1. 19971997) DURHAM UNIVERSITY CORAL AWARENESS AND RESEARCH EXPEDITION 2008

2. Durham University Coral Awareness and Research Expedition (DUCARE) Endorsed by

3. What is DUCARE? 5 years partnership with CDF! (2004–2008) Carry out reef check surveys in four areas of the Visayas – including Ronda! This helps determine the level of threat to the coral reef in your area. Raise Filipino awareness of the marine environment by presenting our findings to important people (you!). The Philippines is heavily dependant on the seas for food and other resources. Educate schoolchildren on the importance of respecting their coral reef, helping them appreciate the dangers of dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, hunting endangered species and other human impacts.

4. DUCARE 2008 Aims Provide high-quality data on the health of the marine environment in your area. Assist in the development of Coastal Resource Management policies that prepare regions with a sustainable usage plan. Provide equipment for and assistance to new and existing sanctuaries. By surveying local communities, determine how effective the message of protection and preservation of the sea has been.

5. Kristofer Chan: Team Scientist Jessica Batchelor: Medical Officer Rose Janes: Grant Officer Robert Parson: Logistics Officer Florence Brockway: Education Officer David Murphy: Team Leader Charlotte Jones: Treasurer Rupert Carter: Fundraiser Juilitta Sofat: Fundraiser Tom Bohills: Grant Officer Meet the team….

6. MangroveSea Grass Coral Reef Marine Ecosystem

8. What are Mangroves? Species of tree or shrub that grows in sheltered salt water Flowering plants that have reinvaded the fringes of the sea 60-70% of the tropical coastline is lined with mangroves Mangroves common to the Philippines have: - Shallow roots, some above the surface of the substrate to allow for oxygen absorption - Tough leaves with internal water storage Grow in coral, rock or sand, but thrive in mud

9. Why are they important? Accumulate and trap nutrients Nursery grounds for fish to breed away from predators For every hectare cut down there is a corresponding reduction in fish catch of around 108 tons per hectare per year Source of wood for housing and detrital matter Coastal protection Reduce pollution levels through carbon production Tourist attraction for bird watching etc Source of tannin, alcohol and medicine

10. What are the threats? Costal land reclamation and development Silting can occur in some regions due to logging Pollution Overexploitation Gleaning/fish landing - 95% of the remaining Philippine mangroves are secondary growth

11. Flowering plants adapted to live submerged in water

12. Why is it important? Habitats for fish and invertebrates Provides nursery feeding and spawning areas Subjects for scientific inquiry Produces rich nutrients Enhances water quality The roots and leaves are an abundant food source Feeding ground for marine turtles and the highly endangered dugong

13. What are the threats? Sedimentation Destructive fishing Costal development: waste disposal boat traffic aquaculture 978 km2 of sea grass beds have been identified in the Philippines About half of the sea grass beds have either been lost or severely degraded over the past 50 years

15. What are Coral Reefs? Living organism Complex ecosystem created by corals and other substrates engaging in symbiotic relationships Primarily made of deposits of calcium carbonate produced by corals and other organisms The Philippines is the centre of global marine biodiversity, containing more then 25,000km2 of coral reefs Most of the reefs in the Visayas are relatively young fringing reefs, which develop close to the shoreline

16. Why are they important? The country’s reefs contain 464 species of hard coral, and 1000+ species of fish, numerous invertebrates and algal species Breeding grounds for fish Fishing grounds Natural, self-repairing breakwater Sources of medicinal compounds Scientific interest Tourist attractions

17. What are the threats? Dynamite fishing Cyanide fishing Harvesting of rare animals for aquarium and curio trades Anchor damage Litter Destructive impacts of tourism Diver induced damage Corals are very slow growing – once damaged they will take years to recover- Upsetting one area can have a widespread effect on the entire ecosystem

18. MangroveSea Grass Coral Reef Marine Ecosystem

19. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Over 600 MPA’s in the Philippines But less than 10% are managed efficiently

21. Ronda overview First designated MPA 2002 IUCN protection category VI- Managed Resource Protected Area:  Mainly for sustainable use of natural ecosystems

22. Reef check Started 1997 Largest international coral reef monitoring program involving recreational divers and marine scientists Aims: Overview of human impacts on coral reefs long-term monitoring Over 1500 trained volunteer divers are led by 160 scientists in surveys of 250 reefs Result compiled by comparing fish and invertebrate species and substrate types which are indicators of the health of the reef

23. Reef Check Results