted in identification of 25 bat species representing 13 genera, location of > 300 roosts and validation of previously recorded species. Notable findings included the rediscovery of the endemic Nicobar flying fox Pteropus faunulus after a century and its extinction from the type locality on Car Nicobar Island, the sighting of an albino Hipposideros diadema nicobarensis from Katchal Island, and the first records of Rhinolophus yunanensis, Murina cyclotis and Hipposideros larvatus from the Andaman Islands, and Taphozous melanopogon, Murina cyclotis, Pipistrellus spp., Myotis horsfieldii dryas and Cynopterus brachyotis from the Nicobar Islands. Threats to the bat fauna appear to be primarily roost disturbance and hunting for sport. Anthropogenic pressure on species of Pteropus is high as hunting occurs throughout the year. Secondary sources and our field observations confirmed the decline of Pteropus in several islands as a result of hunting and alteration to habitats. We introduced a community initiative to monitor and protect roosts and foraging sites close to settlements in the Nicobar Islands. Priorities identified for conservation of the bat fauna of the archipelagos are mitigation of threats to flying foxes and cave dwelling bats, initiation of research on endemic bat species such as P. faunulus, and a voluntary ban by local communities on hunting in specific areas and seasons.

Download Full-text

Coral Reef Degradation Due to ‘Ship Grounding’ in Indonesia: Case Study of Ship Aground in Bangka-Belitung Waters by Mother Vessel MV Lyric Poet

Jurnal Ilmiah Perikanan dan Kelautan ◽

10.20473/jipk.v12i2.17947 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 263

Author(s):

Idris Idris ◽

Neviaty P. Zamani ◽

Suharsono Suharsono ◽

Fakhrurrozi Fakhrurrozi

Keyword(s):

Coral Reef ◽

Coral Reefs ◽

Coral Species ◽

Coral Cover ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Live Coral ◽

Hard Coral ◽

Lyric Poet ◽

Ship Grounding

HighlightDamage to coral reefs by ship aground is twice the area of a football fieldFound four zones of damage including runoff, dune, blow and dispersalMortality of live coral and other benthic biota ranges from 75-100% in the affected locationThe form of damaged live coral growth is predominantly slow growing.Eight hard coral species were found on the IUCN-Redlist list with a vulnerable status.AbstractShip grounding on coral reefs often results in physical and biological damage, including dislodging and removal of corals from reefs, destruction of coral skeletons, erosion and removal of sediment deposits, and loss of three-dimensional complexity. Indonesia, as an archipelagic country, is very vulnerable to various pressures; for example, the case of ship grounding is a great concern of scientists, managers, divers, and sailors themselves. Most of the damage is very severe. The purpose of the research conducted is to identify the condition of the live coral cover, mapping the type and extent of coral reef damage, affected coral species, their conservation status, and to quantify the extent of the area of coral reef damage. Measuring the extent of damage to coral reef ecosystems using the fishbone method, while the level of damage and its impact was measured using the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) and belt transect method. The event of the grounding of the MV Lyric Poet on the Bangka Waters, Bangka-Belitung Province, has caused damage to the coral reef ecosystem. There are four damage zones identified, i.e., trajectory, mound, propeller, and dispersion zone. Corals are damaged with a total area of 13.540m2; equivalent to twice that of an international football field. Diversity of hard coral found as many as 49 species included in the CITES-Appendix II. A total of eight protected species are included in the IUCN Red List with extinction-prone status.

Download Full-text

Konservasi dan Kondisi Terumbu Karang di Kampung Saporkren Distrik Waigeo Selatan, Kabupaten Raja Ampat, Papua Barat

JURNAL BIOLOGI PAPUA ◽

10.31957/jbp.526 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 68-76

Author(s):

Marthen L.R. Bartholomeus ◽

Dirk Y.P. Runtuboi ◽

Rosye H.R. Tanjung

Keyword(s):

