KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016

Schmidt [1]

MONITORING METHODS FOR ASSESSING THE HEALTH OF THE MARINE BIOME LOKOBE NATIONAL PARK, NOSY BE – MADAGASCAR

In collaboration with: Operation Wallacea (OPWALL), Reef Divers (Pretoria)

INTRODUCTION

With its high levels of endemism and species richness, Madagascar is consistently cited as a

global conservation priority (Cinner & Fuentes 2008; Rogers et al. 2010; Harris 2009). Its 5,000 km of

coastline and 270 islets host the most biologically diverse marine life in the West Indian Ocean

(Koopman 2008). Current conservation management of the marine ecosystem is gravely ineffective.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Madagascar cover just 0.1% of the country’s territorial waters.

The island of Nosy Be, situated off the coast of northwestern Madagascar, has become an

increasingly popular international tourist destination (CNRO 2014). On the island, the Lokobe Special

Reserve (13°23′57″S, 48°19′6″E) is in the province Antsiranana and covers an area of 15.23 km2, or 3,763

acres. This reserve includes the last remaining lowland rainforest found on the island of Nosy Be. It is

one of Madagascar’s five Strict Nature Reserves (Réserves Naturelles Intégrales). Its status was changed

from Strict Nature Reserve to National Park in June 2014.

Regarding the marine environment, the Lokobe region remains comparatively poorly studied

relative to the better-known reefs near Toliara to the southwest (McKenna and Allen 2003). The

headquarters of the National Center for Oceanographic Research (Centre National des Recherches

Océanographiques, or CNRO), located just outside Hell-Ville, are therefore ideally placed for the further

study of the area’s marine ecosystems. A fringing reef surrounds the southern coast of the park and is

included in Lokobe’s MPA. Twelve freshwater sources drain into the MPA from the forested mountain.

Restricted use of this area is allowed, but the MPA was designated primarily to limit fishing pressure that

might degrade the reef. Many of the other fringing reefs of the Nosy Be area remain unprotected and

are likely to experience greater fishing pressure as a result.

SPECIFIC AIMS OF THE STUDY

1. Conduct surveys of the general fish assemblage using Rapid Environmental Assessments (REAs)

to determine trophic health of the ecosystem.

2. Characterize patterns of several negative coral health conditions at specific locations within

Lokobe National Park through the use line transect methodology.

3. Sample a number of oceanographic parameters at the surface and underwater during surveying,

with the intent to determine if the decline of coral health can be linked to a specific parameter.

4. To establish an effective, user friendly methodology for sampling which can be performed at

remote locations by inexperienced scientists and novice divers on both scuba and snorkel.

5. Create an open source database which will be updated annually, during the OPWALL excursions

each year from June – September.

6. Map the fringing reef using GPS and identify locations of interest for future studies.

KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016

Schmidt [2]

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fish survey: Utilize Rapid Environmental Assessments (REAs) to conduct a basic survey of the fish

assemblage. Follow up in future years with Stereo-BRUV equipment at sites which are identified as

regions of poor trophic health.

Whenever possible, students will carry REAs affixed to dive slates. They will conduct a timed (20 minute)

swim survey, and tally the number of organisms they see on the reef. This includes detritivores, bivalves,

herbivores, corallivores, and piscivores. They will also conduct a basic coral mortality survey which will

be used by researchers to identify areas of interest for specific types of coral mortality.

Equipment Required: Wristwatch/ Timer, Tube/ Dive Slate with REA affixed

Hard Coral Cover Composition: evaluating live hard coral cover and generic composition using benthic

line transect survey methodology.

At each site, 20-meter belt transects will be placed randomly within a 100 m radius of the noted GPS

coordinates. Locations of all substrates and organisms directly beneath the tape measure while

swimming each transect will be recorded. For every hard coral, the form (branching, plate, digital,

massive, fan, or encrusting) and genus will also be recorded. All data will be recorded using underwater

writing tablets and later transferred to digital logs. Relative abundances of coral genera will be compiled

for each site. The percent live hard coral cover relative to other benthos (e.g., sand, herbaceous cover,

coral debris, etc.) will also be calculated on a site-by-site basis.

Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Line/Reel and Buoy, 50 meter Transect Tapes, Tube/ Dive

Slate

Coral bleaching, diseases, and opportunism: Eight sub-categorizations of disease are designated

according to prior studies (Weil 2006, Séré et al. 2015a, Bruckner 2008, Allen Walker, 2015). The

following hard coral health conditions will be surveyed: bleaching, disease, and algal colonization.

Sampling plots for each site will be established using the same four randomly placed 20m transects that

are used to assess coral cover composition. Focal areas extend 2.5 meters to either side of each

transect, so that a total area of 400 meters2 will be scanned at each station. The number and category of

every health condition are recorded, as well as the genera and form of the affected coral. To obtain

disease rates by site, the numbers of incidents of each disease at each site will be divided by the total

area surveyed (400 meters). Bleaching and colonization can be evaluated on a binary basis

(presence/absence) and counts are totaled for each station.

