Government Leaders and Village Mayors Workshop on Oct 15, 2010

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VILLAGE MAYORS’ WORKSHOP NO-TAKE MPA PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

October 15th

2010

Equator Conference Room

Tradewinds Hotel

Authors: Sione Lam Yuen, Lucy Jacob and Tafito Aitaoto

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Table of Contents.

Table of Figures .................................................................................................................................... 3

Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................. 4

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Objectives of the Workshop .................................................................................................................. 5

Workshop Activities .............................................................................................................................. 6

Results of Pre and Post Tests .............................................................................................................. 10

Evaluation Results. .............................................................................................................................. 12

Overall Discussion and Recommendations. ......................................................................................... 13

Appendix I: Workshop Agenda ............................................................................................................ 14

Appendix II: Summary of Questions and Answers ............................................................................... 15

Appendix III: Pre and Post Questionnaire ............................................................................................ 17

Appendix IV: Evaluation Form ............................................................................................................. 18

Appendix V: Presentations .................................................................................................................. 19

Appendix IV: Photos from Workshop .................................................................................................. 35

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Table of Figures

Figure 1 Map of villages represented at the Mayors’ Workshop ...................................................... 5

Figure 2 MPA designed by Group 1 in Fagaitua. ............................................................................... 7

Figure 3. MPA designed by Group 2 in Aua. ..................................................................................... 8

Figure 4. MPA designed by Group 3 in Nu’uuli ................................................................................ 8

Figure 5. MPA designed by Group 4 in Leone. .................................................................................. 8

Figure 6. MPA designed by Group 5 in Fagasa. ................................................................................. 9

Figure 7. MPA designed by Group 6 in Tula ..................................................................................... 9

Figure 8. Percentage of participants that selected different options to describe a MPA before and after

the workshop. . ................................................................................................................................. 10

Figure 9. Percentage of participants that selected different options to describe examples of No-Take

MPA’s in American Samoa before and after the workshop. .............................................................. 10

Figure 10. Percentage of participants that selected different options to answer the percentage of its

coral reefs that American Samoa plans to protect inside no-take MPAs before and after the workshop.

.......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 11. Percentage of participants that selected different options to describe what Spill over means...

.......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 12. Percentage of participants that selected different options to describe what a Coral is. . ...... 12

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Acknowledgements

The No-take MPA Program would like to thank the Director and Deputy Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, Ufagafa Ray Tulafono and Fuafuamealelei Alofa Tuaumu for their continual support for all the activities of the No-take MPA Program.

The workshop would not have been possible without significant financial and logistical assistance from the Information and Education Division (Aquatic Education) of DMWR who organized and paid for the venue and all associated costs. Maria Vaofanua and Lusila Minonetti were the individuals who provided this assistance with their usual sense of fun and graciousness! They also acted as facilitators on the day of the workshop. Fatima Sauafea-Leau also provided invaluable assistance in planning this workshop and helped out as a facilitator and recorded on the day of the event. In addition, Afa Uikirifi and Fale Tuilagi from the Community Based Fishery Management Program also attended the event and helped with taking care of the participants, facilitating groups and answering questions that arose relating to their program. Alice Lawrence who was the MPA Network Coordinator assisted with logistics on the day of the workshop and with taking photographs throughout the workshop. As always, her help was much appreciated and always plentiful.

Particular thanks should be given to the Office of Samoan Affairs, in particular the late Honorable Secretary Tufele Li’amatua who supported the event from the inception of its planning and spoke from the heart with sincerity about marine conservation issues during the workshop. Last but not least, the No-take MPA Program would like to thank Faletogo Taliloa (High Talking Chief of Fagamalo village) who spoke with passion to the Mayors during the workshop about the creation of the No-take MPA in Fagamalo. Faletogo is leading the way for marine conservation in his village and attempted to inspire Mayors from villages in Tutuila to do similar in their villages.

Lucy Jacob, Tafito Aitoato and Sione Lam Yuen

The No-take MPA Team.

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Introduction

On Friday 15th October 2010, the No-Take Marine Protected Area (MPA) Program collaborated with the Information Education Division to inform Village Mayors that are working in the Office of Samoan Affairs about the No-take Marine Protected Area Program and other marine related issues. Forty five Mayors and community leaders from 33 villages participated in the workshop that was held at the Tradewinds hotel in Tutuila, American Samoa. The villages that were represented were as follows: Fagamalo, Aua, Failolo and Agugulu, Tafuna, Masausi, Asili, Faleniu, Fagatogo, Lauli’i, Taputimu, Nu’uuli, Vailoatai, Vaitogi, Pava’iai, Se’etaga, Utulei and Gataivai, Leone, Afono, Alao, Auasi, Vatia, Fagasa, Masefau, Faga’itua, Amaua, Tula, Afao, Sailele, Malaeloa (Ituau), Aoloau, and Alofau.

Figure 1 shows a map of all the villages that were represented.

Figure 1 Villages that were represented at the Village Mayors’ Workshop in October 2010 (in green).

Objectives of the workshop

� 1). Explain what MPAs are and how they work.

