Outlook Report — In Brief PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS Report prepared by Peter McGinnity, Luvette Louisy, Paul Marshall and Jeff Maynard
Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
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he Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration brings together coral reef managers and policy makers from different sides of the planet to share expertise and knowledge, to explore new ideas and to initiate joint projects that can help improve the outlook for Caribbean coral reefs in the face of climate change. The Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration 2012 – 2014 was supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australian Aid program. Implementation of the program was led by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) in partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) under the auspices of the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM). Further information about the work of the Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration can be found at www.climateandreefs.org. Published by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia on behalf of the Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration Copyright © Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2014
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorised without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder.
Cataloguing in Publication data Outlook report in brief : Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas / Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration. ISBN 978 1 922126 41 2 (eBook) Coral reefs and islands – St Lucia. Marine parks and reserves – St Lucia. Environmental management – St Lucia. Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration. 333.7809729843 This publication should be cited as: Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration 2014, Outlook Report In Brief: Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville. Available from: Soufriere Marine Management Association Po Box 305, 3rd Bay Street Soufriere, St Lucia Available online at www.smma.org.lc and www.climateandreefs.org Coordinating editor: Peter McGinnity (peter.c.mgcinnity@gmail.com) Editors: Peter McGinnity, Paul Marshall, Jeffrey Maynard, Anna Dowd Production: Paul Marshall, Anna Dowd, Tali Dunnage-Burke, Dieter Tracey Photography credited as follows: All photography provided by Paul Marshall, excepting: James Byrne – Page iv; Peter McGinnity – Page 1 (beach), Page 14 (boats), Page 15 (buildings); Roger Beeden – Page 2, Page 21; iStock/Getty Images – Page 4 and cover, Page 7 (both); NOAA – Page 6 (satellite image); Tyler Smith/Marine Photobank – Page 6 (coral and fish); George Cathcart/Marine Photobank – Page 8 (title image); Link Roberts/Marine Photobank – Page 8 (pollutants), Page 9 (fish trap); Colin Zylka/Marine Photobank – Page 10 (lionfish); Jeff Maynard – Page 14 (title image); Hazel Oxenford – Page 18 (beach litter), Page 23; Baird, Inc. – Page 19; Emma Doyle – Page 21.
This is a climate neutral publication. All greenhouse gases generated in the production have been offset by funding clean energy projects. Visit www.climatefriendly.com for further information.
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
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The fate of the Marine Management Areas is at a crossroads, and the people of St Lucia have an important opportunity to influence the outlook and ultimate fate of this spectacular and valuable natural resource
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Contents Background to the Outlook Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Introduction to the Marine Management Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Assessment of the Marine Management Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1. DRIVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Global drivers represent MEDIUM–HIGH risks to Soufriere reefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Assessment of drivers summary table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Local and regional pressures represent HIGH risks to Soufriere reefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Assessment of pressures summary table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3. STATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Soufriere marine ecosystem is in FAIR condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Assessment of ecosystem state summary table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4. IMPACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Reefs are providing GOOD levels of benefits ... but suffering HIGH impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Assessments of social and economic impacts summary table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5. RESPONSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Management approach is GOOD although effectiveness is POOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Assessment of management effectiveness summary table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Assessment of management process summary table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Outlook for the Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Considering alternative future scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 About the partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
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Background to the Outlook Report
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utlook reporting is emerging as a valuable tool for assessing ecosystem trajectories and anticipating future threats as a basis for strategic, integrated management of coastal and marine systems. In 2013 the Australia–Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration led a collaborative project between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Soufriere Marine Management Association (in conjunction with the Piton Management Area) to develop an Outlook Report for the Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas in St Lucia. Modelled on an approach developed for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Outlook Report follows a DPSIR (drivers, pressures, state, impact and response) framework. It uses this structure to develop an understanding of current conditions of coral reefs in the Marine Management Areas, the social and economic linkages to those reefs, and the key drivers and pressures affecting the system. This knowledge is then used to project important changes over the next twenty years to inform strategic management planning and action. The Outlook Report draws on the wealth of scientific study undertaken in the Marine Management Areas between about 1994 and 2002. Additional information was collected as part of the project in September 2013 to provide an update on conditions, and to assess key pressures. This contemporary snapshot was collected by a team comprising experts from the Caribbean, North and Central America and the Great Barrier Reef working in collaboration with staff from the SMMA. The survey also served as a study for the development of a new reef risk and resilience survey framework.
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Preliminary findings of the Outlook Report were reviewed at a workshop conducted with members of the Board of Soufriere Marine Management Association and a small group of experts and policy makers. The information on current conditions, pressures and drivers was used to develop scenarios for the future and to explore the implications of management options. This document, Outlook Report — In Brief, summarises the main findings of the Outlook Report in a condensed format oriented toward the information needs of policy makers and stakeholders. Specifically, it • provides an introduction to St Lucia and the coral reefs of the Soufriere marine areas • summarises the current state of the coral reef ecosystem, key benefits and uses of coral reefs, and reviews the drivers and pressures important to their future • provides a synopsis of the current management arrangements and their effectiveness. This Outlook Report — In Brief concludes with an integrated, forward-looking view of the outlook for the Marine Management Areas, and a discussion of different future scenarios and their implications.
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
Overview
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he coast and sea that surround St Lucia are central to the nation’s identity, its wellbeing and prosperity. These spectacular and productive systems, which include critically important habitats like coral reefs and seagrasses, are sources of food, income, coastal protection, recreation and cultural connections. Yet they are also highly sensitive to changes in the environment, such as climate change, and are vulnerable to stresses from pollution and over-use. Active management of marine resources is essential for the sustainability of coastal communities and economies, especially in small island states like St Lucia. While St Lucia has been a leader in establishing formal management of its marine areas, notably in the Soufriere area, there is growing concern about the implications of increasing tourism, rising demand for fish, population growth, escalating risks from development and climate change. Understanding the current state and future outlook of the Soufriere marine area is essential to strategic management of one of the country’s most valuable natural assets.
the future management and use of the Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas. The Outlook Report – In Brief is supported by the full Outlook Report, which contains a more detailed compilation of evidence and assessments of condition and trends.
The Soufriere Marine Management Area and the Pitons World Heritage Area are world renowned for their natural beauty
This Outlook Report — In Brief is a summary of key information and conclusions about the condition and trends relevant to the outlook for coral reefs in the Soufriere area. It is designed to be readily accessible and useful to policy makers and stakeholders responsible for decisions about
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Introduction to the Marine Management Areas
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he Pitons Management Area/World Heritage Area and the Soufriere Marine Management Area are renowned worldwide for their biodiversity and outstanding scenery – both above and below water. These two ‘Marine Management Areas’ include the most important coral reefs in St Lucia, protecting valuable biodiversity and providing important economic and social benefits. The spectacular geography of the coast in these areas creates very limited amounts of shallow shelf for coral reef development. Consequently there is a relatively small total area of coral reefs, making their care and management especially important for the wellbeing of the communities and industries that depend on them.
activities of agriculture, fishing and tourism are largely concentrated along the coast. Tourism is especially important, capitalising on St Lucia’s attractive beaches, clear and relatively calm waters and coral reefs1.
