The Status of Invertebrate Resources in and Mitiaro,

©

Teariki Rongo Teariki

By Ngere George and Trinilobe Kea Miscellaneous Report 03/14 Ref No. NG-3/0914 September 2014

Contents

Acknowledgments ...... 2 Summary ...... 3 1.0 Introduction ...... 4 2.0 Objective of the assessment survey ...... 5 3.0. Methods ...... 5 4.0 Results and Discussion ...... 6 4.1 Survey coverage ...... 6 4.2 Species recorded and density ...... 6 4.3 Sea cucumber (rori) size distribution ...... 7 4.4 Comparison of resources ...... 9 5.0 Recommendations ...... 13 6.0 References...... 14 7.0 Appendices ...... 15 Appendix 1. Locations of survey stations...... 15 Appendix 2: Survey stations locations for Mauke and Mitiaro...... 17 Appendix 3: Statistics for reef benthos transect (Rbt) assessment ...... 19 Appendix 4. Invertebrate species recorded at Mauke and Mitiaro ...... 21

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Acknowledgments

Many have contributed to the completion of this report from, data collection, analysis, interpretation and writing. Many thanks to MMR Secretary, Ben Ponia, Director of Inshore Fisheries and Aquaculture, Kori Raumea for general guidance, MMR staff, Tai George, Ngarouru Tou and Georgia Langdon for your efforts in the field and GIS work. Franck Magron and Ian Bertram of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) for support in GIS, analytical and guidance in drafting the report.

Acknowledgement also goes and with gratitude to the partnering and financial support provided by the EU Funded Global Climate Change Alliance: Pacific Small Island States (GCCA: PSIS) Project; Environmental Monitoring to Enhance Community Livelihoods and Build Resilience to Climate Change in Low Lying Atolls of the Cook Islands, for providing funding to print this report.

Lastly meitaki ranuinui to the Mayors and members of the Island Councils, Executive Officers and the community of Mauke and Mitiaro, our visits wouldn‟t have been successful without your support.

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PO Box 85, , , Cook Islands. Tel: +682 28722 Fax: +682 29721 E-mail: [email protected]

Summary

This report presents the results of invertebrate resource assessments completed in March 2014. Transect were used to assess invertebrate resources over four and a half days on reefs of Mauke and Mitiaro. Invertebrate assemblages are low in terms of species recorded and size structure. Lollyfish (rori toto) is the most dominant invertebrate assessed however, they were less abundant compared to other islands in the Cook Islands assessed between 2012- 2014.Trochus was not recorded in these surveys. Trochus introduced to Mauke and Mitiaro in the 1980‟s and late 1990‟s have not established viable populations. This is due to the very narrow reef habitats on both islands. There is no potential for commercial fishing of sea cucumber and trochus at this time.

Pa‟ua (rugose giant clam), ungakoa (large worm shell) and ariri (rough turban shell) are important food resources for Mauke and Mitiaro communities, however densities are low. The low densities and limited invertebrates species recorded in this assessment is consistent with results by Ponia et al 1998 and Ponia and Raumea 1998. Pa‟ua, ungakoa and rori toto (lollyfish) which were recorded as relatively abundant in 2009 has dramatically decreased. These resources are not able to sustain added fishing pressure such as commercial exploitation and should be left for local food security. Resource management controls, such as Ra‟ui has proved to be effective in improving the condition of stocks therefore should be considered for the benefit of local communities.