� 2). Provide information and background about the No-Take MPA Program.

� 3). Provide information about coral reefs, threats to reefs and management ideas.

� 4). Give opportunity for the mayors to ask questions about issues relating to MPAs.

� 5). Strengthen the relationship between the Department of Marine and Wildlife

Resources and the Office of Samoan Affairs.

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Workshop Activities

The agenda for the Mayor’s workshop can be found in Appendix I. The introduction included information about the background of the MPA Program, an explanation of the territorial target (20%) and the MPA master plan which guides the program in its activities. Information was also provided about the types of MPA’s that are found in American Samoa, including federal and territorial MPAs and Community Based Fishery Management Program (CFMP) villages in American Samoa. The Mayors were given information on what no-take MPAs are and how they benefit fisheries within and outside the MPA villages. In particular they were told about the importance of protecting big fish and about designing MPAs to include all habitat types. After providing basic information on MPAs and the benefits of them, the Mayors were given more information about the process and methods employed by the no-take program. This presentation was a summary of the last four years of work that has been carried out by the MPA Program. Following the first presentation, the Mayors were given an opportunity to ask questions. They were eager to ask questions about the presentations and expressed what they have learnt during the presentations. In actual fact, one Mayor approached the staff after the questions session expressing his frustration at having had his hand up and not being given the opportunity to ask a question! This was because there were a lot of questions and it was not possible to answer them all at this stage although the Mayors were informed that they could approach the staff during the proceeding coffee break if they had additional questions. A summary of the questions asked throughout the day and the issues raised as well as response given can be found in Appendix II. Other presentations that were provided during the day were: ‘The Coral Reefs of American Samoa,’; ‘How can MPAs help with Human and Natural Threats?’; ‘What is a Network of MPAs?’ and the ‘Creation of a No-Take MPA in Fagamalo’s Marine Managed Area’. The Fagamalo presentation included a twenty minute talk that was given by the High Talking Chief (Faletogo Tuilagi) of Fagamalo. He wanted to explain to the other Mayors how they can benefit from such a type of management and how they should work together to improve the management of American Samoa’s marine resources. Copies of all the presentations can be found in the Appendix V.

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Group Activities

An activity for the Mayors to design their own marine managed areas in certain villages was organized. Nine villages were listed on the board and the Mayors of those villages were asked to step forward. Six Mayors were present and the audience was divided into those six groups. The groups were assigned the villages of 1) Fagasa 2) Amanave 3) Leone 4) Tula 5) Fagaitua and 6) Aua. The instructions for the activity were as follows: 1) Design a marine managed area in their selected village including a no-take portion and draw the boundaries on a map. 2) Write four management actions for their marine managed area. 3) Answer the following three questions:

i) Why did you choose the boundaries in the location and of the size that you did? ii) How will the people in the village benefit from this? iii) How will the marine resources benefit?

Each group was asked to pick two presenters: one for presenting the MPA design, boundaries and management actions, and the other for answering the three questions. Descriptions of the MPAs that were designed can be found below along with photographs of the groups’ marine managed areas. Group 1

The first group to present was the Faga’itua Group. They designed a CFMP directly in front of Faga’itua High School and their No-Take MPA was east of the CFMP. Both extended three miles out and their No-Take was for ten years. Both MPA’s were between the villages of Utusia and Pagai and the two MPAs were separated by a “Āva”. An Āva is a channel or gap in the coral reefs that allows transportation of organisms, water, nutrients and people in and out of the reef flat or lagoon. They chose this area because they want to protect the fish stocks and marine resources for the village and the island in order that there will be enough supply of fish in the future. Figure 2 MPA designed by Group 1 who had

Fagaitua as their village for this activity.

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Group 2

The second group was the village of Aua. This group only designed a no-take MPA. Their no-take was directly in front of the village of Aua and they wanted to include 50 feet of the wetland and half a mile of the reef. Their plan was to protect the area for 5 years.

Figure 3. MPA designed by Group 2 in

Aua.

Group 3

The third group was the village of Nu’uuli. This group wanted to have their no-take at the tip of the airport in the Pala Lagoon. Their plan was to protect this area for ten years and they mentioned that many problems have been caused by filling the Pala Lagoon area for development.


Nu’uuli

Group 4

The fourth group was the village of

Leone. They chose to have a CFMP in

front of the village and a No-Take

MPA south of the CFMP. They

planned to have a no-take area to

protect marine resources and to have

‘no fishing’ regulations in that area.

They selected DMWR to monitor it,

conduct village clean ups, manage the

area and to protect resources from

outsiders.


Leone.

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Group 5

The fifth group was the village of Fagasa. They wanted to have a no-take in front of the village to protect marine resources such as octopus, fish and a Samoan Native Tree “Futu” or Barringtonia

asiatica. The Futu is a tree that grows near the coastline. Some villages already use the Futu Tree as an ornamental, and it also produces excellent shade when it is mature. Barringtonia asiatica (Futu)

Figure 6. MPA designed by Group 5 in Fagasa.