St Lucia
Tourism is the largest generator of economic activity for St Lucia. Popular marine activities include snorkelling, SCUBA diving, sport-fishing, fly-fishing and yachting.
Coral reefs in St Lucia A total of 90 km2 of coral reef is found around St Lucia comprising mostly narrow fringing reefs lying close to shore as well as a small number of patch reefs. The greatest proportion of St Lucia’s reefs are off the south and east coasts. However, it is the more spectacular reef communities growing on volcanic shorelines of the west coast that are the focal areas for fishing and tourism.
St Lucia is a small volcanic island located within the Lesser Antillean Arc of the Caribbean Archipelago (see map). The island is 42 km long and 22 km wide at its widest point.
Approximately 25 per cent of visitors to St Lucia engage in reef-based tourism. Although coralreef associated fisheries make a smaller economic
The island’s population is approximately 167,000 residents. Population centres and key economic
1 Government of St Lucia, 2009
5 kilometers
0 United States
Gros Islet
Bermuda
CASTRIES
Anse La Raye
Bahamas
Canaries Cuba
Cayman Is.
Mexico
Haiti
Honduras
El Salvador
Soufriere British Virgin Is. Dominican Rep. Anguilla Puerto Rico
Antigua St Kitts and Nevis and Barbuda Montserrat Guadeloupe Dominica Martinique
Belize Guatemala
St Lucia
Turks and Caicos Is.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Barbados Curaçao Grenada
Nicaragua
Vieux Fort
Costa Rica
N
Panama
Venezuela Colombia
0
250
500
Guyana
1,000 Kilometers Brazil
Suriname
Figure 1: Map of St Lucia and the Caribbean Region 2
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
French Guiana
contribution, they provide jobs for over 2000 people and have important subsistence and cultural value2. Environmental pressures include tropical storms and coral bleaching events. The reefs are also vulnerable to the impacts of human activities and key pressures include fishing, coastal development and sedimentation run-off from the land3.
Soufriere Marine Management Area The Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) is the most closely regulated and well-known marine protected area in St Lucia. The marine management area extends 12 km along the west coast from Blanch Point near Anse Jambon in the north to Caraibe Point near Anse L’Ivrogne in the south (Figure 2). The Soufriere Marine Management Area was established in 1995 to address the impacts and conflicts associated with increasing demand for limited and vulnerable coastal resources. The main purpose for its establishment was to reduce conflict among users including fishers, yacht anchoring, coastal infrastructure development, tourism and local residents. The SMMA is managed by the Soufriere Marine Management Association Inc., a self-sustained not-for-profit NGO authorised by the Government of St Lucia.
• Pollution generated by solid waste disposal in ravines or directly in the sea • Yacht anchor damage to reefs • Sedimentation of the reefs caused by runoffs from rivers and storm damage. (Soufriere Marine Management Association no date)
Pitons Marine Management Area and World Heritage Site
The Marine Management Areas were established to protect heritage values and reduce conflict among users
The Pitons Management Area is a 2909-ha site near the town of Soufriere that includes both terrestrial and marine components. The area was listed as a World Heritage Area in 2004.
The main environmental problems identified at the time of establishment of the SMMA were:
The area is managed for multiple-use where agriculture, artisanal fishing, human settlement and tourism are allowed4.
• Degradation of coastal water quality, with direct implications for human health and for the protection of the reef ecosystem
The marine component of the Pitons Management Area directly overlaps with the SMMA and both areas are managed as one unit by the Soufriere Marine Management Association. For ease of reference throughout this report, these overlapping areas will be referred to as the ‘Marine Management Areas’.
• Depletion of nearshore fish resources • Loss of the economic, scientific and recreational potential of coral reefs, particularly in the context of diving tourism • Degradation of landscapes and general environment quality, notably on or near beaches
4 UNESCO/CLT/WHC, no date
2 Burke, et al. 2008 3 Government of St Lucia, 2009
N
SMMA Zoning Legend Marine Reserve
Multipurpose Area
Fishing Priority Area
Recreational Area
N
Yachting Area 0
Grand Caille MRA
1 kilometers Gros Piton MRA Petit Piton MRA
Rachette Point MRA
St Lucia Soufriere
0
5 kilometers
Figure 2: Map of the Soufriere Marine Management Area OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
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OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
Assessment of the Marine Management Areas
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his section summarises the re sults of the synthesis and evaluation of available information on conditions in the Marine Management Areas. It uses the DPSIR framework to review the key Drivers (D) that influence human activities relevant to coral reefs, summarise knowledge about the Pressures (P) that result from those activities, assess the State (S)
of the marine ecosystem and draw conclusions about observed and likely Impacts (I) — both positive and negative — on human wellbeing that could result from changes in ecosystem state. The section concludes with a review of the management arrangements and their effectiveness for Responding (R) to observed and projected changes in the system.
Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR)
IMPACTS
DRIVERS
Fish catch
Market
Dive site quality
Technology
Beach amenity
Population
RESPONSE
STATE
PRESSURES
Reef health
Pollution
Fish community
Reef uses
Water quality
Natural events
The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework provides the structure to the Outlook Report for the Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas. It enables managers and stakeholders to better understand the interactions between people and the environment and to examine the causal linkages that could be underlying observed or projected changes in the system. Through this systems view of marine areas stakeholders, managers and policy makers can better understand current conditions and trends in the ecosystem and the connected social systems, identify options for management, and plan strategically to improve the outlook for biodiversity and the people who depend on it. The DPSIR framework was developed by the European Environmental Agency (EEA) in 1999 and is now widely adopted in the study of environmental problems and analysis of response strategies. The diagram presented here includes examples of the attributes that influence each component in a coral reef system.
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1. DRIVERS
Storms, climate change and economic trends – especially tourism – are key drivers affecting the Marine Management Areas
Global drivers represent MEDIUM–HIGH risks to Soufriere reefs
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ropical storms have historically been a key driver affecting the Soufriere coral reef development. Apart from the direct physical damage from wind-driven waves, the flooding rains associated with these storms cause land slippage which can directly smother fringing reefs and also carry sediments in river plumes which can smother corals and other organisms inhabiting fringing coral reefs.
Climate change is an increasingly concerning driver. The narrow shelf, strong currents and proximity to cold upwelling may have lent the Soufriere reefs a degree of relative resilience to coral bleaching. However, by contrast, these same reefs will also be highly susceptible to damage by increased intensity of storms. Thus far the Caribbean-wide coral bleaching events have been less evident on Soufriere reefs, with some bleaching occurring in 2005, but not to the extent of impacts seen elsewhere in the Caribbean1. The lesser levels of coral bleaching may suggest that the Soufriere reefs are more resilient to climate change, which would be consistent with them being generally well flushed by oceanic waters and
cold water upwelling. However, climate change projections indicate that the eastern Caribbean can expect increasing frequency of intense tropical storms, and signs of this trend may already be evident in the increased damage to Soufriere reefs detected by scientific monitoring between 1995 and 2002. These observations have revealed that up to 60 per cent of coral cover has been lost due to sedimentation and physical damage caused by tropical storms.
