Environment Society of Oman€¦ · A final section of this report presents a review of future plans as well as opportunities that have arisen during the course of the project. Environment

Environment Society of Oman

Daymaniyat Islands Ecology and Education Project

Preliminary Results

April 2007


Daymaniyat Islands Ecology and Education Project

Preliminary Results

April 2007

Report of the Marine Sub-Committee of the Environment Society of Oman

P.O. Box 3955, Postal Code 112 Sultanate of Oman

Tel: 24 482 121 Fax: 24 486 876 www.environment.org.om

Contents 1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 1 2 Habitat Mapping ......................................................................................................... 2

2.1 Methods............................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 2

3 Coral and Reef Fish Communities.............................................................................. 3 3.1 Survey/Monitoring Methods............................................................................... 3 3.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 3

4 Turtles ......................................................................................................................... 3 4.1 Survey/Monitoring Methods............................................................................... 3 4.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 3

5 Whales and Dolphins .................................................................................................. 4 5.1 Survey Methods .................................................................................................. 4 5.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 4

6 Birds............................................................................................................................ 5 6.1 Survey Methods .................................................................................................. 5 6.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 5

7 Archaeology................................................................................................................ 5 7.1 Methods............................................................................................................... 5 7.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 5

8 Recreation and Tourism.............................................................................................. 5 8.1 Methods............................................................................................................... 5 8.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 5

9 Fisheries ...................................................................................................................... 6 9.1 Methods............................................................................................................... 6 9.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 6

10 MPA Management .................................................................................................. 7 10.1 Methods............................................................................................................... 7 10.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 7

11 Training................................................................................................................... 8 11.1 Methods............................................................................................................... 8 11.2 Summary of Preliminary Results ........................................................................ 8

12 Opportunities and Future Plans............................................................................... 9 12.1 Continuation of research, surveys and monitoring ............................................. 9 12.2 Training............................................................................................................. 10 12.3 Education .......................................................................................................... 10 12.4 Ecotourism and MPA Management.................................................................. 10 12.5 Funding ............................................................................................................. 10

13 Current Project Sponsors ...................................................................................... 11


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1 INTRODUCTION The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve was established in 1996 and is still Oman’s only Marine Protected Area. This project began in May 2006 with the stated aims of surveying the marine and terrestrial environment of the islands and their human use, in order to document their current distribution, status and value, as well as to enable comparison with past surveys; assessing the potential for further use of DINR for training of Omanis and for education of both the Omani public and tourists; and using the information collected to inform management options for the future. The project is run in close cooperation with MRMEWR and also benefits from the participation of Professor Michel Claereboudt of SQU, and from collaboration with an international team of specialists, particularly for the turtle and coral reef components of the project. There have been number of trainees involved in the project, all of whom are SQU graduates. Three of these have now acquired full time jobs as environmental engineers in the private sector and no longer have a regular input. Another two remain active members of the project team. This report is divided into a number of sections, each of which provides a summary of the methods used during the project and a synopsis of preliminary results. Much of the data collected still requires analysis and remains in raw format, or as partially processed data. However, some analysis is complete, allowing preliminary conclusions to be drawn. It is expected that some of the scientific results will be prepared for publication in an appropriate international peer-reviewed journal. Some of the data, on the other hand, will remain archived in raw format and is intended to support future monitoring. All information and results are being shared with MRMEWR and other government sectors as appropriate. All of the techniques used during the project are based on standardized methods developed and adopted by the international scientific community and adapted to suit local conditions in Oman where necessary. Resulting data are therefore widely comparable, statistically rigorous and suitable for contribution to international databases. The variety of methods that have been selected for use are designed to investigate different aspects of the natural resource being studied and to provide data sets that are complimentary to one another. Methods are primarily selected based on their propensity to impart value to conservation management, but are also partially defined by available resources. Methods have undergone a transition during the course of the project from baseline survey-oriented techniques to monitoring techniques. A final section of this report presents a review of future plans as well as opportunities that have arisen during the course of the project.


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2 HABITAT MAPPING 2.1 METHODS

• Ortho-rectification of remote sensing data, including aerial photographs from 1986 and 1996 and satellite imagery dated 2003

• Classifications (supervised and unsupervised) of biotopes based on their spectral signatures

• Vector layers superimposed onto the imagery (either aerial/satellite image) to create GIS showing features of interest about the islands, their resources and use

2.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Analysis has currently been largely limited to assessment of marine habitats, although analysis of beach environments and plant communities is also now underway. The results have revealed some important and noteworthy findings.

