Ecologically connected Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network
Full Solution
Meeting with members of Barangay Siit (© Jadloc)
Connectivity of coral reef fish populations through larval dispersal is a key to effective networks of marine reserves for fisheries management and biodiversity conservation. Genetic parentage analysis data revealed existence and patterns of reef fish larval dispersal among MPAs along a 90 km coastal stretch in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. This knowledge helps stakeholders to improve both scale and design of new MPAs and governance of existing MPAs.
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Context
Challenges addressed
The effectiveness of MPA networks to increase fish stocks and climate change resilience of coral reefs to and protect marine ecosystems depends on their ecological connection by larval dispersal.
Beneficiaries
Fishing communities, government units and MPA managers as well as scientific community
Location
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Southeast Asia
Process
Summary of the process
The communication of scientific results (Building block 2) on larvae dispersal patterns and its consequences on existing and future MPA and MPA network governance depends on the respective scientific investigations (Building block 1). However, experience on MPA establishment and governance from stakeholders and decision makers may help scientists and experts for the design and interpretation of survey data. The exchange on information and know-how between both groups does not only improve understanding but it is crucial to the effective design of viable MPAs and MPA networks. The support of relevant government institutions is a key factor for the success of both building blocks, and to successfully achieve the solution.
Building Blocks
Scientific Investigation on Larval Dispersal
Apply genetic parentage analysis on a model species of reef fish to determine the probable extent of ecologically relevant larvae dispersal among reef fish populations at spatial scales relevant to MPA networks (10’s of km to a few 100 km). Analyse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on model species of reef fish to assess differences or similarities of population structure at more distant sites to provide an indicator for the degree of connectivity across larger spatial scales (several 100’s of km).
Enabling factors
Conditions for adoption elsewhere:
• A high level of expertise to conducting the necessary scientific investigations (genetics, larval connectivity, physical oceanography)
• Research and laboratory facilities
• Support to conduct field work
Lesson learned
The collaboration of leading experts (6 experts) and academic organisations (4 international academic organisations) in the field of genetics, larval connectivity, physical oceanography and ecological effects on MPAs was crucial to the successful achievement of the scientific investigation.
Communication of scientific Results
Communicate findings on larval connectivity and their implications to stakeholders and decision-makers at all levels (village, municipal, provincial) to emphasize importance of efficient MPAs and MPA networks. Improved understanding on larval connectivity helps stakeholders and decision-makers to enhance governance of existing and planning of individual MPAs and MPA networks. Also, share results with the international and national scientific community.
Enabling factors
Conditions for adoption elsewhere
• Existence of coastal management initiatives at village, municipal and/or provincial levels
• Experience of at least some stakeholders in establishing multiple MPAs is advantageous
Lesson learned
The cooperation and support of the Environmental and Natural Resources Divisions in Negros Oriental Province, Philippines represents a major success factor. Thus organisation of information dissemination and conducting workshops with all stakeholders in different municipalities was made possible.
Impacts
The solution enables coastal resource managers to validate larger-scale social and ecological effects of MPAs that they helped establish over many decades. Local stakeholders realize the need for inter-municipal MPA networks that are ecologically connected to address larger-scale fisheries management and conservation objectives. It serves as a model for creating ecological MPA networks in other regions of the Philippines, maritime countries in South-East Asia, and the Coral Triangle. It provides inputs for coral reef management (CRM) initiatives and actions.
Story
The scientific aspect of this solution tackled one of the biggest questions in marine ecology: How far do larvae of coral reef fish disperse? Do most of them settle close to their parents? Or do they disperse over very long distances to seed other reefs? The answers to this question have big implications for fisheries management and biodiversity conservation using networks of MPAs. Thus, the implementation of this solution was very exciting not only to the scientists but also to MPA managers and local stakeholders who have been active in coastal resource management for several decades. We had some memorable experiences when we were sharing the scientific results to stakeholders. The results undeniably showed, for the first time, that many of the existing MPAs were connected to each other by larval dispersal, forming a network that can enhance recovery of populations within MPAs. The results also showed that some MPAs can provide larvae to fishing grounds, which may give a boost to local fisheries. These were based on empirical data. Many local fishers participated in the field work that was required to obtain these data. Thus, many local stakeholders felt that the results were a clear vindication of their efforts and sacrifices over many years to manage their MPAs. This, to me, was a greater achievement than answering the ecological questions.
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Other contributors
Rene A. Abesamis
Silliman University-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management (SUAKCREM)
