Papers by Chris Poonian PhD
ABSTRACT Scleractinian coral species surveys were conducted at 10 sites in the western Indian Oce... more ABSTRACT Scleractinian coral species surveys were conducted at 10 sites in the western Indian Ocean, between 2002 and 2006. Each site varied from approximately 50-200 km in extent and was sampled with from 7 to 27 dives. Accumulation curves based on successive samples at each site were used to construct logarithmic regression curves, which provide estimated species numbers at each site at an arbitrary value of 30 samples per site, assumed to reflect the total number of species.
Elasmobranchs face severe overexploitation worldwide and data to support effective fisheries mana... more Elasmobranchs face severe overexploitation worldwide and data to support effective fisheries management are lacking, particularly for artisanal fisheries. There is a dearth of information on Mauritian fisheries and nothing is known about elasmobranch catches in the artisanal sector. Artisanal fishers (n=92) were interviewed across Mauritius island, to assess the basic characteristics and magnitude of the elasmobranch fishery. Elasmobranchs were targeted using lines and were caught incidentally in nets, but whatever the intent of the catch, sharks and rays were almost always retained to eat or sell. Eleven elasmobranch species were recorded including Sphyrnidae, Carcharidae, Lamnidae, Rhinobatidae (Rhynchobatus djiddensis Carcharidae, Lamnidae, Rhinobatidae (Rhynchobatus djiddensis Carcharidae, Lamnidae, Rhinobatidae () and Myliobatidae (Manta spp). spp). spp It appears that Mauritian industrial fisheries were responsible for significant shark mortality from the late 1990s until the early 2000s, resulting in severe declines. Currently, elasmobranchs are rarely caught by artisanal fishers and there is no major market for shark fins in Mauritius.
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are threatened by incidental capture in small-scale fisheries, but other s... more Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are threatened by incidental capture in small-scale fisheries, but other static underwater structures could present a similar entanglement risk. In December 2013, an adult male dugong was entangled in the ropes of a seaweed farm in Busuanga, Palawan, Philippines, and drowned. Anecdotal reports of similar incidents suggest that this was not an isolated occurrence. Given that dugong populations are slow to reproduce and cannot sustain even low levels of mortality , effective marine spatial planning is essential to minimize overlap between dugong habitat and mariculture operations. Figure 1. Recovery of entangled dugong (Dugong dugon) from seaweed farm ropes (Photo: Archie Espinosa) ARTICLE IN PRESS
All of the world's seven species of marine turtle are threatened by a multitude of anthropogenic ... more All of the world's seven species of marine turtle are threatened by a multitude of anthropogenic pressures across all stages of their life history. The Calamian Islands, Palawan, Philippines provide important foraging and nesting grounds for four species: green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eret-mochelys imbricata), loggerheads (Caretta caretta), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). This work aimed to assess the relative importance of turtle nesting beaches and local threats using a combination of social science and ecological research approaches. Endangered green turtles and critically endangered hawksbills were found to nest in the Calamianes. The most important nesting sites were located on the islands off the west of Busuanga and Culion, particularly Pamalican and Galoc and along the north coast of Coron, particularly Linamodio Island. Opportunistic hunting and egg collection, conducted legally by indigenous communities, is the most significant threat to sea turtles in the area. Sites particularly vulnerable to hunting were found to be Galoc Island, Pamalican Island, and Panlaitan Island. Raising awareness, community engagement, and understanding of socio-cultural drivers of sea turtle exploitation , particularly among indigenous communities, are essential to gain support for any effective conservation program. Additionally, more effective enforcement of laws related to the trade in sea turtle products is required to close the commercial and export markets. Copyright Ó 2016, National Science Museum of Korea (NSMK) and Korea National Arboretum (KNA). Production and hosting by Elsevier. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Biological Conservation, 2010
Recent case studies have highlighted high bycatch mortality of sea turtles and marine mammals in ... more Recent case studies have highlighted high bycatch mortality of sea turtles and marine mammals in artisanal fisheries, but in most countries there are few data on artisanal fishing effort, catch, or bycatch. With artisanal fisheries comprising >95% of the world's fishermen, this knowledge gap presents a major challenge to threatened species conservation and sustainable fisheries initiatives. We report on results from an intensive pilot study to evaluate whether interview surveys can be effective in assessing fishing effort and threatened species bycatch. Fisheries and bycatch data from interviews with >6100 fishermen in seven developing countries were collected in <1 year for approximately USD $47,000, indicating that this approach may rapidly yield coarse-level information over large areas at low cost. This effort provided the first fisheries characterizations for many areas and revealed the widespread nature of high bycatch in artisanal fisheries. Challenges to study design and implementation prevented quantitative estimation or spatial comparisons of bycatch during this pilot research phase, but results suggested that annual sea turtle bycatch may number at least in the low thousands of individuals per country. Annual odontocete bycatch may number at least in the low hundreds per country. Sirenian bycatch occurred in all study areas but was frequent only in West Africa. We discuss lessons learned from this survey effort and present a revised protocol for future interview-based bycatch assessments.