1 Wilkinson & Souter, 2008
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OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
DRIVERS
The ebb and flow of an economy largely based on agriculture has historically been the main driver of sediment run-off from the catchment through changes in land use. These patterns translate to trends in the impacts on corals and the health of Soufriere reefs. The changing fortunes of the agricultural base have historically also led to fluctuations in dependence on fishing as a source of income and subsistence, and thus to variation in fishing pressures on Soufriere reefs. In the last two decades tourism growth has become an additional driver with tourism-related coastal development and increasing use of the Marine Management Areas adding significantly to the pressures on the reef systems.
Summary — Drivers of change Overall, the coral reefs of the Soufriere Marine Management Areas are facing medium–high risks from the major drivers of tropical storms, climate change and economic growth.
Risk Rating1
Key Drivers
Low
Med
High
•
Tropical storms
Historically sediment carried in flood plumes has been the key driver affecting the Soufriere coral reef development.
Climate change
Climate models suggest that coral reefs in St Lucia will experience thermal stress severe enough to cause bleaching every year after 2040. Declines in coral calcification by 2040 due to ocean acidification are projected to be ~10 per cent.
•
Economy
Changes in types of agricultural crops and intensity of cultivation primarily affect sediment run-off. Tourism-related coastal development and increasing use of the Marine Management Areas are adding significantly to the pressures on the reef systems. Ebbs and flows in economic circumstances affect dependence on fishing for income and subsistence.
•
See the full Outlook Report for explanation of assessment grading system
1
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2. PRESSURES Local and regional pressures represent HIGH risks to Soufriere reefs
P The Marine Management Areas are being affected by a range of pressures, including untreated sewage
ressures are human activities that can affect the state of an ecosystem. Understanding the pressures that affect coral reefs and their relative influence can be crucial for strategic management and optimal allocation of limited management resources. Understanding trends in pressures is fundamental to the ability of managers to anticipate change and to implement management measures aimed at preventing unwanted impacts.
A concerning level of coral disease has been observed in the Marine Management Areas for at least the past fifteen years. No single environmental cause of coral disease is evident; however, pollutants including sediment, nutrients and sewage carried by the river plumes can all cause coral stress and disease either on their own or cumulatively.
The main pressures affecting the Marine Management Areas in Soufriere are: • Pollutants • Foreshore development • Over-use • Regional pressure The following sections summarise knowledge about the effects and future trends for the main pressures.
Pollutants Sediment has been identified as the major contributor to coral mortality in the Marine Management Areas. Surveys conducted as recently as 2011 found parts of the Soufriere reef system to be covered in silt and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)1. Poor land management and soil loss through run off have been identified as critical issues associated with the watershed of the Marine Management Areas2. Scientists conducting the 2011 surveys concluded that the condition of affected reefs could improve if land development and use are better controlled so as to reduce sediment inputs to the marine environment3. The effects of nutrients from sewage, fertiliser and sediment run-off, and chemicals associated with agricultural and other catchment land uses, can have serious impacts on coral reefs. Elevated levels of nutrients are almost certain to occur in the Marine Management Areas, particularly in proximity to river mouths, but the extent of the impacts of these pollutants is currently not known for the Soufriere reefs.
Water quality sampling indicates that there are significant inputs of sewage occuring frequently in the Marine Management Areas. Nutrients, low dissolved oxygen levels and pathogens are likely to be affecting at least some coral reefs as a result. Statistics on the wastewater treatment regime in Soufriere confirm that sewage is likely to be a significant pressure. The 2010 St Lucia census identified that 30 per cent of Soufriere District households did not have toilet facilities connected to a sewer or septic system, of which 13 per cent had pit latrines, while 17 per cent had no toilet facilities (presumably dumping their raw sewage in the rivers and in the sea)4. Where there were septic facilities, these were often compromised after heavy rains, with seepage into drains and bays5. In addition to the currently unquantified risk to coral reefs from sewage inflows, sewage can also cause concerns for public health. Sewage contamination of the coastal marine environment can lead to increased incidence of infectious diseases in swimmers, and of illnesses relating to consumption of contaminated seafood.
1 FORCE, 2011
4 Central Statistics Office, 2011
2 Hyder Consulting (UK)
5 GESAMP, 2001
3 FORCE, 2011
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Fishing
Foreshore development for tourism facilities, such as resorts, bathing beaches and jetties, and for urban expansion, can result in serious pressures on coral reefs close to shore. Around Soufriere, the majority of the coast is dominated by steep terrain and no foreshore, and thus much of the coast is free of development. Much of this steeper land is currently characterised by plantation regrowth and natural forest. However, the beaches that occur at Anse Chastenet, Soufriere, Malgretoute, Jalousie, and Anse L’Ivrogne have become the focus for foreshore development.
The creation of the SMMA, and in particular the nofishing reserves, has made a significant contribution to maintaining the health of the Soufriere coral reefs and their fish communities. In the majority of cases the increased size and abundance of reef fish in the reserves, compared to the adjacent fished areas, is readily apparent even to the casual observer. However, it is also apparent that the pressure from fishing, which was moderately high at the time the reserves were created when compared with other Caribbean Reefs6, has continued to increase. This has meant that even the small coastal population of the Soufriere area is exerting high levels of pressure on local fish populations. Illegal fishing of reserves is also occurring and is further diminishing the effectiveness of the management arrangements.
While the inputs from foreshore development can be greatest during construction, developed sites can also be persistent sources of pollution throughout their operational life. Important chronic stresses from developments include erosion, floodwater channelling, sewage and beach nourishment. The bulk of sediment and nutrients entering the Marine Management Areas are carried by pulse events associated with flood rains that flush sediments and nutrients into streams and out into the Marine Management Areas. Overall, foreshore development occurring very close to the coast and the coastal fringing reefs are among the issues of greatest importance for the outlook of the Soufriere Marine Management Areas. Improvements to the management of these developments can avoid new impacts and provide significant and immediate benefits to the health of the coastal fringing reefs within the Marine Management Areas. If this was combined with stewardship initiatives aimed at reef restoration, there is significant potential for recovery of degraded reefs close to the resorts, with flow-on benefits to other coral reefs and the coastal communities that depend on them.
Over-use Many uses of coral reefs also cause pressures to the ecosystem. Activities such as fishing, snorkelling/ diving and vessel anchoring/mooring all occur within the Soufriere Marine Management Areas. Pressures (and conflicts) arising from these uses were a main driver for establishment of the SMMA.