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1.0 Introduction

Mauke and Mitiaro are two islands of a group of three that form “Ngaputoru” in the southern islands of the Cook Islands. Ngaputoru are upraised coral islands surrounded by rugged cliffs (uruatete) and narrow reefs with limited access through the reef. The islands lack lagoons and have limited coral reef areas, with steep outer reef slopes. Due to this limited reef habitat diversity and abundance of marine resources are relatively low. In addition during extreme low tides the reef is exposed stressing corals, small fishes and invertebrates and at times during prolonged exposure some of these resources die. Those, that survive to adult stage are harvested particularly invertebrates such as ariri (turban snail) and other marine resources. Turban snail flesh is a delicacy for the island communities and is sometimes consumed while on reef gleaning excursions. Turban snail flesh can fetch prices of $40 for a two kilogram plastic container when sent to Rarotonga. Other resources such as the sea cucumbers are rarely harvested on both islands. Men generally fish the reef and outer reef slope while women dominate -reef gleaning activities. In the past the communities have used Ra‟ui (traditional form of conservation or protection) to conserve marine resources for communal use. However this system is eroding and today there are no Ra‟ui to control the use of marine resources. In 2009, as part of the local school project, a small area of the reef at Anai‟o (Mauke) was placed under Ra‟ui to show the effects of Ra‟ui for the management of marine resources. The results were positive according to Basilio Kaokao Mauke Environment Officer (Makikiriti 2009) where an increase in the number of resources was observed. The Ra‟ui was lifted a year later and remained open due to the lack of wider community support for its continuation. The use of under-water-breathing apparatus (UBA), poisons or stupefying subsistence, whether of plant or chemical origin to harvest marine resources, is forbidden in Mauke and Mitiaro. Few assessments have been conducted on reef resources on Mauke and Mitiaro. Ponia (et al 1998) conducted an assessment at three in each island as part of baseline monitoring of marine resource project by the Ministry of Marine Resources to assess the reef resources of the Cook Islands. Ponia (et al 1998) concluded that many of the important invertebrate‟s food resources at Mauke and Mitiaro recorded were of small populations. An assessment of the Anai‟o Ra‟ui on Mauke was conducted by Makikiriti (2009) before the Ra‟ui was lifted. Ungakoa (large worm shell), pa‟ua (Rugose giant clam) and rori toto (lollyfish) were the most common invertebrate found in the Anai‟o Ra‟ui. .

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2.0 Objective of the assessment survey

The objective in this study was to collect data quantitative information on the current status of invertebrate resources with a focus on sea cucumber. Specifically, the objectives of the surveys were to: • Assess the status of sea cucumber resources on Mauke and Mitiaro to provide information on sea cucumber species present. • Provide population estimates of stocks and fishable stock estimates for those species present in commercially viable quantities for decision-making purposes. • Provide stock status information on the species of importance to subsistence fishing, and determine whether or not there is a need for management.

3.0. Methods

Each island was divided into four sectors (North, East, South and West) and within each sector five locations were selected. At each location two stations were sampled within the reef crest and reef flat. No surveys were carried out along the outer reef slope. Fine scale reef benthos transects (RBT) were used to assess invertebrate resources (species presence, abundance and size) and to determine population structure. The method involves two surveyors equipped with measuring and record instruments for recording presence and size of invertebrates within transects. An RBT station comprises of six 40 x 1 metre transects and each transect was spaced approximately 5 metres apart (Figure 1). At Mauke and Mitiaro the depth of the reef crest and reef flat habitats were mostly very shallow, surveyors walked the reef crest and used GPS to measure the 40 m x 1 m transects. Species and habitat data were recorded and a waypoint logged for each station (to an accuracy of ≤ 10 m).

Figure 2. Illustration of reef benthos transect method, six 40 x 1 meter transect constitutes a station (source Pakoa et al 2014).

The Reef Fisheries Integrated Database (RFID) provided by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) was used for data entry, validation and analysis. RFID produced information on:  species presence by station to assess the number of species recorded;

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 average density by species and stations (to assess abundance); and  length frequency by site and species to assess size distribution.

In this report density (the number of individuals per unit area) is expressed as individuals per hectare1 (ind/ha).

The reef zone where certain species of invertebrates are most likely to be found were calculated using satellite image and delineating the areas of species preferred habitats.

Due to low densities of invertebrate estimates of population were not performed

4.0 Results and Discussion

4.1 Survey coverage

Eighty reef benthos stations (480 transects) were surveyed in March 2014 at Mauke and Mitiaro which took four and a half days to complete (Table 1). Locations of survey stations are shown in appendix 1 and GPS waypoints are tabulated in appendix 2. In total an area of 0.96 ha were surveyed at each island.

Table 1. Coverage of reef benthos transects and estimated areas for reef zones/habitats.

