theWIOMSAMAGAZINE
people& the environment Issue no. 4 | June 2010
Buying time for corals Coal reef crisis Marine Protected Areas and climate change
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 1 Conference on “Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation in the WIO region: Solutions to the Crisis” Grand Baie, Mauritius, 21-23 March 2011
THE FIRST gained in implementa- in the WIO region. be submitted to secretary@ ANNOUNCEMENT tion of adaptation and Priority will be given to wiomsa.org. AND CALL FOR mitigation strategies. summaries describing PAPERS e#orts undertaken by FINANCIAL ii) Support and facilitate governments, NGOs/ ASSISTANCE !e Western IndianCALL FOR WIOPAPERS countries in their CBOs and private sector A limited number of travel Ocean MarineSummaries Science are invitedquest on anyto forge topic a related com- to theto impacts address and implications adaptation to climategrants change will be provided Association (WIOMSA)in the WIO region. Prioritymon vision will beon given how to summariesof climate describing changes. efforts undertakento participants by from the in collaborationgovernments, with the NGOs/CBOsdeal with and implications private sector toSummaries address implications must be of climateregion changes. whose summaries Mauritius OceanographySummaries must be inof Englishclimate andchange. should not exceedin English 400 words. and should Submitted summaryhave been must accepted. Institute (MOI);FRQWDLQWKHIROORZLQJLQIRUPDWLRQ WLWOHQDPH V RIDXWKRU V and not exceed 400DI¿OLDWLRQVSRVWDODQGHPDLO words. Applications for the the Nairobi Conventionaddresses. It shouldiii) alsoDevelop clearly a common state the preferredSubmitted mode of summarypresentation must (oral ortravel poster). grants should be Secretariat are 6XPPDU\PXVWEHLQ7LPHV1HZ5RPDQSRLQWIRQWVLQJOHVSDFLQJZLWKMXVWL¿HGDOLJQPHQWpleased to stand in priorities for contain the following accompanied by details announce the 6XPPDULHVVKRXOGEULHÀ\GHVFULEHWKHLUSURMHFWVLQLWLDWLYHV SUREOHPVWKH\DUHDGGUHVVLQJ PDMRU"rst Confer- actions in relation to information: title, name(s) of the support required. ence on “Climateachievements Change and lessonsresearch, learnt. adaptation of author(s), a$liations, !ese applications need Impacts, Adaptation and and mitigation strate- postal and e-mail to be submitted by All summaries will be reviewed for merit and relevance and must be received by WIOMSA Mitigation in the Western gies. addresses. It should also 15th January 2011 to QRODWHUWKDQ1RYHPEHU&RQ¿UPDWLRQRIDFFHSWDQFHIRURUDORUSRVWHUSUHVHQWDWLRQV Indian Ocean will(WIO) be communicated to authors by 15 Decemberclearly 2010. state Summaries the preferred should be [email protected]. to region: [email protected] to the DATES. mode of presentation (oral Crisis”, which will be held Monday, 21 March 2011 or poster). Summary must EXHIBITIONS in Grand Baie, Mauritius – Wednesday, 23 March be in Times New Roman, Space will be available for from 21st – 23rdFINANCIAL March 2011 ASSISTANCE 12-point font, single exhibits by organisations, 2011. A limited number of travel grants will be providedspacing to participants with justi from"ed the regionprogrammes, whose projects and summaries have CONbeen accepted.FERENCE Applications foralignment. the travel grants should be accompaniedcompanies. by Please contact !is Conferencedetails will ofbring the supportFORM required.AT These applications need to be submitted by 15ththe January WIOMSA 2011 to Secretariat together key [email protected] !e Conference. will Summaries should brie%y ([email protected]) working on climate change have a combination of describe their projects/ for more details. Deadline issues at di#erent levels expert presentations and initiatives; problems they for con"rmation by including seniorEXHIBITIONS Govern- discussions in plenary are addressing; major institutions participating ment o$cials, 6SDFHZLOOEHDYDLODEOHIRUH[KLELWVE\RUJDQLVDWLRQVSURJUDPPHVSURMHFWVDQGFRPSDQLHVrepresenta- and parallel sessions. achievements and lessons in the exhibition is 15 tives of regionalPlease multi- contact lat- theProminent WIOMSA experts Secretariat from ( [email protected]. ) for more details.January Deadline 2011. for eral bodies, developmentFRQ¿UPDWLRQE\LQVWLWXWLRQVSDUWLFLSDWLQJLQWKHH[KLELWLRQLV governments, business -DQXDU\ partners, representatives of community, NGOs and All summaries will be Contact address: the business communityContact address: multi-lateral organizations reviewed for merit and Executive Secretary Executive Secretary and NGOs and CBOs, will be invited to attend relevance and must be WIOMSA WIOMSA and scientists, 32%R[ =DQ]LEDUto: the symposium and deliver received by WIOMSA no P. O. Box 3298, Zanzibar, 8QLWHG5HSXEOLFRI7DQ]DQLDkeynote presentations. later than 15 November United Republic of i) Share knowledge,Tel: + 255 ex- 24 2233472 2010. Con"rmation of Tanzania, perience andFax: solutions + 255 24 2233852CALL FOR PAPERS acceptance for oral or Tel: + 255 24 2233472 on impacts(PDLO of [email protected] Summaries are invited on poster presentations will Fax: + 255 24 2233852 change and experience any topic related to the be communicated to E-mail: secretary@wiomsa. 2QEHKDOIRIWKHRUJDQL]LQJFRPPLWWHHZHVLQFHUHO\LQYLWH\RXimpacts and adaptation authors by 15 December org to climate changeWRMRLQXVLQWKH&RQIHUHQFH 2010. Summaries should On behalf of the organizing committee, we sincerely invite you to join us in the Conference. S
Features T 12. AN ASSESSMENT OF MANGROVE ECO! SYSTEM VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE EN CHANGE IN WESTERN MADAGASCAR T
16. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS AND CON CLIMATE CHANGE IN NORTHWESTERN MADAGASCAR
20. INCUBATION TEMPERATURE AND IN! FLUENTIAL FACTORS ON Chelonia mydas REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN LIGHT OF News CLIMATE CHANGE 5. MASSIVE CORALS THE NATURAL ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
8. WHAT IS THE CLIMATE VULNERABILITY OF THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN “CORAL TRIANGLE”
8. ADAPTING TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY
Special features 23. BUYING TIME FOR CORALS 24. CORAL REEF CRISIS
Last word 28. ‘MIDDLE CLASS’ REEF FISH FEEL THE ECONOMIC SQUEEZE
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 1 2 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 3 L
Climate Change – Less Talk, More Action! A
ontinuing coral Indian Ocean: Implica- ture Seychelles managed
bleaching, chang- tions for human health, Cousin Island Special ORI Cing patterns of the environment and the Reserve became in Sep- T rainfall, alteration in economy” was organized. tember 2010 the World’s stratification and circula- Based on the priorities first carbon neutral
tion patterns of ocean identified in the e dis- nature reserve – a high EDI currents and increased cussion, WIOMSA has point for the WIO region. frequency of extreme funded eleven projects weather events. The im- covering different as- As a robust response to pacts of climate change pects of climate change the less than satisfactory are all around us. As is impacts on coral reefs, outcomes of the Copen- the case globally, the mangroves and fisheries hagen Summit, WIOMSA, Western Indian Ocean as well as prepared- the Nairobi Conven- (WIO) region is experi- ness of governments tion and the Mauritius encing climate-related for climate change. The Oceanography Institute perturbations with most information generated are jointly organizing the of them being attributed from the research will be regional Climate Change to the outcomes of ocean used to identify adapta- Symposium in March The WIOMSA Magazine, People and the Environment warming. There is clear tion measures and to 2011. This symposium www.wiomsa.org and present danger for support strategy develop- is expected to be solu- Issue No 4 coastal communities and ment for adaptation. Thus tion oriented and issues June 2010 key economic sectors WIOMSA intends the driven. It will bring to-
Published by: Western Indian including tourism, agri- results of the projects to gether senior government Ocean Marine Science culture and fisheries. be directed into reducing officials, representatives Association(WIOMSA) vulnerability to climate- of regional multi-lateral Editors: Nirmal Shah and Claire Despite this recognition, related impacts and in bodies, development Attwood coastal and marine is- assisting in building the partners, representatives Production Editor: Lilian Omolo sues are not high enough resilience of coastal of the business commu- on the climate change communities and environ- nity and NGOs and CBOs, Contributors: agendas of the countries ments. and scientists, to share Nirmal Shah; Jens Zinke; Craig in the WIO region. This knowledge and solutions Grove; Geert-Jan Brummer; is what has prompted Other exciting initiatives so as to support WIO Alison CLAUSEN; Harifidy Ralison, WWF Madagascar; WIOMSA and key part- in the region are breaking countries to forge com- T Jacob; J Bourjea; Tim Mc ners such as the Nairobi new ground. A MASMA- mon priorities and actions Clanahan; David Obura; Josh Cinner Convention, Institute of funded project “The for dealing with climate Marine Sciences and Na- feasibility of mangrove change. Advertising/Marketing: Lilian Omolo ture Seychelles to take up REDD projects in the leadership into bringing Western Indian Ocean: In preparation for this Cover Photo: “Baba Mantas” these issues into national Linking mangrove con- symposium, this issue By Alice Clausen and regional forums. servation and climate of the magazine is dedi- Design and Layout: Job Ballard, change adaptation to the cated to climate change Creaticus Limited WIOMSA’s formal foray global carbon markets” and the regional and lo- Printed by: Creaticus Limited into the arena of climate is aiming at contributing cal organizations in the
Readers are invited to send in change begun during to the development of WIO are doing in terms of their articles for inclusion in the the 6th Scientific Sym- carbon offsetting project research and mitigation. magazine to: secretary@wiomsa. posium in La Réunion in baseline and monitoring Some of the 11 projects org. Photographs for the WIO Gallery are also welcome. The 2009, where a roundtable methodologies specific indicated above have photos must be shot within the discussion “Climate to mangrove habitats and contributed articles on Western Indian Ocean Region. change and the Western the WIO context. The Na- their work in the sector. We hope you enjoy the read. FOR MEMBERSHIP CONTACT:
email: secretary@wiomsa .org Nirmal Shah tel: +255242233472 Co-Editor www.wiomsa.org
4 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 S W NE
Massive corals the natural archives of environmental change
