REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND

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FISHERIES REFUGIA AS A TOOL FOR THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF LIVING MARINE

RESOURCES AT PHU QUOC ARCHIPELAGO,

VIET NAM

UNEP/GEFSouth China Sea Project

REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND

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Phu Quoc Coral Reef - Seagrass Demonstration Site

Seagrass Sub-Site

Coral Reef Sub-Site

Archipelago composed of 14 islands

Located in transboundary waters with Cambodia

Seagrass area ≈ 10,000 ha

Coral reef area ≈ 470 ha

Highly productive fishing grounds

Priority tourism zone

Coral reef and seagrass habitat demonstration site

REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND

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Threats to Long-Term Sustainability of the Phu Quoc Demonstration Site

Communes of Phu Quoc Island almost entirely dependent on fisheries resources associated with

seagrass and coral reefs

Intensive inshore fishing causing loss of seagrass and coral reefs and over-exploitation of coastal fish stocks

Need for improved integration of fisheries and habitat management – particularly in seagrass area

REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND

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Development of a Pilot Fisheries Refugia Site at the Ham Ninh seagrass area

Provincial Steering Committee agreed in 2007 to establish a pilot fisheries refugia site aimed at improving integration of fisheries

and habitat management

Phu Quoc Habitat Demonstration Site

UNEP/GEF SEA for Fisheries in Viet Nam

Provincial and District level fisheries departments

Provincial Department of Science and Technology

Fishermen and fish traders of Ham Ninh Commune

Phu Quoc MPA authority and Border Army

Partners Involved

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Goal of the Ham Ninh Pilot Fisheries Refugia Site

To improve the integration of fisheries and habitat management at the Phu Quoc Island habitat demonstration site, through the establishment and management of fisheries refugia, in critical

spawning and nursery areas.

Identify critical spawning and nursery grounds

Develop a fisheries profile for the site

Establish mechanisms and measures for refugia management

Establish community-based monitoring and enforcement team

Implement day-to-day operational management of refugia at Ham Ninh

Project Activities

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Achievements to Date

Preparation of a Fishery Profile for the Ham Ninh

Coastal Area

Conduct of 2 local consultations on refugia

identification & management

Mapping of known spawning and nursery areas at the Ham Ninh Coastal Area

Production of a fisheries refugia map for the site by local fishermen, district fisheries officers, and border

army officials

REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND

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Conclusion

Critical spawning and nursery areas identified using fisher knowledge

Map now used in consultations to identify specific fisheries issues and appropriate management measures

First time such work in Viet Nam has involved the local community and fishermen

High level of local community ownership of process

Activity has built strong partnerships between habitat managers, fishermen, and local government officials