Challenges Related to Management in Low Income Countries

Current Reef Management

Marine Protected Areas and Reserves

When a portion of coral reef is set aside for protection, there is a doubly positive effect. The particular area recovers and areas surrounding or associated with MPA mirror that recovery.
- Studies show that protecting reefs in such a way not only increases biomass, but also species diversity and fish size, as on Apo Island in the Philippines.
The no take reserve and sanctuary were established in the 1970’s after destructive fishing methods wreaked havoc on Apo and throughout the Philippines.
- This was so successful that it has been used as a model for research and for demonstration of long-term benefits of such protection.

Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices in the Philippines

Many countries have municipal areas solely for local fisherman.
- However, commercial fisheries encroach on the outskirts of these areas because a lack of protection and enforcement.
Commercial fisheries not only use methods that are damaging to reefs, such as trawling, but also use methods that are more effective at catching large numbers of fish.
- In turn, fisherfolk who depend on fishing for a living must turn to destructive fishing practices.
  - They use dynamite and cyanide fishing which can irreversibly decimate coral and fish populations.

Despite rampant overfishing to the point of being unprofitable, governments continue to subsidize harmful fishing practices.
There continue to be political barriers to regulations on fishing techniques, catch limit, and illegal fishing.
Additionally, there is so little area covered by Marine Protected Areas. Less than 4% of oceans are declared as MPAs with 90% of those areas being open to fishing.

An engaged and tight-knit community dedicated to upkeep.
Dedicated supervision and enforcement by local people.
A plan for sustainability made by inhabitants of the island that includes education of local populations.

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