REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND FISHERIES REFUGIA AS A TOOL FOR THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES AT PHU QUOC ARCHIPELAGO, VIET NAM UNEP/GEF South China Sea Project

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

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

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