Journal of Indonesia Reefs 1(2) (2011) 99-113 Printed ISSN : 2089-8231

Monitoring the Banggai Cardinalfish, an Endangered Restricted Range Endemic Species

Abigail Moore, 1* Samliok Ndobe 2 and Muhammad Zamrud 3 1 Fisheries and Marine Science Institute, Palu, Indonesia 2 Aquaculture Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu, Indonesia 3 Banggai Fish Quarantine Office, Indonesia

Abstrak Di lingkungan laut hanya sedikit biota yang bersifat endemik. Salah satu yang menarik perhatian adalah Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni, Koumans 1933), sering disingkat BCF, adalah jenis yang berasoisasi dengan ekosistem terumbu karang, endemik di perairan dangkal (kedalaman 0-5m) di sekitar Kepulauan Banggai, Indonesia. Sama halnya dengan kebanyakan wilayah Coral Triangle (Segitiga Karang), perairan pesisir tersebut mengalami tekanan antropogenik yang berat dan beragam. P. kauderni yang diperdagangan sebagai ikan hias, dimasukkan dalam kategori “Endangered” (terancam punah) pada IUCN Red-List dengan permanfaatan berlebih dan degradasi sebagai ancaman utama. Tahun 2007 usulan untuk didaftarkan pada Lampiran II CITES tidak berhasil, kemudian suatu Rencana Aksi/Action Plan (RA-BCF/BCF-AP) tersusun dan pelestarian BCF menjadi salah satu sasaran Indonesian Coral Triangle Initiative National Plan of Action (CTI-NPOA). Monitoring umumnya dipandang sebagai bagian inti suatu sistem pengelolaan yang efektif. Dalam RA-BCF diharapkan agar monitoring biofisik maupun sosio-ekonomi terhadap perdagangan, populasi dan habitat akan mendukung perkembangan perikanan ikan hias bersifat berkelanjutan sekaligus mewujudkan kelestarian Banggai cardinalfish. Tinjauan terhadap sistem-sistem monitoring yang terbentuk, aktivitas yang terlaksana serta data yang diperoleh menunjukkan beberapa kecenderungan, termasuk peningkatan nyata dalam tingkat ketaatan terhadap aturan karantina yang berlaku, dan perubahan positif lainnya dalam pola pemanfaatan P. kauderni. Data tersebut bersama dengan hasil penelitian terbaru juga menunjukkan pentingnya adanya perhatian khusus terhadap pelestarian mikro- habitat kunci berupa bulu babi dan laut yang semakin terancam oleh pemanfaatan berlebih. Sistem-sistem monitoring dievaluasi untuk menghasilkan beberapa saran pengembangan aktivitas monitoring agar cakupannya lebih luas dan hasilnya lebih berguna. Kata Kunci: Pterapogon kauderni, Monitoring, Spesies Endemik, Perdagangan Ikan Hias, Pengelolaan Lestari

Abstract In the marine realm restricted range endemic species are rare. One such species which has attracted much attention is the Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni, Koumans 1933), often referred to as BCF, a associated fish endemic to shallow waters (0-5m) around the Banggai Archipelago, Indonesia. As in most of the Coral Triangle, these coastal waters are under heavy pressure from a variety of anthropogenic impacts. Traded as a marine ornamental, the IUCN Red-List places P. kauderni in the “Endangered” category with overexploitation and habitat degradation as the major threats. After the (unsuccessful) proposal for listing under CITES Appendix II in 2007, a national action plan (BCF- AP) was developed and BCF conservation included in the Indonesian Coral Triangle Initiative National Plan of Action (CTI-NPOA). Monitoring is widely accepted as an integral part of effective management. The BCF-AP calls for biophysical and socio-economic monitoring of the Banggai cardinalfish trade, population and habitat to support the development of a sustainable ornamental fishery and ensure the conservation of the Banggai cardinalfish. Monitoring systems developed, activities undertaken and data produced are reviewed. Trends revealed by the data include a marked increase in compliance with current fish quarantine regulations, and other improvements inP. kauderni use patterns. Together with recent research, the data also reveal the need for an especial focus on key micro-habitat, urchins and sea , which are under pressure from increasingly intensive harvesting. Monitoring systems are evaluated and suggestions for improving the usefulness and scope of monitoring activities are presented. Key words: Pterapogon kauderni, Monitoring,Endemic species, Marine ornamental trade, Conservation Management

