Pearl Bubble Coral, Physogyra lichtensteini

Compiler: Grace Quiton-Domingo Contributors: Grace Quiton-Domingo, Gregorio E. dela Rosa, Jr.

Suggested citation: Quiton-Domingo, G., Dela Rosa, G. 2015. A Survival Blueprint for the Pearl Bubble Coral,. Physogyra lichtensteini. Compilation from the project: Conserving Philippines’ EDGE coral reefs in Silago and Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, Philippines

1. STATUS REVIEW Phylum: Cnidaria 1.1 Taxonomy: Class: Anthozoa

Species: Physogyra lichtensteini Order: Scleractinea Common names English: Pearl bubble coral, Tipped bubblegum coral Family: Euphyllidae

Genus: Physogyra 1.2 Distribution and population status:

1.2.1 Global distribution:

This species can be found in the Indian and Pacific oceans, from Mozambique and the Red Sea to southern Japan, northern Australia and Fiji. It is native species of Saudi Arabia; Australia; Bahrain; Burma; Comoros; Egypt; United Arab Emirates; Eritrea; Philippines; Fiji; Guam; India; Indonesia; Iran; Iraq; Israel; Japan; Jordan; Kenya; Kiribati; Kuwait; Madagascar; Malaysia; Maldives; Northern Mariana Islands; Marshall Islands; Mauritius; Mayotte; Micronesia; Mozambique; Nauru; New Caledonia; Oman; Pakistan; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Qatar; meeting; Seychelles; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Somalia; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Taiwan (China); Tanzania; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Vietnam; Wallis and Futuna; Yemen and Yibuti. (Turak and Wood 2014).

1.2.2 Local distribution:

Population Region / Level of Country Site size Reference(s) Notes province Protection (colonies) Research report of EDGE Marine Protected Brgy. San Juan, Community- Quiton- 3 Area (MPA) Hinunangan conserved area Domingo 2012 survey in Hinunangan and Silago, Southern Leyte Research report of EDGE MPA Brgy. Calag-itan Community- Quiton- survey in 2 Hinunangan conserved area Domingo 2012 Hinunangan and Silago, Southern Southern Leyte Leyte Research report of EDGE MPA Brgy. Sudmon, Community- Quiton- survey in 4 Silago conserved area Domingo 2012 Hinunangan and Silago, Southern Philippines Leyte Research report of EDGE MPA Brgy. Mercedes, Community- Quiton- survey in 1 Silago conserved area Domingo 2012 Hinunangan and Silago, Southern Leyte Philippine Ilocos Sur Sta. Maria 1 National Collections Museum dela Rosa, Ikulong Island, Curnick & Brgy. Aluyon, 12 Koldewey (in press) dela Rosa, Brgy. Palasan, Curnick & 1 Burdeos Koldewey (in press)

dela Rosa, Anawan Island, Curnick & Brgy. Carlagan, 1 Koldewey (in Burdeos press)

Population Region / Level of Country Site size Reference(s) Notes province Protection (colonies) dela Rosa, Malaguinoan Maliit Island, Curnick & 2 Brgy. Calutcot, Koldewey (in Burdeos press) dela Rosa, Maragakdak MPA, Brgy. Community- Curnick & 3 Calutcot, conserved area Koldewey (in Burdeos press) dela Rosa, Gumian, Brgy. Curnick & Aluyon, 3 Koldewey (in Burdeos press)

dela Rosa, Kabalwa Island, Curnick & Quezon Brgy. Aluyon, 1 Koldewey (in Burdeos press)

Lawis, Brgy. dela Rosa, GE. (personal Palasa, 2 Jr. observations) Burdeos Binunbunan Island, Brgy. dela Rosa, GE. (personal 2 San Rafael, Jr. observations) Burdeos Katakian, dela Rosa, GE. (personal Philippines 2 Jr. observations) Brgy. Philippine Villahesus, 1 National Collections Alabat Museum Philippine Brgy. Balungay, 1 National Collections Alabat Museum Hugom Marine Community- 2 dela Rosa, GE. (personal Sanctuary, San conserved area Jr. observations) Juan Laiya Aplaya, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 San Juan Jr. observations) Baluarte, San dela Rosa, GE. (personal 2 Juan Jr. observations) Laiya Ibabao, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 2 San Juan Jr. observations) Matabao Marine Community- dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 Protected Area conserved area Jr. observations) Bilangbilangan Community- dela Rosa, GE. (personal Marine 1 conserved area Jr. observations) Protected Area Bohol Takot Babag, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 Talibon Jr. observations) Mono-mono, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 Talibon Jr. observations) Canmongo, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 2 Talibon Jr. observations)