PRESSURES
Foreshore development
The absence of large predatory fish is a an indicator that reef resilience has declined
Published information is not available to assess the current status of fish catches in the Marine Management Areas. Analysis of data collected by the Department of Fisheries between 1991 and 2012 shows very high levels of variability in catches of target species and catch per registered fisher between years, but no clear trends. These data include all fish landings and registered fishers at Soufriere, and are not specific to the Marine Management Areas. However, there is increasing basis for concern about potential impacts from overfishing due to the relatively high levels of fishing observed when the SMMA was established, an estimated increase in the number of registered fishers of 15 per cent since 1995, and the increased use of outboard motors. In-water observations of the fish community reinforce concerns that the area is overfished. Surveys in 2013 recorded that reefs in the “Soufriere Marine Management Areas have low abundances and sizes of both herbivorous and predatory fish and few if any charismatic species… compared to Caribbean averages” 7. The absence of top predators, such as large snappers, groupers and sharks, is a further indicator of high fishing pressure. It is also an indicator that the resilience of the reef system has been diminished. Combined with stresses from land-based sediment and sewage run-off, overfishing is likely to have increased the susceptibility of Soufriere reefs to coral disease, damaging competition with sponges and predation by fire worms8. 6 Hawkins, et al. 2006 7 Beeden, et al. 2013 8 Beeden, R.D., 2013
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PRESSURES The invasive lionfish and disease in sea urchins are linked to regional trends that add pressures to reefs in the Soufriere area
Tourism — Diving
Urchin disease
Research and direct experience from around the world suggests that even non-extractive activities such as snorkelling and diving can cause serious damage to areas of coral reefs, if not well managed. A study of diver impacts on Soufriere coral reefs concluded that approximately 4000–6000 dives per year is the threshold for intensity of use; exceeding this level is likely to cause a rapid increase in coral cover loss and coral colony damage1.
The presence of urchins is critical to the balance between coral and seaweeds on Soufriere’s reefs — especially given the pressures on other species that can normally control algae (e.g. parrotfishes and surgeonfishes). Urchins in the Caribbean region have suffered serious die-offs as the result of disease, causing lasting impacts to the resilience of many reef ecosystems. St Lucia has experienced at least one disease outbreak in sea urchins, with extensive mortality of the sea urchin Diadema reported over two weeks in November 19834. Surveys since that time have shown extensive recovery of urchin populations with notably high numbers reported in recent surveys conducted in 20115 and 20136.
At least one site within the Marine Management Areas, Anse Chastanet, reportedly receives well above the suggested threshold at approximately 28,000 dives per year2. Recent surveys noted indications of high levels of coral mortality and generally poor reef condition at some of the heavily used sites within the Marine Management Areas. These are likely to have resulted from a combination of over-use by divers and snorkellers, coral bleaching that occurred in 2005, chronic exposure to sediments from adjacent coastal development activities and high incidence of coral diseases3. The importance of these sites to tourism, and the history of multiple pressures, suggests a need for additional management action aimed at supporting site recovery.
While the high abundances of urchins in the Marine Management Areas currently is a positive sign for reef health, the high levels of fishing of other herbivores means that the reefs are highly vulnerable. High levels of fishing of herbivores, such as parrotfishes and surgeonfishes, poses the risk that the coral reefs in the Marine Management Areas could quickly deteriorate if there was an urchin dieoff in the future. The current situation highlights the importance of conserving urchin abundance and addressing the high levels of fishing of herbivorous fishes as crucial elements in any management strategy that aims to build reef resilience.
Lionfish invasion
Yachting Increasing yacht visitation was one of the primary issues raised at the establishment of the SMMA. The concerns were primarily around anchor damage to coral reefs and conflicts with fishers and other users of the site. In recent times some concerns have also been raised about sewage from anchored or moored vessels. To a large extent the marine zoning, anchoring restrictions and establishment of moorings have resolved the issues associated with yachting. While sewage from yachts can cause some ecosystem health concerns where yachts are moored in large numbers, most reefs in the management areas appear to be well flushed by ocean currents, lessening that concern.
The lionfish has invaded the majority of the Caribbean region reefs, posing a threat to native reef fishes as both a predator and a competitor. Lionfish were first reported on St Lucian reefs in 2011 and are now extensively found throughout the Marine Management Areas7. The absence of large-bodied predators on Soufriere reefs due to overfishing reduces potential for natural predators to control lionfish numbers, suggesting that lionfish numbers, and the attendant pressures on native fish species, will continue to increase. Direct control through targeted and sustained programs of lionfish removal and management measures that reduce fishing pressure on lionfish predators will be important in reducing the rate of invasion of Soufriere reefs.
Regional pressures Regional pressures include outbreaks of coral disease, mass mortality of sea urchins and introduction of the lionfish. These regional pressures further add to the risks faced by the ecosystem of the Marine Management Areas. 4 UNEP/IUCN, 1988
10
1 Barker, 2004
5 FORCE, 2011
2 ibid.
6 Beeden, R.D., 2013
3 Beeden, R.D., 2013
7 George, M.G, 2011
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
PRESSURES
Summary — Pressures The Marine Management Areas are exposed to a range of pressures, varying from low to high risk. Overall, however, the risk grade is high due to the significant and sustained impacts from key pressures such as sediment run-off, foreshore development and fishing.
Key Pressures
Risk Rating1 Low
Med
High
•
Sediment run-off
Sediment carried from the land by flooded rivers has had the largest impact on the coral reefs. Direct physical impacts of storms also occur.
Agro-chemicals
The effects of nutrients from fertiliser and piggeries, and sediment run-off from land clearing and cultivation can be devastating to coral reefs. Pesticide levels are below minimum detectable limits.
Sewage
Untreated sewage can have a significant impact on coral reefs and human health concerns. 70% of Soufriere households have septic systems; 30% do not have toilet facilities connected to a sewer or septic system. The results of water quality sampling suggest the potential impacts are of very significant concern.
•
Foreshore development
Sediment associated with coastal resort developments and beach ‘enhancement’ as well as use by resort guests has contributed to the decline of fringing reefs.
•
Fishing
Increasing fishing effort and illegal fishing of reserves has reduced fish size and abundance. Compared to Caribbean averages Soufriere Marine Management Area reefs currently have low abundances and sizes of both herbivorous and predatory fish and few if any large predators.
•
Tourism—snorkelling and diving
A threshold of snorkelling and diving occurs at 4000–6000 dives per year; if exceeded, coral cover loss and coral colony damage levels may increase rapidly. A number of popular dive sites approach this threshold and at least two sites significantly exceed it with historical figures showing they receive around 28,000 dives per year. Inshore, shallow reefs are most vulnerable.
Yachting
Approximately 3000 yachts visit the Marine Management Areas per year. To a large extent the marine zoning, anchoring restrictions and establishment of moorings have resolved the anchor damage and conflict of use concerns associated with yachting. Anti-foulants and sewage disposal are unlikely to have significant ecological impacts at current mooring densities.
•
• •
Litter
Rubbish including abandoned fishing gear and litter can have harmful impacts on biota due to entanglement or ingestion. Abandoned fishing traps or pots can also continue to ghost fish.
•
Disease and introduced species
Regional pressures, such as lionfish invasions and disease outbreaks in key species such as urchins, have been seen to affect the Marine Management Areas. The interconnectivity across the region will inevitably lead to increasing risks.
