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Ecological assessment of Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary
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2018
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[PDF-656.79 KB]
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Description:Palau has a strong conservation history. Traditional conservation knowledge is being applied in modern times, in the form of the marine protected areas (MPA). In 2003, the national government of the Republic of Palau established the Protected Areas Network (PAN). The PAN is a nationwide conservation effort, geared towards effective conservation and management of natural resources in Palau’s marine and terrestrial environments. In 2015, PICRC researchers conducted baseline surveys in fourteen PAN MPAs. And starting in 2017, PICRC researchers continue the study of MPA effectiveness by conducting follow-up surveys in order to assess their effectiveness in terms of management and protection. This study was conducted in Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary, located in Melekeok State and has been protected since 1999 and was inducted into the PAN in 2015. Surveys were conducted on the reef flat habitat, consisting of a seagrass bed and coral reef habitat. In order to assess effectiveness, surveys were conducted in a nearby reference sites to compare results. Data collection consisted of recording the status of fish, macroinvertebrates, juvenile corals, seagrass cover, and benthic cover. Results show a slight increase in nearly all ecological indicators. Live coral cover and juvenile coral density showed increasing trends, indicating a slow recovery process post-typhoon disturbance. Food fish abundance and biomass were also recorded and were found to be higher in the MPA than in the reference sites, though not a statistically significant difference. Finally, macro-invertebrates were more significantly more abundant in the MPA than its reference area. These positive results show a good recovery rate for Ngermedellim since the typhoon in 2012. However, continued monitoring will provide better insights and information on the reef recovery within and outside the MPA and reference sites.
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Rights Information:Public Domain
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