Population Region / Level of Country Site size Reference(s) Notes province Protection (colonies) Brgy. Mahanay, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 Talibon Jr. observations) dela Rosa, GE. (personal Putik, Jetafe 1 Bohol Jr. observations) Brgy. Campao dela Rosa, GE. (personal Occidental, 1 Jr. observations) Jetafe Brgy. Capadan, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 2 Cortes Jr. observations) Philippines Surigao del Brgy. Nurcia, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 Sur Lanuza Jr. observations) Brgy. Madrileno, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 Cortes Jr. observations) Snake Island, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 1 Puerto Princesa Jr. observations) Pandan Island, dela Rosa, GE. (personal Palawan 1 Puerto Princesa Jr. observations) Meara Island, dela Rosa, GE. (personal 2 Puerto Princesa Jr. observations)

1.3 Protection status: Pearl bubble corals are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of threatened species and is listed on Appendix II of CITES. In the Philippines, pearl bubble corals and other scleractinians are protected under Republic Act 8550 and the Fisheries Code of 1998. In addition, all wildlife, including scleractinian corals and its by-products and derivatives, are allowed for collection only for scientific, breeding or propagation purposes under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Act of 2001 and the National Integrated Protected Areas System of 1992 or Republic Act 7586. Corals also protected under local legislation in the 1,827 marine protected areas all over the Philippines.

1.4 Habitat and resource assessment:

Physogyra lichtensteini favors turbid, shallow waters within 1-20m depth. They are commonly found in protected areas such as crevices and overhangs.

1.5 Biology and ecology:

Pearl bubble coral is a colonial, stony species that form massive colonies bubble-like appearance—thus its common name. Colonies can reach 3 meters in length. During the day, the surface of the colony has a pale grey, almost white colour and adorned with many small, spherical, fleshy vesicles that look like small grapes. The vesicles can either be smooth and rounded like a bubble (or fork-shaped with tiny bumps) which will retract when disturbed. At night, the species extends thick fleshy tentacles in order to catch food suspended in surrounding waters (Turak and Wood 2014; Veron 1986).

The structure of P.lichtensteini colonies are ideal for small crustaceans such as shrimp to live. The spaces between the individual vesicles are used by shrimps as hiding places from larger predators. Species associated with the Pearl bubble coral include Commensal shrimp such as Vir philippinesis (bubble coral shrimp), crabs such as Achaeus japonicus (orang-utan crab) and Hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata.

Physogyra lichtensteini are gonochoristic - they release either sperm or eggs into the water where fertilization occurs (Veron 1986). Spawning occurs after sunset a few days after a full moon in late spring.

1.6 Threat analysis:

Pearl bubble corals are heavily harvested for the aquarium and live coral trade. According to IUCN, 11,000 specimens were allowed to be extracted annually from the wild as of 2012. Indonesia is the largest exporter of this species with an annual quota of 10,500 pieces as of 2005.

The population decline of this species is linked to general stressors of the coral reefs in the world. P.lichtensteini, like most corals, is severely threatened by destructive fishing, deforestation, pollution and other anthropogenic stressors. Climate change, coral diseases, bleaching (Carpenter et al. 2008, Burke et al. 2011), ocean acidification and extreme weather conditions caused by ENSO events and storms further threaten this species.

THREATS Priority Anthropogenic Overfishing Unsustainable collection for aquarium and live fish trade Illegal fishing methods (cyanide and dynamite) Poaching in marine protected areas Improper waste disposal and no recycling of wastes Sedimentation Weak management capacity of local government and community Natural Coral bleaching Crown-of-Thorns

1.7 Stakeholder analysis:

Current Proposed Country Stakeholder Interest Impact Intensity activities activities Submit US AID Development Funder + Low proposals Submit GIZ Development Funder + Low proposals Submit UNDP-GEF Development Funder + Medium proposals Conservation Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate International Zoological Society Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate of London International Coral Cay

Conservation Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Foundation Conservation Oceana & law Practitioners + High Collaborate enforcement World Wildlife Fund Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Fauna and Flora Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate International California Academy Research Research + Low Collaborate of Sciences Asian Development Submit Regional Development Funder + Medium Bank proposals Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of Burdeos resource manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, - Critical Collaborate of Patnanungan resource manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of Polillo resource Philippines manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of resource manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of resource manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, - Critical Collaborate of resource manager