Migrant fishers and fishing in the Western Indian Ocean: socio-economic dynamics and implications for management
... Rosendo, Sergio ((University of East Anglia, UK). Title: Migrant fishers and fishing in the W... more ... Rosendo, Sergio ((University of East Anglia, UK). Title: Migrant fishers and fishing in the Western Indian Ocean: socio ... authors: Simeon Mesaki (UDSM, Tanzania); Almeida Guissamulo (UEM, Mozambique); Jacob Ochiewo (KMFRI, Kenya); Chris Poonian (Community Centred ...
Proceedings of the World …, Jan 1, 2010
Mohéli marine Park, Comoros-Successes and challenges of the co-management approach
Ten years after bleaching-facing the …, Jan 1, 2008
... Successes and Challenges of the CoManagement Approach MELISSA HAUZER, CHRIS POONIAN* &am... more ... Successes and Challenges of the CoManagement Approach MELISSA HAUZER, CHRIS POONIAN* &amp;amp;amp;amp; CHEIKH MOUSSA IBOURA Community Centred Conservation (C3), C3-Comores, BP 8310, Iconi Grande Comore, Union of the Comoros, Tel. ... (Ed. RV Salm &amp;amp;amp;amp; SL Coles). ...
… International Journal of the Society for …, Jan 1, 2007
Several studies have attempted to compare subtidal animal population estimates obtained in a vari... more Several studies have attempted to compare subtidal animal population estimates obtained in a variety of ways using SCUBA diving and have reported a lot of variation between the estimates obtained. This study investigated individually scale-, tidal-, equipment-and observer-induced variation through analysis of animal population density indices obtained using a number of techniques based on SCUBA diver visual survey. The study was based on shallow subtidal sites on the west coast of Scotland including natural rocky slopes and recently deployed artificial reef sites. Groups of species investigated varied in levels of size, abundance, mobility and detectability. Variability in estimated densities between different sizes of sampling unit, state of tide, type of SCUBA equipment used (open circuit versus rebreather) and observation technique was found to be considerable. A decreasing asymptotic relationship with quadrat size was evident in the majority of cases for estimated density, coefficient of variation and number of samples required to attain a given precision. However, the size of the sampling unit employed had to be large enough to encompass the variability in spatial distribution of the target organism. Improved precision for estimates of cryptic species was obtained from relatively small sampling units, which focused the observer's attention onto a specific area. Underwater photography as a population estimation technique produced data comparable with that from visual surveys but was limited by the size of sampling unit. The use of remotely deployed infra-red video demonstrated that certain animal species and life-stages actively avoid divers and were largely absent from the diverbased surveys. Although larger quadrats generated more precise estimates, the longer sampling times involved reduced their overall efficiency for most groups surveyed; optimum sampling unit sizes are suggested for particular animal groups.