•
See the full Outlook Report for explanation of assessment grading system
1
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3. STATE The Soufriere marine ecosystem is in FAIR condition
C Coral reefs in the Marine Management Areas are some of the healthiest in St Lucia – but they are showing signs of pressure
oral reefs are the dominant marine habitat of the Marine Management Areas. Covering almost 60 per cent of the area, they include a diversity of marine species, including at least 168 finfish, 60 cnidaria (including corals, anemones, hydroids and zoanthids), 8 mollusc (chiton, squid, clam, octopus, conch, cowrie), 14 sponge, 11 echinoderm (urchin, sea cucumber, basket and brittle star, crinoid), 15 arthropod (barnacle, crab, shrimp, lobster) and 8 annelid (worm). Three species of marine turtle occur in the Marine Management Areas, of which the hawksbill turtle is the most abundant. Green and leatherback turtles are less frequent visitors. Various dolphins, especially the spinner and pantropical spotted occur inshore. Short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales and false killer whales are regularly sighted in and adjacent to the Marine Management Areas. Bryde’s whales as well as humpback whales are also seasonal visitors to the Marine Management Areas. The coral reefs found within the areas are regarded as some of healthiest and most diverse1 in St Lucia. Nonetheless, these reefs are under pressure from natural stressors (e.g. storms and disease), direct use (e.g. fishing, tourism, yachting) and impacts of other human activities (e.g. introduced pest species, 1 IUCN, no date
sediment, agro-chemicals, sewage and climate change). Impacts of human and natural stresses on reefs can be both cumulative and synergistic, thereby exacerbating the effects of individual stresses2. Establishment of the SMMA in 1995 was in part designed to support the replenishment of fish stocks. Scientific monitoring showed dramatic improvements in fish stocks by 2002, with a quadrupling of fish biomass in reserves and a tripling in fishing grounds. Surveys in 2011 by the FORCE project3 provide a more detailed picture of the state of important fish stocks. 2 Roberts and Mees, 2003 3 http://www.force-project.eu/
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OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
STATE
Their results indicate that the biomass of parrotfish on Soufriere reefs is broadly comparable to much of the Caribbean. Specific comparisons show that St Lucia has greater parrotfish biomass than Barbados, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, but less than Belize, Bonaire and Honduras. Snapper density in Soufriere is lower than Belize, Bonaire and Curacao but greater than all of the more heavily fished nations. Importantly, the FORCE surveys detected a number of indicators of significant overfishing in St Lucia. The groupers are dominated by medium-sized fish, with no large individuals observed. This is likely to be the result of heavy fishing pressure4. Since establishment of the SMMA, coral cover declined by an average of forty-seven per cent due to the effects of storms, sedimentation5 and coral diseases6. In 1994 average coral cover was 40 per cent, but this declined to an average of 18 percent by 20027. Average coral cover has not recovered and is currently at approximately 16 per cent8, although it varies among sites from good (>35 per cent) to relatively poor (<10 per cent)9.
4 Prof. Peter Mumby, pers. comm., November 2013 5 Nowlis, 1997 6 Hawkins, et al. 2006 7 Nugues, 2002 8 Beeden R. D., 2013 9 FORCE, 2011
Summary — Ecosystem state Currently, compared to Caribbean averages, reefs in the Marine Management Areas are in fair condition. They have moderate levels of coral cover, high abundances of urchins, low abundances and sizes of both herbivorous and predatory fish but few if any top end predators (such as sharks and groupers).
Ecosystem state Habitats to support species
• Coral reef 60% and sand 40% • Coral cover declined by > 50% since 1995 • Large sponges and boulders provide habitat diversity
Biodiversity
• Coral diversity maintained but cover declined by ~ 50% • Moderate abundances and sizes of fish, but few if any largebodied predatory fish and sharks • Continued presence of turtles, whales and dolphins
Ecosystem condition and resilience
Overall, high abundances of urchins and moderate herbivorous fish abundance is maintaining algal grazing but large predators are absent and lionfish densities are increasing. Resilience levels differ between inshore shallow reefs and deep reefs:
Assessment Grade1 Good
Fair
• •
• Inshore shallow reefs severely impacted by sediment, storms and disease, high use and some bleaching. • Deeper reefs well flushed and more resilient with good coral cover and high abundance of sponges.
Poor
•
•
See the full Outlook Report for explanation of assessment grading system
1
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4. IMPACTS Reefs are providing GOOD levels of benefits ... but suffering HIGH impacts
70 per cent of tourists to St Lucia visit the Marine Management Areas
The Marine Management Areas provide livelihoods for 220 local fishers and generate over US$11.74 million per year through tourism
14
T
he Marine Management Areas are important to the economy of St Lucia through tourism, agriculture and fishing. Ecosystem services provided by the Marine Management Areas also play a critical role in the daily lives of the adjacent coastal communities, which have cultural and economic dependencies evolved over hundreds of years. The largest settlement adjacent to the Marine Management Areas is Soufriere, a village of about 8000 people that is characterised by a fragile economy and high levels of unemployment. Key community activities that are dependent on the Marine Management Areas include employment and revenue associated with artisanal fishing and tourism activities, and cultural practices of subsistence fishing, bathing and beach recreation1.
place within the areas. In total, approximately 8000 scuba divers and 18,000 snorkellers visit the Marine Management Areas each year3. The Marine Management Areas are also a significant yacht destination. The most recent data available (2012) indicates that in the order of 3000 yacht visits per year, although up to 4000 have visited in previous years according to data collected by the Soufriere Marine Management Association. The gross revenue generated from diving, snorkelling and yachting in the Marine Management Areas is estimated to exceed US$11.74 million per year. The fees collected from tourism operations and yachts visiting the Marine Management Areas generate revenue in the order of US$470,000 annually to support marine management activities4.
Artisanal fishing carried out in the Marine Management Areas directly engages in the order of 220 fishers of which approximately 30 per cent are full-time and the remainder are part-time fishers2. Approximately 70 per cent of tourists to St Lucia visit the Marine Management Areas, and 90 per cent of the dives that occur in St Lucia take 1 Gooch & Pott, 2013
3 ReefFix, 2010
2 ReefFix, 2010
4 ibid.
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IMPACTS
Summary — Social impacts Reefs in the Marine Management Areas are critically important sources of social and economic benefits to St Lucia. However, there are indicators that increasing levels of tourism and fishing, and illegal fishing, have the potential to undermine the benefits provided unless further management actions are taken.