Current Proposed Country Stakeholder Interest Impact Intensity activities activities Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of Real resource manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of Infanta resource manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of Silago resource manager Conservation, law Local government Government enforcement, + Critical Collaborate of Hinunangan resource manager Funder, buyer Fish buyers in Real, and exporter of Infanta, Commercial fishes and +/- Critical Collaborate Patnanungan and marine Burdeos ornamentals Funder, buyer Fish buyers and and exporter of exporters in Commercial fishes and +/- Critical Collaborate Philippines Parañaque marine ornamentals Indigenous Conservation Practitioners + Critical Collaborate communities Northern Lamon Law Bay Integrated Conservation + Critical Collaborate enforcement Patrol Team Haribon Foundation Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Project Seahorse Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Foundation Sentro ng Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Teknolohiya (SIKAT) Institute for Social Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Order Ocean Action Resource Center Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate (ORC) Save Philippine Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Seas Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Conservation Practitioners + High Collaborate Foundation

University of the Philippines Marine Research & Research + Medium Collaborate Science Institute extension (UP MSI)

Current Proposed Country Stakeholder Interest Impact Intensity activities activities Western Philippines Research & Research + Medium Collaborate University (WPU) extension University of the Research & Research + Medium Collaborate Philippines Visayas extension Mindanao State Research & Research + Medium Collaborate University Naawan extension De La Salle University Bro. Research & Research + Medium Collaborate Alfred Shields extension Marine Station Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Research & Research + Medium Collaborate Environmental extension Management (SUAKCREM) Visayas State Research & Research + Medium Collaborate University (VSU) extension University of the Research & Philippines- Research + Medium Collaborate extension Tacloban Southern Leyte Research & Research + Medium Collaborate State University extension Practitioner (per Tetra-Tech EMI Conservation + Medium Collaborate project) MarcVentures Holdings, Inc., Adnama Mining Philippines Resources Inc. Commercial Mining - Critical Collaborate (AMRI), Shenzhou Mining Group Corporation (SMGC), etc. Chamber of Mines Commercial Mining + Medium Collaborate of the Philippines National Commission on Government Conservation + Medium Collaborate Indigenous Peoples National Commission on Government Conservation + Medium Collaborate Indigenous Peoples Region IV Department of Education Region Government Education + Medium Collaborate VIII Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Law Government + High Collaborate Resoruces Region enforcement IV-A Department of Protected area Environment and Government managers, law + High Collaborate Natural Resources enforcement Region IV-A Department of Agriculture Bureau Law of Fisheries and Government +/- Medium Collaborate enforcement Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR)

Current Proposed Country Stakeholder Interest Impact Intensity activities activities Department of Environment and Protected area Natural Resources Government managers, + Medium Collaborate Protected Areas legislation and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB) Department of Environment and Protected area Natural Resources Government managers, + Medium Collaborate Coastal and Marine conservation Management Office (DENR-CMMO) National Fisheries and Development Government Research + Low Collaborate Institute (NFRDI) Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council Philippines for Agriculture, Research, Submit Government + Low Aquatic and Natural funder proposals Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARD) Marine Protected Lobby and Area Support Conservation Advocacy + Medium collaborate Network (MSN) NGOs for Fisheries Lobby and Conservation Advocacy + Medium Reform (NFR) collaborate Silago Federation of Civil Society Development Development & Lobby and Organizations and & + Medium conservation collaborate People’s conservation Organizations Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Development Development & Lobby and Resources & + Medium conservation collaborate Management conservation Council

1.8 Factors influencing success of survival blueprint implementation:

Description Threats Opportunities There are an increasing number of areas in the Seafood is an important Philippines that are source of protein in the Destructive fishing is one of establishing local or Philippines. Most of the the main causes of the community- and local fishing areas in the decline of Philippine reefs government-conserved reef Philippines are heavily (Tun et al. 2008; Burke et areas to protect and Socio-cultural exploited (Green et al. 2003; al. 2011). This decline is a conserve coral reef effects Nañola et al. 2010). loss of habitat to fish, resources (Arceo et Overexploitation of fishery reduces a reef’s aesthetic al.2008). These are resources has led to the use value and decreases its supported and recognized of destructive methods such ability cushion the effects of by the local and national as dynamite and cyanide storm surges. governments, non- fishing on coral reefs. government organizations and other stakeholders. The total monetary value of the coral reefs is 352,915 Coastal development and Int.$/ha/year (de Groot et al. Pearl bubble corals and siltation smothers reefs. 2012). By informing and coral reefs in general are Cyanide reduces the lobbying with local affected by the aquarium photosynthetic ability of the government units and and live reef food fish symbiotic zooxanthellae and legislators, businesses of trades. In addition, coastal slowly detaches coral tissue the indirect economic development for tourism, Economic from the skeleton over time benefits of conserving reefs, mining activities and port implications (Jones 1997; Jones and this will increase support. development also affects Steven 1997; Wabritz et al. This could create and coral reefs. They also 2003). Corals are used as increase sustainable provided protection of home décor in some areas, livelihood opportunities such houses and other structures particularly in Burdeos and as tourism, medical from storm surges by in remote areas in the research and other decreasing wave energy. Philippines. derivatives through equitable access and benefit sharing.