2.2.1 Change in coral communities There has been a very significant increase in the amount of coral covering the seabed since the year 1986 (based on analysis of aerial and satellite imagery dated 1986,1996 and 2003). This increase is detected mostly on the leeward sides of islands and is largely, but not exclusively, attributable to one species of coral, Pocillopora damicornis. The reasons for this increase in abundance are not yet fully understood, but may be related to a number of factors working in synergy, such changes in abundance/distribution of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, marine climatic conditions (e.g. seawater temperature), coral spawning success, etc. However, it seems highly likely that the protection of the islands as a Nature Reserve has contributed to the increase, or at least sustained it. This may therefore be a newsworthy success story for marine conservation in Oman.

2.2.2 Value of Remote Sensing for Monitoring The habitat mapping undertaken during the project has revealed the value of remote sensing techniques for conservation management. Not only is temporal and spatial change to communities readily detectable, but the scale at which this can be achieved is suitable for use in both monitoring and management of natural resources. The value of the technique is greatly enhanced when performed in combination with groundtruthing surveys and in-situ monitoring, such as that described for coral reefs below.

2.2.3 Geographic Information System Vector layers (layers composed of areas, lines and points) are currently being superimposed on images (either aerial/satellite image or classified images) to delineate features of interest, survey points, etc. This allows for accurate measurement of distances and areas, as well as more complex geographical queries if required. This geographical information system (GIS) then becomes a central database for a large variety of information relating to the project. Any combination of themes can be displayed together, which makes it a powerful research and management tool.


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3 CORAL AND REEF FISH COMMUNITIES 3.1 SURVEY/MONITORING METHODS

Manta Tows following Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Permanent Video Transects following AIMS techniques adapted for use in Oman

by Professor Michel Claereboudt (SQU) and colleagues. Permanent Photo-Quadrats following AIMS techniques Belt Transects for reef fish monitoring using AIMS techniques Spot Dives (used primarily for groundtruthing of aerial/satellite imagery)

3.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS The results of coral community surveys have enabled classification of coral habitats into a variety of key habitat types, as well as an initial understanding of community composition and biodiversity. This has been used to inform habitat mapping as well as to determine locations for permanent monitoring stations. Two permanent monitoring stations have been established to date. At each station the following have been established:

Three permanent video transects (at three different depths) Six permanent photo-quadrats (at three different depths) Three permanent belt transects for reef fish monitoring

Data has been collected and stored from each station and a detailed plan for future monitoring has been prepared. Results of coral community surveys also include preliminary data on the distribution and magnitude of threats and damage to marine resources, such as that from fisheries activities and tourism. 4 TURTLES 4.1 SURVEY/MONITORING METHODS

Delineation of available nesting habitat using satellite imagery and in-situ observation of beach conditions

Installation of nest site sand temperature logging instrumentation Review of MRMEWR ranger monitoring and tagging techniques Underwater observation of turtle distribution and activity

4.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Nesting by hawksbill turtles, and to a much lesser extent green turtles, has been well documented over the years and is the primary focus of monitoring by MRMEWR rangers. Turtle nesting by hawksbill turtles is continuing to occur in globally significant numbers, making the beaches of the Daymaniyat Islands among the most important conservation sites for this Critically Endangered species in the world. The project has benefited from the support of international experts who are reviewing turtle monitoring and tagging techniques by rangers in coordination with the project team and MRMEWR to ensure that resulting data are optimized for us in conservation management.


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Surveys and habitat mapping during the course of this project have defined the exact extent of nesting beach habitat and provided an initial indication that the area available for nesting may change depending on oceanographic conditions due to erosion and accretion of beaches. This may have consequences for management of nesting sites. Research on turtle egg incubation has also begun through the installation of temperature loggers that provide a 6-9 month data set on the temperature of sand in the egg chamber of the nest. Three such loggers have currently been installed on beaches with different aspects. Turtle sightings have been recorded both from the boat and underwater during the course of surveys of coral communities, cetaceans, etc. This has revealed the presence of hawksbill turtles as expected, presumably including those that nest in the islands’ beaches. However, the majority of sightings have been of green turtles, most of which are of a similar age class, with a CCL of approximately 30-50cm. Observations have included aggregations (sometimes 10 or more individuals) of such turtles in very shallow waters of island bays, where some have been observed feeding on algal turfs that encrust the bedrock of the intertidal/shallow sub-tidal zone. 5 WHALES AND DOLPHINS 5.1 SURVEY METHODS