*Corresponding Authors: [email protected] Monitoring the Banggai Cardinalfish

Introduction Generally associated with sea urchins, a fact which earned the fish it’s local name in In the freshwater aquatic environment the Bajo language (bebese tayung, meaning there are many species of fish (Pisces) little fish), sea anemones are a limited to a single watershed or a part particularly important microhabitat for the thereof, however in the marine realm survival of newly-released recruits and restricted range endemic fish species are small juveniles, often shared with clown relatively rare. One reason for this is that fish, and adult fish tend to dominate in hard the majority of marine fish, including many coral microhabitat, though this is limited to benthic species of a sedentary habit, have coral life-forms which offer plenty of refuges, a pelagic dispersal phase, usually as eggs especially branching and foliose forms and/or larvae. Some marine fishes however (Ndobe et al., 2008). There is increasing do not have such a phase. For example the evidence that these three microhabitats Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni, (sea urchins, sea anemones and complex Koumans 1933) is a paternal hard coral life-forms) are all important to with direct development, whose fully-formed maintain P. kauderni populations, especially juveniles settle immediately into the sea anemones and sea urchins (Ndobe et surrounding substrate on release from the al., 2010a&b). male parent’s buccal pouch (Vagelli, 2005), The Banggai cardinalfish, often referred therefore lacking pelagic dispersal of eggs to using the abbreviation BCF, has been or larvae. After settlement, P. kauderni traded as a marine ornamental fish since exhibits high site fidelity (Kolm et al., 2005) the 1980’s and in large numbers since the despite an ontogenetic shift in microhabitat 1990’s (Lunn and Moreau, 2004; Ndobe et within a given site (Vagelli, 2004). Genetic al., 2005) and there has been much inter­ research indicates that dispersal at the adult national attention to the fate of this attractive stage is minimal (Vagelli et al., 2009). With endemic fish (e.g. Bruins et al., 2004). these life history traits it is not surprising The IUCN Red-List places P. kauderni that P. kauderni has a very restricted range in the “Endangered” category (Allen and for a marine fish. This small Apogonid with Donaldson, 2007). Overexploitation is given a maximum standard length (SL) of around as the major threat, with habitat degradation 6.5 cm is endemic to the shallow waters also being mentioned. (0-5m, manly 0.5-3m depth) around the A proposal by the USA for listing P. Banggai Archipelago and a few nearby kauderni under CITES (Convention on the islands in Indonesia (Vagelli, 2005). International Trade in The Banggai cardinalfish is generally of Wild Flora and fauna) Appendix II in considered as a coral reef associated 2007 was withdrawn at the 14th Conference fish, and observed habitat includes reef of the Parties (CITES, 2007a&b) and flats, sea grass meadows and coral- Indonesia made a commitment to P. kauderni dominated areas near the reef crest and/ conservation with a sustainable use approach or upper slope where sufficiently shallow (Indrawan and Suseno, 2008; Moore and and protected. Large populations can be Ndobe, 2007a). A national multi-stakeholder found in sheltered bays and lagoons and P. multi-year (2007-2012) Banggai cardinalfish kauderni have been seen among action plan (BCF-AP) was developed at a roots in some sites (Vagelli, 2005; Ndobe workshop in August 2007 with a focus on et al., 2005). As in much of the Coral three aspects: Conservation, Trade and Triangle (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2009), Management. the shallow coastal waters of the Banggai Monitoring is widely accepted as an Archipelago are under heavy and generally integral part of effective adaptive mana­ increasing pressure from a variety of direct gement. Effective monitoring requires reliable and indirect anthropogenic impacts, mostly baseline data, followed by periodic data due to the growing human population and collection using standard or at the very least changes due to modern lifestyles (Allen and compatible methods. Analysis of these data McKenna, 2001; Ndobe et al., 2005; Moore should enable changes and trends to be and Ndobe, 2009).