Group 6

The last group was the village of Tula. They decided to have their no-take MPA at the tip of the village of Tula, southeast of American Samoa and next to the NOAA Weather Station where the Cape of Matātula is. The group chose to have their MPA extending three miles out on the north shore of Tula (between the villages of Onenoa and Alao). Figure 7. MPA designed by Group 6 in

Tula.

Group 6 chose this area because they want to protect one of the coral reef banks in the area that very few people know about and also to protect a lot of marine resources. The Mayor also mentioned that when he goes spear fishing in the area, he has noticed that there is a “cold hole” northeast of the area.

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Results of Pre and Post tests

All participants were asked to complete a short questionnaire which had five questions before and after the workshop in order to attempt to assess their learning. Thirty seven people completed the pre-questionnaire and 26 completed the post questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire can be found in Appendix III. The results of the pre and post test are below.

More people selected B which is the right answer, after the workshop. Respondents selecting option A decreased from 14% before the workshop to 8% afterwards. Those selecting option B (the correct answer) increased from 78% before the workshop to 88% after and those selecting option C increased from 11% before to 15% afterwards.

The majority of respondents selected option A before the workshop (76%) which reduced to 50% after the workshop. Twenty four percent of respondents selected B before which increased to 35% afterwards. The most common response after the workshop was C with 62 % of the respondents selecting option C. Respondents could select more than one answer for this question which is why the totals add up to more than 100 percent. It is reassuring that 30% of the Mayors learnt about Fagamalo no-take area from listening to the presentation but it is unfortunate that 40 percent of them did not take home the message of Fagamalo’s No-take area to their villages. Similarly, although 25 percent of the Mayors had understood that Fagatele National Marine Sanctuary is not actually a no-

Figure 8 Percentage of

participants that selected

different options to describe a

MPA before and after the

workshop. Option A was

“Fish habitats approved for

all types of fishing”; option B

was “Any area of the marine

environment reserved to

protect the natural resources

therein”; and option C was

“An area designated for

performing traditional

Samoan Cultural Activities”.



different options to

describe examples of No-

Take MPA’s in American

Samoa before and after the

workshop. Option A was

“Fagatele Bay National

Marine Sanctuary”; option

B was “Rose Atoll National

Marine Monument”; and

option C was “Fagamalo

MPA”.

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take area, 50 percent of the Mayors still believed that it was at the end of the workshop. It is not realistic to expect every single participant to listen to and understand every single thing that is said throughout the workshop and the MPA Program staff are reassured that at least some of their messages were taken home by some of the participants.

The majority of respondents answered ‘30 percent’ before the workshop (57%) whereas 81 percent of respondents answered ’20 percent’ (the correct answer) after the workshop. This shows that the majority of the Mayors had taken home the correct message from the presentation and were aware of the territorial target.

The majority of respondents had the correct answer before the workshop (76%) although there was a slight increase to 85 percent after the workshop.



different options to answer

the percentage of its coral

reefs that American Samoa

plans to protect inside no-

take MPAs before and after

the workshop. Option A was

“10 %”; option B was

“20%”; and option C was

“30%”.



different options to describe

what Spill over means.

Option A was “The very high

tide that happens at the full

moon”; option B was “Term

given to extra fish caught by

long liners”; and option C

was “Term given to fish

moving outside a no-take

MPA”.

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The most commonly given response was option C before (46 percent) and after the workshop (46 percent). The correct answer was option B but the number of Mayors selecting this option actually reduced after the workshop (from 38 percent to 31 percent). This suggests that perhaps it had not been clear to the Mayors during the Coral Reef presentation that corals are in fact animals that depend on single celled plants for food rather than a combination of the two.

Evaluation Results.

A series of five straight forward questions were on the evaluation (Appendix V). The results were as follow:

1) Ninety seven percent said the presentations were clear and they were able to understand them

2) When asked to select their favorite topic, 69 percent said ‘the MPA talk’; 34 percent chose the ‘coral reef talk’; 28 percent selected ‘the MPA design activity’ and 17 percent preferred the ‘climate change talk’.

3) Ninety seven thought the presenters were knowledgeable. 4) Ninety three percent enjoyed the opportunity and would like to have more similar

ones (two said no) 5) Eighty six percent said fishing is a popular activity in their village (3 people said

no) These results imply that the workshop was successful in engaging the Mayors and keeping them motivated. The fact that so many would like to have similar workshops suggests that there is a real passion to conserve marine resources amongst the leaders in the communities, particularly given that fishing is such a popular activity in the Samoan culture. It is also interesting that the majority of people liked the first talk the most and also seemed to learn the most from this talk (according the pre and post test results). It could be that they preferred the topic or the presenter or it could also be that this was the first presentation of the day. It is therefore recommended for future workshops to have the most important messages presented early in the day.



different options to describe

what a Coral is. Option A was

“A plant”; option B was “An

animal”; and option C was

“Both”.

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Overall Discussion and Recommendations.

