Marine reserves: How effective as management strategies for Philippine, Indonesian and Malaysian coral reef environments?

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of marine reserves as an approach to coral reef management in Southeast Asia and isolates the most effective management techniques. Seven reserve areas in the Philippines are compared with two similar management areas in Indonesia and two in Malaysia. Two control areas in the Philippines are also considered.

Comparison of the areas includes the following: (1) documentation of the status of various reefs in the three countries, in terms of biology, management approaches, patterns of human use, and the larger environmental setting; (2) examination of the effect of various factors, including formal management schemes, human exploitation, and general setting, on the reef; and (3) a summary of those generalities found among sites in terms of environmental conditions, management and use by humans.

Coral reef parameters are used to evaluate reef condition. These parameters include: substrate cover; density of coral genera, Acanihaster and Tridacna; chaetodontid diversity; topographic relief; and noticeable damage. Sites are ranked in terms of reef quality and are compared as to remoteness, human exploitation, destructive uses and management types. Municipal and national management approaches are contrasted and the effect of local education, scientific and tourist interests are noted at each site.

Those sites with active local participation in management show the greates potential for environmental maintenance and improvement. At other sites where some form of management exists, except one, the management shows a positive impact and a potential for sustainability. Control sites and those proposed for management without protection show some form of degradation.