Global Vision International, Seychelles - Curieuse Report Series No.

121 ISSN 1751-2255 (Print)

GVI Seychelles Curieuse

Marine Conservation Expedition

February May 2012

Submitted in whole to Global Vision International Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA)

Produced by April J Burt Curieuse Island Science Coordinator And

Ant Hardman

Dive Officer

Christophe Mason-Parker

Country Director

Dan White

Base Manager

Tim Kirkpatrick

Renewable Energy Director

Rachel Walls

General Staff

Susie Lilley

Scholar

Michele Beyer

Scholar

Chris Petchy

Volunteer

Liz Martin

Volunteer

Carl Toyer

Volunteer

Kirsty Styles

Volunteer

Emma Westlake

Volunteer

Sebastian Lang

Volunteer

Per Fallgren

Volunteer

Craig Oxley

Volunteer

Jessica Millican

Volunteer

Sarah Ward

Volunteer

Sally Tor

Volunteer

Cecile West

Volunteer

Megan Hoyt

Volunteer

Amelia McGowan

Volunteer

GVI Seychelles - Curieuse/Marine and Terrestrial Conservation Expedition Address: GVI c/o SNPA, PO Box 1240, Victoria, Mah, Seychelles Email: Seychelles@gvi.co.uk Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com

Executive Summary

This report summarises the marine ecosystem monitoring carried out by Global Vision International research staff and volunteers, in and around Curieuse Marine Park between February-May 2012. The expedition team conducted underwater visual census (UVC) surveys to assess the diversity and abundance of target species fish, invertebrates and coral for all 14 survey sites around the coast of Curieuse and Praslin. Fish surveys were carried out using both belt and stationary point counts. Benthic assemblage surveys used a line intercept transect methodology and additional belt transects were carried out to record target species invertebrates. Results from the fish surveys show a general increase in fish abundance over time with the highest abundance recorded at Point Rouge with 0.55 fish per m2. Point Rouge also has the highest diversity of fish and the highest ever recorded with 54 target species seen. The highest abundance of commercially valuable fish was recorded at Burts Bank followed closely by Point Rouge. Size class data revealed a downward shift in average fish size for Red & Black Snappers, Large Eye Breams and Coral Hind Groupers. Feeding guild analysis shows an overall increase in herbivore abundance couple with an overall decrease in algae percentage cover. Coral cover shows a general upwards trend with highest coral cover recorded at Anse Petit Cours which also has a consistently high genera diversity along with Praslin NE Point. The principal coral genus recorded was Porites followed by Acropora, Pocillopora and Favites, which is similar to previous data. The octopus abundance has shown a large increase this year and sea cucumber abundance is steadily increasing. The majority of sea cucumbers are recorded at Booby Island with a large population of Stichopus chloronatus. The coral eating gastropod Drupella sp. also shows an increase in abundance.

Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................3 LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................................6 1. INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................8 1.1 PROJECT PARTNERS .................................................................................................................................. 8 1.2 SEYCHELLES CORAL REEFS AND GVI MARINE EXPEDITIONS ............................................................................... 9 2. MARINE SURVEY PROGRAMME .................................................................................................... 10 2.1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................... 10 2.1.1 El Nio and Sea Surface Temperatures ...................................................................................... 10 2.1.2 Coral Bleaching and Recovery .................................................................................................... 10 2.1.3 Marine Invertebrates ................................................................................................................. 11 2.2 STUDY SITES ......................................................................................................................................... 12 2.3 AIMS ............................................................................................................................................... 1213 2.4 SPECIES SURVEYED ................................................................................................................................. 13 2.4.1 Fish ............................................................................................................................................. 13 2.4.2 Coral ........................................................................................................................................... 14 2.4.3 Invertebrates .............................................................................................................................. 14 2.4.4 Sea Turtle Species....................................................................................................................... 15 2.5 EXPEDITION TRAINING ............................................................................................................................ 15 2.5.1 Expedition Health and Safety ..................................................................................................... 15 2.5.2 Dive Training .............................................................................................................................. 15 2.5.3 Species Identification Training ............................................................................................... 1516 2.5.4 Survey Methodology Training .................................................................................................... 16 2.6 METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................................. 1617 2.6.1 Stationary Point Counts ......................................................................................................... 1617 2.6.2 Fish Belt Transect ....................................................................................................................... 17 2.6.3 Fish Size Estimation ................................................................................................................ 1718 2.6.4 Line Intercept Transects (LIT) ..................................................................................................... 18 2.6.5 Coral Diversity Belt Transects................................................................................................. 1819 4