By Jens Zinke, Craig oil erosion, land Environmental management of the Grove, Geert-Jan A. degradation and geochemists- dealing coastal environment. Brummer and MASMA/ Smodern climate with the direct data CLIMATCH-NWO change pose a mounting acquisition on biological The project was research team threat to coastal nations archives- have engendered from the in the western Indian combined with climate recognition that there New MASMA and Ocean. Yet vital, long- scientists, environmental is a dire need for pre- Dutch research project term observational data modellers and ecologists instrumental era data to assess the impact are missing to properly in a new project to to assess the spatio- of climate change assess and clarify the examine the spatial and temporal variability of and human impact on impact of climate change temporal environmental river- soil- and nutrient- nearshore coral reefs and land-use changes changes affecting discharge into tropical in the Western Indian on sustainability and coral reef ecosystems marine catchments Ocean to substantiate calls in the Western world-wide. Further, for action to prevent Indian Ocean. This continuous records are further degradation partnership will allow required that provide and runoff into marine for direct comparison seasonal resolution catchments. Furthermore, of the geochemical to identify the role of environmental data obtained by the discrete events- such management strategies geochemist with models as the El Niño related have been formulated, of river discharge and floods in East Africa from at best, based on short pollution and ecological the 1970s and tropical instrumental records, changes. The integration cyclones changing their as proper historical of these data should path, frequency and time-series data are provide a far better intensity of landfall- and rarely available, even understanding of the multi-decadal climate for the most sensitive entire ecosystem in variability in regional catchments. the region and lead to precipitation and runoff . improved sustainable The project will determine the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 5 river runoff during natural climate cycles !e picture at right is an image of over the past 350 years the cyclone Hudah from http:// with unprecedented, cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic2/. weekly resolution and On the right you see images of a to define anthropogenic coral core representing about 20 impacts as offsets from years of growth. !e blue image the climatic baseline in is a luminescence image taken contrasting Indian Ocean under UV light. In the middle an catchments. X-raythat shows the annual banding of the coral. On the right a visual The project is divided image of the core with yellow bands into two interdependent indicating strong cyclone events. sub-projects: a coral !e cyclone Hudah in the coral proxy-climate-based core is indiacted by an arrow. project and a model- ecology-based project. The coral proxy climate- based project will entail the drilling of coral cores to reconstruct environmental changes in various reef complexes across the tropical Indian Ocean (Mauritius, Madagascar, Tanzania !e picture (at right) shows an image and Kenya) in relation to of cyclone Hudah in the year 2000 natural climate change over the western Indian Ocean. and anthropogenic influences. Biological and environmental parameters in massive be the assessment of sediments, and extent of management context and coral skeletons of the anthropogenic impacts the freshwater plumes. to allow conservation species Porites sp. and on river runoff and These data will provide scientists to identify Diploastrea sp. which resultant thermal and the link between land environments where continuously grow for growth anomalies in use changes, river runoff, corals are expected up to 400 years will be Indian Ocean catchments sediment compositions to survive climate examined. The primary as offsets from the and the coral proxy change and insure objective of this is to climatic baseline levels records that are required that management and determine the seasonal in hotspots of land to distinguish the relative conservation actions are variability in river runoff, degradation. roles of natural and focused on these key sea surface temperature anthropogenic induced areas. and coral growth due The major objective of changes in the coral to climatic base-level sub-project 2 will be the reefs. Pilot study in Antongil changes, foremost of quantification of land use Bay, NE Madagascar decadal-scale variability and hydrological change The results of the Recently, a group of and intermittent in tropical catchments subprojects will be linked researchers from the extreme events along over decadal to century to long-term ecological Royal Netherlands the path of cyclones. scales, and to determine reef monitoring Institute for Sea Research This climatic baseline the relative importance programmes of partner (NIOZ) introduced a novel includes hydrological of anthropogenic versus institutions to infer the scanning technique that reorganizations during climate forcing. The impact on temporal quantifies luminescence e.g. the Medieval Warm subproject aims to and spatial biodiversity intensities by splitting the Period around 1200 determine the spatial and changes in coral reef total emission spectrum AD, the Little Ice Age temporal variations of ecosystems across the into different spectral around 1700 AD, and four unknowns: land use western Indian Ocean. domains (Fig. 1). the Mid-Holocene. The change, river discharge The results of this project secondary objective will patterns, coastal will provide a broader Studies have shown that
6 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 S W NE
Figure 1. – Seasonality and cyclone impact revealed by growth banding of a northeast Madagascar giant coral. Left) Image of cyclone Hudah and corresponding high luminescent band in the coral core (blue image generated by novel photoluminescence core-scanning). Middle) Same coral core with monthly resolved Ba/Ca (black) and averaged spectral luminescence ratio (red) generated by novel UV core-scanning.
Correlation with Ba/Ca is high for the spectral G/B ratio showing seasonal runo# with a signi"cant spike in the year 2000 corresponding to cyclone ‘Hudah’. Right) Same coral core showing high coral spectral luminescence ratios (thin line) correspond to tropical cyclones making landfall (grey shaded) in East Madagascar since 1980.
when placed under ultra- terrestrial inputs. The In the pilot, measured December and April. violet (UV) light, some skeletal luminescence luminescence intensities coral cores show bright patterns have been and calculated spectral The results show a luminescence patterns classified to discriminate luminescence ratios significant increase in that are related to between faint bands were analysed from river runoff over Eastern freshwater flood events and bright lines. Faint coral cores, drilled Madagascar coupled with and thus past river flow luminescent banding is in Madagascar , to the accelerated warming and rainfall dynamics in attributed to the annual investigate the potential of the central Indian tropical environments. skeletal density banding, for normalising the Ocean after 1980. Skeletal Variability in emission while the brighter episodic bright emission chemistry reveals that intensities were first narrow luminescent bands to the overall natural decadal climate thought to be caused lines (linked to runoff) aragonite skeleton variability and Indian by the incorporation of are considered to be emission, thus generating Ocean warming were luminescent humic acids, associated with another normalised luminescence the prominent causes of soil derived organic component, e.g. humic data using spectral runoff variability over the compounds introduced acids, relating to skeletal luminescence ratios. Four past 100 years, influenced by seasonal river chemistry . Therefore, the coral cores drilled from by periods of mid-century runoff. Another cause, hypotheses formulated Porites sp. colonies from deforestation linked to to be proposed, is the by our research group Antongil Bay in Northeast the social upheaval in changing coral density are that both humic acids Madagascar were used Madagascar. Further, and architecture since and aragonite density to test a new technique of northern Madagascar massive corals form a determine luminescence whole-core luminescence is strongly affected by skeleton of luminescent intensities in corals; and measurements. The landfalling cyclones aragonite, and banded that their deconvolution cores are all influenced (e.g. Cyclone “Hudah” luminescence is also is required in order to by seasonal river in 2000 –Figure 1) that found in corals in oceanic reconstruct river runoff plumes occurring in the leave their mark in peak environments devoid of accurately. wet season between coral luminescence
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 7 through massive soil SHOALS Rodrigues, runoff. Indeed, some of Wildlife Conservation What is the climate the cyclones impacted Society (WCS) multiple catchments and Conservation vulnerability of the western consecutively, e.g. International ‘Hudah’ in Madagascar Madagascar, Institute of Indian Ocean “coral triangle” and Mozambique. The Marine Sciences, WCS Madagascar corals Kenya, Kenya Marine By David Obura channel – northern record all reported major and Fisheries Research Madagascar, northern landfalling cyclones Institute, University he MASMA Project Mozambique and the since 1980 by increased Maputo and the T“Is there a Western Comoro archipelago, and luminescence ratios. University of Cape Town. Indian Ocean Coral including the southern These preliminary The project is supported Triangle” is considering coast of Tanzania. findings motivated by international the vulnerability of the Findings to date on the current MASMA investigators from region to climate change. hard coral and reef fish project ‘Coral Reefs NIOZ, the VU University The project was initiated species numbers are and Global Change – a Amsterdam, and in 2008 with the primary confirming this pattern, historical perspective the RWTH Aachen goal of investigating and preliminary results spanning the western in Germany and the diversity-creating and on the oceanography of Indian Ocean’ and the University of Western maintaining mechanisms, the region is throwing up complementing project Australia in Perth. and related patterns of a number of processes ‘CLIMATCH’ funded by diversity in the Western (eddies, reversing/ the Netherlands Science For further information and Indian Ocean, focusing fluctuating currents and Foundation (NWO). references please contact: on coral reef ecosystems. topographic features) [email protected] At inception, the project that could contribute to [email protected] The institutions made the hypothesis this high diversity. involved are Mauritius that there is a center Oceanography Institute, of diversity in an area One of the secondary incorporating the goals of the project was northern Mozambique to assess the climate Adapting to climate variability By David Obura CORDIO’s new grant from the coastal zone will be Climate Outlook. the MASMA program developed and updated ith so many people is investigating how to during the seasons or Assessing social Wliving near the help coastal communities when a weather event vulnerability – led by poverty line, adapting cope with short term is imminent. These Nadine Marshall at CSIRO to long term climate climate variability. The will be combined with (Australia) the project will change is not a primary project will address the coral bleaching alerts conduct social resilience/ concern for most in problem of short term developed by CORDIO vulnerability assessments East Africa. Short term climate variability as a and the IUCN-CCCR in the coastal zone of variability, however, key stepping stone to that have run since Kenya and northern affects many millions of also building up adaptive 2007. An MSc student at Tanzania, building on the people, as seen in the capacity to withstand the University of Cape resilience background last decade in the form long term changes. Town will be supported of the IUCN-CCCR, the of floods (Mozambique under this module. This SocMon WIO program, 2000, 2001, 2007; Kenya The project has three component is kicking assessment tools such 2009/10; Tanzania modules: off the project with a as CRiSTAL and existing 2006: Uganda 2010), stakeholder workshop IUCN adaptation projects droughts (Kenya 2006- Predicting seasonal in Mombasa at the end in the Pangani River 09, northern Tanzania climate risk – led by Ali of September 2010, to basin. A primary goal 1998-2005), cyclones Mafimbo at the Kenya identify key risk factors is to identify a range of (higher frequency in Meteorology Dept, and weather/climate adaptation actions from Madagascar 2006/07 seasonal outlooks for variables to include in the those where villagers and disease (Rift Valley weather and climate seasonal predictions that can choose actions that Fever in Kenya in 2007). variables relevant to will comprise the Coastal only require a change in