Coral Reef ◽

Coral Reefs ◽

Protected Areas ◽

Flow Velocity ◽

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Coral Cover ◽

Coral Reef Ecosystem ◽

Village Community ◽

Papua Barat ◽

Reef Ecosystem

Conservation effort and knowledge on coral reef ecosystem are necessary to protect marine ecosystem. Coral reef ecosystem is very important to support marine biota especially fishes and benthos. The presence of coral reef indirectly support local people income, therefore is is necessary to conserve coral reef ecosystem. District of South Waigeo is one of tourist area as well as preserve area in Raja Ampat Regency of Papua Barat Province. The aim of this study is to identify the current condition of coral reef in Saporken Village of South waigeo District. Data were collected by survey method using coral reefs Point intercept transect method, observation and interviews to determine the social, economic and cultural impact., and measures taken to manage coral reef management in village Saporkren Marine Protected Areas. The results showed that knowledge Saporkren Village community, the conservation community knows about how destructive such arrests are not carried out the bombing, while the traditional way people work is local wisdom. Condition of coral cover in the village of Marine Protected Areas Saporkren in good condition (live coral cover=51%) and very good water quality, flow velocity at high tide ranged from 4.25 to 22.3 cm/sec and the flow velocity at low tide over small ranging from 5.07 to 19.60 cm/sec, salinity ranged from 32–35‰ and wave height ranged from 0.75 m. Based on the results of this study concluded that: Village community know Saporkren conservation activities of local government programs, and the traditional way to preserve coral reef still implemented.Key words: Conservation, coral reefs, Saporkren village, Raja Ampat.

Download Full-text

Naetrocymbe fraxini. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

IMI Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria ◽

10.1079/dfb/20153441771 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

D. W. Minter

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Czech Republic ◽

Geographical Distribution ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Quercus Petraea ◽

Betula Pubescens ◽

Andaman And Nicobar Islands ◽

Crataegus Monogyna ◽

Fraxinus Nigra ◽

Nicobar Islands

Abstract A description is provided for Naetrocymbe fraxini. Some information on its dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (USA (Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Vermont), India (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karnataka and Kerala), Turkey, Cuba, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Irish Republic, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia (Kabardino-Balkar Republic), Spain, Sweden and UK), hosts (Fraxinus sp., Betula pubescens, Betula sp., Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus sp., Fraxinus nigra, F. ornus and Quercus petraea) and associated organisms (Dirinaria purpurascens and Trentepohlia sp.).

Download Full-text

Linking Protection with the Distribution of Grouper and Habitat Quality in Seychelles

Journal of Marine Biology ◽

10.1155/2016/7851425 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Samantha J. Howlett ◽

Richard Stafford ◽

Matt Waller ◽

Sylvanna Antha ◽

Christophe Mason-Parker

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Habitat Quality ◽

Significant Interaction ◽

Coral Cover ◽

Common Species ◽

Structure Type ◽

Live Coral ◽

Coral Colony ◽

Coral Genus ◽

Cephalopholis Argus

Marine protected areas can be designated for a number of reasons, but exactly how they provide benefits is only recently being understood. We assessed the effect of protection on the size and distribution of six common species of grouper in a coral reef ecosystem. Data on live coral cover, coral genus diversity, and coral colony structure type were also compared to give an indication of reef quality between sites. A significant interaction was found forAethaloperca rogaaandCephalopholis nigripinnis, indicating that protected areas held greater numbers of smaller and median sized fish of these species than unprotected areas. Similar but nonsignificant trends were found forCephalopholis miniataandCephalopholis argus. ForAnyperodon leucogrammicus, MPAs held significantly more fish than unprotected sites, but as the increase was equal between size categories there was no interaction. The last speciesEpinephelus fasciatus,which was one of the smallest species, had no significant interaction, similar mean counts between protected and unprotected areas, and no obvious strong favouritism for particular sites with values indicating better reef quality, indicating intraspecies competition. The results of this study indicate that while the MPAs in this study are likely too small to benefit large groupers, the improvements to habitat quality have indirect benefits to groupers, especially at their earlier life stages.

Download Full-text

Diversity of Scleractinian Corals in Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Proceedings of the Zoological Society ◽

10.1007/s12595-015-0145-8 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 69 (2) ◽

pp. 205-216

Author(s):

Tamal Mondal ◽

C. Raghunathan ◽

K. Venkataraman

Keyword(s):

Scleractinian Corals ◽

Nicobar Island ◽

Andaman And Nicobar Islands ◽

Nicobar Islands

Download Full-text

Aristolochia gurinderii (Aristolochiaceae): a new species from Great Nicobar Island, India

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.172.2.7 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 172 (2) ◽

pp. 117 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

K Ravikumar ◽

Umeshkumar L Tiwari ◽

N Balachandran

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Nicobar Island ◽

Andaman And Nicobar Islands ◽

Nicobar Islands ◽

A New Species

Aristolochia gurinderiidescribed here as a new species, was collected from North-South Road, Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), India. Stem woody with corky fissured bark; lamina deltoid or hastate; cauliflorous inflorescences in scorpioid cyme up to 55 cm long, small size of flowers; seeds winged with distinctive ridge at the center are the distinguishable characters from its allied species A. jackii Steudel. With a detailed description, illustration, photo plates are provided.

Download Full-text