2.6.6 Invertebrate Abundance and Diversity Belt Transects ............................................................... 19 2.6.7 Sea Turtle Monitoring and Other Incidental Sightings............................................................... 19 2.6.8 Environmental Parameters .................................................................................................... 1920 2.6.9 Site layout .................................................................................................................................. 20 2.7 RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................... 21 2.7.1 Fish ............................................................................................................................................. 21 2.7.2 Reef fish vs Commercially valuable fish ..................................................................................... 24 2.7.3 Size class data analysis for commercially valuable fish ......................................................... 2425 2.7.4 Feeding Guild ......................................................................................................................... 2526 2.7.5 Coral ........................................................................................................................................... 27 2.7.6 Coral & Fish ............................................................................................................................ 3132 2.7.8 Invertebrates .......................................................................................................................... 3233 2.8 DISCUSSION FOR MARINE SURVEY DATA ................................................................................................ 3637 3. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................... 3839 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................ 3940 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................ 4041 APPENDIX A. DETAILS OF SITES SURVEYED BY GVI SEYCHELLES CURIEUSE, YEAR ROUND.................................... 4041 APPENDIX B: FISH FAMILIES, GENERA AND SPECIES SURVEYED BY GVI SEYCHELLES DURING THE PERIOD FEBRUARY TO MAY 2012. ............................................................................................................................................ 4142 APPENDIX C: CORAL GENERA SURVEYED BY GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL SEYCHELLES IN THE PERIOD FEBRUARY TO MAY 2012. ............................................................................................................................................ 4344 APPENDIX D. INVERTEBRATES SURVEYED ON 10M BELTS ................................................................................ 4445 APPENDIX E: INVERTEBRATES SURVEYED ON 50M BELTS................................................................................. 4546

List of Figures
Figure 1: Map showing the survey sites for GVI Curieuse Island marine expedition. Figure 2: Diagram of site survey setup; showing the Stationary Point Counts, Fish Belts and Invertebrate belt locations for each site. Figure 3: Layout of transects at each survey site; the shoreline is represented by the top of the figure and distance from shore indicates increasing depth. Figure 4: Graph showing the abundance of fish per m2 for each survey site from data recorded February-May 2012. G=Granitic reef, C=Carbonitic reef. Figure 5: Graph showing the average abundance of fish per m2 from 2010-2012. Figure 6: Graph showing the fish abundance per m2 for each survey site for 2010-2012. Figure 7: Graph showing the species diversity for each survey site from 2010-2012. Figure 8: Graph showing the abundance (per m2) of reef fish and commercially valuable fish species for the 2012 survey period. Figure 9a: Graph showing the size class data for the Red Snapper taken each year 2010-2012. Figure 9b: Graph showing the size class data for the Coral Hind Grouper taken each year 20102012. Figure 9c: Graph showing the size class data for the Black Snapper taken each year 20102012. Figure 9d: Graph showing the size class data for the Big Eye Bream taken each year 20102012. Figure 10: Graph showing the comparison of fish feeding guild abundance from 2010-2012. Figure 11: Graph showing the breakdown of feeding guilds for each survey site for data recorded February-May 2012. Figure 12: Graph showing the average percentage coral cover for all survey sites for the past three survey periods 2010-2012. Figure 13: Graph showing the site specific percentage coral cover for the 2011 and 2012 data sets.