8 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 vulnerability of the region. sites; and connectivity Dar es Salaam (Albogast S Some of the project Modeling of these patterns may have Kamukuru, January activities that will shed parameters will been affected by past Ndagala), University of W light on the issue include: experiment with warming/bleaching Edouardo Mondlane ‘normal’ and ‘hot’ events, as well as (Adriano Macia), CEPAM NE Sampling during the years based on ENSO, potential responses to (Hermes Pacule). While ASCLME-supported Indian Ocean Dipole future changes; site partners in the Comoros cruise in and other large scale region are : Comoros October 2009, and forcing factors, to General reef (AIDE), Madagascar remote sensing shed further light on resilience and fish (WWF, Conservation data, show high bleaching risk under herbivore diversity International), levels of small-scale different types of and biomass will Mozambique (Metundo spatial variability years; give information on resort), Tanzania (WWF, in water masses, bleaching resistance MPRU, IMS), Mauritius related to cyclonic Coral species and resilience of (MOI/Tara Oceans), (cooler) and anti- distribution patterns reefs in the region Mayotte (Tara Oceans), cyclonic (warmer) will be combined compared to areas Seychelles (Seychelles eddies around the with information on outside of the core Island Foundation, Island Comoros and in species vulnerability region. Conservation Society, the Mozambique to warming, to D’Arros Research channel. These may estimate the The Institutions involved Station), Chagos (BIOT, significantly modulate vulnerability of coral in the project are CORDIO Chagos Conservation the regional signal communities at (Lead organization: Trust). of high Surface Sea multiple scales to David Obura, Melita Temperature water climate change; Samoilys), University masses that cause of Cape Town (Johann coral bleaching, Coral recruitment Lutjeharms, Raymond causing high levels and size class Roman, Juliet Hermes, of spatial variability distributions show Chris Reason, Charinne in bleaching among how past mortality Collins), University of
behaviour or investment to the issues identified levels that they can during the project. manage, as well as The Partners involved in the longer term and larger project are :CORDIO (Lead organization; David Obura, actions that may require Innocent Wanyonyi, Majambo external assistance, from Jarumani, Stellah Kulecho), government or donor- Kenya Meteorology Department supported projects. (Ali Mafimbo, Muhindi, Mungai, Mutai), University of Cape Town (Chris Reason), CSIRO Proposing mechanisms Australia (Nadine Marshall), for reducing vulnerability IUCN (Jerker Tamelander, – depending on the Abdallah Shah, Katharine outcomes of the project, Cross, Mine Pabari), & Tanzania the short term weather Meteorology Agency (Agnes predictions and social Kijazi). adaptation findings will be packaged into climate response plans for the coastal zone, including consideration of policies needed to implement them. This will include targeting local to national government as relevant the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 9 FirstFirst Announcement Announcement and Call Call for for Abstracts Abstracts The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Associa- SYMPOSIUM OBJECTIVES: The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and the Kenya Marine tion (WIOMSA) and the Kenyaand Marine Fisheries Research and FisheriesInstitute (KMFRI) haveThe the pleasure Symposium to announce willthe Seventh bring together practitioners, Research Institute (KMFRI) have:,206$6FLHQWL¿F6\PSRVLXPWKDWZLOOEHKHOGLQ0RPEDVD.HQ\DLQ2FWREHU the pleasure to an- academics, researchers as well as students, to share :,206$LVDUHJLRQDOSURIHVVLRQDOQRQSUR¿WPHPEHUVKLSRUJDQL]DWLRQHVWDEOLVKHGLQ QRXQFHWKH6HYHQWK:,206$6FLHQWLÀF6\PSRVLXP GHGLFDWHGWRSURPRWLQJWKHHGXFDWLRQDOVFLHQWL¿FDQGWHFKQRORJLFDOGHYHORSPHQWknowledge, experience and solutions to the challenges RIDOODVSHFWVRIPDULQHVFLHQFHVWKURXJKRXWWKHZHVWHUQ,QGLDQ2FHDQ :,2 UHJLRQ that will be held in Mombasa, :,206$KDVDSDUWLFXODULQWHUHVWLQOLQNLQJWKHNQRZOHGJHWKDWHPHUJHVIURPUHVHDUFKKenya in October 2011. experienced in our coastal and marine environment. WRWKHPDQDJHPHQWDQGJRYHUQDQFHLVVXHVWKDWDIIHFWPDULQHDQGFRDVWDOHFRV\VWHPV .0)5,LVDSXEOLFRUJDQL]DWLRQWKDWZDVHVWDEOLVKHGWKURXJKWKH6FLHQFHDQG7HFKQRORJ\$FW :,206$LVDUHJLRQDOSURIHVVLRQDOQRQSURÀWPHP&DSRIWKH/DZVRI.HQ\D ZLWKDZLGHPDQGDWHWRXQGHUWDNHUHVHDUFKRQDTXDWLF- 7KHVSHFLÀFREMHFWLYHVRIWKHV\PSRVLXPDUHWR bership organization, establishedUHVRXUFHVDQGDGYLVHWKHJRYHUQPHQWRQWKHVXVWDLQDEOHPDQDJHPHQWRIWKHVHUHVRXUFHV in 1993, dedicated to Present current knowledge on disciplines related SURPRWLQJWKHHGXFDWLRQDOVFLHQWLÀFDQGWHFKQRORJLFDODATES to the theme of the symposium; development of all aspects of marine0RQGD\WK±)ULGD\2FWREHU sciences through- 7KHZHHNLVGLYLGHGLQWRWKHIROORZLQJ out the western Indian Ocean (WIO)Ŷ region.1DWLRQDO$QQXDO.0)5,&RQIHUHQFH±2FWREHU7KHMRLQW WIOMSA Provide a forum for discussion and exchange has a particular interest in linking the knowledge2SHQLQJ&HUHPRQ\RIWKH1DWLRQDO$QQXDO.0)5,&RQIHUHQFHDQGWKH that of information and experiences on coastal and 6HYHQWK:,206$6FLHQWL¿F6\PSRVLXPZLOOEHKHOGRQWKHVDPHGD\ emerges from research to the managementŶ 7KH6HYHQWK:,206$6FLHQWL¿F6\PSRVLXPWKWRWK2FWREHU and gover- marine science issues in the western Indian Ocean nance issues that affect marine and coastal7KLVFRPSRQHQWZLOOLQFOXGH NH\QRWHSUHVHQWDWLRQVRUDODQGSRVWHU ecosystems. region; SUHVHQWDWLRQVDVZHOODVVSHFLDOVHVVLRQVDQGURXQGWDEOHGLVFXVVLRQV Ŷ ([FXUVLRQVDQGWRXUVWRGLIIHUHQWSODFHVRILQWHUHVW± WK2FWREHU KMFRI is a public organization that was established Promote interaction among social and natural sci- through the Science and Technology Act, Cap 250 of entists in order to strengthen multi- and transdis- the Laws of Kenya (1979) with a wide mandate to ciplinary research for sustainable management of undertake research on aquatic resources and advise the the coastal and marine environment; government on the sustainable management of these resources. Identify gaps and priority research areas for improved management of the coastal and marine DATES environment of the western Indian Ocean region. Monday 24th – Friday, 28 October 2011. SYMPOSIUM THEME The week is divided into the following: The Symposium theme is “Coping with Global National Annual KMFRI Conference – 24 Change”. This theme covers the implications of chang- October 2011. The joint Opening Ceremony of es in major drivers on the coastal and marine environ- the National Annual KMFRI Conference and the ment ranging from natural, physical and biological 6HYHQWK:,206$6FLHQWLÀF6\PSRVLXPZLOOEH drivers. Major drivers include: demographic pressure, held on the same day. economic development, socio-political changes and climate change. 7KH6HYHQWK:,206$6FLHQWLÀF6\PSRVLXP 25th to 28th October 2011. This component will THEMES: include: keynote presentations, oral and poster All interested authors are invited to submit abstracts presentations as well as special sessions and on the proposed themes listed below. Authors may also roundtable discussions. submit abstracts on other topics relevant to the wider ÀHOGRIFRDVWDODQGPDULQHVFLHQFH7KHPDLQWKHPHV Excursions and tours to different places of interest include but are not limited to: – 29th October 2011 Global change and coastal and marine environ- VENUE: ment Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya. Climate and ocean (Impacts, mitigation and adap- tations) Trends of extreme events and major oceanograph- ic processes Biodiversity and ecological processes
10 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 %LRGLYHUVLW\DQGGLYHUVLÀFDWLRQSURFHVVHV LQFOXG- FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: ing biology and reproduction of marine organ- A limited number of travel grants will be provided to isms; connectivity of marine populations and experts from the region whose abstracts have been ac- community resilience) cepted. Applications for the travel grants should indi- Functional ecology of coastal ecosystems such as cate details of the support required. These applications estuaries, coral reef, rocky shores, mangrove, etc. need to be submitted by 30th June 2011 to secretary@ Ecology and Conservation of Endangered marine wiomsa.org. species (turtles, mammals, sharks, seabirds) Marine organisms and bioactive natural sub- SYMPOSIUM STRUCTURE: stances The symposium will have a combination of plenary Ecosystem assessment and monitoring: roles of and parallel sessions. Prominent experts from within bioindicators, chemical tracers and models and outside of the region will be invited to attend the Ecosystem modeling and forecasting symposium and deliver keynote presentations. Posters will be displayed throughout the symposium and a Overexploitation of resources dedicated poster session will be arranged to facilitate Fisheries: trends, challenges and sustainability discussions with the presenting authors. 7KHHFRORJLFDOLPSDFWVRIÀVKLQJ (FRV\VWHPEDVHGÀVKHU\DVVHVVPHQWDQGPDQDJH- COMPETITIONS: ment in theory and practice During the Symposium, three competitions will be The biology, and ecology of marine birds, inver- organized. These are: WHEUDWHVDQGPDPPDOVUHODWHGWRÀVKHULHVDQG Best Student Poster competition ecosystems Best Student Oral competition Human dimension and governance systems Best Photo competition Winners of these competi- Economic/Social/Environmental/Cultural oppor- tions will be awarded special prizes. tunities and challenges of economic activities in coastal and marine environment REGISTRATION FEES: Interactions between conservations initiatives and A registration fee of US$ 200 for non WIOMSA mem- poverty reduction strategies bers, US $ 150 for WIOMSA members and US$ 100 Effectiveness of the conservation initiatives and for students will be charged to help cover some of the governance systems costs of the symposium. Experts are invited to consider organizing a session in any area related to the above broader IMPORTANT DATES: topics. Deadline for submission of abstracts -30 April 2011
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 1RWLÀFDWLRQRIDEVWUDFWVDFFHSWDQFH-XQH Abstracts are invited on any topic related to the theme of the symposium. Priority will be given to multi-/ Deadline for submission of proposals for organization trans-/interdisciplinary abstracts. Abstracts must be in of side events (such as workshops, courses and meet- English and should not exceed 300 words. Submitted ing) - 15 June 2011 abstracts must contain the following information: title, QDPH V RIDXWKRU V DIÀOLDWLRQVSRVWDODQGHPDLODG- Deadline for application of travel grants -30 June 2011 dresses. It should also clearly state the preferred mode of presentation (oral or poster). Abstract must be in 'HDGOLQHIRUFRQÀUPDWLRQE\LQVWLWXWLRQVSDUWLFLSDWLQJ Times New Roman, 12-point font, single spacing with in the exhibition - 31 July 2011 MXVWLÀHGDOLJQPHQW
$EVWUDFWVVKRXOGGHVFULEHEULHÁ\WKHVWDWHPHQWRIWKH EXHIBITIONS: problem, the methodology, the results and the conclu- Space will be available for exhibits by organizations, sion. The abstract should be submitted in plain text programmes, projects and commercial companies. only without the inclusion of tables, graphs, images, Please contact the WIOMSA secretariat (secretary@ etc. wiomsa. org) for more details.
