Expedition to the Raja Ampat Islands: Eco-resort protects coral reefs
There is clear evidence that the no-take zone is working to protect these fishes.
By Cool Green Science BlogThu, Dec 31 2009 at 12:16 PM EST
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A Napoleon wrasse in Southeast Misool. (Photo: Purwanto Irawan) 
(Editor’s note: Conservancy Senior Marine Scientist Alison Green is on an expedition to the Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia — amidst some of the most spectacular and biodiverse coral reef ecosystems in the world. Catch up on all her posts from the expedition.)
Here in Southeast Misool there is an excellent example of how eco-tourism can protect coral reefs.
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We’ve been diving the reefs of Raja Ampat for the last two weeks, and while we’ve seen spectacular coral communities and many small reef fishes, we haven’t seen many big fish.
That’s because large vulnerable reef fishes, such as sharks, large groupers, parrotfishes and wrasses, are the first to disappear when coral reefs are fished.
The best way to protect these species is in large no-take zones, where fishing is prohibited.
Now that the Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been declared, the Conservancy is assisting local regency governments and communities in identifying the best location for no-take zones in Southeast Misool.
Meanwhile, we’d heard that the Misool Eco Resort had already established a large no-take zone (20 kilometers long) around their resort, which has been in place for a couple of years. One of our objectives was to survey areas inside and outside the no-take zone to see if it is working.
Today we surveyed the no-take zone for the first time, and the second we jumped in the water we knew the answer. The first thing that happened was that four sharks came racing up towards us — the first sharks we’ve seen since we got here — fantastic! We also saw large groupers, wrasses and parrotfishes, all of which have been rare or absent in other areas — clear evidence that the no-take zone is working to protect these fishes.
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION: Misool Ecoresort. (Photo: Sangeeta Mangubhai)
This story demonstrates the important role that industry, in this case an eco-resort, can play in coral reef conservation. Thanks to their dedication, this is first effective no-take zone for coral reef fishes in the Southeast Misool MPA.
Over the next few years, more no-take zones will be identified as part of the MPA design, and implemented by the regency government and local communities with support from the Conservancy and other partners. Let’s hope that they are as effective as this one!
-- Text by Alison Green, Cool Green Science Blog
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iongent
09/12/2010 04:45 AM
Long years ago God create earth with it s content, and He pick tiny lil bit of Heaven on the earth, in papua. Raja Ampat. A spot less view, and clear blue sky mix with a light green lagoon with so many amazing creatures inside make this place looks like Heaven literally. Virgin bay with white sand open our sensitivity of feeling peaceful in this place. Gold sunset. Beautiful coral. Perfect tropical breeze. What more???? Touch this place down and u can feel the real mother nature.
Raja ampat island
04/27/2010 08:15 AM
Nice post. Raja Ampat Islands is known as the the epicenter of the bio-diversity. It is very famous and called the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity. The meaning of Raja Ampat means four kings. The water in this island is not very bright but murky. You can see a lot of species of fish in this island. You can find amazing coral reefs in this island. For more details refer .... More
Descentline
01/04/2010 14:17 PM
Kid Inigme, your comment, "The real reason you saw sharks in the MPA is because the resort most likely provides feeding tours for touristy types," is as ignorant as the statement in the story making a direct positive association between the sighting of sharks and the establishment of MPAs...the foundation for either statement is not provided to the reader. As a scientist (I am both a forensic and marine biologist) I rely upon collections of data and observations to support associations and.... More
Rick MacPherson
01/02/2010 01:14 AM
A little knowledge, it's been said, can be a dangerous thing. But Kid Ingme's comment demonstrates that a complete absence of knowledge is even worse.
Do your homework on MPAs before you start your armchair critique. Shark's presence in effectively managed MPAs is a result of the upward trophic cascade that can result from protecting reef fish from poaching. Reef fish feed bigger fish. And sharks (who also happen to receive protection from poaching in managed MPA's like South Misool).... More
Kid Ingme
01/01/2010 12:56 PM
This story is like so many skewed views of MPAs vs. Well thought out fishing regulations.
The picture perfect misdirection was flawless, until the mention of sharks and MPA's having a relationship.
Just a little tid bit of info, sharks as smart as they are, cannot read maps made by people. And since most sharks, including reef sharks, are Pelagic (look that one up, its a goody) there is NO proof that a large MPA would have any effect on shark populations.
In this story the real.... More