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identified, though often additional research been a number of studies and research may be necessary to establish cause and activities which do not fall into these effect relationships. The BCF-AP calls for categories but provide valuable additional biophysical and socio-economic monitoring information, much of which is useful for the of the Banggai cardinalfish trade, population evaluation of monitoring results. The main and habitat to support the development of a monitoring activities identified are described sustainable ornamental fishery and ensure briefly in Table 1, showing that many data the conservation of the Banggai cardinalfish. and much information have been collected Baseline data is available for many aspects but that there is no long-term continuous of the Banggai cardinalfish population, dataset as yet. habitat and trade, and monitoring has been Some of the monitoring activities only carried out by a number of organisations began recently (e.g. specific P. kauderni and individuals. However as yet there is no records kept by the Fish Quarantine). integrated or comprehensive monitoring Others now appear to have ceased, e.g. system, and few types of data have been or the monitoring by local enumerators from are being collected on a regular, long-term the District Marine and Fisheries Service basis. (MFS) and fishing communities backed This paper aims to provide an overview by the Ministry for Marine Affaires and and evaluation of the baseline survey and Fisheries (MMAF) Marine and Fisheries monitoring activities relevant to sustainable Research Agency (BRKP). Some have management of the Banggai cardinalfish. been undertaken on an irregular basis, These include monitoring of populations, often depending on the current availability habitat and microhabitat, the fishery and of financial support, e.g. activities by local, trade, and developments in organisational national and international NGOs and and management initiatives local academic institutions. Support has been provided by the Sea Partnership Methods Programme (Program Mitra Bahari), the Indonesian Directorate for Higher Education Activities included were identified from (DIKTI), the Central Sulawesi Provincial literature searches as well as personal Government, the PADI Foundation, and the experience, including recent (unpublished) European Community Poverty Reduction data collected by the authors. The activities Effectiveness Programme in collaboration undertaken and data produced were with the Network of Aquaculture Centres briefly reviewed in terms of scope and in Asia (NACA) and the Support to output. Trends revealed by the data and Regional Aquatic Resources Management management implications were identified. (STREAM) Hub at the Directorate General Monitoring activities were evaluated in for Aquaculture (DGA). order to provide suggestions for improving Some research and monitoring activities the usefulness of data available for mana­ by foreign researchers were undertaken gement, and establishing an effective without proper permits and therefore long-term monitoring system to support technically at least illegal. Unfortunately the commitment made by Indonesia of most data and information collected were conserving the Banggai cardinalfish through published internationally but not socialised a sustainable use approach. or made available/accessible to local and Results national stakeholders until socialisation of the 2004/2005 case study by Yayasan Baseline survey and monitoring activities Palu Hijau (YPH) at District, Provincial have been undertaken by a number of and National levels (Ndobe et al., 2005). organisations and individual researchers, This accounts for the time lag between including both biophysical monitoring of international concern (e.g. Allen, 2000) and the P. kauderni population and habitat and local concern and conservation actions socio-economic monitoring of the Banggai (e.g. Ndobe et al., 2006a&b). cardinalfish trade. In addition there have

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Table 1. Overview of known baseline survey and monitoring activities

Organisation(s)* and data Time Frame and Type of Monitoring source(s) Scope or Location Records of fish leaving the area Fish Quarantine (Official Ongoing Specific BCF/ornamental fish records) 2009 - present (Banggai Office) records 2008: Bone Baru, Toropot, MMAF (BRKP) & local MFS Fishery catch and rejects Mbuang-Mbuang (Enumerator reports) Partly participatory 2009: Bone Baru, Toropot, Bone Bone

Population and Habitat Baseline data 2004 (Banggai Local NGO YPH Fishery and Trade Island, Bokan Kepulauan, (Ndobe et al., 2005) (some monitoring based on Lunn & Liang) Moreau 2001 baseline)

Monitoring based on 2004 baseline Monitoring 2006 Local NGO LP3L Talinti/Sea Population and Habitat (Banggai Island) Partnership Programme Fishery and Trade Monitoring 2009 (LP3L Talinti, 2006) In connection with provincial (Banggai Island, mainly Bone government program Baru)

Academic Population, Habitat, Trade (STPL, UNTAD) Associated with research and/or 2007 (Banggai) Scientific papers and official provincial government programs 2010 (Bone Baru) reports Monitoring based on 2004 baseline 2011 (Banggai) and LP3l Talinti (2006)

Trade – local and to some extent 2008-present (2011) National NGO LINI international trade (MAC links) Bone Baru (some export) LINI reports and presentations Habitat & population Fishing Grounds and some Mostly participatory other sites

Vagelli Population baseline 2001, 2002, 2004 (Vagelli & Erdmann, 2002; Monitoring of population density at 2002, 2004 (many sites) Vagelli, 2005 & 2008; CITES some sites proposal documents) Possible further monitoring? (more recent visits?)

Trade baseline data Lunn and Moreau (Lunn & (used as baseline by several 2000/2001 Moreau 2001 & 2004) subsequent researchers/teams)

Acroporis Trade through Tumbak and involving (French NGO) 2006 - 2008 Tumbak buyers http://www.acroporis.fr

* Abbreviations: NGO = Non-Governmental Organisation; MMAF = Ministry for Marine Affaires and Fisheries; MFS = District Marine and Fisheries Service; BRKP = Marine and Fisheries Research Agency of the MMAF; YPH = Yayasan Palu Hijau; LINI = The Indonesian Nature Foundation; STPL = Sekolah Tinggi Perikanan dan Kelautan (Fisheries and Marine Science Institute); UNTAD = Tadulako University

