On July 8, 2025, CTC, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fisheries (MALFF), Roman Luan, the Atauro Island MPA Management Unit, and the Atauro Administrative Authority, conducted a routine Resource Use Monitoring (RUM) and patrol activity around Atauro Island MPA. This joint effort aimed to strengthen surveillance, ensure compliance with zoning regulations, and gather community insights on management effectiveness of the Atauro island MPA.

Prior to the patrol, the team held a one-day refresher meeting focused on patrol safety, proper use of monitoring forms, and follow-up actions in the event of violations within the core zone. This preparation was key to ensuring that the monitoring and patrol could be conducted effectively and in line with agreed procedures.

The patrol itself involved 12 personnel operating on two speedboats, covering the waters surrounding Atauro Island MPA. The monitoring confirmed that no violations occurred within the core zone. Community members interviewed during the patrol expressed that the MPA has brought many benefits to local livelihoods, while also demonstrating their growing awareness of the importance of marine protection in Atauro. In addition, the buoy and pillar markers installed in the MPA were all found to be in place and functioning as intended.

This monitoring and patrol activity will continue to be conducted monthly as part of ongoing CTC’s efforts to ensure effective management of the Atauro Island MPA. Regular surveillance, combined with community support and inter-agency collaboration, will help safeguard the health of marine ecosystems while sustaining the benefits they provide for the people of Atauro.

Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Egidio Boavida
Photos: Egidio Boavida/CTC