Surveys at sea using standard IWC transect techniques Collection of data on potential habitats and environmental conditions Collection of samples for DNA analysis Interviews with rangers, tour operators, etc

5.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Small boat transect surveys, observations in transit and attendance at a stranding event on Jebel Kabir Island have revealed the presence of whales and dolphins in both deep and shallow waters. To date dedicated surveys have been limited to late summer months only, and a winter/spring survey is likely to reveal more significant results. However, several species of dolphins as well as Bryde’s whales are known to occur within the boundaries of the Reserve. Behavioural observations of cetaceans have revealed that both whales and dolphins feed in the area and are also likely to breed, based on observation of the presence of calves. A single sample of skin tissue has been obtained from a Bryde’s whale washed ashore at Jebel Kabir, having first been reported floating dead at sea nearby. The skin sample will be sent to WCS laboratories in New York for DNA analysis as part of ESO’s on-going Whale and Dolphin Research Project. During the course of transect surveys, oceanographic data were collected at intervals, including salinity and temperature at selected depth profiles and are currently being analysed.


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6 BIRDS 6.1 SURVEY METHODS

Incidental observations only 6.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Despite the very high importance of the Daymaniyat Islands to nesting seabirds (as shown by previous studies), the project has not been able to conduct surveys or study this component of the area’s rich natural resources. However, incidental observations have revealed the continued nesting by a diversity of species, including terns, gulls and ospreys. Birds have also been observed roosting and very occasionally feeding in waters between the islands and the mainland, where a number of different species of seasnakes were also regularly observed. In such areas and further offshore species such as the Persian Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm Petrel and Masked Booby have been sighted. An important observation, which has been verbally communicated to MRMEWR officials on 18th April 2007, is the sighting on two separate occasions of a pair of Indian House Crows, both at Jebel Kabir and Al Loomiyah/D7. This species is a well-known pest and very substantial threat to native nesting bird species. Its immediate eradication from the islands is necessary. 7 ARCHAEOLOGY 7.1 METHODS

Walkover survey for evidence of archaeology on opportunistic basis 7.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Limited evidence of archaeology has been found on two of the islands (Jebel Kabir and Al Loomiyah/D7) in the form of pottery sherds. These are presumed to be remains of water containers. However, no assessment of these artifacts has been made and they have been left in-situ. 8 RECREATION AND TOURISM 8.1 METHODS

Observation of visitor activities on opportunistic basis Communication with existing diving/tour operators Review of proposals/plans for tourism

8.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Results of this part of the project are preliminary, but it is already clear that recreation and tourism at the Daymaniyat Islands is currently on a very small scale. Recreation activities are limited to diving, sailing, camping, (limited) fishing, and general sight-seeing by people originating from Muscat, As Suwadi and occasionally from further afield (e.g. sailing yachts passing through Omani waters). The majority of recreational visitors are expatriates, though Omanis also regularly visit the area for recreation.


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The most significant form of recreation, and the one that most often involves tourists, is diving. There are only two regular dive operators, namely As Sawadi Beach Resort Divers and Global Scuba, based at the Civil Aviation Beach Club. Both operators generally visit the islands on a daily basis. Preliminary results suggest that on average each of the two operators carry 10-15 divers/day on week days and 15-20 divers/day on weekends, increasing by nearly 50% during peak European holiday seasons (i.e. Easter and Christmas periods). As the majority of dive and other marine operators are based in Muscat, the additional distance of travel to the Daymaniyat Islands prohibits regular visits. However, a few dive operators visit the islands on an irregular and infrequent basis. Preliminary results suggest that each of three other operators may visit the islands on average less than once per month, each carrying 10-15 divers. The current low level of recreation and tourism at the islands is considered likely to change significantly in the future. Plans for development of a tourism facility, including overnight accommodation, on Jebel Kabir, have been approved by MRMEWR. Major resort developments, such as The Wave near Al Athaibah and Blue City at Sawadi, are also being developed along the mainland coast of Al Batinah. All such development is highly likely to result in increased pressure from tourism at the Daymaniyat Islands and certainly increased pressure on the current conservation management system. 9 FISHERIES 9.1 METHODS

Collation of data from available sources such as MAF, SQU, literature, etc Collation of frame survey data and catch/effort data relevant to the nature reserve Reef fish counts along coral reef video transects