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BCF-AP Implementation and the Constitutional Law No 31/2004 on Organisational Aspects Fisheries and Law PP No.60/2007 on the Conservation of Fisheries Resources as a Annual stakeholder meetings have been legal basis for species-level legislation. At held since the 2007 meeting at which the the 2011 meeting in Bone Baru the outline Banggai Cardinalfish Action Plan (BCF- draft for a Ministerial Decree was agreed, AP) was produced: in Palu (2008), Luwuk with a target of promulgation before the end (2009), Banggai and Jakarta (2010) and of 2011. The scope of this proposed Decree Bone Baru on Banggai Island (2011). is more limited than the comprehensive Though the initiating agency and the main Fisheries Management Plan (RPP-BCF) focus of each event has been different, originally envisaged, but would provide a all have provided an opportunity to share legal basis for many current and proposed data and information, review progress, and management actions, for example size adjust short-term goals. Some information limits and quotas. Provisional quotas were on the early stages of implementation has agreed at a meeting in Banggai in 2010, been presented at national and international and provisional size limits (2.5-4 cm SL) events (e.g. Ndobe and Moore, 2009; were set at the 2011 Bone Baru meeting. Moore and Ndobe, 2010a&b; Ndobe et al. Significant challenge as this island 2010a&b). comprises 4 Sub-Districts with relatively P. kauderni management and conservation high human population density as well has consistently been included in sectoral as the main Banggai cardinalfish fishing plans at national and local levels, and in grounds. Two village level community marine particular was included in the Indonesian protected areas have been proposed (Bone Coral Triangle Initiative National Plan Baru and Tinakin Laut), and in Bone Baru of Action (CTI-NPOA) in 2009 (Jompa, there have been practical implementation 2009). Though this action plan has not yet measures though as yet no legal basis. A entered the implementation phase (Jompa, decree by the village head has been under pers. com, 2011), this is an opportunity for discussion for at several years now. In 2010 international as well as increased national the BCF Lestari fishermen’s group and other support in the future. local community representatives expressed A key component of the BCF-AP, a a desire for independent facilitation to multi-stakeholder umbrella body for P. help the villagers from a technical (legal) kauderni management, was achieved in viewpoint and to reconcile the (largely minor) 2007 through the establishment of The differences of opinion within the community Banggai Cardinalfish Centre (BCFC) by (Saputra, 2010). Decree of the District Head SK Bupati No 168/2007. A purpose-built BCFC office Fishing Grounds and Fishing Villages was constructed in Bone Baru in 2009, The extent of known P. kauderni fishing but by the meeting in September 2011 still grounds in 2001 (Lunn and Moreau, 2004), had no electricity, minimal fittings and no 2004 (Ndobe et al., 2005) and 2006 (LP3L office or other operational supplies. Since Talinti, 2006) included most of the known its establishment, the BCFC has had no distribution of the species, as shown in operational budget and activities have Fig. 1A. In 2008 and 2009 there was some been carried out on a voluntary basis or indication of a reduction in fishing ground with support from specific projects (e.g. extent and by 2011 there were strong the training events organised by the NGO indications based on information from a LINI). number of key informants that the areas Supporting legislation is seen as vital actively fished have substantially reduced to the long-term achievement of the BCF- as shown in Fig. 1B. There have also been AP goals, and has been in progress since substantial changes in the villages engaged 2008. The main obstacle has been the in P. kauderni collection (fishing villages), lack of intermediary level legislation under as can be seen from the data in Table 2.

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a) b)

Source: Ndobe et al. (2005) and primary data, 2011

Fig. 1. Known P. kauderni fishing grounds in 2004 (A) and 2011 (B)

Table 2. Pterapogon kauderni Fishing Villages

Sources : Lunn and Moreau (2001); Ndobe et al. (2005); LP3L Talinti (2006); Latupono (2008 & 2009); Saputra (2010); unpublished data (2011)