Description Threats Opportunities There are several legislations that have been enacted to support coral reef and coastal management in general. One of these is the At the local level, the local presidential Executive Order government can improve No. 533, enacted in 2007, conservation by establishing There is a lack of additional stating that the Integrated management zones, funds at the local level, Coastal Management (ICM) including MPAs, through the particularly for patrolling and mechanism be used as a comprehensive land use enforcement. There are also planning and management planning and ICM planning. conflicting laws that allow Existing tool for all cities and This will reduce adverse extractive activities such as conservation municipalities in the effects to coral reefs. Other mining that severely affects measures Philippines. Other existing local opportunities include coral reefs. In addition, laws include the Fisheries the establishment of there is weak Code of 1998 or Republic flagship species for implementation for the Act 8550 which includes conservation through monitoring and evaluation of sections on establishing at municipal and these laws. least 25% of the municipal ordinances focusing on waters as a Marine protecting Pearl bubble Protected Area (MPA), ban corals. on coral exploitation and exportation, and the ban of fishing methods and fishing gears that are destructive to coral reefs. Government focus on generating revenues from development projects such Some of the local as mining. Lack of funds for Weak law enforcement and government units are Administrative/ the monitoring of mining and corruption. Conservation enthusiastic to engage in political set-up patrolling and enforcement activities aren’t a priority in conservation and even ask activities. Mining areas some areas. to have projects overlap with terrestrial and implemented in their area. marine conservation priority areas. Researchers, photographers and the wider public may be influenced to look at There is a high awareness conserving this species. of the importance of There are currently a small expertise on coral reefs both number of Pearl bubble in research and the diving coral experts in the Local expertise industry, as well as with Philippines and there are and interest photography enthusiasts. only a small percentage of On the other hand, there is organizations working a low awareness of the specifically on Pearl bubble importance of the Pearl corals. In addition, bubble coral to coral reefs. photographers and their dive guides may be influenced to note species abundance per dive site.

Description Threats Opportunities Pearl bubble coral (or EDGE coral species) can be used as flagship or umbrella species in several conservation programs. Appeal of They can help build species community pride and become iconic species in a dive site (i.e. “Pearl bubble coral city”) or as an icon in town celebrations. There is a need to elevate the status of the Pearl bubble coral as a flagship species to increase awareness amongst the wider public. In addition, population studies can be Resources integrated into monitoring protocols of several institutions. There is also a need to develop and/or increase the number of Pearl bubble coral and/or coral taxonomist

2. ACTION PROGRAMME

Vision (30-50 years) The pearl bubble coral is valued and protected in the Philippines and in the Indo-Pacific Coral Triangle eco-region, fulfilling its ecological role in a healthy, stable ecosystem. Goal(s) (5-10 years) To increase and maintain the functional population of Physogyra lichtensteini in self- sustaining marine habitats in the Philippines Objectives Prioritisation 1. To develop research database on P. lichtensteini Critical 2. To raise awareness of P. lichtensteini (and EDGE coral species), elevating them as flagship or umbrella species in the Philippines, to help Critical strengthen marine conservation and promote protection of MPAs

3. To strengthen legislation and enforcement in various political and Critical geographical areas in the Philippines

4. To develop and improve conservation strategies that aim to maintain Critical healthy, diverse habitats and restore and rehabilitate degraded ones

5. To enhance capacities of local communities in environmental Critical conservation and protection

Country / Time Responsible Opportunities and Activities Priority Associated Indicators Activity type region cost scale stakeholders threats 1. To develop research database on P. lichtensteini 1.1 Government Opportunities-ZSL agencies, program and EDGE Improving Implement continuous Philippines Critical Reports per site monitoring, assessment and NGOs, fellows in the knowledge evaluation of P.lichtensteini academics Philippines Methodology Government 1.2 established and Opportunities-ZSL agencies, Improving Develop scientific and disseminated; program and EDGE NGOs, knowledge, technical capacities for Philippines High number of trained fellows in the academics; skills and advanced research on and actively Philippines and their ZSL, Haribon, sustainability P.lichtensteini participating network ORC personnel 1.3 Enhance networks, linkages Government Collaborative and coordination among agencies, projects and Lack of focal people, Partnership and academic centres and Philippines Critical NGOs, research initiators, coordinators network building conservation partners in the academics programs; region