Socio-economic impacts
Assessment Grade1 Good
Fair
Poor
Negative impacts and benefits (positive impacts) to the economy of St Lucia and the daily lives of the adjacent coastal communities: Fishing
• 220 artisanal fishers • US$2 million p.a. gross revenue from artisanal fishing • Overfishing and illegal fishing is occurring
Tourism
• 26,000 scuba divers and snorkellers annually • US$11.74 million p.a. gross tourism revenue generated • Some site impacts may require management
•
Yachts
• 4000 yacht visits per year • Use conflicts and anchor damage impacts addressed through zoning, anchoring restrictions and moorings
•
Management
• US$470,000 p.a. management fees (tourism and yachts) • Fee collection systems require review
•
Community
• Direct and indirect employment • Cultural practices of subsistence fishing, bathing and beach recreation • Most significant use conflicts addressed by zoning • Untreated sewage remains an issue of concern for users of the Areas and also affecting water clarity and reef health
•
•
See the full Outlook Report for explanation of assessment grading system
1
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5. RESPONSES Management approach is GOOD although effectiveness is POOR
T The approach to manage ment of coral reefs in the Soufriere area is world leading
he approach to management of the Marine Management Areas is deservedly recognised as world leading. Planning for the Marine Management Areas was characterised by strong government leadership, community engagement and scientific support. This has been followed by an innovative governance arrangement with a legislative basis under the Fisheries Act 1984. Management is undertaken by the Soufriere Marine Management Association, a non-profit organisation made up of a board of directors drawn from the local community, marine industries and government agencies. This section reviews the management arrangements in place for the Marine Management Areas and identifies key issues for improving the effectiveness of management.
of initial capital funding from foreign donors, government funding for adjustment of fisheries and the fees for recurrent management provided for very robust management, particularly over the first five years or so.
»» Early management efforts delivered measurable benefits The benefits of these management initiatives were clearly demonstrated through robust scientific monitoring, which showed that by 2002 there had been rapid increases in fish stocks within and outside of no fishing reserves. Benefits were observed to flow through to improved catch per unit effort for local fishers. Anchor damage from increasing numbers of visiting yachts had also been reduced through the establishment of moorings. Tourism use continued to grow providing benefits to the community while the marine zoning, including fishing priority areas, had reduced the level of conflict between the more traditional fishing activities and the increasing tourism use of the areas.
»» Increasing use and reduced management capacity The health of the reefs of the Marine Management Areas, and the very substantial benefits they are providing to the economy of St Lucia and the Soufriere community, are a credit to the management arrangements that have been put in place.
16
»» Management was established with good funding
However, the field management program that implements management of the marine areas is showing signs of stress. Increasing use of the marine areas combined with reduced capital funding and a plateauing or decline in recurrent funding has reduced the capacity of the management program. This is evident in the currently ad hoc levels of scientific monitoring and assessment, and community concerns about the capacity to undertake enforcement activities. It is also apparent in the limited scope to maintain, replace and expand the mooring and boundary marker programs.
Recurrent funding for management is provided by user fees, primarily collected from tourism and yachting activities, and supported by governmentfunded initiatives and foreign aid. The combination
Recently, support from various foreign aid sources is expected to provide opportunities to at least partially redress these issues. The Soufriere Marine Management Association is also focusing
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
»» Increasing fishing pressure is starting to undermine management gains The establishment of fishing reserves and moorings for yachts has undoubtedly contributed very significantly to the above average condition of many of the reef and fish populations in the Marine Management Areas. This is particularly the case where it is supporting the natural resilience of reefs that are associated with the deeper sloping parts of the shelf that are regularly flushed by more oceanic currents. However, illegal fishing and increasing levels of fishing are starting to undermine the initial achievements. This very challenging issue would benefit from review and development of strategies to address illegal fishing and reduce fishing effort over the long term.
»» Local pressures are compromising fringing reef resilience
RESPONSES
substantial effort toward re-instating the fee collection arrangements in order to maintain the funding base required for an effective field management program.
It is also apparent that shallower coastal fringing reefs in closer proximity to river outfall and coastal development have not fared so well. Relatively high levels of coral disease continue to be recorded and this appears to be exacerbated for those shallow reefs that are very closely associated with high levels of visitation. If these reefs are to be given a chance to recover there will need to be a strong commitment to reducing the pressures associated with sediments from foreshore development and beach ‘enhancement’, sewage run-off and diving activities.
»» Litter continues to be a problem The closure of the refuse dump site within the Marine Management Areas and the establishment of refuse collection service has significantly reduced the potential impacts from a wide range of pollutants.
Current management programs are inadequate to cope with increasing pressures
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RESPONSES
affecting the Marine Management Areas. However, it is also apparent that funding constraints and competing demands between maintenance of ecosystem services and economic growth have limited the capacity of the Government to implement these policies. The pressures from sediment run-off associated with catchment land use and coastal development are very well recognised in a range of policy documents, as are the human health issues associated with untreated sewage. The Government of St Lucia clearly has a commitment to attempting to rectify these issues. However, these are challenging and costly issues that will require a dedicated and focused approach and long-term commitment and resources.
»» Addressing foreshore development is a key strategy for an improved outlook
Recovery of degraded nearshore reefs is possible with focused effort, greater stewardship and appropriate investment
An ongoing issue of litter washing to the coast, particularly plastic bottles, is an issue that will need innovative solutions. Apart from the impact on visual amenity for tourists and divers, rubbish can have harmful impacts on biota due to entanglement or ingestion. Lost and discarded fishing gear can also continue to trap fish and other fauna until such time as the apparatus breaks down. Community education, stewardship and incentives (e.g. deposits on plastic bottles, volunteer reef clean-up days etc.) may provide cost-effective options to address these situations.
»» Policy foundations exist for addressing land-based pressures A very comprehensive range of policy responses have been developed by the Government of St Lucia to address the land-based pressures
18
There are particular concerns associated with road construction and development very close to the coast and the coastal fringing reefs. The bulk of sediment and nutrients entering the Marine Management Areas are carried by pulse events associated with flood rains. These events send sediments and nutrients from the catchment down rivers and streams and into the Marine Management Areas. Developments occurring on the foreshore add to the pulse loads, and also add to the chronic stresses faced by nearshore reefs. Management of development to avoid new impacts and improve existing practices would be expected to provide significant and immediate benefits to the health of the coastal fringing reefs within the Marine Management Areas. If this was combined with stewardship initiatives aimed at reef restoration, it is very likely that these degraded nearshore reefs could recover to provide increased and sustainable benefits for both the adjacent resorts and the broader community.
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
RESPONSES
Summary — Management responses Excellent engagement, planning and implementation characterised establishment of the management regime for the Marine Management Areas. This delivered good outcomes in the early years. However, reduced funding has seen decreased effectiveness of the field management program, leading to reduced ability to mitigate escalating pressures. Efforts to increase sustainability of financing and take more strategic and coordinated action, especially in relation to sewage and foreshore developments, will help redress these issues.
