29 Oct Annual Check-Up for Banda’s Coral Reefs

It’s that time of year again! Our team was in the Banda Islands from the 3^rd to 4^th week of October to conduct the annual reef health and resource use monitoring for the Banda Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. The annual monitoring is done to determine the condition of marine life in the area and measure the effectiveness of MPA management.

The Coral Triangle Center team, in collaboration with government representatives from Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional (BKKPN) – Kupang, Taman Wisata Perairan (TWP) Laut Banda, and UPT Pengawasan Sumberdaya Kelautan dan Pesisir (PSDKP) in Banda, measures biophysic conditions underwater. They also conduct surveys above water, to ensure that the MPA zoning systems are followed including interviews with local fishermen and communities living within the MPA.

Data collected from the surveys will be used as inputs in designing programs and work plans to improve the management of the Banda MPA Network. CTC supports the management of the Banda Islands MPA Network by providing technical support in MPA design, providing support in policy development, c onducting regular capacity building activities for local leaders, conducting annual biophysic and socio-economic monitoring, and facilitating public consultation on marine conservaton issues, among others. (Photos courtesy of Marthen Welly)