All abstracts will be reviewed for merit and relevance. LANGUAGE: Abstracts must be received by WIOMSA no later than 7KHRIÀFLDOODQJXDJHRIWKHV\PSRVLXPZLOOEH(QJ- WK$SULO&RQÀUPDWLRQRIDFFHSWDQFHIRURUDO lish. or poster presentations will be communicated to au- thors by 1st June 2011. Abstracts should be submitted to [email protected].
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 11 An assessment of mangrove ecosystem vulnerability to climate change in western Madagascar
By Alison CLAUSEN levels, changes in the dation, is undertaking an adaptation planning for WWF MWIOPO Climate amount and patterns of assessment of the climate vulnerable natural areas Change Programme Of- precipitation and the indi- change vulnerability of and human communities ficer rect effects of increased the second largest stand in Madagascar and the human exploitation are of mangroves in Mada- Western Indian Ocean Introduction amongst the most signifi- gascar in the deltas of region. angrove eco- cant pressures related to the Manambolo and systems are a changing climate. Tsiribihina Rivers on the The vulnerability assess- Mamongst the west coast of Madagas- ment has the dual aim of biologically productive To increase the under- car. This project is being identifying hotspots of ecosystems on earth standing of the potential carried out over a period climate change vulner- and provide invaluable effects of climate change of 18 months as part of ability that can be used ecosystem goods and on Madagascar’s man- WWF MWIOPO’s climate to inform conservation services to coastal com- grove ecosystems, change adaptation pro- zoning and restoration munities. Climate change WWF Madagascar and gram; a program that activities in the Tsiribi- is however present- Western Indian Ocean involves a number of re- hina and Manambolo ing a real and severe Programme Office search and pilot projects mangroves, and of devel- threat to these unique (MWIOPO), with financing on climate change vulner- oping a methodology for ecosystems. Rising sea from the MacArthur Foun- ability assessments and mangrove vulnerability
12 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 assessments that can be tropical storms which for nesting and roost- The project area is tra- implemented elsewhere can cause flooding and ing: Bernier’s Teal (Anas ditionally home to the in Madagascar and the other damage. The lo- bernieri); Madagascar Sakalava and Vezo ethnic Western Indian Ocean cal communities have Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus groups and houses a URES region. witnessed changes in the vociferoides); Humblot’s population of approxi- climate in recent years, Heron (Ardea humbloti); mately 50,000 people. The Manambolo and particularly in relation and the Malagasy Sa- However in recent years AT Tsiribihina Mangrove to the timing of the rainy cred Ibis (Threskiornis immigration to the area E Ecosystems season. Whereas histori- bernieri). The mangrove has become more pro- F The area experiences cally the rains started in ecosystems also provide nounced and has resulted a tropical, sub-humid October, community inter- important habitat for the in overexploitation of climate with four distinct views confirmed that they endangered frugivore bat fisheries and mangrove seasons throughout the currently commence in species, the Madagascar resources and increased year. The majority of the November or December. Fruit Bat (Pteropus rufus), clearing of mangroves rainfall is experienced which is subject to high for rice production. The between October and The mangroves in this hunting pressures. The literacy rate of the local March. The average area cover approximately Verreaux’s Sifaka lemur population is low and ac- monthly temperature 28,000ha and are con- (Propithecus verreauxi cess to markets, health ranges between 22°C in tained in the proposed verreauxi) is also known and education is very June and 29°C in March. Manambolomaty and ex- to use the mangroves. limited. The population The region is character- isting Menabe Antimena The mangrove ecosys- relies traditionally on ized by the tsioka atsimo” Protected Areas, both of tems have important fishing, agriculture, nota- winds which blow from which have temporary ecological functions bly rice production, and north to south in May protection status. The including as a production animal husbandry. The and June. These winds area has critical im- site for aquatic resources local communities rely on agitate the sea and portance for numerous such as crabs, shrimps mangrove resources for make fishing activities endemic species listed on and fish; more than house and fencing con- impossible during this the IUCN Red List. These twenty species of fish, struction, fuelwood and period. The area also include bird species including four endemic traditional medicines. The suffers cyclones and which use the mangroves species exist in the area. population is very iso-
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 13 lated, with very few roads An extensive field based ecosystems were then very high ecological existing in the area, and study of the mangrove selected and analyzed vulnerability are found the major form of trans- ecosystems was under- and mapped. in the northern part of port is by pirogue. taken to allow analysis the zone and in isolated of the ecological vulner- The evaluation of social patches throughout the Vulnerability Assessment ability of the mangroves. vulnerability in the project Delta. There are large Methodology The first step involved the area was carried out at expanses of mangroves Sea level rise was de- categorization of existing two levels. A commune with medium ecological termined to be the most mangroves based on their level analysis was under- vulnerability throughout influential factor on the condition, regeneration taken for using publically the remainder of the delta vulnerability of mangrove potential and levels of available commune level and in general this delta ecosystems. To determine disturbance. An inventory socio-economic data, and exhibits a higher ecologi- the likely exposure of the of the distribution and detailed village level anal- cal vulnerability than the mangroves to sea level condition of the man- yses were undertaken in Manambolo delta to the rise in the absence of cli- groves ecosystems was five case study villages north. In the Manambolo mate model projections or carried and mapping pre- using WWF’s Climate Delta, no areas of man- reliable topographic data, pared based on the above Witness approach, a par- groves were determined digital analysis of historic categorization. Trend ticipative research tool, to have high or very high satellite images from 1973 analysis was completed and household surveys. ecological vulnerability. to 2005 in the project using biological survey Areas of mangroves of area was analyzed to data from 1992 in the Vulnerability Assessment medium ecological vul- extrapolate data on future same zone. Indicators for Results and Conclusions nerability are located in inundation probabilities. the resilience and sen- In the Tsiribihina Delta, this zone adjacent to the sitivity of the mangrove areas of mangroves with coast and along inland
14 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 "ere are large expanses of waterways, while the mangroves with majority of the delta’s medium ecologi- mangroves are classified as being of low ecological
cal vulnerability URES vulnerability. throughout the The commune level remainder of AT analysis indicated that E the two communes cov- the delta and in F ering the Manambolo general this delta Delta, Masoarivo and Ambolimena, had high exhibits a higher levels of social vulner- ability, largely as a result ecological vulner- of their isolation from ability than the social services and markets. The two most Manambolo delta southerly communes in the Tsiribihina Delta, in 2011. The results will Beroboka and Tsimafana also be discussed with has medium levels of vul- natural resource and pro- nerability which reflected tected area managers in their closer proximity to the project zone to assist the commune and town in developing zoning and of Belo sur Tsiribihina, protection plans for the which itself had low vul- mangroves. nerability. The Climate Witness investigations The methodology that and household surveys was developed for the indicated that those vil- vulnerability assessment lages that depended was presented to a na- primarily on agriculture tional workshop in late as their main source of October 2010, and further economic activity were implementation and test- the most vulnerable to fu- ing in the north-west of ture changes, specifically Madagascar will be un- in relation to changes in dertaken in 2011. the precipitation patterns and intensity. The project highlights the importance of develop- In conclusion, in this ing methodologies that zone the most vulnerable are specific to the local mangrove ecosystems context and relevant to from an ecological point the resources and data of view are surrounded that are available. It is by the least vulnerable hoped that the methodol- communities and vice ogy developed by WWF versa. This situation is MWIOPO will aid in as- encouraging and will as- sessing the vulnerability sist in the development of of mangrove ecosystems locally specific adapta- elsewhere in Madagas- tion plans targeted on car and the Western the mangroves and the Indian Ocean region, and surrounding human com- contribute to the growing munities. WWF MWIOPO international body of re- has secured funding from search on climate change the MacArthur Founda- vulnerabilities in coastal tion to carry out this work zones.