Pacific Science, Jan 1, 2010
Recent growth in the popularity of recreational scuba diving has generated concerns about resulti... more Recent growth in the popularity of recreational scuba diving has generated concerns about resulting impacts to coral reefs, particularly in locations such as the Republic of Palau, a world-renowned dive destination with rapidly increasing numbers of visitors. Divers were observed in-water at three of the most visited dive sites in the Rock Islands-Southern Lagoon Area: German Channel, Ngerchong, and Big Drop-off. Dive guides were interviewed about diver impacts at German Channel and Ngerchong. Divers' contact rates with hard coral ranged from 0.87 e 0.27 to 2.98 e 0.59 contacts diver À1 10 min À1 (mean e SEM). Three instances of obvious physical damage were observed. Holding and fin contacts were the most common potentially damaging behaviors of divers, particularly those with cameras or gloves. Guides identified natural impacts (63% of respondents) and divers (34% of respondents) as the primary causes of damage to coral. Proactive management is essential to mitigate any negative impacts of recreational diving on coral reefs and to ensure resilience against other increasing threats. Long-term monitoring of dive sites, controls on the use of gloves and underwater photography, and training of guides are suggested to minimize damage caused by divers to coral reefs in Palau and elsewhere.
The influence of protected area management on the status of coral reefs at Misali Island, Tanzania following the 1998 bleaching event in the western Indian Ocean
African Journal of Ecology, Jan 1, 2008
... CARE Tanzania, Commission for Natural Resources, Zanzibar, Tanzania. ... implications formana... more ... CARE Tanzania, Commission for Natural Resources, Zanzibar, Tanzania. ... implications formanagement of Marine Protected Areas. ... Proceedings of the Workshop on Mitigating Coral Bleaching Impact Through MPA Design, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2931 May 2001. ...
… Ocean Journal of …, Jan 1, 2008
Incidental catch in fishing gears is a serious, worldwide threat to marine megafauna (particularl... more Incidental catch in fishing gears is a serious, worldwide threat to marine megafauna (particularly sea turtles, sharks and marine mammals). In order to inform the implementationa of effective bycatch management strategies, an important first step is to conduct an assessment of the extent of this threat. In the southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) (from 0 to 25°S, from eastern Africa to 60°E), there is a paucity of published data describing marine mammal bycatch. This review collates available information from a range of sources relating to marine mammal bycatch for nine SWIO countries: Mozambique, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Kenya, the Seychelles, the Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Reunion Island and Mauritius. An overview of the bycatch issue within each country is provided by considering the following key points: status of marine mammals, fishing effort, bycatch information and mitigation measures. Quantitative information, especially with respect to number of bycaught animals and impact on local populations, was found to be limited (except for Zanzibar). However, it is clear that several fisheries do incidentally catch marine mammals in the region, those of greatest concern being gillnets catching dugong (Dugong dugon) and coastal dolphins (Tursiops aduncus and Sousa chinensis) in Zanzibar and southwest Madagascar. To date, mitigation measures, particularly efforts to reduce the use of these gears, have not been employed effectively. From the information provided in this review, it is evident that it is critical to initiate the collection of quantitative data for marine mammal bycatch (particularly in gillnets) and its impact on local marine mammal populations and to implement relevant and effective mitigation measures.
Proceedings of the 11th …, Jan 1, 2008
Co-managed MPAs must strike a difficult balance between development and conservation objectives a... more Co-managed MPAs must strike a difficult balance between development and conservation objectives and although terrestrial co-management initiatives for parks and reserves have been extensively studied, few evaluations have been conducted of co-managed MPAs. Mohéli Marine Park was the first MPA to be established in the Comoros in 2001. Initially regarded as a model for co-management of marine resources, the MPA is now operating at a vastly reduced capacity following an end to external funding sources. This study assessed current perceptions of local stakeholders of the MPA to evaluate the successes and challenges of the co-management approach. Concern was expressed for the lack of sustainability or alternative livelihoods; inequitable distribution of benefits; exclusion of women; continuing environmental threats and a concurrent lack of enforcement of regulations. MPA managers should carefully consider their options for sustainable sources of finance and lower-cost alternatives to ensure that management activities can continue beyond initial set-up funding. Donors potentially need to rethink policies for initiatives such as MPAs which may be more effectively implemented with a decentralized approach and long-term but consistent funding commitment over at least several years rather than current two-to three-year project cycles that generate visible but short-term results for the implementing team and donors and fail to deliver effective conservation and development outcomes for communities and their marine resources in the long-term.