Overall, this workshop was a highly successful example of collaboration between the DMWR and the Office of Samoan Affairs. The Office of Samoan Affairs plays a very important role in American Samoa by providing a link between the Government and the communities. Each village in American Samoa has an elected Mayor who acts as a liaison between the Government and the villages helping to take Government programs out into the villages. For this reason, it is important to ensure that these Mayors are fully informed about marine conservation issues and about measures that are being taken by DMWR to protect marine and coastal resources.

The no-take MPA Program has been set up in an attempt to meet a target that was set by the former Governor of American Samoa. However, in spite of the twenty percent no-take target being set by Government, it is still necessary to gain buy-in and commitment from village leaders in order for the program to be successfully implemented. For this reason, it was important to ensure that the Mayors had a basic level of understanding regarding coral reefs, climate change issues and MPAs. It was anticipated that the Mayors would appreciate being given this information and that understanding these issues would help them to promote conservation to the villages.

From the results of the pre and post questionnaire and the evaluation, it was obvious that the Mayors had enjoyed the initial MPA talk about the No-take Program the most. It is not clear why this talk was a favorite, but as there was a lot of information being disseminated in one day, it would have been hard for them to keep focused on all talks. However, it is recommended that Mayors are invited to other workshops focusing on the topics separately. Additional topics that could be of interest to the Mayors are fisheries, coastal restoration and aquaculture.

The MPA design activity generated a lot of excitement amongst the participants and took longer than anticipated due to the reporting back by groups taking longer than expected and the large number of questions from the audience. It was a pleasure to see that the Mayors participated with so much enthusiasm and interest in this activity. One recommendation is that the No-take Program could approach some of these villages through the Mayors that were present in the workshop and have them lead a similar activity with the members of their community. Nobody knows the resources and coastal areas in these villages better than the people that live there, and for this reason it makes sense to have the communities suggest MPA designs based on recommendations from scientists. In addition, by having the Mayor as the spokesperson for these activities, it might make the Program more readily accepted by the communities rather than being introduced ‘cold’ by Government staff.

It is recommended that a similar workshop be repeated with the Community Mayors every three years. This is partly because village Mayors change each year (although the same Mayor may be re-elected) but also to refresh their memories and provide updates to the information. In addition to this, similar workshops are recommended with the Fono or traditional Samoan Government. At the time of completing this report, a workshop is in the planning for the members of the Fono in 2012.

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Appendix I: Workshop Agenda

NoNoNoNo----take Marine Protected Area Workshoptake Marine Protected Area Workshoptake Marine Protected Area Workshoptake Marine Protected Area Workshop

Friday 15Friday 15Friday 15Friday 15thththth October 2010October 2010October 2010October 2010

AgendaAgendaAgendaAgenda

Thank you for your time and patience in attending this event.

9.00 am Welcome remarksWelcome remarksWelcome remarksWelcome remarks Tafito Aitaoto

Introduction and objectives of workshopIntroduction and objectives of workshopIntroduction and objectives of workshopIntroduction and objectives of workshop Lucy Wiles

9.30 am Presentation:Presentation:Presentation:Presentation: The noThe noThe noThe no----take MPA program take MPA program take MPA program take MPA program Tafito Aitaoto

Sione Lam Yuen

10.30 am Coffee break and questionsCoffee break and questionsCoffee break and questionsCoffee break and questions

10.50 am PresentationPresentationPresentationPresentation: Creating a MPA network : Creating a MPA network : Creating a MPA network : Creating a MPA network Lucy Wiles

11.00 am Activity:Activity:Activity:Activity: MPA design in a villageMPA design in a villageMPA design in a villageMPA design in a village Maria Vaofanua

12.00 pm LUNCHLUNCHLUNCHLUNCH

1.00 pm PresentationPresentationPresentationPresentation: Fagamalo Case Study : Fagamalo Case Study : Fagamalo Case Study : Fagamalo Case Study Lucy Wiles and HTC

Faletogo Tuilagi

1.30 pm Presentation:Presentation:Presentation:Presentation: Coral reefs of American Samoa Coral reefs of American Samoa Coral reefs of American Samoa Coral reefs of American Samoa Sione Lam-Yuen

2.00 pm Coffee breakCoffee breakCoffee breakCoffee break and Population Pressure videoand Population Pressure videoand Population Pressure videoand Population Pressure video Sione Lam-Yuen

2.15 pm Presentation:Presentation:Presentation:Presentation: How can MHow can MHow can MHow can MPAs address natural and PAs address natural and PAs address natural and PAs address natural and

human threats?human threats?human threats?human threats?

Tafito Aitaoto

2:45 pm Question and answer opportunityQuestion and answer opportunityQuestion and answer opportunityQuestion and answer opportunity

3:00 pm Closing remarksClosing remarksClosing remarksClosing remarks Tafito Aitaoto and

Lucy Wiles

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Appendix II: Summary of Questions and Answers

A summary of questions and issues raised during the Mayors workshop on 15th

October 2010

A summary of issues and topics as well as questions that were asked during the workshop.

