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Baseline Assessment of Ngermasech Conservation Area
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2016
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[PDF-748.74 KB]
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Description:Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been used worldwide to protect biodiversity and increase marine resources' yields. In 2003, the Republic of Palau established the Protected Areas Network (PAN) to help improve the management and effectiveness of Palau's MPAs. In 2006, Palau made a commitment to effectively conserve 30% of its near shore habitat through the Micronesia Challenge. Yet, very few data on the baseline status of MPAs that are part of this network have been collected. This present study was conducted to collect baseline ecological data within the different habitats of Ngermasech Conservation Area (CA) located in Ngardmau State of Palau, to assess the effectiveness of the MPA over time. Findings demonstrated high abundance and biomass of commercially important species, good coral cover in the lagoon habitat, very low macroalgae cover, and high abundance of commercially-important macro-invertebrates within the CA. Three protected fish species were also sighted during the surveys. All of these indicators show that the CA is well respected and enforced. The enforcement should be maintained in the future to maximize the benefits of protection outside the boundaries of the CA and to the Protected Area Network
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Rights Information:Public Domain
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Compliance:Library
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