Number Area assessed Total habitat area Island Habitat Transects of stations (m2) (ha1) Reef crest 20 120 4800 183.9 Mauke Reef flat 20 120 4800 302.1 Reef crest 20 120 4800 65.4 Mitiaro Reef flat 20 120 4800 184.8

4.2 Species recorded and density

In Mauke13 different species of marine invertebrates was recorded compared to eight in Mitiaro (Appendix 3). Six species of sea cucumbers were recorded at Mauke and five in Mitiaro. Lollyfish had the highest overall mean densities of all species on both islands (Table 2). Atuke, avake, vana and rori titi (black teatfish) were absent in Mitiaro. Ungakoa, pa‟ua and pa‟ua kura (Large Pacific Jewel-box) were more abundant in Mauke and more ariri were recorded in Mitiaro. The reef system on both islands generally lacked complexity to support high populations of invertebrates. Sea cucumbers registered a slightly higher density than the rest of the resources, it would be possible to explore some of the species for its size distribution as well as to make further comparison with the first baseline survey carried by Ponia (et al 1998) for both islands.

1 a hectare is 10,000 square meters (100m X 100m), a rugby field is 100m by 68m or 6800 square meters which is just over half a hectare.

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Table 2. Overall mean density (ind/ha) for invertebrates surveyed by RBt in Mauke and Mitiaro (2014). Pictures of species are found in Appendix 4.

Local Mauke 2014 Mitiaro 2014 Groups Species name O_Mean SE O_Mean SE H. atra Rori toto 850 535 171 213 H. leucospilota Matu rori 40.6 34.5 13.5 8.4 H. nobilis Rori titi 1 1 - - H. cinerascens Rori pua 29.2 26.1 15.6 10 Rori A. mauritiana 47.9 12.8 37.5 12.6 Echinoderms puakatoro E. diadema Vana 8.3 4 13.5 7.5 T. gratilla Avake 4.2 2 - - E. mathaei Kina 2.1 2.1 - - H. Atuke 1 1 - - mammillatus T. maxima Pa‟ua 32.3 24 1 1 Bivalves Chama Pa‟ua 22.9 17.6 - - pacifica kura D. maximum Ungakoa 55.2 52.1 7.3 6.3 Gastropods T. setosus Ariri 3.1 2.3 34.4 11 O_mean = overall mean density, this is the density for all stations surveyed SE = standard error

4.3 Sea cucumber (rori) size distribution Population size structures were determined for lollyfish and surf redfish. Mean size for lollyfish was 180mm and 187mm at Mauke and Mitiaro respectively (Fig 3) and mean size for surf redfish was 167mm and 171mm at Mauke and Mitiaro respectively (Fig 4). Very low numbers of surf redfish were measured on both islands. Size structure was not determined for the remainder of sea cucumber species recorded due to very low number of records.

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Figure 3. Size distribution for H. atra, lollyfish (rori toto) at Mauke (top graph) and Mitiaro (bottom graph).

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Figure 4. Size distribution for A. mauritiana, surf redfish (rori puakatoro) at Mauke (top graph) and Mitiaro (bottom graph).

4.4 Comparison of resources

Density for lollyfish at Mauke and Mitiaro were low compared to other islands surveyed in Cook Islands during 2012-2014 (Table 3). Since 2012, eight islands in the Cook Islands were fully assessed for the status of marine invertebrates. By comparison Mauke and Mitiaro have the least populated of all species of sea cucumber (Table 3). These population estimates are too low to consider fishable quantity for commercial purpose. It would be in the best interest for these two island communities to consider workable management actions to help manage what little stocks there are in their reef/lagoon.

For Mauke, rori toto abundance has increased in 2014 compared to 1998, pa‟ua abundance has remained consistent; all other species recorded have declined(Table 4). For Mitiaro declines were evident for all species recorded in 2014 except for rori pua and matu rori which were not recorded in 1998. Pa‟ua density declined from 140 per hectare to 1 per hectare (Table 4). At this very low density the recovery of pa‟ua stock is unlikely to occur in the medium term (5-10 years), unless effective resource management is put in place. Information from transects surveyed within the Anai‟o reef area at Mauke was compared with results from 2009 (Makikiriti 2009). For consistently with the 2014 results, information for Anai‟o was recalculated and is presented as individuals per hectare (Table 5). Invertebrate resources has decline dramatically since 2009 when the area was under Ra‟ui, for instance Pa‟ua was absent in 2014, ungakoa and rori toto declined by nearly 100% and 50% respectively (Table 5). Pa‟ua and Ungakoa are very important food sources on Mauke and considered as delicacies which may have contributed to the significant decrease in abundance of the 2 species due to continuous harvesting.