Q = Question

A = Answer

I = Issue

Q: What is the difference between a no-take MPA and a CFMP

A: Length of time that the area will be closed to fishing of all sorts.

I: The village of Amanave had a CFMP established. It is one of the regulations for the site to be

prohibited from fishing of any type. As a consequence of such regulation, Amanave villagers are

fishing inside of Failolo waters without obtaining permission from the Failolo mayor. The Failolo

mayor as well as village members are complaining about this issue and are asking what DMWR can

do to assist in resolving this matter.

A: Such an issue can be settled at the village to village level with an agreement from both village chiefs.

The assistance that DMWR can offer is to have Failolo and Agugulu join in one of its MPA programs.

Establishing a marine protected area implies that the regulations apply to everyone. For instance,

when an area is closed to any type of fishing, the villagers as well as the public shall abide to such rule.

When the area is re-opened, the villagers and the public can have access to the marine resources in

the area.

I: Explain the difference between the no-take MPA Program and the CZM Program by DOC regarding

ocean jurisdictions. The CZM program states that the public can have access to the marine resources

within the 0-12 miles range. Having a no-take MPA will disqualify the public’s right granted by the

CZM program. Please explain.

A: We cannot speak on behalf of the CZM program and its regulations. But one thing one should be

aware of in terms of the difference between the two is that if one violates the regulations set forth by

the CZM/ DOC programs, he/she will be tried at a Federal court. The no-take MPA program may

employ regulations of the CFMP program and amend them as necessary whereby violators will be tried

at the local courts.

I: Does the quality of water affect the fish and corals in the marine environment? How does change

in salinity affects the marine resources?

A: Poor water quality can negatively affect the marine environment and its inhabitants. Dramatic

increase or decrease in salinity can affect fish and corals since a certain level of salinity is necessary for

their survival.

Q: Can establishing a no-take MPA restore the marine resources that have been lost or reduced in

size and number ( tugage, fee po that crawls on mangroves at night)?

A: One of the main reasons for having no-take MPAs is to let the areas restore their natural balance

and enables the fish to grow and reproduce. This topic will be covered in the presentations scheduled

for today.

Q: I am the mayor for the village of Aua. It was mentioned that my village had joined the CFMP

program. How come I am not aware of such activity? Who is your point of contact?

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A: Since the Mayor’s position changes over a two year time period, the CFMP for Aua was established

when the previous mayor was in charge. Some of the village chiefs are the points of contact.

Q: Can your program provide boats to monitor the coastal areas?

A: The DMWR Enforcement Division have a boat to assist

Q: Malaeloa does not have an ocean, but there is a resource that the villagers depend upon in the

past and it still exists to this date. I wonder if there is a program like MPA that will protect and

conserve this important resource. (The resource mentioned is the eel)

A: This question was referred to Lainie Berry. as it fits with the Wildlife division.

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Appendix III: Pre and Post Questionnaire

Marine Protected Area (MPA) Program

Pre / Post test

PLEASE FILL THE FORM AND CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER.

Name (optional) __________________________________

Village (optional) _________________________________

1. What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA)? (pick one only)

a. Fish habitats

approved for all

types of fishing

b. Any area of the

marine environment

reserved to protect

the natural

resources therein

c. An area designated

for performing

traditional Samoan

cultural activities

2. Examples of no-take MPAs in American Samoa include (tick as many as you want)

a. Fagatele Bay

National Marine

Sanctuary

b. Rose Atoll National

Marine Monument

c. Fagamalo MPA

3. American Samoa plans to protect _% of its coral reefs inside no-take MPAs (tick

one).

a. 10% b. 20%

c. 30%

4. ‘Spill-over’ means (tick one):

a. The very high tide

that happens at full

moon

b. Term given to extra

fish caught by long-

liners

c. Term given to fish

moving outside a no-

take MPA

5. Coral is (tick one):

a. A plant

b. An animal

c. Both

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Appendix IV: Evaluation Form

Marine Protected Area (MPA) Program

Evaluation form

PLEASE FILL THE FORM AND CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER.

Name (optional) __________________________________

Village (optional) _________________________________

1. The presentations were clear and I was able to understand them

a. Agree

b. Disagree

c. Neither

2. My favourite topic was (you can tick more than one):

a. MPA talk b. Coral reef

talk

c. Climate

change talk

d. The activity

3. The presenter was knowledgeable on the content of the presentation

a. Agree

b. Disagree

c. Neither

4. I enjoyed this opportunity & would like to have more similar opportunities.

a. Agree

b. Disagree

c. Neither

5. Is fishing a popular activity in your village?

□ Yes □ No

6. Do you think your village would consider establishing a no-take MPA

□ Yes

□ No

□ Don’t know

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B OLOG CAL SOC OECONOM C EDUCAT ON



Appendix V - Presentations

Presentation 1:Introduction to the no-take MPA Program.