9.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Understanding fisheries at the Daymaniyat Islands has begun through collation of existing information as well as some in-situ scientific data collection based on underwater visual census surveys. The research is aimed at developing parameter data which is directly relevant to the status of demersal (and to a lesser extent pelagic) fish stocks in reef areas and beyond. Key fishing communities and markets have also been identified and these include Barka, Seeb and Muttrah where the majority of landings directly relevant to the Daymanyiat Islands are also situated. Fishers utilizing the wider area use fiberglass skiffs with outboard engines and principally target pelagic species including kingfish (Scomberomorus commersoni), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and other tuna species. Other targets include cuttlefish and limited invertebrate collection as well as a significant number of demersal fish species, primarily fished from FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) several kilometers or more from the islands. Gears used by fishers include both passive and active techniques, which are often used in combination.


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Passive fishing gears include: • Fish traps (placed in channels between islands or adjacent to reef areas) • Drifting and stationary gillnets (set offshore principally for kingfish)

Active fishing gears include:

• Hook and line fishing (on FADs, for tunas and to a lesser extent reef fish species. This category includes recreational fishers, which may account for a significant proportion of reef fish targeted in shallow reef areas.

• Collection of shells by hand • ‘Hooking’ of cuttlefish

Underwater visual census techniques yield parameters including species, abundance and size of key demersal targets (Lethrinus sp., Cephalopholis hemistiktos etc), whilst fisheries frame survey data collection should allow fishing effort to be determined within different areas of the reserve by recording fishing activity and location. This information can then be used to help develop management strategies for demersal fish resources within the reserve by regulating or excluding fishing effort as required to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainability. Preliminary results suggest that fishing effort within the reserve has been light in most areas, but has occurred over an extended time period which is thought to have resulted in a reduction of reef associated sharks, larger groupers and other sensitive targets through hook and line fishing, trapping within the reserve or as by-catch in lost passive gears. Lost nets have also resulted in increased turtle mortality in some areas. However, the majority of fishing activity remains away from reef. Future participatory and scientific data collection will decrease the uncertainty associated with the current understanding of fish stocks and fisheries activities in the wider area and allow for the development of resource maps and potentially an effective fisheries management system. 10 MPA MANAGEMENT 10.1 METHODS

Involvement in MRMEWR Coral Reef Clean-Up campaigns Use of results of surveys and research to understand MPA needs Identification of past, current and future threats to MPA itself and its resources Identification of options for development of Carrying Capacity guidelines Assessment of MPA practises in comparable reserves elsewhere in the world

10.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Participation in coral reef clean-up campaigns resulted in the removal of nets and other fishing gear from the area, as well as raising of awareness of the issue through media coverage of the events. Other results related to MPA management are still emerging and are mostly limited to preliminary assessment of literature review and analysis of damage and threats revealed


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during surveys, monitoring and habitat mapping work described above. The primary focus of current MPA work is the assessment of MPA practises in reserves elsewhere in the world. It is hoped that thorough review of both successful and less successful MPAs in the region and beyond will help to identify lessons that have been learned and positive techniques that have been developed, which can then be adapted and applied for use at the Daymaniyat Islands. 11 TRAINING 11.1 METHODS

Deskwork Fieldwork Workshops Development of training manuals Initiation of self-assessment reporting system

11.2 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS Training has been a significant component of the project, with a total of five SQU graduates having received training. Two of these have shown particular dedication and competence. Training has involved exposure to a variety of aspects of the project, including, for example, coral reef survey techniques, cetacean survey techniques, turtle survey techniques, fisheries survey techniques, basic ID of organisms related to each of the above, MPA management planning, etc. One of the trainees has also achieved his PADI Open Water SCUBA certificate. Training of MRMEWR rangers has been initiated through collaboration with turtle experts, in order to help provide further instruction on nesting turtle survey techniques and related issues. Most recently, this has included training in deployment of nesting beach temperature incubation instruments.


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12 OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE PLANS There are many advantages to continuation of the project and numerous opportunities for its expansion. MRMEWR officials have recently suggested, for example, that an experiment could be designed to test the relative value of resources in protected areas versus non-protected areas. This would allow for demonstration of the value of conservation in action, in both ecological, environmental and even economic terms. This section of the report provides a basic list of opportunities that have emerged from the project. It does not attempt to explore these possibilities in detail, but rather to present an outline of what could be achieved in the future. 12.1 CONTINUATION OF RESEARCH, SURVEYS AND MONITORING

Coral reefs – Opportunity to expand programme to include experiment suggested by MRMEWR and further involvement of SQU researchers and foreign students. Additional opportunity to engage divers in ReefCheck surveys.