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In 2000/2001 there were around 12 played a role in the observed and reported villages engaged in P. kauderni collection, decline of roving P. kauderni fisher/buyers, and an increasing trend in the number most if not all of whom would have been of fishers and fishing villages over the operating illegally (without valid permits and period 1998-2001 was reported (Lunn and other documents or indeed without permits Moreau, 2001). By 2004 several of these at all), and/or involved in the use of poisons villages were no longer active or very rarely to catch other (more valuable and less easy collecting and trading, leaving 7 (possibly to catch) ornamental species. 8) villages still involved in collecting P. This reduction in fisher numbers has been kauderni (Ndobe et al., 2005). In 2006, coupled with an increase in professionalism. Bone Baru was the only village still active In 2001 (Lunn and Moreau, 2001) there were on Banggai Island (LP3L Talinti, 2006) and no fishermen’s groups with legal status, overall the number of trading villages had and this was still the case in 2006 (LP3L been reduced to four villages, as shown Talinti, 2006). In Bone Baru the ornamental in Fig. 1A. However, there are now two fishermen’s group, called Kelompok BCF villages actively fishing on Banggai Lestari, is now legally established, a process Island, with fishers in Tolokibit (one of facilitated in 2009 by the local NGO LP3L the villages active in 2001 and 2004) now Talinti and the BCFC with support from the once again collecting fish which are traded Provincial Marine and Fisheries Service on a regular basis via Kendari, sometimes BCF-AP implementation program. The P. together with some fish collected by Bone kauderni fishing patterns in this village began Bone fishermen. Conversely Toropot, still to be more sustainable after socialisation in active in the P. kauderni fishery and trade 2005 and 2006, for example brooding males up to 2010 (Saputra, 2010), is not currently were no longer captured. Since then there active according to information from the have been further technical improvements 2011 stakeholder meeting in Bone Baru. in capture methods and post-harvest care, The overall trend is of a reduction in the in particular due to an ornamental fishery number of people fishing and the extent of training workshop in 2009 which included fishing grounds. It can be seen that there representatives from several fishing villages are only two villages which have remained and related institutions, and subsequent consistently active, Bone Baru on Banggai guidance from a community facilitator Island and Bone Bone on Bangkurung based in Bone Baru, both provided by the Island. Based on key informant interviews, NGO LINI in partnership with the BCFC, the main reason for villages such as Toropot, supported by the PADI Foundation. The group Tolokibit and Panapat to become active or to members in general are keen to manage cease activity is the presence or absence of their resources wisely, indeed several have visiting buyers. Another major change is the become active in local conservation efforts, tendency for fishers to remain closer to their a trend noticeable since community MPA bases, due to increased overhead costs. and coastal resources management training This is one reason for the reduction in extent for stakeholders including Bone Baru and of the Bone Baru fishing grounds. There is Tinakin Laut villagers in 2006 under the some anecdotal evidence that the reduction Sea Partnership Program. in visitation by fishers and buyers from Bali There is still a need to extend the and Java, in particular the Balinese traders improve­ments in Bone Baru to other P. who worked in partnership with Panapat kauderni fishery and trade centres. This villagers, is also due to the costs of roving was apparent from discussions with the fishing. Despite minimal surveillance and fishers and traders involved in the Tolokibit- enforcement, it is likely that the increasingly Kendari trade route in 2011 as well as from negative attitude of local people to those the annual stakeholder meetings. perceived as “fish thieves” may also have

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Trade numbers of fish caught, mortality and In the year from March 2000 to April numbers of rejected fish, and fishing 2001, the total volume of P. kauderni traded grounds by fisherman and village. In each from the Banggai Islands was estimated year these data were routinely collected at between 700,000-1.4 million fish/year in three villages. In 2008, the villages based on data collected by Lunn and monitored were Bone Baru, Toropot and Moreau (2001 & 2004). When compared to Mbuang-Mbuang. However, as in 2004 the estimated total population of 2.4 million Mbuang-Mbuang was actually a fishing (Vagelli and Erdmann, 2002), it is not ground (for Panapat fishers working surprising that there was serious concern with Balinese roving collectors), not a for the future of this species (e.g. Bruins et P. kauderni fishing village (Ndobe et al., al., 2004). 2005), it is not surprising that there were no Local survey and monitoring activities fish collected in the data for this village. In estimated the volume over the period 2004- 2009 the third village was changed to Bone 2006 at around 600,000-700,000 fish/year, Bone, an active P. kauderni fishing village close to the lower limit of the estimate by on the Island of Bangkulu or Bangkurung Lunn and Moreau and also to the estimate (synonym names). A synopsis of the data is given in Vagelli and Erdmann (2002). These presented in Table 3. While not presenting data were based on information supplied a complete record of P. kauderni trading, by fishermen and traders in the Banggai these Figs do indicate a reduction in overall Islands. In 2008, the Marine trade volume and, importantly, a decrease Council (MAC) and LINI estimated the total in mortality which in 2004 was frequently international demand at around 450,000 in excess of 10% (Ndobe et al., 2005). fish/year, a Fig substantially lower than the Observation and anecdotal information number of fish collected. The difference is indicate there may be some under-reporting thought to be due to high levels of mortality of rejects (often released near to the fishing and rejects (e.g. fish with damaged fins) in villages) and mortality. the market chain, as well as to the practice Current legislation requires that all fish of collecting and buying speculatively rather and fish products must go through Fish than on demand (e.g. by intermediary Quarantine procedures before crossing buyers from Tumbak in North Sulawesi). The internal administrative boundaries as well release of unsold fish, including rejects, has as leaving the country (export). Fish not been one reason introduced populations going through Fish Quarantine procedures have become established. are, de-facto, illegally traded. In 2004, only There are no reported cases of natural one P. kauderni trader (then operating P. kauderni population expansion, but a route via Luwuk and Palu) had ever introduced populations have been reported followed Fish Quarantine procedures for in Luwuk (Vagelli and Erdmann, 2002), P.kauderni leaving the Banggai Islands. Palu Bay (Moore and Ndobe, 2007b); The Fish Quarantine Service was one Lembeh (Erdmann and Vagelli, 2001); North of the stakeholders involved in the 2005 Bali (Lilley, 2008) and Kendari (personal socialisation and the 2007 BCF-AP observation, 2011). workshop, and is represented in the BCFC. The trade monitoring scheme by the In 2008, a branch office was established in Ministry for Marine Affaires and Fisheries Banggai, on Banggai Island and since 2008 (MMAF); Marine and Fisheries Research specific records of the legal P. kauderni Agency (BRKP) with enumerators from trade have been kept. The data collected the District Marine and Fisheries Service are shown in Table 4 and Fig. 2. trade of fish (MFS) and the ornamental fishing community from introduced populations in Indonesia collected data in 2008 and 2009 including and from captive P. kauderni breeding, mainly in consumer countries.