Management of Key Pressures Catchment clearing and development
• coral decline
Untreated sewage
• • • •
Foreshore development
• coral decline
Overfishing
• • • •
Illegal fishing
• reduced fish abundance in reserves • flow-on consequences for reduced abundance in fished areas
Diving and snorkelling
• site damage and coral decline inshore, shallow reefs • few signs of impact on deeper reefs
Yachts
• user conflicts • anchor damage
Litter and rubbish
• closure of the refuse dump significantly reduced the potential impacts from a wide range of pollutants • ongoing issues of litter (primarily plastic bottles) and abandoned fishing gear
Assessment Grade1 Good
Fair
Poor
•
disease (corals, sponges etc.) coral decline reduced survival of juvenile biota human health concerns
• •
loss of large-bodied predatory fish reduced fish size and abundance bycatch concerns (e.g. juvenile fish) flow-on ecosystem effects
• • • • •
See the full Outlook Report for explanation of assessment grading system
1
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RESPONSES
Management Criteria Design and planning
Assessment Grade1 Good
Fair
Poor
Understanding of context Understanding of values, threats, national and international influences and stakeholders is strong and based on sound science.
•
Planning Sound zoning and management planning framework built on extensive community consultation and strong government support.
• •
Site planning to address tourism use is lacking. A range of policy and strategies exist that identify key hazards and threats associated with coastal development, tropical storms and cyclones.
• •
There is no coordinated, strategic program to address key external threats, including impacts from sewage and sediment run-off. Adequacy and appropriateness
Inputs (financial, staffing and information) Day-to-day management: • Recurrent activities are self-funded by use fees but funds have not kept up with management demands. • Capital funding remains largely dependent on foreign aid. • Stewardship by tourism operations and particularly by large coastal resorts provides some resources, but is very limited.
• • •
Critical but high cost programs required to manage sewage and sediment run-off are hampered by funding constraints. Substantial research and monitoring were undertaken until 2002 —these programs have not been maintained and the capacity to analyse data is lacking. Management systems and processes
Delivery
Many day-to-day management systems and processes have either not been adequately developed or require upgrading, in particular: • Systems for collection of fees are inadequate. • Enforcement programs would benefit from substantial review.
•
There is no high level strategic approach to coordinate programs to address key external pressures.
•
Outputs Initial output generation was high including: zoning maps, signage, education activities, enforcement, installation of facilities, website maintenance and scientific publications.
• •
Currently outputs are largely limited to field patrols, basic facility maintenance, and ad hoc monitoring. Outcomes
20
The benefits of the management initiatives were initially clearly identified by robust scientific monitoring, such that by 2002: • rapid increases were observed in fish stocks • increased catch per unit effort for local fishers • anchor damage from visiting yachts addressed through the establishment of moorings • marine zoning reduced use conflicts.
•
Management continues to provide very substantial benefits to the economy of St Lucia and the Soufriere community: • tourism use had continued to grow • the areas support an increased number of registered fishers.
•
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
Delivery (continued)
RESPONSES
Management Criteria
Assessment Grade1 Good
Fair
Poor
Outcomes (continued) Currently: • tropical storms, coastal run-off and increased use have significantly reduced corals and shallow reef communities • initial increases in fish biomass have levelled off and are being impacted by increased fishing pressure and illegal fishing • the invasive lionfish is now well established. Policies and strategies to address key external threats (including impacts from coastal development, sediment from catchment land use and untreated sewage) have not resulted in ecosystem recovery.
• •
See the full Outlook Report for explanation of assessment grading system
1
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OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
Outlook for the Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas
W
hile climate change and the impacts of increasing use will inevitably see a continued decline in reef health throughout the Caribbean over the next twenty years, the Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas include reefs that can be expected to be somewhat more resilient than most Caribbean reefs. The deeper reefs that are found within the Marine Management Areas are expected to remain relatively healthy, due to their natural resilience, if the management arrangements that have been in place for the past two decades can be continued.
This Outlook Report has identified the pressures that represent the most cost-effective targets for further management effort.
Unfortunately, the Marine Management Areas also include coral reefs that are highly vulnerable. The shallow fringing reefs have already been significantly degraded through a combination of local stresses and regional pressures. This has resulted in a loss of ecosystem services to local communities, and an erosion of natural resilience that makes them even more vulnerable. As a result, the shallow coastal fringing reefs in the Soufriere area can be expected to remain degraded or deteriorate further due to local pressure, coral bleaching and tropical storms unless management efforts can reduce the trend of decreasing resilience.
• Illegal fishing and overfishing associated with increasing levels of fishing and use of new technologies
The current management arrangements have proven to be capable of supporting the resilience of coral reefs in the Marine Management Areas. However, current efforts to reverse the decline in management effectiveness need to be supported and further enhanced if further and potentially irreversible damage to the reef ecosystem – and the benefits it provides – is to be avoided.
These include: • Sediment run-off from catchment clearing and development • Untreated sewage run-off associated with coastal and catchment development • Foreshore development ‘enhancement’
and
beach
• Over-use of some sites by divers and day trip tourism operations • Litter and discarded or abandoned fishing apparatus. Many of these issues are the result of activities that occur outside the jurisdiction of the Soufriere Marine Management Association and the Pitons Management Area. However, actions to build the resilience of coral reefs and secure the wellbeing of coastal communities have the potential to deliver nationally significant benefits and therefore attract the support of all relevant government agencies, NGOs, industry sectors and civil society. Efforts to address the key external pressures affecting the Marine Management Areas would benefit from a more holistic and coordinated approach to management.
A more holistic and coordinated approach to management is required to build reef resilience and secure community wellbeing
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Considering alternative future scenarios There is a range of management actions that can be taken to increase the resilience of coral reefs and to improve the community benefits derived from the Marine Management Areas. This final section outlines different scenarios for management responses. It aims to facilitate discussions about management options and priorities for improving the outlook for the areas over the next 20 years. The three broad management scenarios presented below are designed to illustrate the benefits and tradeoffs of different levels of investment in management responses over coming years. These scenarios do not consider different trajectories for major external drivers such as climate change or economic development. However, they are built around a single set of realistic projections for economic growth, tourism, agriculture and climate change (see text box). Inclusion of different driver trajectories in future scenario planning may allow managers to also prepare for a range of future conditions, even though the drivers themselves may not be amenable to direct intervention. More detailed scenario modelling can also inform future investment decisions, enabling policy makers and community leaders to compare the costs and benefits of various options and balance competing demands for limited resources. The fate of the Marine Management Areas is at a crossroads, and the people of St Lucia have an important opportunity to influence the outlook and ultimate fate of this spectacular and valuable natural resource.
External drivers — Soufriere in 2034 The projections of major external drivers used for the management scenarios reflect trajectories based on historical trends and future predictions obtained from the scientific literature and expert informants.
Economic growth • Steady increase in GDP • Population growth remains steady • Unemployment steady • Fishing remains important for subsistence
Tourism • Tourism increases through day visits • Steady increase in yacht visitation • Tourism accommodation doubles
Agriculture • Perennials remain as major crop • Intensive livestock farming doubles
Climate change • Thermal stress causing regular coral bleaching in shallow areas • Coral calcification decreases • Increase in storm intensity
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OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
SCENARIO 1â&#x20AC;&#x201D;BUSINESS AS USUAL
U
nder this scenario, management is still selffunded through fee collection. The efficiency of fee collection has increased, enabling the SMMA to maintain 2014 levels of activity. However, the total amount of resourcing continues to limit management effectiveness. Compliance, education, community engagement and monitoring activities are maintained, but they are only partially effective and generally ad hoc in implementation. Key pressures, such as water quality and coastal development are recognised, but actions are limited by funding constraints and poor coordination.