Turtles – Plans to attach satellite transmitters to two hawksbill turtles in May 2007. Many opportunities for further research (e.g. the islands are ideally suited to foraging studies of resident hawksbills). Observations of beach conditions suggest need for beach profiling studies.

Fisheries – Opportunities for development of fish stock and other assessments with fishing communities and gradual integration of fishermen into conservation management.

Whales and Dolphins – Opportunities to enhance awareness and education of this little-known resource and to investigate tourism-related potential.

Archaeology – Potential to study in further detail in order to provide educational value, as well as added benefits to tourism.

Tourism – Opportunities for further investigation and evaluation of tourism potential, including studies related to proposed development of Jebel Kabir and potential impacts of mainland coastal development schemes.

Continuation and expansion of oceanographic work started by SQU and MRMEWR at Fahal Island, including temperature logging, PAR measurements and coral recruitment studies.

Habitat Mapping – Opportunity to expand work to investigate feasibility of technique for wider research and MPA application both at Daymaniyats and in others areas of Oman. There is also the opportunity to expand the application to investigate particular aspects of the Islands in more detail, e.g. vegetation, non reefal habitats, beach erosion, etc.

Cancer Research - The seaward fringes of many of the islands are rich in soft-bodied invertebrates, such as tunicates, soft corals, sponges, etc. Many of these are not well-known species, but belong to groups of organisms known from other parts of the world to contain compounds that may be important for development of cancer treatment drugs. ‘Bio-prospecting’ for such compounds involves collection of marine organisms for laboratory analysis and testing to attempt to detect the potential for isolation of the valuable compounds. Such work provides a link between the environment and human health, helping to improve people’s


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perception of conservation work by demonstrating an additional reason for protection of the natural environment. It would also provide data on groups of organisms that are currently not well researched or documented in Oman.

12.2 TRAINING

Opportunity to continue training of SQU graduates and expand trainign of MRMEWR rangers Trainees and rangers have been shown to be enthusiastic and receptive to more training. The Daymaniyat Islands are accessible, but still relatively pristine, and have a relatively high diversity of habitats, conditions and human interactions in a confined geographic area, offering potential for a wide range of training opportunities.

12.3 EDUCATION

Opportunity to encourage expansion of existing programme of University projects as well as to encourage school visits during the Reserve’s open season

Similar opportunities for ESO Member trips The project has begun to accumulate a range of photographs and video footage

that could be used to develop educational materials (e.g. booklet, posters, website, mini TV documentary, DVD’s, etc), with added PR opportunities.

12.4 ECOTOURISM AND MPA MANAGEMENT

The current plans to develop Jebel Kabir (approved by MRMEWR) offer an opportunity to develop ways for using ecotourism to help sustain the Reserve and for further development of the entire area as a model MPA for Oman

There is significant additional opportunity for development of sustainable tourism within carefully zoned and managed areas, including expansion of diving activities, and introduction of a number of new activities, such as bird watching, whale/dolphin watching, turtle watching, archaeology, general island ecology tours, etc.

MPA management could be strengthened in many ways, but an immediate opportunity exists to replace signage on all of the islands and install mooring buoys for divers and other visitors.

12.5 FUNDING

IORCA (and KMF) currently anticipate provision of further funding. There may also be opportunities for funding from US Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) as a result of the US-Oman free trade agreement signed in January 2006, which includes protection of the environment as one of its basic priorities.

Other funding opportunities could be sought by capitalisation on the success of the project (e.g. from local businesses as well as other international funding sources), as well as attraction of new members.


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13 CURRENT PROJECT SPONSORS The project is run with support from the Indian Ocean Research and Conservation Organisation (IORCA), a charitable organization based in the UK, which is funded by Kerzner Marine Foundation (KMF) based in New York. Additional technical expertise is provided by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) also based in New York. Sponsorship and support is also provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Marine Turtle Conservation Fund. The project is additionally supported by local sponsors, including Five Oceans LLC, with whom ESO has an MOU to enable staff support. Five Oceans also provides a boat and vehicle for the project. Numerous volunteers have been involved in various aspects of the project, including fieldwork, logistics and data analysis.

Documents

Environment Society of Oman€¦ · A final section of this report presents a review of future plans as well as opportunities that have arisen during the course of the project. Environment