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Table 3. Synopsis of the “BCF enumerator” data for 2008-2009

Source: Latupono (2008 &2009)

Source: Fish Quarantine Records

Trends revealed by trade data include a to Luwuk by sea, and by air to Jakarta or marked increase in compliance with current Denpasar transiting through Makassar. fish quarantine regulations, and other Another significant change is the price improvements in P. kauderni use patterns. paid per fish. From 2001 to 2006 this As all fish going through Fish Quarantine remained at around 200-300Rp./fish. In in 2008 and 2009 were from the villages 2008 and 2009, most BCF were sold for 350 monitored by the enumerators, it can be Rp./fish. The new trade route and improved seen that there was a significant increase quality of fish supplied have enabled Bone legal trade in terms of the number of fish and Baru fishers at least to increase the price the percentage of the total trade volume. In per fish to 500Rp. Eventually, it is estimated 2010 there was a decrease in the numbers that it should be possible to attain a price of P. kauderni traded through Bone Baru, to fishers of around 1,000 Rp. each, which largely due to a policy of linking capture to the fishermen consider would be a good demand, with exporters ordering fish in line price. The economics of the market chain with the demand from overseas importers. make much higher pricing unlikely in the This linkage, facilitated by LINI, the Fish foreseeable future (Saputra, 2010). Quarantine Service and the BCFC, was Collectively, the villages monitored made possible by the above-mentioned in 2008 and 2009 collected numbers of improvements in handling procedures as P. kauderni below the estimated global well as improvements in transport and demand. Based on the estimated population communication infrastructure. In particular, of 2.4 million this level of trade is unlikely the enlargement of Luwuk airport to handle in itself to cause of the Banggai regular domestic flights with air cargo cardinalfish. It is known that there is some facilities. This enabled the opening of a trade of fish from introduced populations more direct trade route from Banggai Island in Indonesia and from captive P. kauderni breeding, mainly in consumer countries.

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Source: Fish Quarantine Records Fig. 2. Monthly Fish Quarantine data on P. kauderni shipments

changes in hydrology and water quality, Habitat and Microhabitat and occasional population explosions of Survey and monitoring of overall the coral predator Acanthaster plancii, habitat condition has revealed significant generally considered as an indication of degradation from direct and indirect threats ecological imbalance. (Ndobe, et al., 2005 & 2008; LP3L Talinti, Key results of P. kauderni population 2006; Moore and Ndobe, 2009). Direct survey and monitoring include relationships impacts include coral mining; the gleaning between fishing pressure and population of invertebrates for food and other uses density as well as population structure. (not perceived as fishing); fishing pressure, Heavy fishing pressure is correlated with sometimes including the use of destructive lower population density, but there has been methods; coastal development projects, no significant difference found between including the construction of sea walls (so- lightly/moderately fished sites and un- say to avoid coastal abrasion), and the fished sites in terms of population density construction of public infrastructure (such as (Kolm and Berglund, 2003; Ndobe et al., the new port at Tinakin Laut); and residential 2005; LP3L Talinti, 2006). Monitoring of development, including the replacement of both the endemic population and Palu Bay traditional homes (constructed of wood, introduced population (including published bamboo, and other natural materials) with and unpublished data) indicates that all “permanent” concrete and breeze-block levels of fishing alter population structure dwellings, a shift strongly supported by with a higher percentage of recruits and government development policy. Public smaller juveniles observed at sites recently works and private constructions are major fished or fished at intervals of up to 3-4 drivers of coral and sand mining, despite months. these practices being theoretically illegal. A recent threat to P. kauderni populations, Indirect impacts from the increasing massive consumption of key microhabitat, pressure on land-based resources of these was first revealed by survey and monitoring small islands include sedimentation and activities in 2007 (Ndobe et al., 2008). A