The Marine

Protected Area Program

Friday 15 October, 2010

I I TradIewinds Hotel I I

Fonotaga No-take MPA Workshop Friday 15 October, 2010

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP

1. Explain what Marine Protected Areas are and how they work

2.Provide information and background about the

No-take MPA Program

3. Provide information about coral reefs, threats

to reefs and management ideas

4. Give you opportunity to ask questions to us

about issues relating to marine protected areas

5. Strengthen the relationship between DMWR

Background In 2000 Late Governor Sunia proposed that:

“We protect 20% of our coral reefs {and associated habitats} inside no-take MPAs”

andI the OI ffice of SaImoan Affairrrs I

NO-TAKE MPA INFOMERCIAL 1) Protect coral reef habitat and enhance

fish/invertebrate stocks of target species.

2) Assist efforts to meet 20% no-take target

I I I I I

20

N

N

ESTABLISHMENT OF MPA PROGRAM IN DMWR Fa’asao o lo’o i totonu o Tutuila

National Park

Pago Pago Harbour

Leone Pala Nu’uuli Pala

Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary

‘O a ituaiga fa’asao o lo’o i

Gataifale fa’asao i totonu o nu’u ma

Afioaga o Tutuila

Vatia

totonu o Amerika Samoa?

Fagamalo

Masausi Sa’ilele ‘Aoa

Poloa

Matu’u &

Aua Auto &

Amaua

Alofau

Amanave

Faganeanea Alega Reserve

E tele ituaiga Fa’asao i Amerika Samoa

National Marine

Sanctuary

O Lea le Fa’asao Tumau?

21

Ma ne Rese

O le a le Fa’asao Tumau?

‘Aisea e taua ai i’a lapopo’a?

‘O le ituaiga fa’asao e fa’asaina ai so’o se ituaiga fagotaga

E fa’atagaina ia nisi o

gaoioiga e iai le ‘au’au, tofu e fai su’esu’ega

E fa’amoemoe taunu’uga

lelei i le lagolago sua ma galulue fa’atasi le Matagaluega o Alamanuia o le Sami ma le Vaomatua ma tagata nu’u

12”

6”

‘Aisea e fai ai le Fa’asao Tumau?

‘O le Fa’asao Tumau…

‘O se nofoaga puipuia e faigofie ona fananau ai i’a = tele i’a

(Abundance)

Laea La’ititi

Laiti i’a e maua mai ai

Laea Lapo’a

Tele i’a e maua mai ai

‘Aisea e fai ai le Fa’asao Tumau?

‘O le Fa’asao Tumau…

Nofoaga puipuia mo i’a = i’a lapopo’a

(Increased Biomass)

O le a le mea a tupu pe afai o le a tele ia i’a lapopo’a i totonu o le fa’asao?

“SPILLOVER”

ri rve Area

22

O le fa’atulagaina o se Fa’asao Tumau

Nofoaga fananau

Nofoaga e a’ai ai Nofoaga e olaola a’e ai

Collect BIOLOGICAL

data

Collect SOCIOECONOMIC

data

Make JOINT DECISIONS

‘O le a avea lenei fa’asao e fai ma ala e fa’atamaoaiga ai o tatou a’au amu

Carry out EDUCATION and AWARENESS PROGRAMS

Science and Management Oceanographic Studies

Monitoring of fish/invertebrates and coral reef

The DMWR/Community Process

PRESENT BIOLOGICAL RESTULTS AND PROGRAM

INFORMATION TO COMMUNITIES

Gain permission from office of Samoan Affairs and village

Joint terrestrial and coastal management projects

Village based surveys

(e.g. workshop / household survey)

Present all results to village council

Village decision-making

process

Details to be arranged: e.g. boundaries, enforcement, monitoring.

Education and Outreach MAP OF POTENTIAL MPA SITES CREATED FROM

MEETINGS AND LITERATURE REVIEW Advertise MPAs and fishing regulation.

Outreach programs for the village

Other opportunities (DMWR has funding for an

exchange visit to MPAs in Samoa).

23

97 31

Percentag e o f Hou seho ld s

Summary data from biological reconnaissance dives

Number of fish species in Tutuila

Investigation into Marine Resource Use and Management in Aunu’u, American Samoa A Community Survey

Abundance of fish in

Tutuila

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Rea sons for fishing in Aunu'u

19

Food Money Recreation

Reason

Summary data from biological reconnaissance dives Participatory Learning and Action workshop

Coral Cover at Potential MPA

Locations

• Collective Vision • Resource Mapping - Use and Activities • Action Plan and Next Steps

Socioeconomic Work EDUCATION AND AWARENESS RAISING

“60 % of all fishermen interviewed stated that reef fish have declined since they were young”

“The most common recommendation was having a marine protected area”

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF MARINE RESOURCE USE AND

MANAGEMENT IN AMERICAN SAMOA (2008)

24

Education and Outreach

Fesili?

Contact info: The No-take MPA Program Department of Marine

and Wildlife Resources P.O. Box 3730

Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799

Tel: +(684) 633-4456

Fax: +(684) 633-5944

Email: [email protected]

25

ys

Presentation 2. Creating a MPA Network

What is a network of MPAs? There are different types of network

1) Social Network

Networks of people involved

in MPA Management

(Community members,

Government staff, private

individuals)

Fonotaga

No-take MPA Workshop


There are different types of network

2. Ecological Network

How is the MPA Program creating an ecological network?