Figure 14: Graph showing the number of coral genera recorded at each survey site for both the 2011 & 2012 data. Figure 15: Graph showing the total cover recorded for each coral genus during the 2012 survey period. Figure 16: Graph showing the percentage of algae recorded at each survey site for the past three years 2010-2012. Figure 17: Graph showing the site-specific algae and coral dynamic for data collected FebruaryMay 2012. Figure 18 A-C: Charts showing the overall benthic assemblage for all survey sites from data collected 2010-2012. Figure 19: Graph showing the site specific relationship between coral and corallivores as well as algae and herbivores for data collected February-May 2012. Figure 20: Graph showing the changes in coral percentage cover, algae percentage cover, herbivore and corallivore abundance per m2 over time for survey site APC. Figure 21: Average octopus abundance per meter2 recorded from 2009-2012. Figure 22: Graph showing the average sea cucumber abundance recorded for each survey period from 2009-2012. Figure 23: Graph showing the abundance of invertebrates and sea cucumbers per m2, for each survey site. Data collected February-May 2012. Figure 24: Graph showing the site specific Invertebrate composition densities for data in 2012. Figure 25: Graph showing the abundance of black spined sea urchin abundance at each survey site over the past 3 years. Figure 26: Graph showing the average abundance of Drupella sp. recorded each survey period from 2009-2012 Figure 27: Graph showing the average abundance of Drupella sp. recorded each survey period from 2009-2012 Figure 28: Graph showing the site-specific Drupella abundance for 2012 surveys.

1. Introduction
Global Vision International (GVI) Seychelles comprises two expeditions based on separate granitic islands. The Curieuse expedition is based on a small granitic island of the same name located to the north of the larger island of Praslin, with base camp located at Anse Jose within the Curieuse Marine National Park. This marine park has been designated since 1979 and represents an area of 14.7km2

1.1 Project Partners

All of GVIs scientific work in the Seychelles is carried out on behalf of our local partners and at their request, using their methodology; GVI supplies experienced staff, trained volunteers and equipment to conduct research in support of their ongoing work. GVIs key partner is the Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology (SCMRT), the research arm of SNPA (Seychelles National Parks Authority). Additional local scientific partners are the Marine

Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) and the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA). Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA): A local parastatal organisation partly funded by the government, encompassing the Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology (SCMRT) and the Marine Parks Authority (MPA). These organisations have the respective aims of conducting marine research in the Seychelles and management and protection of the marine parks. The coral, fish and Coco de Mer monitoring carried out for SCMRT constitutes the majority of the work conducted by the volunteers. Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS): A local NGO that carries out

environmental research in the Seychelles, currently monitoring whale sharks, cetaceans and turtles around Mah. GVI assists with all three of these research programmes by reporting incidental sightings of cetaceans and whale sharks, documenting the presence or absence of turtles on every dive throughout the phase, conducting in-water turtle surveys and nesting turtle surveys. Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA): The governing body that oversees the management and regulation of commercial and artisanal fisheries in the Seychelles. This government agency is directly concerned with setting the catch, bag and seasonal limits that apply to local stocks on an annual basis, as well as managing the international export industry that is generated from the harvest of fisheries across the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 8

1.2 Seychelles coral reefs and GVI marine expeditions

In 1998, a worldwide coral bleaching event decimated much of the coral surrounding the inner granitic islands of the Seychelles, with hard coral mortality reaching 95% in some areas (Spencer et al. 2000). It is thought that this was caused by high ocean temperatures associated with an El Nio Southern Oscillation event at that time. Efforts to monitor the regeneration of reefs in the Seychelles were initiated as part of the Shoals of Capricorn, a three year programme started in 1998 and funded by the Royal Geographic Society in conjunction with the Royal Society. SCMRT was set up by the Shoals of Capricorn in an effort to ensure

continuation of the work started, as well as to assist the Marine Parks Authority (MPA) with the management of the existing marine parks. The predominant objective for the Seychelles GVI expedition is to aid this monitoring programme and thereby assist in the construction of management plans that will benefit the future recovery of coral reefs in the area. Between the end of the Shoals of Capricorn programme in 2001, and the beginning of the GVI expedition in 2004, monitoring efforts were continued by Reefcare International, a nongovernmental organisation based in Australia. The protocols established by Reefcare