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Table 3. Sea cucumber overall mean densities (ind/ha) for Mauke and Mitiaro with comparisons to other islands in the Cook Islands. Brackets indicate standard errors

Common name Local name # # Palmerston# Rarotonga# Mauke Mitiaro * *

11,138 6,285 1,634 8,543 850 171 5,351 16,734 Lollyfish Rori toto (975) (1,265) (850) (1,780) (535) (213) (1,260) (1,780) Surf redfish Rori puakatoro 1,598 549 81 579 48 38 24 25 (446) (106) (48) (168) (13) (13) (11) (22) Greenfish Rori matie 248 2174 731 - - - - - (59) (891) (356) Flower sea cucumber Rori pua 2,279 3,658 2875 29 16 - - - (1,111) (1,131) (966) (26) (10) White snakefish Matu rori 1,417 371 2108 41 14 - - - (541) (169) (469) (35) (8) 2.9 Tigerfish Veri-aria ------(1.7) 3.8 39 Brown sandfish n/a ------(2.7) (28) - = information not available # source; Raumea et al 2013 * source; George 2014

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Table 4. Overall mean density (ind/ha) for invertebrates surveyed by RBt in Mauke and Mitiaro (2014) compared to assessments in 1998.

Mitiaro 1998 Mauke 2014 Mauke 1998 * Mitiaro 2014 Groups Species Common name Local name * O_Mean SE O_Mean SE O_Mean SE O_Mean SE H. atra Lollyfish Rori toto 850 535 270 90 171 213 230 60 H. leucospilota White snakefish Matu rori 40.6 34.5 140 30 13.5 8.4 - - H. nobilis Black teatfish Rori titi 1 1 ------H. cinerascens Flower sea cucumber Rori pua 29.2 26.1 - - 15.6 10 - -

Echinoderms A. mauritiana Surf redfish Rori puakatoro 47.9 12.8 50 30 37.5 12.6 110 60 E. diadema Long spine sea urchin Vana 8.3 4 390 370 13.5 7.5 20 20 T. gratilla Short spine sea urchin Avake 4.2 2 ------E. mathaei Pink sea urchin Kina 2.1 2.1 ------H. Brown pencil urchin Atuke 1 1 30 20 - - - - mammillatus T. maxima Rugose giant clam Pa‟ua 32.3 24 30 30 1 1 140 70 Bivalves Large Pacific Jewel- C. pacifica Pa‟ua kura 22.9 17.6 - - 20 20 box D. maximum Large worm shell Ungakoa 55.2 52.1 1000 370 7.3 6.3 10 10 Gastropods T. setosus Turban snail Ariri 3.1 2.3 30 10 34.4 11 150 80 O_mean = overall mean density, this is the density for all stations surveyed SE = standard error * Ponia et al 1998 and Ponia and Raumea 1998

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Table 5. Overall mean density (ind/ha) for invertebrates surveyed at Anai‟o, Mauke compared to the assessment in 2009.

Anai’o 2014 Anai’o 2009# Groups Species Common name Local name O_Mean SE O_Mean SE H. atra Lollyfish Rori toto 70622 - 14,700 940 H. leucospilota White snakefish Matu rori - - 930 80

A. mauritiana Surf redfish Rori puakatoro 250 83 430 110 Echinoderms Flower sea H. cinerascens Rori pua 840 240 - - cucumber Long spine sea E. diadema Vana - - 230 70 urchin Bivalves T. maxima Rugose giant clam Pa‟ua - - 16,460 1110 D. maximum Large worm shell Ungakoa 4.2 4.2 31,710 1630 Gastropods T. setosus Turban snail Ariri - - - - O_mean = overall mean density, this is the density for all stations surveyed SE = standard error # source; Makikiriti 2009

2 The 2014 SE results were calculated using stations (2, 12 transects) compared to 2009 where the transects were considered as stations (6 transects equals 6stations).

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5.0 Recommendations

Due to low densities (abundance), invertebrate population sizes was not determined, there is no-potential for commercial fishing of invertebrates at Mauke and Mitiaro. These resources are best left for subsistence use.

