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Collecting biological baseline data at various spatial and temporal scales and determining the biological effects of the existing reserve network on targeted lagoon and nursery fish species is critical to (1) identifying the targeted species that respond to this form of management and determining how this effort affects adjacent fisheries, and (2) reinforcing and validating the local perception that the MPA network has a positive fisheries value and helping to ensure its permanent acceptance and protection. It is equally important to assess the socioeconomic impact (e.g., food security) of the reserves in individual villages and in the region as a whole. For this reason, my team and I are (1) collecting baseline data on the MPAs and monitor the biological effects of the existing reserves employing various marine science methods, (2) assessing the social impact of MPAs, and (3) mapping all MPAs using participatory GIS. For instance, during socioeconomic monitoring we are assessing the impact of the MPAs on (1) livelihood strategies, (2) food security, (3) marine resource contestation, and (4) marine resource harvesting strategies inside and outside selected new and existing MPAs. Obtaining this information not only provides baseline data for future reference and research but also allows us to disseminate information to local communities on the effects of the reserve network. This is enabling us to work with local communities
in developing additional management strategies. We are currently
directing great effort towards increasing the level of participation
and involvement of the communities, especially by the women and
children, through training participants in monitoring methods, encouraging
local participation in the monitoring, and discussing the meaning
of the monitoring results. Realistically, not all MPAs can be monitored,
but we are selecting representative sites across the region for
monitoring. |
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