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 15 Marine Protected Areas and Climate Change in Northwestern Madagascar
By Harifidy Ralison, WWF level rise under climate fringed by beaches and Madagascar change. mangroves, and with The Nosy Hara archi- rivers draining the flat/ pelago area has numer- n mid-2007, envi- The Nosy Hara marine rolling hills of the hinter- ous smaller sand cays ronmental actors in and coastal area is re- land. The islands, which lying just a few meters IMadagascar started nowned as a biodiversity are grouped around the above sea level, numer- to realize that the impacts jewel of the Western In- main island of Nosy Hara, ous volcanic islands, and of climate change are dian Ocean. Sheltered are karst limestone for- several bays supporting a already being felt at the from monsoon winds on mations (the tops of the mixture of rocky shores, local level. Malagasy fish- the northwestern coast islands have the typical beaches and mangroves. ing communities- highly of Madagascar, it offers ‘tsingy’ or eroded sharp Iconic species such as reliant on coral reef a calm environment. limestone pillars typical the Madagascar fish ea- fisheries- are likely to Nosy Hara is located just of northern and western gle, sea turtles, roseate be severely impacted by south of the northern Madagascar). These are terns and other sea birds, coral bleaching and deg- tip of Madagascar, Cap set on a broad shallow dolphins, whale sharks, radation. Mangrove for- d’Ambre (and directly flat platform that bears and reef sharks are found ests, important breeding west of the town and a series of small banks there. The area has been grounds for commercial large bay of Diego Sua- capped with coral reefs, internationally recognized fish species and shrimps, rez/Antsiranana). Its and at its outer edge as an Important Bird providing coastal com- coastline is similar to the (about 5-10 m deep) is Area (IBA), and has been munities with timber, fuel more well-known Nosy fringed by coral with a provisionally proposed wood and protection from Be area farther south, sharp drop to a sandy as a World Heritage Site storm surges are threat- a highly convoluted bottom most likely at by the Malagasy Govern- ened by potential sea shoreline of large bays about 20 m depth. ment. Nosy Hara area is also ranked highly Hara Marine Park have (ANGAP) WWF initiated developed the ecologi- in WWF’s ‘Global 200’ an average coral cover the establishment of a cal monitoring plan, and world-wide priorities, and of 34% (which is high Marine Protected Area started to draft the MPA ranks tenth in the list of 25 for the Western Indian (MPA) there. This was management plan, based URES ‘hotspots’ for biodiversity Ocean), with highest lev- carried out in parallel on the conceptual model within Madagascar and els at about 53%. In the with actions to improve of TNC (The Nature Con- the Western Indian Ocean main reef areas, corals awareness concerning servancy), and which pri- AT islands. The coastal and are the dominant cover conservation and sustain- oritized the conservation E terrestrial environment type, indicating healthy able utilization of natural of the vulnerable species F in northern Madagascar coral populations. The resources, and the roles and habitats. is marked by very high overall condition of reefs and values of the new levels of local endemism, is consistent across the protected area in Nosy In October 2007, Nosy particularly among plants park, however the degree Hara. Support from WWF Hara was granted na- which include a locally of exposure to waves and also focused on develop- tional temporary protec- endemic family (the Di- rough conditions is not ing efficient management tion status (decree) as egondendraceae family). the same, with higher soft structures and systems, an MPA. This means coral cover at reefs with i.e development of a lo- conservation measures Two types of coral reefs high exposure and high- cal advisory committee and management rules are found in the Nosy est macroalgae cover on to ensure close liaison can be applied with fully Hara Marine Park, reefs with low exposure. between project staff and valid legal tools. Under coastal fringing reefs and communities, establish- this decree, the final size isolated coral banks on MPA establishment ment of a community- of the MPA is 183,111 ha. sediment bottoms, some With financing from the based project monitoring (Core area: 5,313 ha, Buf- distance from the coast MacArthur Foundation, committee, assessment fer zone: 60,721 ha, Pro- on the broad shallow plat- WWF has intervened in of personnel needs and tection zone: 117,077 ha). form. Overall, the open Nosy Hara since 2004 to recruitment/organization The year of 2007 was also sea coral banks are in promote the conservation of management staff, characterized by the de- good condition whereas of this high biodiversity including local com- velopment of the PSSE1 - fringing corals are affect- value area. With the Mal- munity participants, etc. ed by human activities. agasy National Author- In 2006, the Nosy Hara 1 Plan de Sauvegarde Sociale Coral reefs in the Nosy ity for Protected Areas ANGAP management unit et Environnementale
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 17 the lessons learned would Social and Environmental be highly valu- tices has been the cause before been undertaken Safeguard Plan – which of the current significant in Madagascar, and the involved training of the able as the diminution of the fish lessons learned would Nosy Hara management e#ects of the catch in the conservation be highly valuable as unit in the methods for area. Small watersheds the effects of the global its elaboration (mostly global phe- in the Nosy Hara zone phenomenon start to based on the use of the nomenon start are also subject to slash- be felt on several sites. Rapid Rural Appraisal and-burn agriculture and With the financial sup- technique). The objective to be felt on overgrazing, which are port of the MacArthur of the PSSE is to protect several sites. still practiced in many Foundation, WWF is now the interests of the af- areas leading to more supporting Madagascar fected populations by the rapid seasonal drying of National Parks (or MNP, creation of the MPA, or at watercourses. former ANGAP) in this least mitigate the effects direction and is striving to of the creation of the Considering climate strengthen governance MPA so that the impacts change capacity of the Nosy Hara may not be harmful to the In 2007, WWF and ANGAP key stakeholders. economic situation of the (The National Associa- communities but restore tion for the Management Thus from 2008 on, aside it, or even improve it. of Protected Areas in from the usual MPA man- Madagascar) understood agement activities, ef- Within the conservation the conservation area that it was timely and op- forts have been directed area, principal activities establishing permanent portune to develop a pilot towards incorporating are fishing, agriculture and temporary camps project in Nosy Hara that climate change aspects and cattle breeding on the continent (Am- will strive to integrate (including social, cultural depending on the locali- pasindava and Vahilava). climate change into the and economic param- ties but coastal people The associated use of design and planning of eters and vulnerability mostly harvest a range destructive fishing prac- the MPA. This has never assessments) in monitor- of resources from the sea creating a significant source of income. Fishing is still the most important activity in terms of eco- nomic revenues. Among marine products, sea cucumbers and shark fins earn the highest rev- enues, and are exported to East Asian markets. All other products are consumed locally or sold within the region. This situation has led profes- sional fishers migrate to
18 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 URES AT E F
ing and management carried out on the Nosy and build resiliency in management approaches, plan. The SocMon2 ap- Hara coral reefs with the natural and human sys- be based on the best sci- proach (socio-economic technical assistance of tems to cope with climate ence available combined monitoring methodology CORDIO (Coastal Ocean change. Involvement, with effective monitoring designed for coastal and Reasearch and Develop- including training, of key of well-identified indica- MPA managers) has ment in Indian Ocean) local marine resource tors, that can identify been used in the MPA East Africa. Training from users in vulnerability climate change effects area as well as the WWF CORDIO allowed MNP assessment and develop- and be capable of im- Climate Witness method staff to undertake a moni- ment of adaptation meas- plementing mitigation (participatory vulner- toring of bleaching during ures to be integrated into measures in a timely ability assessment). On semestrial ecological the MPA plans and proto- manner. This might lead the ecological side, a re- field monitoring (such as cols, was highly favoured to the revision of the MPA silience assessment was in May 2010). An expert to strengthen the buy-in zoning, its management meeting was recently or- of the local populations plan and likely proposing ganized in Antananarivo in the application of the more governance options 2 SocMon (for Socio-economic Monitoring) is a set of guidelines to develop action plans climate-change-oriented adapted to the ecologi- on how to do socio-economic for the climate change management measures cal, social and cultural monitoring at the site level integration process into that will be adopted by context. useful for fisheries and coastal the MPA planning and the MPA. management. It is also a region- al initiative to improve coastal monitoring scheme. management and sustainable Overall, we aim to recom- Successful conservation use of marine resources by mend strategies to ad- of marine biodiversity and helping managers integrate up dress the priority threats natural resources should to date, social and economic information in their decision. to the Nosy Hara area have flexible, adaptive the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 19 Incubation Temperature and In$uential Factors on Chelonia mydas Reproductive Traits in Light of Climate Change T Jacob & J Bourjea Atlantic genetic stock As with all other species the pivotal temperature, a and Grande Glorieuse and of turtle, C. mydas exhib- unisex clutch is produced. he influence of Tromelin part of the Indo- its the characteristic of Both pivotal temperatures temperature in Pacific one. temperature-dependent and TRT’s differ between Tthe reproductive sex determination (TSD). species and rookeries life of the green turtle is The incubation stage That is, the sex of C. and were not determined becoming increasingly of the green marine mydas hatchlings is in any SWIO nesting important to understand turtle can last for up to determined by tempera- sites. It can however as the world undergoes 13 weeks with several ture at a specific point be estimated to be 28.8 dramatic climate change characteristics of clutch within the second third around Tromelin island, effects due to human success and the result- of the incubation stage. according to pivotal emissions. Turtles and ant hatchlings influenced A temperature termed temperatures previously their ancestors have by the temperature ‘the ‘pivotal temperature’, determined in nesting experienced change in within the nest chamber. results in an equal ratio sites located on the same climatic regimes before. Higher temperatures dur- of male to female hatch- latitude as Tromelin. However, the rapidity of ing development have lings. Above and below Despite the benefits to onset and the low global been linked to smaller this temperature the sex hatchlings from higher population levels of green sized hatchlings, greater ratio of a clutch is skewed incubation temperatures, turtles reduce the ability locomotive ability and toward a female or male an optimum development of this species to adapt to higher fitness levels. bias respectively. Outside range of 25ºC to 34ºC ex- changing environmental Emergence and hatching the ‘Transitional Range ists for C. mydas eggs, pressures. success rates have also of Temperature (TRT,)’, over which, temperature been positively linked to conservatively reported becomes lethal. The endangered green increased temperatures. as a 3ºC range around turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the large long- lived vertebrate species that has been subject to a long history of human exploitation for eggs, meat and shell with some stocks now extinct, others in decline and yet others showing significant resto- ration following dedicated conservation efforts. The South West Indian Ocean
(SWIO) remains an impor- tant nesting and foraging region for the green turtle. The Eparses islands are five French islands scat- tered across the SWIO. Studies have shown that Europa, Grande Glorieuse and Tromelin remain three of the most impor- tant nesting sites for the green turtle in this region, Europa being part of the
20 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010
Thermometers synchronously recorded temperatures at hourly intervals during the incubation periods across 29 randomly chosen green turtle nests in the given period. A thermometer was placed 75cm deep on the beach to record hourly sand temperature at average nest depth during the study period, acting as a temperature control of a theoretical nest called here ‘Control Nest’. These temperature recording were synchronized with those placed in green turtle nests and the thermometer was removed after all other nest thermometers.
