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Coral reefs survive tsunami but not cyanide bombs mongabay.com September 27, 2006 The impact of a tsunami on a coral reef is minimal in comparison to human-caused damage according to a new study published in the journal Atoll Research Bulletin. The research, conducted less than 100 days after the massive Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26th, 2004, found limited damage to coral or reef fish communities across 49 reefs surveyed in northern Aceh, Indonesia.
The researchers say that human use of explosives and poison for fishing has taken a heavy toll on reefs in the region but that reefs managed in the traditional Acehnese system were effective in protecting coral ecosystems. "Coral cover was on average 2-3 times higher on reefs managed under the traditional Acehnese system, and in the Pulau Rubiah Marine Park compared to open-access areas," said Dr Stuart Campbell who leads the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Indonesian marine program "The high quality of many of the reefs of Pulau Weh represents a considerable conservation achievement. While the condition of many reefs in the region remains a cause for concern, this is one of the few examples of successful marine resource management using both a traditional approach and marine reserves globally". Dr Morgan Pratchett, also from the Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies added "The Acehnese traditional model has been successful because maintaining the livelihoods of the people is the main goal: people have not been excluded from the environment. Fishing pressure is managed through group decisions plus there is an effective means of conflict resolution". "We have much to learn from the Acehnese experience." said Baird "Their success in the face of civil war, economic collapse, and catastrophic natural disaster is extraordinary, and the goal is to understand and replicate their success in other parts of Indonesia and the world". This article uses information and quotes from a Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies news release. Recommend this article? Comments? >Digg this article | >Hugg this article | Contact News options
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