DMWR/EPA projects are investigating ocean currents

• Biology

• Habitat

• Oceanography

• All habitats present should

be represented

ADCP surve

How is the MPA Program creating an ecological network?

COASTAL CIRCULATION MODEL OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA

LARGE IMPLICATIONS FOR MPA NETWORK DESIGN!!

26

Co a Ree S ope

Eddies recirculate and capture larvae Prevailing Currents How is the MPA Program creating a network?

A DMWR project is investigating genetic connectivity

Habitat Representation

Conclusion

Sand flats

Mangrove

Corrall Reeff Sllope

Reef flat

• Connectivity is a very important aspect to

MPA Network design • It is important to protect the right places! • Different habitats must be represented • DMWR/EPA are carrying out projects that

can help with network design.

27

Legend 0 125 250 500 Me ers

ba hyme y

160 - 250m

120 - 160m

80 - 120m

40 - 80m

20 - 40m

0 - 20m

Presentation 3 The creation of a No-take MPA in Fagamalo.

Creation of a No-take MPA in Fagamalo’s Marine Managed Area

Pre 2008

HISTORY OF MPA DEVELOPMENT

•Fagamalo - active in the CFMP for more than 5 years

October 2008 – March 2009 •Fishery Workshop in Utulei

•DMWR meeting (science, history &

enforcement issues)

Fonotaga No-take MPA Workshop


•No-take MPA outreach in Fagamalo (MPAs in American Samoa; definition of no-take

MPA;long term benefits for

fishing/community/education)

HISTORY OF MPA DEVELOPMENT

continued….

September 2009 – October 2010

• Discussions of boundary/habitat options • Presentation to Community • Signing of agreement by Fagamalo village and DMWR. •Proposed boundaries advertised. •Discussions with A’olaou village and revision of boundaries.

Fa’atulagaina o se Gataifale Fa’asao

Meetings held in September to December 2009.

CFMP location in Fagamalo Aggregate reef Pavement Rubble

Legend

Bathymetry (depth)

160 - 250m

• Approx area: 0.15mi2, t

t 12tr0 - 160m

80 - 120m

40 - 80m

20 - 40m

0 - 20m

0 250 500 1,000 Meters

• Boundary: shore to 200yds

• Regulation: No-take

for 5 years in Bay

0 250

Information derived from IKONOS satellite imagery

(NOAA biogeography team)

500 1,000 Meters

Maloata

Fagamalo

Aoloau

• Depth:

0 – 66ft

• Habitat Coral reef &

volcanic pavement.

Maloata

Fagamalo

Aoloau

Habitat categories

Aggregate Reef, Coral, 10%-<50%

Aggregate Reef, Coralline Algae, 50%-<90%

Pavement, Coral, 10%-<50%

Pavement, Coralline Algae, 50%-<90%

Rock/Boulder, Coral, 10%-<50%

Rubble, Coralline Algae, 10%-<50%

Rubble, Macroalgae, 10%-<50%

Spur and Groove, Coral, 50%-<90%

28

Original Collaborative Scenario

Depth Range:0-97 ft

Area included: 1.4mi2

0 250 500 1,000 Meters

Maloata

Excellent size for MPA

Fagamalo

Aoloau

Includes:

• three depth ranges

• Predominantly

pavement including

some variety of coral

reef/rubble/

macroalgae

•Portion of Bank

Includes part of important bank

Less coastline impact to fishing

activities

Benefits of no-take design

• Good size to protect fish, (range of habitat/depth ranges & includes bank)

• The spill-over and larval transport will benefit Fagamalo, A’oloau (& possibly others)

• The MPA will contribute towards meeting the 20% target.

• The design is balanced for fishers and resources.

29

Presentations 4 and 5: Coral reefs in American Samoa and ‘How can MPAs address natural and human threats?’

Mataupu

The Coral Reefs of American

Samoa

O Aau amu o Amerika Samoa

Fonotaga



• What is coral?

• How does coral feed?

• Types and uses of coral reefs

• Threats to reefs

• Balance on the reef

• Conclusions

• Questions

O le a le amu?

• A colonial living animal (Polyp)

• Contains an Algae called Zooxanthellae

O fea e maua ai meaai a amu?

What is a Zooxanthellae?

• Zooxanthellae provides energy for the coral to grow

• It also provides the coloration of the Coral.

O nisi meaola e maua ai le limu/zooxanthelllae

Giant Clams Sea Anemones

Photos by Doug Fenner and Lucy Jacob

30

O ituaiga Amu O Aau eseese

American Samoa

Hard Coral Soft Coral

Solomon Islands

Rose Atoll

O Amu i Amerika Samoa Aisea e taua ai Aau?

Mushroom Massive or Boulder Branching Hiding Grounds from

Predators

Slows Down Strong

Wave Actions

Fish & Invertebrate

Habitats

Bush Like Table Soft

Feeding and breeding

grounds for Fish

Provide Food for

Families,

Villages and

Communities

Natural & Human Threats NATURAL

Bleaching

Storms

HUMAN

Tsunami

What is Coral Bleaching?

