Know your marine protected areas

By Qamar Schuyler
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Marine protected area, sanctuary, conservation area, reserve… Some people hear these words and imagine a marine paradise, with huge schools of fish, beautiful corals, and a pristine environment. For others, the words make them fear fines, restrictions, and lack of access. But beyond the emotions, what do these terms actually mean?

A marine protected area, or MPA, is a generalized term for an area of the ocean or coast designated by law or by other means to conserve part or all of the environment. This is a very broad definition, and incorporates a number of different types of sites. These may include the above-mentioned sanctuaries, conservation areas, and reserves, all different names for similar concepts. MPAs usually include some type of limitation of activities within their borders, which can range from simple restrictions on fishing gear to prohibiting all access. Any area that protects all of the resources in it from being extracted or taken is called a “no-take zone.” MPAs can be designated for a variety of different purposes, including (but not limited to) conserving biodiversity, protecting particular species, protecting cultural or historical sites, reducing user conflicts, or enhancing recreational activities. MPAs can also range dramatically in size, from several acres to thousands of square miles.

Here in the CNMI we have six MPAs; five on Saipan, and one on Rota. Three of Saipan’s MPAs are no-take zones, where fishing, collecting, or harvesting is not allowed. These include the Managaha Marine Conservation Area, the Bird Island Sanctuary, and the Forbidden Island Sanctuary. In addition, we have two MPAs where only particular species are protected. These are the Laulau Bay Sea Cucumber Reserve, and the Trochus Reserve, on the lagoon side of the island (see map). On Rota, the Sasanahaya Bay Fish Reserve is also a no-take zone. At present there is a ten-year moratorium on sea cucumber harvesting that began in 1998, so sea cucumbers cannot be harvested anywhere. In addition, there exists a continuing moratorium on the harvest of Trochus anywhere in the CNMI. The existing Trochus Reserves are intended to prevent harvest during times when the moratorium is lifted.

So you might ask, what’s the purpose of MPAs anyway? There are many potential benefits to protecting our coastal and oceanic resources. First, no-take zones protect fish habitats and populations, promoting increased numbers of fish within the boundaries. But fish don’t know where we’ve drawn our boundaries, so after an MPA has gone into effect, scientists often observe what is termed a “spillover effect,” where the numbers of fish increase outside the borders as well. In addition, the no-take zones protect not only a single species of fish, but the entire complex relationship of multiple species.

MPAs also have economic and social benefits. Protected areas appeal to divers and snorkelers, who appreciate the enhanced numbers and diversity of fish species. MPAs are therefore a great asset for the tourism industry, ultimately enhancing our entire economy. Not only that, but the increased catch is an economic advantage for fishermen.

MPAs are also a type of insurance policy. Two weeks ago I wrote about the concept of reef resiliency, or the ability of the reef to recover following an environmental impact. MPAs add to the resiliency of the system by providing a source of larval fish and corals that can re-colonize neighboring areas damaged by anthropogenic influences or natural phenomenon such as terrestrial runoff and nutrient enrichment, Crown of Thorns Starfish, or typhoons.

There are currently a number of studies here in the CNMI that are attempting to measure some of the benefits of MPAs. DFW is studying fish populations inside of the no-take zones. Data from the first few years, before the regulations were strictly enforced, provide us with a baseline data set of how communities looked before the MPA was established. DFW is currently analyzing data that will show how the implementation of the MPAs has changed the communities. In addition, the Coral Reef Initiative recently contracted an economics specialist to carry out an economic evaluation of our coral reefs. Information gathered during this process will allow us to put a dollar figure on the many benefits of our reefs, including the benefits provided by MPAs. Stay tuned to the Environmental page for updates on these studies.

Marine Protected Areas only work if they are actually protected. In other words, if people aren’t informed about the rules or boundaries, or if they decide to ignore the regulations, we don’t get to reap the benefits. To that end, the agencies are increasing both education (like this article and ads in the Island Locator), and enforcement. DFW Conservation Officers (COs) regularly patrol the island’s MPAs, looking for anyone violating the regulations. Enforcement data shows that over the past three years, 52 people were caught illegally harvesting in one of the CNMI’s MPAs. For these violations, they can be fined up to $10,000! Or, they may have to serve up to a year in jail. The maximum fines are different depending on which MPA you are caught in, but believe me, these guys mean business.

So if you’re not allowed to fish in an MPA, what can you do? There are many activities that allow you to take advantage of these unique areas. DFW’s website encourages people to get out there and enjoy their MPAs by “SCUBA diving, snorkeling, bird watching, hiking, photography, kayaking and paddling, turtle watching, family picnics and barbeques, communing with nature, and getting away from the hubbub to enjoy the peace and beauty of the natural environment.” If you see someone violating the rules, call DFW at 664-6001 to inform the Conservation Officers. After all, MPAs are meant to benefit you and your environment!

(Qamar Schuyler is the Coral Outreach Specialist for DEQ, DFW, and CRM. For more information on MPAs, see www.mpa.gov. For details on MPAs in the CNMI, check out the DFW website at www.dfw.gov.mp.)