Using a systematic sampling approach, 1 meter2 quadrat surveys will be conducted at 5 meter intervals

along the line transect tape. These images will be used to assess the extent/ severity of mortality per

individual organism.

Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Line/Reel and Buoy, 50 meter Transect Tapes, Quadrat/

Quadropod with Camera (GoPro), Tube/ Dive Slate

KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016

Schmidt [3]

MATERIALS AND METHODS (continued)

Oceanographic sampling: A number of parameters will be sampled at each site before entering the

water as well as during the survey underwater.

- Wind Speed and Direction: use of satellite forecast data (obtained online weekly from satellite

reanalysis wind products, ECMWF)

- Current Speed and Direction: use of GPS, timing device and a surface float (reel and buoy)

- Temperature: Dive Computer/ Thermometer

- Turbidity/ Visibility: Secchi Disk along with a Forel-Ule scale

- pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Salinity, Nitrates: Use of a water sample kit (i.e. LaMotte’s, litmus)

Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Line/Reel and Buoy, Dive Slate, Secchi Disk and Forel-Ule

Scale, Water Sampling Chemistry Kit (LaMotte’s)

Dive environment mapping: using GPS in tandem with standard dive equipment, the objective is to

create a bathymetric map of the study region to show changes in topography along with the survey

locations.

General depth profiles will be created using the average depth of the dive. Over time, layers can be

created to show the spatial coverage of individual species as well as to highlight points of interest and

safe training grounds for the openwater scuba diving course.

- Depth: Dive computers/ pressure gauges

- Location: GPS, waypoint function

Equipment Required: Handheld GPS, Dive Slate, Wristwatch

PROJECT TIMELINE

Mock Timeline (likely to change depending on environmental conditions)

**Either sites will cycle on a weekly scale, or different groups will go to different sites per day and conduct the same

surveys. This will ensure that all sites are surveyed on a weekly timescale.

KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016

Schmidt [4]

PLANNING/ BUDGETING:

- All diving needs will be planned and coordinated through Reef Divers.

- Design of projects, dive slates, and charts will be done by Kevin Schmidt.

Materials required:

- Hand-held, weatherproof GPS (NOT TOUCH SCREEN) -> ± $100 (Kevin will buy)

- Secchi Disk -> materials to build will cost ± $30

- Water Sample Kit -> ~ $300 or more, depending on the parameters tested

- Quadropod -> materials to build will cost ± $50

- Transect Tape -> ± $40 per tape, need 2 at least

Total Cost: ± $510

CONCLUSION:

This project is in the developmental stage. More research will be done to further lower the cost

of materials, as well as streamline student and researcher efforts. The objective is to further previous

studies conducted in the region, such as the one conducted by Luella Allen-Walker in 2015.

KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016

Schmidt [5]

REFERENCES:

Allen-Waller, Luella. (2015) "Bleaching, disease, and colonization: The ecology of coral health in

southeastern Nosy Be, Madagascar". Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. Paper 2149.

Cinner, J. & Fuentes, M. (2008) Human Dimensions of Madagascar's Marine Protected Areas.

CORDIO Status Report

Cinner, J.E., Wamukota, A., Randriamahazo, H. & Rabearisoa, A. (2009) Toward institutions for

community-based management of inshore marine resources in the Western Indian Ocean.

Marine Policy, 33, 489-496.

Cinner, J., McClanahan, T. & Wamukota, A. (2010) Differences in livelihoods, socioeconomic

characteristics, and knowledge about the sea between fishers and non-fishers living near and far

from marine parks on the Kenyan coast. Marine Policy, 34, 22-28.

Centre National des Recherches Océanographiques (2014) Rapport: Travaux sur Nosy Be. CNRO,

Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar.

Durbin, J. (2007) Madagascar’s new system of protected areas – Implementing the ‘Durban Vision’.

Harris, A. (2009) “To live with the Sea” Development of the Velondriake Community-Managed

Protected Area Network, Southwest Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation & Development, 2.

Koopman, M. (2008) Velondriake Ecotourism Plan. Blue Ventures, London.

Madagascar National Parks. (2010) Madagascar National Parks: Conservation,

http://www.parcsmadagascar.com/madagascar-national-parks_en.php?Navigation=26

Rabearivony, J., Thorstrom, R., de Roland, L.A., Rakotondratsima, M., Razafimanjato, G.,

Rakotondravony, D., Raselimanana, A.P. & Rakotoson, M. (2010) Protected area surface

extension in Madagascar: Do endemism and threatened species remain useful criteria for site

selection? , 5.

Rakotoson, L.R. & Tanner, K. (2006) Community-based governance of coastal zone and marine

resources in Madagascar. Ocean & Coastal Management, 49, 855-872.