Rapid assessment of sea turtle and marine mammal bycatch in the Union of the Comoros
… Ocean Journal of …, Jan 1, 2008
... only used by three of the fishers interviewed. Gillnets are therefore a clearly identifiable ... more ... only used by three of the fishers interviewed. Gillnets are therefore a clearly identifiable ... Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) was also identified by fishers but has not been recorded as Page 6. ... students for fieldwork on Grande Comore; Hoani Uni Pour la Protection de l&#x27;Environnement ...
Participatory solutions to continued illegal hunting of nesting green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) on Mohéli Island, Comores
Unpublished manuscript, Jan 1, 2008
Incidental capture of the dugong, Dugong dugon, in gillnets, Mohéli, Union of the Comoros
Incidental catch on non-targeted marine species in the …, Jan 1, 2007
Biological …, Jan 1, 2010
Recent case studies have highlighted high bycatch mortality of sea turtles and marine mammals in ... more Recent case studies have highlighted high bycatch mortality of sea turtles and marine mammals in artisanal fisheries, but in most countries there are few data on artisanal fishing effort, catch, or bycatch. With artisanal fisheries comprising >95% of the world's fishermen, this knowledge gap presents a major challenge to threatened species conservation and sustainable fisheries initiatives. We report on results from an intensive pilot study to evaluate whether interview surveys can be effective in assessing fishing effort and threatened species bycatch. Fisheries and bycatch data from interviews with >6100 fishermen in seven developing countries were collected in <1 year for approximately USD $47,000, indicating that this approach may rapidly yield coarse-level information over large areas at low cost. This effort provided the first fisheries characterizations for many areas and revealed the widespread nature of high bycatch in artisanal fisheries. Challenges to study design and implementation prevented quantitative estimation or spatial comparisons of bycatch during this pilot research phase, but results suggested that annual sea turtle bycatch may number at least in the low thousands of individuals per country. Annual odontocete bycatch may number at least in the low hundreds per country. Sirenian bycatch occurred in all study areas but was frequent only in West Africa. We discuss lessons learned from this survey effort and present a revised protocol for future interview-based bycatch assessments.
The influence of protected area management on the status of coral reefs at Misali Island, Tanzania following the 1998 bleaching event in the western Indian Ocean
African Journal of Ecology, Jan 1, 2008
... CARE Tanzania, Commission for Natural Resources, Zanzibar, Tanzania. ... implications formana... more ... CARE Tanzania, Commission for Natural Resources, Zanzibar, Tanzania. ... implications formanagement of Marine Protected Areas. ... Proceedings of the Workshop on Mitigating Coral Bleaching Impact Through MPA Design, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2931 May 2001. ...
… Ocean Journal of …, Jan 1, 2008
Incidental catch in fishing gears is a serious, worldwide threat to marine megafauna (particularl... more Incidental catch in fishing gears is a serious, worldwide threat to marine megafauna (particularly sea turtles, sharks and marine mammals). In order to inform the implementationa of effective bycatch management strategies, an important first step is to conduct an assessment of the extent of this threat. In the southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) (from 0 to 25°S, from eastern Africa to 60°E), there is a paucity of published data describing marine mammal bycatch. This review collates available information from a range of sources relating to marine mammal bycatch for nine SWIO countries: Mozambique, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Kenya, the Seychelles, the Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Reunion Island and Mauritius. An overview of the bycatch issue within each country is provided by considering the following key points: status of marine mammals, fishing effort, bycatch information and mitigation measures. Quantitative information, especially with respect to number of bycaught animals and impact on local populations, was found to be limited (except for Zanzibar). However, it is clear that several fisheries do incidentally catch marine mammals in the region, those of greatest concern being gillnets catching dugong (Dugong dugon) and coastal dolphins (Tursiops aduncus and Sousa chinensis) in Zanzibar and southwest Madagascar. To date, mitigation measures, particularly efforts to reduce the use of these gears, have not been employed effectively. From the information provided in this review, it is evident that it is critical to initiate the collection of quantitative data for marine mammal bycatch (particularly in gillnets) and its impact on local marine mammal populations and to implement relevant and effective mitigation measures.
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Papers by Chris Poonian PhD