Communities in both islands can improve the situation by implementing agreeable management controls. Such controls could include the use of the Ra‟ui, prohibiting exports to other islands in the Cook Islands for a certain period and promoting the harvest of larger specimens as opposed to harvesting animals that are not matured.

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6.0 References

George N., Story R., 2014. The status of invertebrates resources at Manihiki and Rakahanga: September 2014. Ministry of Marine Resources. Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Makikiriti, N. (2000) Anai‟o Ioio (Taporoporo) Rau‟I Mauke School Coral Reef Project Baseline Survey: December 2009. Ministry of Marine Resources. Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Pakoa K., Friedman K., Moore B., Tardy E., Bertram I. 2014. Assessing Tropical marine Invertebrates: a Manual for Pacific Island Resource Managers. Coastal Fisheries Science and Management Section, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC): Noumea, New Caledonia.

Pinca S., Boblin P., Friedman K.J., Kronen M., Magron F., Awira R., Pakoa K., Lasi F., Tardy E. and Chapman L.B. 2009. Cook Islands country report: Profiles and results from survey work at Aitutaki, Palmerston, Mangaia and Rarotonga (February and October 2007). Pacific Regional Oceanic and Coastal Fisheries Development Programme (PROCFish/C/CoFish). Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC): Noumea, New Caledonia. xxxiv

Ponia,B., Raumea,K., (1998) Mitiaro reef baseline assessment : June 1998. Ministry of Marine Resources. Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Ponia,B., Raumea,K., (1998) Mauke reef baseline assessment : May 1998. Ministry of Marine Resources. Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Raumea K., George N., Pakoa K., Bertram I., Sharp M. 2013. The status of sea cucumber resources at Aitutaki, Mangaia, Palmerston and Rarotonga, Cook Islands: June 2013. Noumea, New Caledonia: Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

SPC 2011. Guide and information sheets for fishing communities. Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC): Noumea, New Caledonia.

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7.0 Appendices

Appendix 1. Locations of survey stations. Mauke Invertebrate Survey Map

Reef crest

RBt stations

Reef flat

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Mitiaro Invertebrate Survey Map

Reef flat

RBt stations

Reef crest

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Appendix 2: Survey stations locations for Mauke and Mitiaro

Mauke survey stations locations

Date Station Date Station Site Name Longitude Latitude Site Name Longitude Latitude Surveyed number Surveyed number 4/03/2014 Uriaata 1 -157.334 -20.1406 6/03/2014 Utu 21 -157.349 -20.1847 4/03/2014 Uriaata 2 -157.334 -20.1401 6/03/2014 Utu 22 -157.349 -20.185 4/03/2014 Oneunga 3 -157.329 -20.1424 6/03/2014 Teoneroa 23 -157.352 -20.1819 4/03/2014 Oneunga 4 -157.328 -20.1423 6/03/2014 Teoneroa 24 -157.353 -20.1821 4/03/2014 North Takapua 5 -157.323 -20.1505 6/03/2014 Tukume 25 -157.357 -20.1746 4/03/2014 North Takapua 6 -157.323 -20.1502 6/03/2014 Tukume 26 -157.358 -20.1748 4/03/2014 Arapaea 7 -157.322 -20.1556 6/03/2014 Pooki 27 -157.3596 -20.1681 4/03/2014 Arapaea 8 -157.322 -20.1557 6/03/2014 Pooki 28 -157.3601 -20.1690 4/03/2014 Teunu 9 -157.322 -20.1623 6/03/2014 Nuka 29 -157.3603 -20.1636 4/03/2014 Teunu 10 -157.321 -20.1622 6/03/2014 Nuka 30 -157.3607 -20.1640 4/03/2014 Anakoina 11 -157.322 -20.1654 6/03/2014 Taeta 31 -157.361 -20.1554 4/03/2014 Anakoina 12 -157.321 -20.1654 6/03/2014 Taeta 32 -157.361 -20.1556 4/03/2014 Aanga 13 -157.322 -20.1683 7/03/2014 Anaio 33 -157.36 -20.1498 4/03/2014 Aanga 14 -157.322 -20.1683 7/03/2014 Anaio 34 -157.361 -20.1498 4/03/2014 Tepariaanga 15 -157.323 -20.1725 7/03/2014 Pirikura 35 -157.357 -20.1411 4/03/2014 Tepariaanga 16 -157.322 -20.1725 7/03/2014 Pirikura 36 -157.358 -20.1413 4/03/2014 Anaraura 17 -157.333 -20.1859 7/03/2014 Anareia 37 -157.353 -20.1327 4/03/2014 Anaraura 18 -157.332 -20.1859 7/03/2014 Anareia 38 -157.352 -20.1326 6/03/2014 Anaokae 19 -157.339 -20.1885 7/03/2014 Anaoue 39 -157.341 -20.1371 6/03/2014 Anaokae 20 -157.338 -20.1893 7/03/2014 Anaoue 40 -157.341 -20.137