International provided a foundation for those adopted by GVI, differing only in the more thorough taxonomic criteria adopted by the latter, and logistical constraints that restrict GVIs monitoring efforts to the north-west coast of Mah. The data collection conducted by GVI volunteers contributes to a long-term monitoring programme that has now been in progress for twelve years. By providing this support to

SCMRT, it is hoped that their capacity to monitor, manage and ultimately conserve the reefs of the Seychelles will be greatly enhanced. The project runs throughout the year and focuses on coral density and diversity, fish density and diversity, coral recruitment and Invertebrate abundances.

2. Marine Survey Programme

2.1 Introduction
Coral reefs of the Seychelles contain the bulk of the nations marine biodiversity, provide the white sand and snorkelling on which the tourist industry is based and supply the majority of the inshore fish catch. These reefs are under threat from a variety of causes, including sedimentation of soils eroded from deforested hill slopes, overgrowth by algae fertilized by sewage runoff, physical damage from dredging, boats, anchors and tourists and over fishing of selected species (Shah, 1995). In recent years coral reefs around the inner granitic islands of the Seychelles have also suffered significant reductions in the live cover of Scleractinian or hard corals as a result of localised Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) outbreaks as well as the most severe mass coral bleaching event on record. A system of marine parks has been set up to protect these economically valuable ecosystems and the Marine Park Authority has established a set of permanent sites to monitor long term change in reef health.

2.1.1 El Nio and Sea Surface Temperatures The most severe coral bleaching event recorded in recent history started to affect Seychelles' reefs in early 1998, with the peak in bleaching-induced coral mortality reported to have occurred between February and May 1998. Excessively high sea surface temperatures appeared to provide the initial trigger for the onset of the bleaching event (Wilkinson 1998). By June 1998, geographically widespread reductions (approx. 80-95%) in the percent cover of live corals around the inner islands of the Seychelles (Engelhardt 1998) had occurred due to the combined effects of coral bleaching and starfish predation.

2.1.2 Coral Bleaching and Recovery Coral reefs are highly sensitive to climatic influences and appear to number among the most sensitive of all ecosystems to temperature changes, exhibiting the phenomenon known as coral bleaching when stressed by higher than normal sea temperatures. Coral bleaching is the term used for a loss of colour in reef building corals and the subsequent visibility of the underlying (white) skeleton. Reef-building corals are highly dependent on a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae (a type of dinoflagellate known as zooxanthellae) which live within the coral 10

tissues (Veron, 2000). The bleaching results from the ejection of the zooxanthellae by the coral polyps and/or by the loss of chlorophyll by the zooxanthellae themselves. This reaction of corals has been widely observed for many years; corals can recover from bleaching but they die in many cases (Spalding and Jarvis 2002). During the 1998 bleaching event, the high mortality rates in the inner granitic islands of the Seychelles mostly affected the two genuses Acropora and Pocillapora. These genuses are structurally dominant species and represent key components to reef species. Subsequent recovery from a widespread bleaching and mortality event is the subject of great international interest, providing an insight into how other reef systems may be affected as well as an indication of possible recovery following rises in ocean surface temperature due to current climatic change. In the Seychelles, between the years 2001 and 2004, carbonitic or coralline reef sites recorded a significantly lower percentage of coral cover in comparison to granitic sites, these carbonitic reefs having suffered higher rates of bleaching induced mortality as a result of the 1998 bleaching event. Granite based reef communities are generally more supportive of successful coral recruitment and subsequent growth making. This is thought to be due to greater substratum, lower sediment loads and a higher flow and exchange of water, while carbonate-based reef sites suffer from higher sedimentation and reduced water quality through nutrient enrichment. 2.1.3 Marine Invertebrates The Seychelles native marine invertebrates represent a group that comprises commercially important and over-exploited species, as well as coral predators, algal grazers and other damaging species. Density levels of certain species such as the corallivorous Crown-of-thorns (COTs) sea star and gastropod Drupella spp. and incidental damage from grazing sea urchins have been found to affect coral recovery (SEYMEMP, 2004). It has been noted, particularly for carbonitic reef communities, that recruitment success is strongly linked to overall abundance of black-spined sea urchins (Engelhardt, 2004).