The evolutionary ad- randomly chosen green studied on first third of Analysis of results has vantage of TSD remains turtle nests in the given incubation, to eliminate shown that each nests unknown, with this form period. A thermometer the confounding factor first third of incubation of sex determination was placed 75cm deep of metabolic heating oc- temperature residuals URES being disadvantageous on the beach to record curring during the second were all significantly if sex ratios are consid- hourly sand temperature third. A linear regression correlated with control erably skewed during at average nest depth was performed on nest residuals. This AT short-term generation during the study period, average nest first third represents a high impact E time scales due to acting as a temperature temperatures within the of ambient temperature F changing environmental control of a theoretical first third of incubation and other incorporated temperatures. The low nest called here ‘Control against the local factors climatic variables on C. TRT in which multisex Nest’. These temperature of grain size, bottom nest mydas nests during initial clutches are produced recording were synchro- depth and hours of sun. stages of incubation. increases the potential nized with those placed More importantly, the of climate change to dra- in green turtle nests and The results obtained same analyses were matically skew sex ratios the thermometer was re- demonstrate that grain performed on second if air temperatures have moved after all other nest size highly influences third of incubation a causal relationship with thermometers. nest temperature, thus nest temperature and
Sand temperature at nest depth and C. mydasSand nest temperature temperatures at nest during depth first and third C. of mydas nest temperatures during first third of incubationincubation temperatures. in Tromelin, Sand 2009 temperature at indicatingincubation that inthe Tromelin, C. 2009 mydas nest and control Currently, the already nest depth and C. mydas location of the nest could nest temperatures during worldwide female bias of nest temperatures during importantly change the the second third of C. mydas rookeries may first third of incubation in incubation temperature incubation in Tromelin, be further increased by Tromelin, 2009 and thus the sex-ratio 2009. rising air temperatures, of green turtles. During heightening the potential Incubation temperatures the data analysis, the corresponding control for species extinction. ranged from 29.19°C - control nest temperatures nest temperature, 31.55°C, with an overall were taken for analyses showing statistically A study was conducted mean of 30.23°C. Second as a reflection of air significant results for all on Tromelin Island from third of incubation tem- temperature impact, and nets with high correlation February to May, 2009. perature ranged from a hypothetical impact of coefficients. Tromelin is a French terri- 28.76°C - 30.93°C with other climatic variables tory located in the SWIO a mean of 29.76°C. The (principally rainfall), on This indicates an influ- (15º 33’ S, 54º 31’ E) and variation in temperatures green turtle nests. Any ence of air temperatures covers an area of 1.2km2. between nests may be an relationship between and hypothetically, other indication of local nest sand temperature at nest climatic variables, on nest Thermometers syn- parameter impacts. This depth and green turtle temperatures during the chronously recorded range of temperature nests would reflect an second third of incuba- temperatures at hourly indicates inter-nest varia- influence of climatic tion. As this second third intervalsC. myd duringas nest the incu and- controlbility that nest could temperatures influence variablesC. during myd onas C. the nestmydas second and control thirdcomprises of nest incubationthe period temperatures of in during the second third of incubation in bationTromelin, periods 2009. across 29 sex ratios. This range was nestTromelin, temperatures. 2009. sex determination, air
Incubation temperatures ranged from 29.19°C -In 31.55cubation°C, withtemperatures an overall ranged mean from of 30.23°C. 29.19°C - 31.55°C, with an overall mean of 30.23°C. theSecond WIOMSA third magazine of | no. incubation 4 – Jun 2010 temperature rangedSecond from 28.76 third °C of incubation- 30.93°C temperaturewith a mean ranged21 of from 28.76°C - 30.93°C with a mean of 29.76°C. The variation in temperatures between29.76°C nests. mayThe bevariation an indication in temperatures of local betweennest nests may be an indication of local nest parameter impacts. This range of temperatureparameter indicates impacts. inter-nest This variability range of that temperature could indicates inter-nest variability that could influence sex ratios. This range was studied oninfluence first third sex of ratios. incu bation, This range to eliminate was studied the on first third of incubation, to eliminate the confounding factor of metabolic heating occurringconfounding during factor the secondof metabolic third. heatingA linear occurring during the second third. A linear regression was performed on average nest firstregression third temperatures was performed within on the average first third nest offirst third temperatures within the first third of incubation against the local factors of grain size,incubation bottom nest against depth theand local hours factors of sun. of grain size, bottom nest depth and hours of sun.
The results obtained demonstrate that grain sizeThe highly results influence obtaineds demonstrate nest temperature that , grain thus size highly influences nest temperature, thus indicating that the location of the nest could importantlyindicating thatchange the thelocation incubation of the temperature nest could importantly change the incubation temperature and thus the sex-ratio of green turtles. During theand data thus analysis, the sex -theratio c ontrolof green nes turtlet temperatures. Durings the data analysis, the control nest temperatures were taken for analyses as a reflection of air temperaturewere taken impact, for analyses and a hypothetical as a reflection impact of air of temperature impact, and a hypothetical impact of other climatic variables (principally rainfall), onother green climatic turtle nests. variables Any (principally relationship rainfall), between on green turtle nests. Any relationship between sand temperature at nest depth and green turtlesand nests temperature would reflect at nestan influence depth and of green climatic turtle nests would reflect an influence of climatic variables on C. mydas nest temperatures. variables on C. mydas nest temperatures.
Analysis of results has shown that each nests first third of incubation temperature residuals were all significantly correlated with control nest residuals. This represents a high impact of ambient temperature and other incorporated climatic variables on C. mydas nests during initial stages of incubation. More importantly, the same analyses were performed on second third of incubation nest temperature and corresponding control nest temperature, showing statistically significant results for all nets with high correlation coefficients.
temperature trends and inclement weather can therefore influence the sex ratio of brooding clutches. Analysis of results has shown that each nests first third of incubation temperature residuals were all significantly correlaKnowingted the with impacts control of nest residuals. This represents a high impact of climatic factors on sex ambient temperature and otherdetermination incorporated stage, climatic variables on C. mydas nests during initial stages of incubation. Morethe importantly, study further in- the same analyses were performed on second third of vestigates predicted incubation nest temperaturesecond and third corresponding incubation control nest temperature, showing statistically significant results for all netstemperatures with accordhigh- correlation coefficients. ing to climate change models. The model used Loessthen possible smoothing to predict on a) Nest 1 temperature and b) control nest temperature during second (A2 emissions scenario) thisecondrd ofthird incubation incubation of C. mydas nests in Tromelin with c) the resultant residuals. reported an increase in temperature data. air temperatures over This indicates an influence of air temperatures and hypothetically, other climatic variables, on the southern African nestTo illustrate temperatures the past during the second third of incubation. As this second third comprises the region (0 - 45°S; 5° - periodand future ofevolution sex of determination, air temperature trends and inclement weather can therefore 55°E) by 3.7°C during influencesecond third ofthe incubation sex ratio of brooding clutches. summer (December, temperatures, monthly January, February) and mean of sex stage 4°C in winter (June, July, Knowingtemperatures were the impacts of climatic factors on sex determination stage, the study further August) by 2080. investigateplotted for differents predict year ed second third incubation temperatures according to climate change models.spans, simultaneously The model used (A2 emissions scenario) reported an increase in air temperatures over Second third incubation thewith nesting southern activity African region (0 - 45°S; 5° - 55°E) by 3.7°C during summer (December, temperatures were January,recorded on FebTromelinruary) and 4°C in winter (June, July, August) by 2080. predicted using two island. methods SecondAccording thirdto climate incubation temperatures were predicted using two methods a) Linear regression and change predictions associated equation to a)and L nestinear temperatures regression and associated equation to predict sand temperature at nest depth using Loess smoothing on a) Nestpredict 1 sand temperature temperature airduring and temperature. second b) third control This nest model temperature was validated during using meteo second France sand temperature data and third of incubation of C. mydasat nest depth nests using inair Tromelincomparingpredicted inwith this to study, c)predicted the resultant Loesssand smoothing temperature residuals. on a) Nest at 1 nest temperature depth. and b) temperature. This model average monthly nest control nest temperature during second third of was validated using temperatures will not incubation of C. mydas nests in Tromelin with c) This indicates an influencemeteo of Franceair temperatures sand reach theand lethal hypothetically, level of the resultant other residuals. climatic variables, on nest temperatures during temperaturethe second data and third 34°C.ofb) Adding incubation.However, higher average As metabolic this second heating third occurring comprises during the second third of incubation to this comparing to predicted previousincubation temperatures equation. As no long term data for nest temperature are available, this model could period of sex determination,sand temperature air temperature at nest notin 2080 be will trendsfurther result validate and inclementthed. same climatic weatherdespite can a presumed therefore influence the sex ratio of broodingdepth. clutches. in a mainly female conditions, any ability to declining population. Usingproduction meteo all over Francethe adapt air temperatureto global climate dataThis since important 1970 nesting and the climate change model, it was b) Adding average year. Moreover, periods change for this nesting site in the SWIO requires Knowing the impacts ofmetabolic climatic heating factorsthenof lower on possible second sex third determination to predictpopulation second lies stage,third in peak incubation thegreater study understandingtemperature further of data. investigates predicted secondoccurring thirdduring second incubation incubation temperaturetemperatures seasons according periods and to its climate population before change the third of incubation to Toare associatedillustrate with the lower past intrabeachand future variability evolution effectsof second of climate third change of incubation temperatures, monthly models. The model used (A2this previous emissions equation. scenario)meanpercentages of reported sexof nesting stage an temperaturedue increase to local factors.s in were Theair plottedtemperaturescan be fully for assessed. different over year spans, simultaneously with the southern African regionAs no long (0 term- 45°S;data for 5°nestingactivity. - 55°E)All activity clutches by recorded 3.7°Ceffects on of during climateTromelin change summer island . (December, nest temperature are throughout the year will have altered weather We wish to provide January, February) and 4°Cavailable, in winter this model (June, July, August) by 2080. then be highly female regimes worldwide, with a special thanks to could not be further skewed in 2080 according temperature predicted Samantha O’Brian for the According to climate change predictions and nest temperatures during second third predicted Second third incubation temperaturesvalidated. were topredicted the incubation using twoto increase. methods The great job she did for this intemperature this study, prediction average nesting monthly site of Tromelin nest temperaturesstudy as well as will Kelonia not reach the lethal level of 34°C. Using meteo France air However,model. higher incubationremains relatively temperatures (www.kelonia.org)in 2080 will result for in a mainly female production all a) Linear regression and associatedtemperature data sinceequation over to the predict year. Moreover, sandundisturbed temperature periods due toof the lower at n theirsecondest strong depth third support usingincubation to the temperatures are associated 1970 and the climate With the small beach site’s remoteness, but project. air temperature. This modelchange was model, valit wasidated of Tromelin using undergoing meteo Francealso under sandresearched temperature data and comparing to predicted sand temperature at nest depth.
22 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 b) Adding average metabolic heating occurring during second third of incubation to this previous equation. As no long term data for nest temperature are available, this model could not be further validated.
Using meteo France air temperature data since 1970 and the climate change model, it was then possible to predict second third incubation temperature data.
To illustrate the past and future evolution of second third of incubation temperatures, monthly mean of sex stage temperatures were plotted for different year spans, simultaneously with nesting activity recorded on Tromelin island.
According to climate change predictions and nest temperatures during second third predicted in this study, average monthly nest temperatures will not reach the lethal level of 34°C. However, higher incubation temperatures in 2080 will result in a mainly female production all over the year. Moreover, periods of lower second third incubation temperatures are associated Buying time for corals
By Tim Mc Clanahan, rity, and species diversity URES Wildlife Conservation have the least conflict.
