Monitoring Coral Reefs for better Management Schemes - UNEP EAS/RCU Small Grants Fund Program 2002-2003

The Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries Reef Monitoring Program was conducted to provide information on fish stocks and benthic life, including corals and invertebrates, within the reserve to improve existing management options. Monitoring data on fish catches and landings was intended to support an indirect assessment of the marine reserve’s impacts on the local fishing community. The programme also aimed to strengthen local capacity and knowledge by training local fisherfolk to conduct underwater surveys and fish catch and landing monitoring. In addition, Local Government Unit personnel and fisheries students were to receive training in baseline surveys and reef monitoring. The programme further sought to package information on reef resources and fisheries for community use in planning and managing the reserve and sanctuaries.