Search the SPREP Catalogue

The Rotuma Coral Reef Conservation Project (RCRCP) trip III to carry out the annual survey of Rotuma's coral reef was during from the month of November from the 14th to 22nd in 2006. The diving survey group consisted of four volunteer divers from mainland Fiji and one volunteer diver who lives on the island. All five divers volunteered their time to assist LajeRotuma Initiative (LRI) in its RCRCP activity. Three of the Suva-based divers are employees of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the fourth, a graduate student under the Coral Reef Initiative for the South Pacific (CRISP) programme, from the School of Marine Studies (SMS) at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

Both Fiji and French Polynesia presented the pro and con of Larval Recruitment and Research larval identification within their own sites/country and some of the participants asked about the real benefits of restocking. Also, from the discussion, it was noted that there is a real need for more cooperation, for production of outputs, and for comparison of tools. It was noted that French Polynesia has a good expertise on that subject. Participants point out also that information sharing is really needed and useful.

FSPI CCP program has recognized the need of applied research and capacity building to support community based activities. FSPI has been researching the development of low-tech coral reef restoration techniques as a viable management tool for local communities. FSPI, through its affiliates, PCDF and Solomon Island Development Trust, have conducted coral reef restoration trials in conjunction with the Darwin initiative project. The FSPI approach aims to be community based, low- tech, cost and management effective with a strong focus on active interest from communities and participation in awareness raising processes.

Monitoring of changes over time in coral cover and health and fish abundance between restoration and control plots should allow an objective assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the restoration methods used in this study, and will provide lessons to improve procedures in future projects.

The Initiative for the Protection and Sustainable Management of Coral Reefs in the South Pacific is now known by the acronym "CRISP" (Coral Reef Initiative for the South Pacific). Initially sponsored by France, this project seeks to develop partnerships with the English- speaking countries and institutions in the Pa- cific, as the use of an English title shows.

La zone est extrêmement variée et les enjeux le sont donc également. Toutefois certains d’entre eux sont présents dans presque tous les sites où le programme intervient : Pêches récifales de plus en plus problématiques Travaux sur l’état de santé des récifs, l’effet des pêches, l’effet des AMP, éparpillés et peu coordonnés, Coopération régionale très limitée malgré la similitude des problèmes et probablement des solutions Possibilité de renforcer la couverture des AMP dans le Pacifique Disponibilité de savoir faire (centre de recherche, ONG, entreprises, Etats), de réseaux (LMMA, ONG, GCRMN, etc.) et de moyens (commande politique de la France de coopérer régionalement sur le sujet, ONG internationales prêtes à cofinancer) Espèces phares en danger par endroit (tortues, dugong, etc.) Pressions : - Activités humaines : surtout surpêche ou pêche avec des techniques destructives mais aussi, pollution des eaux (agriculture intensive, problèmes miniers, etc.) - Facteurs climatiques: cyclones