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drastic population decline occurred at a farmers seek protein to feed themselves and site in Tinakin Laut village waters after the their families in the shallow waters around sea anemones (highly visible in 2004 and their farms, resulting in intensive harvesting 2006) all disappeared. It turned out that of all edible benthic invertebrates, including the anemones had been collected and the sea anemones and sea urchins which eaten. Apparently this has long been a provide key P. kauderni micro-habitat. practice of hill farming communities (orang As yet there has been no structured gunung) during drought periods when they quantitative or socio-economic research into have difficulty in obtaining other sources of this phenomenon, however it is already clear protein, however in the past the collection that the threat to P. kauderni populations is would not have been on such a large scale. serious and that it will not be easy to find A similar case of increasing collection a workable solution. Protected status for and consumption by hill farmers (orang the sea anemones (several species) and gunung) has been reported from Tolokibit, Diadema sea urchins is highly unlikely this time focused on sea urchins. One-off to be workable, even if the laws could be collection of sea anemones also led to a put in place. Traditional (Adat) regulation drastic reduction in numbers of recruits and might work in those communities which small juveniles at Mamboro in Palu Bay, are still homogenous and recognise a a site frequently observed since 2006. All traditional authority (e.g. the traditional King large groups of recruits observed in the of Banggai, or at present the Regent as wild since 2004 by the authors have been the King is under age), however would be sheltered in micro-habitat. unlikely to work well in more heterogeneous Recent reduction in sea urchin and sea communities. Village level regulations would anemone populations at another site in be difficult to set up in a situation where so Palu Bay (from unknown causes) resulted many villages are involved. Education and in a situation where almost all fish crowded awareness building would certainly require into the remaining urchins were adults, very substantial resources, not least in order with no recruits or small juveniles visible, to identify the drivers and possible effective despite large numbers of brooding males entry points. Possible media could be the (i.e. high reproductive activity), indicating a development of materials for the Local significant drop in recruit/juvenile survival. Content (Muatan Lokal) in school curricula, Monitoring by LINI and the BCF Lestari or the local radio. However experience fishermen’s group in 2010 and 2011 shows that even knowledgeable and aware (Artiawan, pers. com., 2011) confirmed key people are often still inclined to harvest informant information obtained from socio- resources which are already protected (e.g. economic monitoring in 2009 that intensive giant clams, turtles) let alone legal fisheries harvesting of shallow-water invertebrates resources. including sea anemones, and in particular large-scale consumption of sea urchins, Evaluation was becoming more wide-spread. This There are many positive aspects of harvesting has caused visible declines in the monitoring activities to date. Many sea anemone and sea urchin populations government and non-government organi­ and is correlated with equally visible (and sations have been involved, and most in some cases measured) reductions in P. have shown a high level of commitment. kauderni populations, both within and at Survey/monitoring activities have identified sites outside fishing grounds. problems as well as changes (positive and There are very strong indications that negative) which could well have otherwise although in some cases collection is by hill gone undetected or been misinterpreted. farmers or other fisher folk, the main reason Data has been used (e.g. during the CITES for the shift in fishing and consumption process, in preparing proposals, planning patterns is related to the development of and implementing programs and initiatives). seaweed farming. Fishers turned seaweed Strengths and opportunities which can

