The use of geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to determine how coral reef microhabitats and structure influence fish dynamics will begin this month with the arrival of Ms Katie Sievers, a Fulbright scholar from the Biology Department of San Diego State University in California, USA.
Ms Sievers has been studying the subject of fish microhabitats as driver for healthy environment, using kelp beds in southern California.
Her extending the use of these technologies to the conservation of coral reefs in the Philippines is an excellent idea, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration with her.
Dr. Rene Abesamis from the SU Angelo King Center for Research & Environmental Management (SUAKCREM) will be Siever’s main collaborator.
Other researchers should be able to profit from Ms Sievers’ visit.
This new study will be made on Negros and Siquijor Islands, the study area of SUAKCREM. Sieviers will hold office at SUAKCREM in the Silliman Marine Laboratory.
For some time, we have been considering the use of modern technological tools in our research program.
Last year, young scientists from Norway and Australia conducted experiments in deeper parts of Apo Marine Reserve using underwater video system, acoustic hydrophone receiver, and surgical implantation of acoustic tag.
These experiments explored what fishes are found at deeper ocean depths, and their distribution following the frequent occurrence of typhoons in southern Philippines.
The other research project using genetic technology is the connectivity of protected areas and fished areas in the Bohol Sea, which deals with questions where the fish larvae from no-take MPAs go.
Knowing this would show how important MPAs are in the long-term in terms of sustaining fisheries in Philippine waters.
The use of remote sensing technology is useful in monitoring the status of coral reefs and reef-associated fish without the need for researchers to travel to distant areas.
One can, for example, monitor coral reefs in the Sulu archipelago without going there physically.
The present limitation would appear to be an improvement of penetration into deeper water to record conditions deeper than a few feet. I understand that remote sensing techniques are being improved continuously for use in deeper water.
Thus far, SUAKCREM has pioneered in making use of the wisdom of social scientists in its research program on marine protected areas.
The example of the past contribution of the Apo Island community to the success of its no-take reserve speaks well of the importance of the social dimension in resource protection.
In reviewing the lack of success of other MPAs established without the cooperation of the local community, it has become necessary to emphasize the need for returning to the methods we used in the 1980s that included a strong community involvement in the processes of empowering the community for conservation.
In fact, one former member of our team suggested a return to our earlier community-oriented program at Apo Island.
I would like to suggest to the Apo PAMB to heed this suggestion in view of certain issues in the implementation of the program at Apo.
Among these issues are keeping the whole population at Apo well informed of the program of PAMB, including the concerns for balance in the use of the island’s resources, water pollution, etc. with the help of technological advances. The PAMB should lead in this endeavour.
The PAMB should not overemphasize the large density of resource users just to get more income, and forget about the negative impacts of overuse.
It must learn a lesson from other tourism sites that are deteriorating because of lack of proper balance in the implementation.
Let us not forget that too much success in acquiring money could lead to the deterioration and ultimate destruction of the environment at Apo Island.
This is especially relevant because already, climate change has begun the slide towards deterioration, and we must avoid exacerbating this initial natural damage.
On the contrary, people should strengthen the health of the environment so that it can minimize the negative effects of climate change.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