Reef health Coral reefs retain some important habitat qualities through growth of sponges and sea fans, but the amount of hard corals has continued to decline, particularly on shallow fringing reefs. The reserve areas are effective at maintaining higher abundances of fish compared to areas outside reserves, but fish populations everywhere are affected by illegal fishing. Fish are generally smaller throughout the area, and predatory fish are almost absent, except for lionfish, which have become the dominant predator. Urchins are not protected, and
are at risk of fishing pressure. If fishing of urchins occurs, urchin numbers will decline and reefs face increased risk of being overtaken by seaweeds as sea temperatures rise. Coral bleaching occurs with increasing frequency in shallow sites, leading to coral death and an overall decline in coral cover. In high use sites, coral cover is reduced through increased disease.
SCENARIOS
Management response
Community benefits Fishing continues to be an important source of income and food for coastal communities, but individual catches are reduced and now comprise mostly lionfish and small algal grazers (parrotfish, surgeonfish, etc.). Tourism has grown significantly, but the industry has had to focus on deeper reefs in reserve areas due to deteriorating state of shallow reefs. Region-wide declines in reef health have meant that Soufriere is still considered a better dive tourism destination than many other Caribbean locations. However, continuing inputs of untreated sewage is causing increasing health issues for swimmers and snorkellers, and litter and discarded fishing gear have reduced the amenity of the reefs and beaches for visitors.
Business as usual will see declining reef health and losses of community benefits
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SCENARIOS
SCENARIO 2—BOOSTING LOCAL MANAGEMENT
Management response
U
Boosting local management will support reef recovery and improve the options for fishers and tourism businesses
nder this scenario, local management activities have received a boost through an increase in user fees of 30 per cent. However, collection of fees remains the primary source of revenue for management of the Soufriere marine management areas. As a result of the modest increase in funding, SMMA has been able to increase compliance, and they have achieved substantial improvements in the effectiveness of education, community outreach and engagement programs. Resorts and tourism operators have taken on much stronger stewardship roles, adopting ‘house reefs’ and implementing best practices. Regular litter cleanups are occurring, and there has been a big decrease in discarded fishing gear. Urchins are protected from harvesting. Key pressures, such as water quality and coastal development are recognised, but actions are limited by funding constraints and inadequate coordination across government agencies.
Reef health As under scenario 1, sponges and sea fans have become the major provider of habitat on the reefs, as hard corals have continued to decline overall under this scenario. However, there are positive
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signs of recovery of corals at shallow fringing reefs adopted by resorts. Coral bleaching occurs regularly in shallow areas whenever sea temperatures get unusually high. Coral disease is still a problem, but it has reduced in high use sites due to improved site management. Fish are generally small, with very few predatory fish other than lionfish. Urchin numbers have been maintained, helping to prevent overgrowth of the reefs by algae. Reserve areas are showing promise as refugia evident through an increase in the abundance and size of fish; there are also signs of adjacent fished areas getting spillover benefits from the fish reserves.
Community benefits Fish catches are better under this scenario compared to ‘business as usual’, but the lionfish and small algal grazers are increasingly becoming the mainstay of local fishers. Tourism has grown, and operators are using a combination of shallow and deeper reefs. Reefs are generally free of litter and discarded fishing gear. In combination this has led to Soufriere reefs being considered better than most other Caribbean sites. However, there continues to be human health issues for swimmers and snorkellers as a result of untreated sewage entering the marine management areas.
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
Management response
T
his scenario builds on the improvements that would be delivered under scenario 2, but adds some important additional elements. Through strong political support and extra funding for community engagement and adjustment strategies, illegal fishing is substantially reduced, fishers are using best practice methods, and total fishing effort in the marine management areas is reduced by 30 per cent. Government departments have coordinated efforts and invested appropriately to improve practices on land. Road stabilisation, better management of development activities, reduced forest clearing and more efficient use of chemicals in agriculture have significantly reduced the amounts of sediments and chemicals flowing into the marine management areas from the adjacent catchment. Soufriere town has a tertiary treatment sewage plant, and all resorts are treating sewage to tertiary standards.
Reef health While sea fans and sponges are still the major habitat provider, coral cover has been maintained, or even slightly improved, overall. Corals are being re-established at shallow fringing reef sites that have been adopted as ‘house reefs’ by resorts. Reserves house high abundances of fish and larger
SCENARIOS
SCENARIO 3—COORDINATED AND COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT fish, including increasing numbers of predatory fish. Large predators such as groupers are showing signs of recovery inside reserves. Due to spillover effects and reduced fishing pressure overall, the size and abundance of fish has increased throughout the area. Lionfish are still present, but numbers have been reducing inside reserves. Urchin numbers have been maintained, preventing algal overgrowth of corals. While coral bleaching is still occurring in shallow reef areas whenever there is a hot water event, coral disease has significantly decreased due to much improved management of high use tourism sites.
Community benefits There are fewer people fishing in the marine management area, but individual catch rates have improved and better quality fish are being sold through local markets. Tourism activity grows, spreading its footprint across a range of sites including shallow and deeper areas. The health and visual appeal of reefs accessible to tourists has increased due to reduced pressures from sediments and pollutants, and there are no amenity impacts from litter or discarded fishing gear. Water clarity has also improved inshore, and there is no health risk to swimmers or snorkellers from untreated sewage. As a result, Soufriere is considered one of the most desirable reef tourism destinations in the Caribbean.
Coordinated and comprehensive management will help ensure Soufriere is one of the most desirable reef tourism destinations in the Caribbean
OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
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About the partners The Soufriere Marine Management Association Inc. (SMMA) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) responsible for managing the Soufriere Marine Management Area and the Canaries & Anse La Raye Marine Management Area, with its mission being to “to contribute to national and local development, particularly in the fisheries and tourism sectors, through the management of the coastal zone of Soufriere, based on the principles of sustainable use, cooperation among resource users, institutional collaboration, active and enlightened local participation, and equitable sharing of benefits and responsibilities among stakeholders”.
The Government of St Lucia, through the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, has primary responsibility for management of the Pitons Management Area (PMA) which was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), officially established in July 2002 by the CARICOM Heads of Government, coordinates the region’s response to climate change. The Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change. Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
AusAID is Australia’s aid program, implemented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Australian Government’s aid program promotes Australia’s national interests through contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is an Australian Government statutory authority that advises the Australian Government Minister for the Environment on the control, care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Our aim is to ensure the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community, through the care and development of the Marine Park.
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OUTLOOK REPORT FOR THE PITONS AND SOUFRIERE MARINE MANAGEMENT AREAS — IN BRIEF
Further Information Outlook for the Pitons and Soufriere Marine Management Areas and Outlook Report â&#x20AC;&#x201D; In Brief are available from the web at www.climateandreefs.org