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be built on include the National Action There should be an agreement on a Plan (BCF-AP) and other policies (e.g. minimum scope of monitoring to support CTI-NPOA) and planned legislation; the conservation management, including a existence of an umbrella body (the BCFC) sustainable fishery and trade and a needs with a legal basis and a dedicated office; assessment to establish gaps: what is and the development of inter-stakeholder monitored; method/protocols; spatial and communication channels, even though use temporal scope; human resources; financial of these has often been limited. resource; logistics; etc. This will enable Weaknesses which need to be addressed stakeholders to agree basic protocols, include the fact that most monitoring has especially for population/habitat monitoring; been and still is irregular (often due to lack identify sources of financial/logistic support of resource), with no overall strategy/plan and seek firm commitments; agree on who and there is a lack of coordination between is responsible for each basic monitoring organisations (GO and NGO) in planning, component; consider outputs: effective implementation and socialisation of results. mechanisms for socialisation and input to There has been no common agreement on management. methods/protocols, and activities under­ taken are not always truly “monitoring” due Conclusion and to shifts in location, method, etc. There are Recommendations some overlaps and many gaps in scope, temporal and spatial coverage and there is There is considerable evidence from still a lack of some important baseline data monitoring activities to date that the P. kauderni fishery and trade in the Banggai (e.g. limited spatial coverage). Archipelago, once considered the main Strategy threat to the survival of this restricted range endemic species, is now a factor Comprehensive and Integrated Monitoring promoting conservation of the shallow- needs coordination. An umbrella organisation water ecosystems of the Banggai exists – the BCFC. A priority should be to Archipelago, in particular through raised empower the BCFC to coordinate as per awareness among those directly involved the original BCF-AP concept, including and the wider community and the value in the field of monitoring. The BCFC has of the Banggai cardinalfish as a local icon an office, but no funds, basic supplies or (flagship species). Monitoring to date has even electricity. The Decree (SK Bupati) shown an increase in compliance with legal appointed the BCFC members in 2007 requirements, improved organisational but is now outdated. As yet there is no structure (fisher group), technical aspects constitution (Anggaran Rumah Tangga) and of the fishery and trade and an increase in no general (annual) or routine committee the price per fish paid to fishers. There has meetings have been held. Activities have been a decrease in illegal trade, destructive been opportunistic, largely made possible practices (especially the collection of through the high level of personal brooding males), and mortality. It can be commitment of some members. The BCFC concluded that although there is a need should have a proper constitution, including for ongoing efforts and constant vigilance a mechanism for regular revision of the to maintain and extend the improvements, executive committee, and a reliable source overall the P. kauderni fishery is well on the of finance sufficient at least to enable the way to the goal of a sustainable ornamental performance of the basic tasks assigned to fishery first set by local stakeholders in 2005 the Centre. and then the national BCF-AP in 2007. Monitoring scope, protocols and human In a review of marine biodiversity patterns, resources need to be addressed. This threats and conservation needs, Gray should incorporate existing routine activities (1997) stated that “loss of habitat is the (e.g. by the Fish Quarantine Service). most serious threat to marine biodiversity”.

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Overall, monitoring results indicate that is not just about the data, but also the loss of habitat, especially the key micro- socialisation and use of the results. It is habitat organisms (Diadema urchins and particularly important to ensure feedback to sea anemones) which are under pressure local stakeholders. So far this has largely from increasingly intensive harvesting, is been achieved through annual meetings now the main threat to conservation of the but in the long term this should also be a endemic P. kauderni population and indeed major role for the BCFC. to the ornamental fishery. This is a recent In order for the BCFC to play all these threat, caused by socio-economic changes, key monitoring-related roles, outlined including the expansion of seaweed farming. in the BCF-AP, the Centre needs to be Since first reported in 2007 there evidence empowered not just in terms of human that this phenomenon has rapidly become resources and equipment but also financial more widespread and severe though resources. Finance could be from routine the true extent is not known. It involves central and local government allocations many stakeholders who are unaware of and donations from concerned national or the Banggai cardinalfish, the fishery, and international organisations or individuals. related conservation issues. How to protect Development of eco-tourism would open sea urchins and sea anemones is a major up new opportunities both for finance and challenge. There is a clear need for further participation in monitoring activities. research and monitoring of the situation. Last but not least, the Banggai cardinalfish Monitoring to date has played a valuable is native to a small area of Indonesia, but role in informing stakeholders of the progress has already been acknowledged as part of initiatives undertaken, highlighting gaps of the global heritage. Any constructive and revealing new developments which ideas for improving the conservation and need to be taken into consideration to monitoring of the Banggai cardinalfish and ensure the long-term conservation of the its habitat in general, and in particular for Banggai cardinalfish. It is clear that there addressing the problem of consumption of is a need to continue the improvements in key microhabitat (sea anemones and sea the fishery and trade, and to find ways to urchins), will be most gratefully received. protect P. kauderni habitat, especially the Acknowledgments key micro- (sea anemones and sea urchins). Monitoring of both biophysical The authors wish to thank the many and socio-economic trends needs to be individuals and organisations without whom the writing of this paper would not have continued long-term. The only long-term been possible. Firstly, all the people and monitoring with a guaranteed funding source organisations who were directly involved in is the Fish Quarantine records. the survey and monitoring activities mentioned One cost-effective way of developing a and/or provided data and information from long-term integrated monitoring program academic, local and central government, NGO would be through empowerment and capacity and community backgrounds, and especially building for the BCFC. Local community the BBCF Lestari fishermen’s group and BCFC members, including the fishermen’s group members. Secondly, the organising committee members could do much of the routine data of the 2nd Coral Reef Management Symposium collection, a process which has already on Coral Triangle Area, who accepted the paper been begun through the BCF enumerator for presentation. Last but not least, all who program and the monitoring initiated by provided financial, in-kind or moral support for LINI. Other BCFC affiliated organisations the preparation and presentation of this paper, such as academic and research institutions in particular the Fish Quarantine Service in could supplement this with less frequent but Luwuk and Kendari, colleagues at the Sekolah Tinggi Perikanan dan Kelautan, the Tadulako more detailed monitoring and analysis, all University Aquaculture Study Program and coordinated through the BCFC. Monitoring LP3L Talinti in Palu.

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