Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Dumas Pascal, Jimenez H., Léopold Marc, Petro G., Jimmy R. (2010). Effectiveness of village-based marine reserves on reef invertebrates in Emau, Vanuatu. Environmental Conservation, 37 (3), p. 364-372. ISSN 0376-8929.

Titre du document
Effectiveness of village-based marine reserves on reef invertebrates in Emau, Vanuatu
Année de publication
2010
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000282494600015
Auteurs
Dumas Pascal, Jimenez H., Léopold Marc, Petro G., Jimmy R.
Source
Environmental Conservation, 2010, 37 (3), p. 364-372 ISSN 0376-8929
Despite the current expansion of community-based marine conservation initiatives in the Pacific, few studies have specifically addressed their ecological efficiency to restore or enhance reef invertebrate resources. This paper investigated the effects of two very small (< 0.05 km(2)) recent village-based marine reserves (tabu areas) located along the shallow fringing reef of Emau island, Vanuatu. Surveys focused on heavily harvested species (namely trochus, giant clams and green snails) and involved both experienced scientists and local villagers. Abundance, density and individual size data were collected by snorkelling along random transect belts located inside and outside the tabu areas, using simple PVC measuring tools specifically developed for participative monitoring. Habitat was assessed using a photographic method to quantitatively describe varied reef substrata. Resource recovery varied between the areas as a result of species-specific responses to contrasted reserve characteristics and local management practices. Fast-growing mobile Trochus niloticus exhibited strong positive abundance and size responses only within the older larger tabu area through the combined effects of protection from harvesting and translocation actions by local fishers. Similar trends were observed to a lesser extent for sessile slow-growing giant clams (Tridacna spp.), but these were not significant after four years of closure. Despite historical evidence of their presence in the area, surveys emphasized the severe population collapse of the heavily targeted green snail (Turbo marmoratus). Under certain conditions, very small-scale reserves, such as those implemented by village-based conservation initiatives, can rapidly and efficiently enhance local reef invertebrate resources. It is still unclear whether the changes are sufficient to restore critical levels of spawning biomass at larger scale and reverse the severe depletion of invertebrate resources occurring in Vanuatu.
Plan de classement
Ecologie, systèmes aquatiques [036] ; Etudes, transformation, conservation du milieu naturel [082]
Description Géographique
VANUATU
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010056678]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010056678
Contact