Society,Kenya AT
The study is broad in E The future is going to be geographic extent, rang- more stressful for marine ing from the Maldives ecosystems, and corals to South Africa, and F L and their dependent spe- includes an historical A cies top the list of taxa analysis of environmental that are going to feel the data derived from satellite heat. Is there any relief in observations on oceano- ECI sight, where can we find graphic variables that ex- P it, and what can be done posure corals to stressful S to buy them time while conditions and activate people work out their their bleaching response impacts on these reefs and Madagascar, are carbon emission issues? (photo). The researchers will reduce the numbers priorities but the wealth, These questions were then compile data on the of stresses and give these commitment and ca- asked and some answers coral communities from reefs a longer horizon of pacity to finances their provided in recent re- nearly 200 sites in the persistence into the era management has been gional study that com- region in order to create of global climate change. insufficient to assure their bined efforts to map the an index of the coral com- secure future. Here, the regional stress, the coral munities susceptibility Many of these reefs in capacity to manage these community’s response to to bleaching and their this moderate to high pri- reefs needs to be quickly this stress, and overall diversity. Map layers ority region, such as the built through donor and coral diversity in the re- were then combined and Mascarene Islands, have development support. gion. The findings suggest the resulting composite had large human impacts that a region stretching map produces a holistic from fishing and other The project has its limits from southern Kenya to vision of the state of disturbances but the in terms of not having northern Mozambique these reefs (see map). study removes these lo- comprehensive regional across to northern east- The authors argue that cal disturbance effects in data and projecting ern Madagascar and the this map reflects what order to try to understand change into the future Mascarene Islands and should be priorities for the underlying diversity. but it does provides a the Mozambique-South conservation and man- The implication is that state-of-the-art vision Africa border are among agement where climate these reefs, which have and creates a window the most likely to places disturbances are one of not been well managed of opportunity for future where the combination of the key factors prompting despite the high incomes research and action that stress, community integ- action. Reducing human in some countries, are can hopefully buy corals regionally important. a bit more time. These wealthy countries, therefore, have the ca- Source- McClanahan TR, Maina pacity and need to step JM, Muthiga NA. Associa- up their management to tions between climate stress insure their reefs achieve and coral reef diversity in the their regional signifi- Western Indian Ocean. Global cance. Other regions, like Change Biology, in review. the reefs in Mozambique
Top: A the coral Gonio- bility to bleaching and the pora undergoes the chang- numbers of coral species es in color associated with at the study sites. Redder coral bleaching. colors indicate positive conditions that include Left: A map produced by less stress, more coral combining levels of expo- community integrity, and sure to bleaching stress, numbers of species. the community’s suscepti-
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 23 Coral Reef Crisis By David Obura. as the UNFCCC was gain- the US that sabotaged the cies. Strict application ing support and countries negotiations was immate- of the Red List criteria 350 or bust … coral reefs were increasingly making rial. What was important resulted in over 1/3 of all will not survive current commitments to limit cli- was that the rest of the species being listed as
‘best-case’ targets for cli- mate change. CO2 emis- world was toothless while threatened by extinction mate change mitigation. sions were increasing crying foul. (Carpenter et al. 2008), in What does this mean to annually and total atmo- large part due to habitat us? spheric concentrations The prognosis for coral loss related to global hat climate change were already ABOVE reefs – how bad is it? climate change. That a already poses a the worst-case scenario The vulnerability of globally distributed eco- Tthreat to species, (Raupach et al., 2007; coral reefs to climate system-building group of ecosystems and people, Richardson et al., 2009). change (increasing sea marine species should at- and that this will increase Further, it is widely over- surface temperatures) tain an equivalent threat over time, is no longer in looked that the 2oC/450 has become increasingly status to such classically 1 any doubt. The big ques- ppm CO2 target gives well known in scientific vulnerable groups as tion is how large will the only a 50% probability circles, and among pro- amphibians was a shock threat become, what can of success (fig. 1). Even tected area and resource even to the participants we do about it, and what more alarming, achieving managers. The mas- at the meeting. are the policy positions this target requires mas- sive impact of a climate that must be made to limit sive reductions in global change@ ! event to western The IPCC$ )1 ( considered ( *,.( ,- -. 0 &)*( the threat as much as is emissions below 1990 Indian )' #( *)&# 3 Ocean reefs in ),.-)(."#-% 3#--/ 5 )1 )1 1),%#(." )(. 2.)how vulnerable differ- (.#)(&( possible? levels by 2050, on the 1998, !#)(&#(-.#./.#)(-."..*, - (."0 '#(#'&0)# #(- ..#(!!&) & &#'. "(! played a large part ent ecosystems and order of 80% AND almost in making*)&# 35 this known, and economic sectors are to Climate change targets immediate reductions to research here has contin- climate change (fig. 2), Many leading envi- minimize over-shoot and ued@ to date. In 2008, the showing ! " coral reefs as ".)." ,0/&( , & -3-. '-&-) ronmental and human lag effects. Global"0 VMNI ,#.# &.", -")& -5 -." , ()/!" #(!#(0 -. #(, - , "( -- --' (.- Marine Species one of the key examples. development organiza- Assessment.) . ,'#( ." - (GMSA) ." - .", -")& -, *-- 5took The notable feature being tions have taken climate As we now know, UN- on the challenge of as- that among the sectors change to heart, and FCCC countries in Decem- sessing the vulnerability shown, global bleaching in doing so, advocated ber 2009 abrogated their of0# /,#-." -. hard coral species to ,# 6 (3( "#,of coral reefs )occurs ." ),&* #&#-.,)/*9 at ) /,D ), #) 9),!9 #- ,.# & 1- *. ,)')( 1,#.. ( ),." * # -!4#( /#& #(!/*.)." #()* ("! (#( for the best possible responsibility to identify extinction,KIIR9C revising their the lowest threshold of scenario for limiting and commit to targets for status on the IUCN Red temperature increase, climate change. In its reducing greenhouse gas List of Endangered Spe- and is the first mentioned 4th Assessment Report emissions, making it high- in 2007, among the sce- ly unlikely that the 450 narios derived by the target will be achieved. IPCC for global climate Whether it was China or change, the best case is scenario B1 (Parry et al. 1 For simplicity, “ppm CO2” and 2007). Stated simply, this “ppm CO2 equivalent” are not differentiated in the text, and predicts stabilization of we refer to the 450 target of greenhouse gases at 450 the IPCC. The conversion from ppm CO2EQ, gives a mean actual measures of CO2 to esti- global warming of 2.1oC mates of CO2 EQ varies among (range 1.4-3.1oC). A worst- technical groups and depends on different assumptions about case stabilization sce- the ratios of other greenhouse nario of 1000 ppm CO2EQ gasses. Because of the effects was estimated to result of CO2 on ocean acidification, ) o Fig.$+ 1.9K A 2.,! .#- "# 0 C target is achieved .)(&3NIU*,) #&#.3/( ,." &#'. "(! - (,#) at only a 50% probability o and its impact on corals, we in 5.5 C warming (range underBJC9,)$ . !&) &' (. '* ,./, "(! #(KIRI.)KIRR, &.#0 .)JRQI.)JRRR the BEST climate change scenario (B1). Projected ), 3.7-8.3oC). use CO2 rather than degrees of warming, which is easily mea- global." -#2',% ,- (,#)- - )(, -/&.- mean temperature change in 2090 to 2099 ,)' # relative , (.( #( * ( (.') &-9,)' sured, as the latter is only one to#!/, 19809KP6 KIIPC9 to 1999 for the six SRES marker scenarios based The most recent data aspect of climate change that is on results from di#erent and independent models. From indicate that in 2009, even relevant. Figure TS.27, IPCC 2007).
24 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 key thresholds of atmo- spheric carbon dioxide needed for coral reefs to remain viable. The state- URES ment from the workshop is included in Box 1 (Ve- ron 2009). If the prognosis AT already accepted by the E scientific community and
expressed in the IPCC F L
reports was bad, these A most recent clarifications were far worse. ECI The basic message is that P the planet has ALREADY S passed a critical stage for coral reefs (at about
320-350 ppm CO2; current
levels are 390 ppm CO2), and for any hope for coral reefs to survive into the future CO2 levels must be ) $,$indicator),& & "#(!#-)( ) at risk. More ac- ." Fig. #,-. &#'. #'* .-6-.,.#(!.$/-.)0 ,4 ,) 2. Coral bleaching is one of the "rst climate,#- #( im- REDUCED below 350 ppm. . '* ,./, 9curately, reefs2'*& -) scientists !&) &#'* pacts,.-*,)$ . starting at just ), "(! -#(!&) over zero oC rise&. '* ,./, B ,#0 in temperature. That is, the current best- predict,)' & 9L that “irreversible6 KIIPC9 (/* . , Examples , ( -B 9!9#- "&#( .&96KIIPC61# -*, ),& of global impacts projected for changes in case target will ENSURE '),.&#.36),=#,, 0 ,-# & ( .-.,)*"# &#( >) /,-.VK)1,'#(!9 and catastrophic decline” global temperature (Derived from Table TS.3, IPCC significant numbers of occurs at 1.7oC warm- 2007). In updated references (e.g. Fischlin et al., 2007), coral species are likely ing (Fischlin et al. 2007). widespread coral mortality, or “irreversible and cata- to go extinct and/or lose Add to this the effects strophic decline” occurs at <2oC warming. their functional capacity of ocean acidification, to form reefs. which were not incor- case scenario under con- In July 2009, the Royal porated into those esti- sideration at the UNFCCC, Society, the Zoological And other systems? mates, and the prognosis at CO2 levels of 450 ppm, Society of London and the Estimated to harbour # , /-.* for corals and reefs is and that EVEN THIS is at International Programme around one third of all de- /.*/.)extremely ." . "(# &1),%#(!!,)/*' .#(!.." )3&) # .36 )( )(6O." /&3KIIR dire. The sig- only a 50% probability of for the State of the Ocean scribed marine species, with 500 million people nificantJ9 ),&, issue -, ." ')-. #)&)!# &&3 #0 ,- " #..-) here is that success. ." ) (-( *,)0# -- (.#&facilitated a Coral Reef 1.7oC )-3-. '!)) -( - warming is the best ,0# -.)"/( , -) '#&&#)(-) * )*& 9Crisis meeting to identify (8% of the world’s popula- K9 '* ,./, @#( / '-- ),& & "#(! /-#(! 1# -*, '),.&#.3 )( ." , . ,,# , ( '(3)." ,, -) ." 1),& -.,. 1" (.')-*" ,# K 2 LKI**'9
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 25 tion) living within 100 km, the bread-basket regions natural systems. case projections, what and an economic value of on which millions depend scope is there for shift- $172 - 375 billion per year, for food, and already are Policy ing global practice to a coral reefs are extremely a flash-point for conflict For WIOMSA and other best-case scenario? valuable ecosystems. due to overpopula- technical/professional Losing the goods and ser- tion? The equivalent to organizations, this begs - even the best is only vices provided by coral Zimbabwe’s collapse an urgent debate on our half-good – is it a rea- reefs will be a great loss, of national agricultural key message and focus sonable position for particularly to developing production but across all on climate change – that organizations mandat- country societies depen- of southern and eastern not only is a 450 target ed with protecting spe- dent on them for daily African countries simul- not acceptable for many cies, ecosystems and sustenance. taneously? systems, such as coral human welfare to lobby reefs, but the world’s for a position premised However, in truth, their That countries and global leading economies have on a probability of suc- importance to human so- agencies are not pre- deliberately put off mak- cess of only 50%? ciety pales in comparison pared to respond to the ing reasonable plans to to many other ecosys- real message that coral make this target achiev- - and even that is not tems that not only sustain reefs are presenting to us able. good enough – with subsistence and small is a chilling message to How do we move the strong evidence (“virtu- scale commercial econo- any person, organization debate: ally certain” in IPCC mies, but large food-pro- or country with interests - from worse-than-worst parlance) that a 450 duction systems. What in biodiversity, human to best case – from the target may be too much would be the outcome in well-being or economic current position of ex- for critical species Africa of disruptions to activity dependent on ceeding even the worst and ecosystems, such
The Coral Reef Crisis: scientific justification for
critical CO2 threshold levels of < 350ppm
Output of the technical working group meeting at the 7. Given the above, ecosystem-based management Royal Society, London, 6th July 2009 of other direct human-induced stresses on coral reefs, such as over-fishing, destructive fishing, 1. Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse habi- coastal pollution and sedimentation, will be es- tats of the oceans and provide essential ecosys- sential for the survival of coral reefs on which we tem goods and services to hundreds of millions of are all dependent. people. 2. Temperature-induced mass coral bleaching caus- Signatories to the statement, at the time of publication, include: ing widespread mortality on the Great Barrier Sir David Attenborough FRS (working group co-chair), Prof. Ken Reef and many other reefs of the world started Caldeira (Carnegie Institution for Science), Dr Ann Clarke (Frozen when atmospheric CO exceeded 320ppm. 2 Ark Project), Prof. James Crabbe (University of Bedfordshire), Prof.
