PICRC host community meeting to present 2021 Ngelukes Conservation Area survey results to Ngchesar State

On Tuesday, November 26, PICRC researcher Christina Muller-Karanassos presented the results from PICRC’s 2021 assessment of the Ngelukes Conservation Area to Ngchesar State. Established as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2002 and designated as a Protected Area Network (PAN) site in 2011, the Ngelukes Conservation Area aims to reduce fishing pressure to maintain and increase its historical fisheries productivity, resulting in spillover into other areas. The goal of these surveys is to determine if the MPA has been effective by looking at changes in fish, invertebrates, and habitats over time, as well as comparing it to a nearby reference site.

The people of Ngchesar state are dedicated to preserving their natural assets for both current and future generations, as shown by the attendance of more than 15 community members. These community meetings provide a platform for members to ask questions, seek clarification, and discuss management recommendations.

The night began with an overview of the main findings from the surveys, focusing on fish and invertebrate populations. Muller-Karanassos explained that sea cucumber populations were higher within the MPA compared to outside, in both the seagrass and reef slope habitats. She further discussed that low numbers of giant clams and sea urchins were observed, with no trochus seen at any site. Seagrass cover had decreased by more than 50% since 2011, possibly due to Typhoon Bopha in 2012 and Typhoon Surigae in 2021, as well as sedimentation from the Ngerdorch Watershed. Low coral cover was also observed at the reef slope at 10 meters, although high coral cover was noted at 3 meters depth during PICRC’s long-term coral reef monitoring program. Additionally, at the reef slope habitat, fish biomass (grams of fish per m²) had decreased by approximately nine times since 2017, suggesting the MPA may be too small to protect larger fish species.

This was followed by a Q&A session, allowing members to seek clarifications and discuss the results. Key topics included the purpose and benefits of the MPA. Muller-Karanassos noted that the area, once known for rabbitfish and sea urchins, has seen a decline in these species, possibly due to seagrass loss, as observed by community members. She emphasized that the MPA’s primary goal is to protect fish populations and suggested expanding the Ngelukes Conservation Area to safeguard larger fish. Community members also raised concerns about climate change and its impact on the MPA. Muller-Karanassos noted that MPAs are more resilient to climate change and are crucial for protecting marine biodiversity. Other recommendations included improved management of the Ngerdorch Watershed to reduce sedimentation and considering the restocking of sea urchins (ibuchel).

Community requests for additional surveys and a review of the current MPA were discussed. It was emphasized that ongoing monitoring of the Ngelukes Conservation Area is crucial for tracking the health of marine resources and habitats, which, in turn, supports informed decision-making and adaptive management. PICRC’s next assessment is scheduled for August 2025.

PICRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Roxanne Siual Blesam, who was also in attendance, emphasized the value of community input at these meetings, highlighting that PICRC’s work is for the community. “The work we do at PICRC is community centered. Transparent communication of research findings and community input are essential for the conservation of marine resources, both now and in the future,” stated Blesam.