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Mitiaro survey stations locations

Date Station Date Station Site Name Longitude Latitude Site Name Longitude Latitude Surveyed number Surveyed number 11/03/2014 Okore 1 -157.693756 -19.843689 13/03/2014 Anakoi 21 -157.680998 -19.851600 11/03/2014 Okore 2 -157.693328 -19.843433 13/03/2014 Anakoi 22 -157.680586 -19.851725 11/03/2014 Kakenga Onu 3 -157.697488 -19.842537 13/03/2014 Topapa 23 -157.679690 -19.859179 11/03/2014 Kakenga Onu 4 -157.697071 -19.842279 13/03/2014 Topapa 24 -157.679128 -19.859471 11/03/2014 Okarava 5 -157.700387 -19.841300 13/03/2014 Vai Nauri 25 -157.679862 -19.864398 11/03/2014 Okarava 6 -157.700346 -19.841191 13/03/2014 Vai Nauri 26 -157.679204 -19.864723 11/03/2014 Kaapoto 7 -157.705681 -19.840067 13/03/2014 Paraoa 27 -157.680525 -19.874600 11/03/2014 Kaapoto 8 -157.705167 -19.839746 13/03/2014 Paraoa 28 -157.680525 -19.874600 11/03/2014 Orongo 9 -157.714849 -19.840573 13/03/2014 Teruaroa 29 -157.683924 -19.885466 11/03/2014 Orongo 10 -157.714956 -19.840121 13/03/2014 Teruaroa 30 -157.683827 -19.885820 11/03/2014 Oponi 11 -157.719741 -19.843893 13/03/2014 Teunu 31 -157.691236 -19.889084 11/03/2014 Oponi 12 -157.719748 -19.843441 13/03/2014 Teunu 32 -157.691358 -19.889506 11/03/2014 Taungaroa 13 -157.720389 -19.851059 13/03/2014 Oavea 33 -157.707514 -19.896903 11/03/2014 Taungaroa 14 -157.721075 -19.850751 13/03/2014 Oavea 34 -157.707628 -19.897295 11/03/2014 Vainioka 15 -157.720174 -19.855467 13/03/2014 Teruataura 35 -157.718825 -19.888396 11/03/2014 Vainioka 16 -157.720800 -19.855519 13/03/2014 Teruataura 36 -157.719278 -19.888331 11/03/2014 Komutu 17 -157.720934 -19.861055 13/03/2014 Tiaara 37 -157.722989 -19.877411 11/03/2014 Komutu 18 -157.721293 -19.861206 13/03/2014 Tiaara 38 -157.723272 -19.877204 13/03/2014 Omapere 19 -157.687082 -19.846079 13/03/2014 Akapa 39 -157.722764 -19.867269 13/03/2014 Omapere 20 -157.686687 -19.845905 13/03/2014 Akapa 40 -157.722973 -19.866787

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Appendix 3: Statistics for reef benthos transect (Rbt) assessment „All Transects‟ represents statistics for all transects (i.e. overall mean); „Transects P‟ represents statistics for transect where a species was recorded (present); „All Stations‟ represents results of all stations (i.e. overall mean density for all stations); „Stations P‟ represents results for stations where a species was recorded (present). Transect = 1 m x Mauke40 m, station assessment = six transects data of summary1 m x 40 m each.

