The impact of live rock harvesting on fish abundance, substrate composition and reef topography along the Coral Coast, Fiji Islands By Make Liku Movono A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science School of Marine Studies Faculty of Island and Oceans The University of the South Pacific December, 2007 Dedication This is for my Normie and to God Almighty! Declaration of Originality I Make Liku Movono declare that this thesis is my own work and that, to the best of my knowledge, it contains no material previously published or substantially overlapping with material submitted for the award of any other degree at any institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the text. Make Liku Movono Date The current research was conducted under mine and other co-supervisors and I am certain that this is the sole work of Ms Make Liku Movono. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and Foremost, I would like to thank my God Almighty for bringing me through these challenging times and has never failed me! In addition to this, acknowledging the financial assistance by the Institute of Applied Science at the University of the South Pacific with which this project would not have been possible. A big “vinaka vakalevu” to Professor William Aalbersberg for giving me an opportunity to work on a challenging and vital issue. To the communities, whom without their concern, this study would not have been initiated. A very big “vinaka vakalevu” to Dr James Reynolds, who was with me from “scratch” till the very end, justifying every detail of the work. Heartfelt thanks goes to the communities of Namada, Namatakula, Vatukarasa, Votua and Malevu for their hospitality in hosting me while I was doing my field work. To Alena, Bola, Kini, Jolame, the boys in Votua and Namatakula for assisting me in the field. Also the IAS boys- Ron V, Ron S and Rusi for assistance in field work. I know this would not have been possible if it weren’t for their tremendous help. To James Comely for helping me with the editing and taking me through the stages. Also would like to thank Dr Clare Morrison for going through my work and great advice. Not forgetting Cherie of Marine Aquarium Council and Priti Singh. ii Lastly I would like to thank the Warbler House occupants, Hilda, Nuns and Clare for the great support. My wonderful friend Salote “Dudlz” Waqairatu for just being a great . This is goes the same for Lewa, for always being supportive in every way. My parents, bu and baby sitters for looking after Normie when I had to work late nights. Finally to my Normie for being just a source of joy! And to all those who I forgot to mention but have been there in one way or the other. iii Abbreviations CA Coralline Algae CAMP Council Collection Area Management Plan CCA Crustose Coralline Algae CCC Coral Cay Conservation CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CV Coefficient of variation DOM Dissolved Organic Matter EAM Epithilic Algal Matrix EPS Endangered Protected Species FLMMA Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas FMAC Fiji Marine Aquarium Council FSPI Foundation for the Peoples the South Pacific International H Harvested Reefs IAS Institute of Applied Science ICM Integrated Coastal Management IMA International Marine Life Alliance MA Management Authority MAC Marine Aquarium Council NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan NDF Non Detriment Finding NH Non Harvested Reefs MOTA Marine Ornamental Traders Association MPA Marine Protected Areas SC Scientific Council WSI Walt Smith International WWF World Wildlife Fund iv ABSTRACT The lucrative live rock trade, of which Fiji is the major exporter, has raised concerns on sustainability and ecological impacts. This study is the first to quantify the ecological impacts of live rock removal. The abundance of seven fish families (Chaetodontidae, Blennidae, Gobidae, Pomacanthidae, Pinuipedidae, Pomacentridae and Synodontidae), reef substrate composition and topography were compared between four harvested and four non-harvested reefs along the Coral Coast, Fiji. Belt transect method was used for fish counts, point intercept method for substrate composition and a graduated rod was used to take depths for profiling. The abundance of Chaetodontidae, Blennidae, Pomacanthidae and Synodontidae was significantly higher in the non harvested reefs while Pinuipedidae were significantly more abundant in the harvested reefs. There were significantly more coralline algae and live coral in the non-harvested reefs and higher algae in the harvested reefs. The harvested reefs were on average significantly deeper compared to the non-harvested reefs. There was a significant variation in Coefficient of Variation (CV) between the four harvested reefs and non-harvested reefs. The observed differences in fish abundance, substrate composition and depth between harvested and non harvested reefs are indications of the adverse impact of live rock removal on reef flats. This study provides scientific evidence of the impact of live rock trade on reef ecology which will help government with decisions on the future of the trade in Fiji. We recommend short term measures including sustainable collection method v guidelines along with long term goals to gradually phase out harvesting within five years by introducing cultured rocks as an alternative source of income. vi INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................1 CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................4 1.1 History of the trade ........................................................................................4 1.1.1 Marine Aquarium Trade World-Wide......................................................................................... 4 1.1.2 Marine Aquarium Trade in the Pacific Region.......................................................................... 6 1.1.3 Aquarium trade in Fiji.................................................................................................................. 7 1.2 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) .................................... 9 1.2.1 Non Detriment Findings (NDF) .................................................................................................11 1.2.2 Management...............................................................................................................................12 1.4 Previous Studies on Live Rock ....................................................................................................16 1.4.1 International ................................................................................................................................17 1.4.2 National .......................................................................................................................................18 1.5 Coral Reef Communities................................................................................................................22 1.5.1 Benthic microflora, periphyton and plant associations............................................................23 1.5.2 The periphiton communitiy/ live rock communitiy....................................................................24 1.6 Importance of live rock ..................................................................................................................25 1.6.1 Calcification.................................................................................................................................25 1.6.2 Biogeochemical cycle ................................................................................................................26 1.6.3 Photosynthesis ...........................................................................................................................26 1.6.4 Habitat and food source.............................................................................................................27 1.7 Disturbance on coral reef communities .....................................................................................28 1.7.1 Reef Fishes in coral reef communities...................................................................................30 1.8 Indicator Fish species....................................................................................................................31 1.8.1 Chaetodonids (Butterflyfish)......................................................................................................32 1.8.2 Blennidae (Rockskippers) .........................................................................................................33 1.8.3 Pomacanthidae (Marine Angelfishes) ......................................................................................34 1.8.4 The Synodontidae (Lizardfishes)..............................................................................................35 1.8.5 Gobiidae (Gobies)......................................................................................................................36 1.8.7 Pinguipedidae (Sandperches)...................................................................................................37 CHAPTER 2: STUDY AREA ..............................................................................39 2.1 The Coral Coast..............................................................................................................................40 2.1.2 Natural Habitats ........................................................................................................................42