Rogers, H.M., Glew, L., Honzák, M. & Hudson, M.D. (2010) Prioritizing key biodiversity areas in

Madagascar by including data on human pressure and ecosystem services. Landscape and Urban

Planning, 96, 48-56.

KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016

Schmidt [6]

APPENDIX:

LEGAL/ POLICY FRAMEWORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN MADAGASCAR

Malagasy environmental policy is based on a Charter adopted in 1990. Between 1991 and 2009,

this policy was enacted through the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), a three-phase multi-

donor programme. However, there is no separate or clearly defined policy on conservation of the

marine environment (Cinner et al. 2009). Although management of both terrestrial and marine

protected areas is governed by the Code des Aires Protégées (COAP), there is a clear bias towards

terrestrial ecosystems (Durbin 2007; Madagascar National Parks 2010; Cinner et al. 2009). Accordingly,

early MPAs like Nosy Atafana and Masoala were initially established through a top-down procedure

rooted in terrestrial conservation and largely without community involvement (Cinner et al. 2009). In

1996, this changed with the introduction of a legal framework to enable community-based management

of natural resources, known as Gestion Locale Sécurisée (GELOSE) (Cinner et al. 2010; Rakotoson &

Tanner 2006). Then in 2003 at the fifth World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa, the Malagasy

president recognised the need to protect the country’s unique natural assets and committed to the

Durban Vision, a national conservation plan to triple the amount of protected area coverage (Durbin

2007; Rabearivony et al. 2010). This was codified into law shortly afterwards. The decree set up a

System of Protected Areas of Madagascar, or SAPM, which simplified and redefined the legal process

used in protected area creation. Under this more flexible model, organizations other than Madagascar

National Parks are allowed to manage protected areas. These can include NGOs, community

organizations, and the private sector.

RECENT LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS:

2014 – The president of Madagascar, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, has pledged to triple his

country’s marine protected areas and set up a legal framework to defend local communities’

rights to manage their own fishing grounds. The framework will formalise existing locally-

managed marine areas (LMMAs), which now cover over 7% of Madagascar's waters.

2015 – In April, the Government of Madagascar commemorates Earth Day with the formal

creation of three community-led marine protected areas that will double the surface of the

country’s marine protected area network. The Malagasy Government also granted permanent

protection to 27 protected areas, including the country’s first three community-led marine

protected areas: Soariake Marine Park in the island nation’s southwest, and Ankarea and

Ankivonjy Marine Parks in the northwest. The three marine parks are located along the west

coast of Madagascar in what is known as the Mozambique Channel, home to the world’s

second-most diverse coral population.

KMSchmdt@gmail.com KEVIN SCHMIDT, 2016

Schmidt [7]

48 MPAs IN MADAGASCAR: Ambodiforaha Locally Managed Marine Area

Ambodilaitry Masoala Marine Park

Ambodimangamaro Locally Managed Marine Area

Amboditangena Locally Managed Marine Area

Ambodivahibe Locally Managed Marine Area

Ambohibola Locally Managed Marine Area

Analanjahana Locally Managed Marine Area

Aniribe Locally Managed Marine Area

Ankarea Locally Managed Marine Area

Ankarea Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)

Ankivonjy Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)

Ankivony Locally Managed Marine Area

Antisakivolo Locally Managed Marine Area

Baie de Baly National Park

Barren Isles Locally Managed Marine Area

Beheloke Locally Managed Marine Area

Belo-sur-mer Locally Managed Marine Area

Cap Sainte-Marie Special Reserve

Fimihara Locally Managed Marine Area

Future AMP Barren Locally Managed Marine Area

Grand Recif Marine National Park

Imorona Locally Managed Marine Area

Itampolo Locally Managed Marine Area

Kirindy Mitea National Park

Littoral Sud Toliara Collaborative Fishery Management Area

Lokobe Strict Nature Reserve

Mahasoa Locally Managed Marine Area

Maintimbato Locally Managed Marine Area

Mamela Honko Locally Managed Marine Area

Manjaboaka Locally Managed Marine Area

Maromena/Befasy Locally Managed Marine Area

Masoala National Park

Nosy Atafana Marine Park

Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve

Nosy Ve Locally Managed Marine Area

Ranobe Locally Managed Marine Area

Rantohely Locally Managed Marine Area

Seranambe Locally Managed Marine Area

Soariake Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)

Tahosoa Locally Managed Marine Area

Tampolo Marine Park

Tampolo Locally Managed Marine Area

Tanandava Locally Managed Marine Area

Tanjona Marine Park

Teariake Locally Managed Marine Area

Vatolava Locally Managed Marine Area

Velondriake Locally Managed Marine Area Marine Protected Area (Aire marine protégée)

Vohitralanana Locally Managed Marine Area

3 Marine Managed Areas:

Antongil Bay Shark Sanctuary

Mananara Nord UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve

Sahamalaza - Iles Radama UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve