DURHAM UNIVERSITY
EXPEDITION SOCIETY
DU-CARE - Durham University Coral Awareness and Research Expedition,
The Philippines 2004
Project Leader: Andrew Lawton
The coral reef area of the Philippines is estimated at 26,000km2 and holds an incredible diversity of species; over 900 reef fish species have been identified and around 400 hard (Scleractinian) coral species, 12 of which are endemic. In a 2002 assessment report by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), the coral reefs of the Philippines were ranked as the No. 1 global “hotspot” based on the degree of threat and risk of extinction.
The most prevalent threat to Philippine coral reefs is overexploitation as rapid population growth has vastly increased fishing pressure across the region. Lacking alternative sources of income, fishermen have no incentive to leave the industry, additionally the live reef fish and aquarium trades have lead to widespread target species over fishing by both local and foreign vessels and to the proliferation of destructive fishing techniques including cyanide and dynamite. A recent report for the WRI (World Resources Institute) concludes that extensive assessment of reef habitats is essential in order to understand the steps to be taken in order to effectively manage these valuable and diverse resources.
The main focus and second phase of the project will be conducted from our base on the uninhabited island of Caubian Dako, which is less than 2km north of the tiny (9 hectares) but densely populated community of Caubian Gamay. Until recent years this has been a rich area for illegal fishermen but the decline in fish stocks has raised awareness in the community for the necessity of a long-term coastal management strategy. The primary aim here is to collect biological and anthropological data that will facilitate the assessment of reef habitat quality on the Danajon reef around the two islands. This research will assist local decision makers and educators in the implementation of a managed marine sanctuary with a “no take zone ” for fishermen, whilst raising awareness of Philippine reef conservation priorities outside the country. Our research will be analysed and published in a report that will be made available to all sponsors, advisors, NGOs and interested local government authorities. Presentations are currently in planning to raise awareness at Durham University so that a team can be recruited for follow up research in 2005.
The Durham team consists of nine Durham undergraduates whose academic studies include zoology, anthropology, geography and physics. The team medical officer, Dr Vik Mohan, is a UK based GP, qualified in dive medicine with over 200 logged dives in several countries including the Philippines.
The Philippine team will be co-ordinated by Coastal Dynamics Foundation (CDF) leaders, Mike and Nora Ross and will consist of 4 dive masters and 2 boatmen with extensive knowledge of the reefs and associated risks. An important aspect of the program is that local community volunteers will be trained as counterparts with the Durham team. This will be a major factor in integrating the team and providing a deeper insight into local cultural and environmental issues, and most importantly will ensure sustainability of the project after the initial expedition. Planned collaborations with University of San Carlos and University of Philippines Marine Science institutes will further strengthen local links.
The expedition will need new members for summer 2005 so if anyone is interested, especially those who are experienced SCUBA divers (although this is by no means a prerequisite), contact our incoming president, Andrew Lawton, on the link below.
Click to view the photo gallery for the project
Click to email the expedition leader, Andrew Lawton