All Transect Transect_P All Station Stations_P Species Group Species Mean SE N Mean SE N Mean SE n Mean SE n Beche de mer Actinopyga mauritiana 47.9 9.5 240 383.3 39.3 30 47.9 12.8 40 112.7 22.0 17 Beche de mer Holothuria atra 683.3 162.0 240 2562.5 545.0 64 683.3 372.2 40 1242.4 659.3 22 Beche de mer Holothuria atra (big) 166.7 34.4 240 800.0 131.9 50 166.7 61.2 40 444.4 137.8 15 Beche de mer Holothuria cinerascens 29.2 21.7 240 2333.3 1341.1 3 29.2 26.1 40 583.3 458.3 2 Beche de mer Holothuria leucospilota 40.6 29.9 240 1950.0 1278.2 5 40.6 34.5 40 541.7 417.4 3 Beche de mer Holothuria nobilis 1.0 1.0 240 250.0 1 1.0 1.0 40 41.7 1 Bivalve Chama sp. 22.9 16.0 240 1833.3 881.9 3 22.9 17.6 40 458.3 208.3 2 Bivalve Tridacna maxima 32.3 12.0 240 704.5 167.9 11 32.3 24.0 40 184.5 129.2 7 Gastropod Dendropoma maximum 55.2 37.5 240 3312.5 1771.8 4 55.2 52.1 40 1104.2 979.2 2 Gastropod Turbo setosus 3.1 1.8 240 250.0 0.0 3 3.1 2.3 40 62.5 20.8 2 Urchin Echinometra mathaei 2.1 2.1 240 500.0 1 2.1 2.1 40 83.3 1 Urchin Echinothrix diadema 8.3 3.6 240 333.3 52.7 6 8.3 4.0 40 83.3 0.0 4 Urchin Heterocentrotus mammillatus 1.0 1.0 240 250.0 1 1.0 1.0 40 41.7 1 Urchin Tripneustes gratilla 4.2 2.1 240 250.0 0.0 4 4.2 2.0 40 41.7 0.0 4

Mitiaro assessment data summary

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All Transect Transect_P All Station Stations_P Species Group Species Mean SE N Mean SE N Mean SE n Mean SE n Beche de mer Actinopyga mauritiana 37.5 8.8 240 360.0 50.2 25 37.5 12.6 40 136.4 29.8 11 Beche de mer Holothuria atra 105.2 23.2 240 701.4 112.2 36 105.2 41.1 40 280.6 95.1 15 Beche de mer Holothuria atra (big) 67.7 20.8 240 625.0 155.8 26 67.7 30.3 40 208.3 82.1 13 Beche de mer Holothuria cinerascens 15.6 7.7 240 625.0 190.9 6 15.6 10.0 40 156.3 74.9 4 Beche de mer Holothuria leucospilota 13.5 7.1 240 650.0 203.1 5 13.5 8.4 40 135.4 59.8 4 Bivalve Tridacna maxima 1.0 1.0 240 250.0 - 1 1.0 1.0 40 41.7 - 1 Gastropod Dendropoma maximum 7.3 6.3 240 875.0 625.0 2 7.3 6.3 40 145.8 104.2 2 Gastropod Turbo setosus 34.4 9.2 240 434.2 68.5 19 34.4 11.0 40 114.6 24.1 12 Urchin Echinothrix diadema 13.5 7.5 240 650.0 244.9 5 13.5 7.5 40 135.4 42.9 4

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Appendix 4. Invertebrate species recorded at Mauke and Mitiaro Species names are listed as: Local name: Common name then Scientific name Species Photo Species Photo Rori toto Paua

Lollyfish Rugose giant clam

Holothuria atra Tridacna maxima Rori Puakatoro Vana

Long spine sea Surf redfish urchin

Actinopyga Echinothrix mauritiana diadema Matu rori/Rori tapou/Rori Kina ka’a/Rori tapou

White snakefish Pink sea urchin

Holothuria Echinometra mathei leucospilota

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Species Photo Species Photo Atuke Ungakoa

Brown pencil Large worm shell urchin

Heterocentrotus Dendropoma mammillatus maximum Avake Rori U

Short Spine Sea- Black teatfish urchin,

Tripnestus Holothuria nobilis gratilla Rori pua Ariri

Flower sea Rough turban shell cucumber

Holothuria Turbo setosus cinerascens

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