• Coral Bleaching is the term given to mass

whitening of the reef.

• This happens when the coral is stressed and

it expels the zooxanthellae algae.

• The cause of mass bleaching is increase in

water temperature.

Pollution Destructive Fishing Method Overfishing

31

Corals can bleach for other reasons

DISEASE

SEDIMENTATION

POLLUTION

Tulaga lelei o le Gataifale

Faaiuga

• Coral reefs are living animals

• Zooxanthellae is very important because it provides

food and energy for corals. Without it corals can die

• Many fish and invertebrates cannot survive without

the coral reef

• Reefs are also important because they help to slow

down wave action from hurricanes and storm surge

• Our reefs are threatened by many human and natural

threats and it very important that we do our best to

protect them

Fesili?

Mataupu

O Faasao tau Gataifale e

fesoasoani e foia ai faafitauli

Fonotaga



1. O suiga o le tau

2. O aafiaga i Aau

3. Otaota mai Laufanua

4. Aafiaga o amu

5. O le faaleagaina o aau e ala i Fagotaga

6. O se fesoasoani e ala i le faatulagaina o se

faasao

32

sed men a on ba

O Faafitauli i Aau amu o Amerika Samoa

1. Suiga i le tau a le lalolagi

2. Otaota mai laufanua

3. Fagotaga

Photos by: Risa Oram

O faatinoga o loo sui ai le tau a le Lalolagi

Suiga i le tau ma le siisii o le suatai i le Lalolagi Suiga i le Tau a le Lalolagi

Faafitauli i Aau o Amerika Samoa

GLOBAL

TEMPERATURE

INCREASE &

CARBON DIOXIDE

Severe weather/

Storm surge

Ocean acidification Increase sea temperature

Erosion,

i t ti ,

Slow down/prevent growth

of coral & other carbonate

sed marine animals. Coral bleaching

GLOBAL SEA

LEVEL RISE

Key Threats to American Samoa’s Coral Reefs

1. Suiga o le tau i le Lalolagi


3. Fagotaga


Otaota mai Laufanua

Otaota mai maota/laoa Otaota mai loiloi

Otaota lafoai

Photos by: EPA

33

CORALS

O faatinoga i luga o laufanua e ono aafia ai le

Gataifale

SEDIMENTATION

Agriculture, Piggeries, Sewage, Trash

Contaminant & excess nutrients in water

Destruction of Marine resources

Slide: NOAA PIRO

Otaota mai Laufanua

Faafitauli i Aau o Amerika Samoa

Key Threats to American Samoa’s Coral Reefs

Otaota le sami SEDIMENTATION EXCESS NUTRIENTS

1. Suiga i le tau a le Lalolagi


3. Fagotaga

INJURY/DEATH

OF ANIMALS,

HEALTH RISK

STRESSED/DISE

ASED/DEAD

ALGAL GROWTH/

DEATH OF CORAL/

CHANGE FISH

POPULATIONS


Faafitauli mai Fagotaga

• Fagotaga le taupulea

• Faaleagaina o amu

• Soona fagota

• Taula o vaa

O le aoga o Faasao e foia ai faafitauli

34

pe

O le faatapulaaina o fagotaga e fesoasoani i le

faaleleia o le gataifale

• E toe foi le gataifale i lona tulaga lelei pe a taofia fagotaga

le taupulea

• O mafai ona foia faafitauli e pei o faamai tau amu ma

aafiaga mai suiga o le tau pe a fai e tulaga lelei le

gataifale.

O se fesoasoani a le Porokalama o le Faasao e tusa

o faaletonu mai Laufanua

• Galulue faatasi

• Aoaoga ma Fetufaaiga

• Faatalosagaina o ni vaega tu

mo galuega tau vaomatua

Faaiuga

• E faigata ona tatou tali atu i suiga o le tau i le lalolagi

• E ao ona tatou puipui i o tatou gataifale

• E mafai ona tatou puipuia le gataifale mai

otaota mai laufanua

• O Faasao tumau tau Gataifale e mafai ai ona

puipuia le gataifale mai faafitauli e tele

• O le Galulue faatasi e puipuia ai le gataifale ma mania

ai le lumanai

Fesili?

35

Appendix IV: Photos from

Workshop

Late Honorable Secretary Tufele Li’amatua

attending the meeting

Afa Uikirifi from CFMP answering a question

Enthusiastic Mayors asking questions.

Tafito Aitaoto Discussing the L50 poster

Lusila Minoneti facilitating a group

36

Fatima Sauafea-Leau facilitating a group

Sione Lam Yuen facilitating a group

Afa Uikirifi facilitating a group

37

No-take, IED and CFMP Teams

One of few female Mayors.

38

Faletogo Taliloa (HTC of Fagamalo) presenting about

Fagamalo No-take area.

Documents

Government Leaders and Village Mayors Workshop on Oct 15, 2010