2. To raise awareness of pearl bubble corals and EDGE coral species), elevating them as flagship or umbrella species in the Philippines, to help strengthen marine conservation and promote protection of MPAs ZSL, Haribon, ORC and 2.1 Communication Connect Opportunities—EDGE Develop basic CEPA and plan,CEPA Coalition for fellows in the IEC strategies on materials such as Education & Philippines High Conservation Philippines and initial P.lichtensteini and EDGE posters, awareness Education, other educational materials coral species for infographics, and partners in developed by ORC dissemination, information fact sheets campaigns and education EDGE coral conservation 2.2. Integrate protection and promotion of P. lichtensteini Education & in wide institutionally- Government Threat-disinterest, lack awareness, supported framework of agencies, Philippines High of focal people, lobbying, conservation inititatives such NGOs, initiators, coordinators partnership as MPA Management Plans academics and in Integrated Coastal building Resource Management Plans (ICRMP) in both local and national levels

Country / Time Responsible Opportunities and Activities Priority Associated Indicators Activity type region cost scale stakeholders threats Communication plans established Coral reef 2.2. conservation integrated in Develop communication and Government elementary school training modules on EDGE agencies, Education & Philippines High education; training Threat-Disinterest coral conservation for NGOs, awareness modules different sectors (e.g. media, academics teachers, schools, youth established for clubs, corporate partners) coastal management practitioners per site 3. To strengthen legislation and enforcement in various political and geographical areas in the Philippines

3.1 Government agencies, Develop laws and NGOs, Environmental Threat-Lack of political enforcement that restrict Philippines Critical communities, laws passed and will and external Law & Policy harvesting of P.lichtensteini local enacted. pressure and other EDGE coral government species

3.2 Government Multi-stakeholder Improve enforcement of laws agencies, support in Threat-Lack of political Law & policy that restrict aquarium trade NGOs, local enforcing laws, will and external Philippines Critical and and destructive fishing government; number of pressure methods and that strengthen enforcement development participants and MPA management at local partners partners and national levels 3.3. Government Capacity Threat-Lack of political Increase local enforcement agencies, building, law & Philippines High . will and external capacity in coastal protection NGOs, local policy and pressure and conservation especially government enforcement within community level 4. To develop and improve conservation strategies that aim to maintain healthy, diverse habitats and restore and rehabilitate degraded ones Threat-lack of 4.1 technical capacity, Government Workshops, Management Foster scientific and technical training, information agencies, reports, networking and assessment support to improve Philippines High dissemination, NGOs, meetings and and conservation strategies and coordination, sharing academics conventions coordination enhance of effectiveness of of resource and MPA assessment communication

Country / Time Responsible Opportunities and Activities Priority Associated Indicators Activity type region cost scale stakeholders threats Threat-lack of 4.2 scientific, technical Management Habitat restoration Encourage plantation and Government capacity, training, lack and Philippines High and rehabilitation protection of mangroves and agencies, NGOs of interest and political implementation projects seagrass and restoration of will, especially among of conservation coral reefs where appropriate local government units Coordination, enforcement of Threat-lack of interest, MPA laws and political will, Government Management 4.3 policies, coordination, agencies, and Support and strengthen MPA Philippines High community- understanding of the NGOs, implementation establishment, management initiated MPA importance of MPAs, academics of conservation and network improvement with especially within support from community level government 5. To enhance capacities of local communities in environmental conservation and protection Threats-weak 5.1 Government information platform Information Improve dissemination and agencies, IEC, workshops Philippines and systems; e.g. management accessibility of accurate NGOs, and CEPA database that make and education scientific information to academics targeted communities information accessible 5.2 Government Trained local Enhance participatory agencies, personnel, Capacity- Philippines assessment among local NGOs, trainings and building communities academics workshops Opportunities- 5.3 More development Enhance and support Increase of partners and NGOs opportunities for livelihood Government Livelihood Philippines livelihood options that support livelihood augmentation for coastal agencies, NGOs augmentation and opportunities program especially communities to decrease after 2013 Super- fishing pressure typhoon Yolanda

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