3. At today’s level of 387ppm CO2, reefs are seriously Andreas Fischlin (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, in his own declining and time-lagged effects will result in capacity), Prof. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg (University of Queensland), Dr their continued demise with parallel impacts on Simon Harding (Globe International), Rachel Jones (Zoological Soci- other marine and coastal ecosystems. ety of London), Prof. Tim Lenton (University of East Anglia), Dr David Obura (IUCN Coral Specialist Group), Paul Pearce-Kelly (Zoological 4. Proposals to limit CO levels to 450ppm will not 2 Society of London and IUCN Invertebrate Conservation Committee), prevent the catastrophic loss of coral reefs from Dr Dirk Peterson (SECOR), Dr Peter Read (Pacific Marine Environ- the combined effects of climate change and ment), Dr Chris Reid (Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Sci- ocean acidification. ence/marine Institute), Prof. Callum Roberts (University of York), Dr 5. To ensure the long-term viability of coral reefs the Alex Rogers (International Programme on the Sate of the Ocean), Dr
atmospheric CO2 level must be reduced signifi- Chris Sabine (Pacific Marine Environmental), Prof. Charles Sheppard cantly below 350ppm. (University of Warwick), Dr Mark Spalding (The Nature Conservan- cy), Dr Mary Stafford-Smith (Coral Reef Research), Jon Taylor (World 6. In addition to major reductions in CO emissions, 2 Wildlife Fund), Dr Kristan Teleki (International Coral Reef Action achieving this safe level will require the active Network), Dr John Turner (Bangor University), Dr Philip Willamson removal of CO from the atmosphere. 2 (University of East Angelia), Prof. John Veron (Coral Reef Research).
26 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 URES AT E L F L A ECI P S
as coral reefs, how gets must be available, IGOs have a critical role What are the most recent can we negotiate for PARTICULARLY, as in to play in this regard. findings for other sys- a lower target that is this case, where these tems? What other vulner- not even between the must move the goalposts Carbon sequestration. A able systems also have goalposts? OUTSIDE of the current 350 target calls for RE- < 450 critical thresholds?
debate. We must proac- DUCING CO2 levels below Is there enough being - and … none of this tively prepare for future present levels. Not only invested in research and may even be possible. negotiating positions. will this require a rapid assessments to deter- We should be prepar- emissions reductions mine these BEFORE these ing our countries and Response time is rap- response it also will re- thresholds are passed? economies for >6oC idly running out. As time quire the implementation warming as an inevita- passes without sufficient of carbon sequestra- David Obura is the CORDIO East ble result of the global action, the lower bound- tion technologies and Africa, Kenya and Chair of the economy and value ary for committed climate approaches that don’t IUCN Coral Specialist Group. system. change rises. There are themselves have unac- [email protected]. His only 5-10 years remaining ceptable consequences, article was adapted from one Various issues frame the to implement the emis- involve too-slow process written for the IUCN Species debate about the role of sions reductions needed rates or result in insuffi- Magazine building up to the UN- scientific, conservation to achieve the current cient emissions reduction FCCC in Copenhagen in 2009.) and sustainable devel- ‘best scenario’ 450 target. commitments. opment organizations, working to minimize the Time lags are critical is- Institutional policy and risks and impacts of sues in climate change, alignment. How can WI- climate change to both not just in the effects of OMSA and partners best nature and people: greenhouse gases be- develop and combined ing felt, but also in the policy efforts on this key Re-setting the boundar- domains of science, issue? How do we work ies on the negotiating policy and response. The in the context of national space. As scientific cycle from assessment and regional institutions understanding of climate through understanding to that at present have a change and impacts policy and action must be minimal voice in setting improve, a framework streamlined to minimize global climate change for adjusting policy tar- such lags, and NGOs and policy?
the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010 27 ‘Middle class’ reef %sh feel the economic squeeze
By Josh Cinner Maybe the easiest way to Now if you take a So there is both a good ORD
explain our results is for few steps from either and bad side to the story. W verfishing is a you to imagine a valley, mountain, you’ll quickly The bad news is that
serious problem with steep mountains find yourself sliding the valley of depletion T on many of the on either side. On top down the slopes to the is very wide and sliding S
O A world’s coral reefs - a of the mountain at one bottom of the valley. into it is much easier than problem that is generally side of the valley are the Here, societies are climbing out. Whether L attributed to too many least developed places moderately developed, the World has coral reefs people. But a study such as Madagascar- which means they have in the future will not only from the WIO in the where fishing technology the technology to plunder depend on whether we journal Current Biology is pretty basic, which their reefs, but don’t tackle climate change found that economic means it is harder to have the institutions to challenges such as development, rather plunder the reefs. Village effectively manage them. ocean acidification and than population was the traditions also limit The traditional systems coral bleaching, but fishing. For example, in have broken down, but will also largely depend parts of Madagascar national governments are on whether developing there are taboos on the often too inadequately countries can navigate days people can fish, the resourced to effectively the transition from deep types of fish they can manage fisheries without poverty to prosperity eat, the gear they use, the full support of local without ruining their and even sacred areas communities. fishery. For societies where nobody is allowed already in a poverty trap to fish. I’ve studied In this valley of depletion, governments and donors these types of taboos the amount of fish is only need to get them out and from Papua New Guinea about a quarter of the couple this development across the Indian Ocean more or less developed with good governance to Madagascar. Where places. Because of and strong institutions. they operate there is 25- declining catches, many 300% higher fish biomass fishermen here have to The good side is that the and in some places the fish harder and harder path to reef destruction coral cover is twice as just to survive and some is not inevitable. Coral high, too. However, these are caught in a ‘poverty reefs can be sustained systems only seem to trap’. This occurs when with the right combination operate in areas with low that short-term need to of approaches, which levels of development, survive outweighs any includes fisheries low populations (in Papua long-term advantages closures, property rights, New Guinea the threshold to conservation or and gear restrictions seems to be about 1,000 sustainable management. while at the same time main driver of overfishing people), and far from In this situation, some tackling poverty as a root on coral reefs in the markets (about 16 km). fishers resort to using cause of reef decline. western Indian Ocean. highly destructive gear Interestingly, the heaviest On the mountain on such as seine nets or Josh Cinner is a Senior overfishing on coral reefs the other side of the explosives to make ends Research Fellow at James occurs in countries part valley are countries like meet. This, of course, Cook University in Australia. way up the development Seychelles, with higher further damages the Josh is a human Geographer ladder. Countries with economic diversity and fishery and can lead to and specializes in the human either very low or high a lower reliance on reef a cycle of poverty and dimensions of coral reefs. levels of development fish for food or profit. reef destruction. The This article was a synthesis tend to have reef fisheries Here scientific and real danger here is that of several research papers in pretty good shape- management institutions if plundered too hard, resulting from WIOMSA funded about four times the help to effectively govern these coral reefs may projects. reef fish biomass of the reef fisheries, which loose their resilience and intermediate development are in relatively good not come back when and sites. condition. if economic conditions improve.
28 the WIOMSA magazine | no. 4 – Jun 2010
WIOMSA’s mission is to generate the best in marine science through its comprehensive research funding pro-gramming and then use the results to ensure that the marine environment is understood, protect- ed, enhanced and maintained for the benefit of everyone that works and lives on the coastal areas of the Western Indian Ocean.
WIOMSA’s vision and activities are based on the notion that quality science leads to better governance and management, which, in turn ensures a sustain- able & stable marine envi-ronment needed in efforts to reduce poverty and ensure a better life for us all in the region.
WIOMSA, operates as a regional umbrella organization in Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozam- bique, South Africa, Madgascar, the Seychelles, Mauritius,the Comoros Islands and Reunion with a network of membership of over 1200 regional and interna-tional scientists, over fifty academic and marine research insitutions and in partnership with organizations like SIDA, NEPAD, UNEP, EU,USAID and IOC/UNESCO.
FOR MEMBERSHIP CONTACT: email: secretary@wiomsa .org tel: +255242233472 www.wiomsa.org