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2.2 Study Sites

Under instruction from the Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology (SCMRT), 14 possible marine survey sites exist in the Curieuse Marine National Park. As detailed previously, of these sites four are coralline or carbonitic reef types and ten granitic reef types. (see Appendix A for site details).

Figure 1: Map showing the survey sites for GVI Curieuse Island marine expedition.

2.3 Aims
The aims for the phase were to collect data on the abundance and diversity of reef fish, including commercially valuable species for which size was also recorded, and the abundance and diversity of certain invertebrates within 14 sites around Curieuse. The objectives outlined for the phase were:
Fish population monitoring at 14 sites around Curieuse Marine National Park. Complete four fish belt transects, 50*5m, at each site, two within the deep zone and two within the shallow zone.

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Complete eight stationary point counts, 4 within the deep zone and 4 within the shallow zone at each site Complete two 50*5m Invertebrate abundance and diversity belts at each site to conduct surveys for SFA and to establish trends in invertebrates important for reef ecology Assess benthic assemblage, which included hard coral, soft coral, sessile organisms and substrate types Diversity of hard coral to genus level Use data collected to establish a baseline for time series coral reef state comparisons in the future, in order to determine recent trends in coral reef recovery and therefore fish population recovery/change

Continued expansion of the infrastructure to provide more facilities and amenities at the newly set-up Curieuse expedition base.

2.4 Species surveyed

2.4.1 Fish The fish species chosen for the surveys are those that are likely to be indicators of the condition status of the reefs, but are not overly difficult to locate, identify and count. These species also directly or indirectly influence reef condition. For example, Butterflyfish are obligate or

facultative corallivores thus would be affected by the amount, health and diversity of hard corals on the reefs. Reef-associated species of commercial concern are also surveyed. This data can be used to help determine the status of the reefs and of the fisheries especially when compared with the data from upcoming phases. Fish are surveyed to the highest taxonomic resolution practicable, with most identified to species level. The resolution depends on difficulty of identification, and also the species

characteristics and the data requirements of our partners. The taxonomic level needed varies according to the ecological function of the species within the ecosystem; for example, if different species within a genus feed on different types of food, it is highly desirable to distinguish them to species. However, Volunteers are instructed to record only to the level to which they are confident of the identification, thus if they are sure of the family but not genus or species, they record only as an unknown species of that family. The list of fish surveyed was revised before the start of the phase July September 2009, following discussions with SCMRT in order to bring it in line with the species list used by SCMRT on their surveys. This included the removal of Angelfish in the genus Centropyge and the Bluelips Snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus), along with the reduction of the list of wrasse 13

(Labridae) surveyed to just those species in the genus Cheilinus.

Several groupers

(Serranidae) were also added at the request of SFA, as was the African White-spotted Rabbitfish (Siganus sutor), which forms spawning aggregations around Curieuse. Pelagic and semi-pelagic species such as tunas and jacks were kept off the list of fish surveyed as their appearance on UVC transects contributes little to knowledge of their population. A full list of species surveyed can be found in appendix B. 2.4.2 Coral The list of hard corals surveyed covers 50 genera, following the addition of Coscinaraea, Siderastreidae, Halomitra, Fungiidae and Polyphyllia, Fungiidae in 2009 (See Appendix C for the complete species list). Corals are identified to genus only; volunteers are not required to identify coral accurately to species. In situ identification beyond genus level is not possible in the case of some corals, and is beyond the requirements of the project aims. Volunteers are also encouraged to record the genus as unknown if they are not able to confidently identify a coral beyond the family level, and similarly to record unknown hard coral where even the family is not determinable with a level of confidence. 2.4.3 Invertebrates Invertebrates species surveyed every phase are mobile species that influence reef health either positively, by consuming algae and other Scleractinian (hard) coral competitors, or negatively, by predating on hard corals, plus invertebrates of commercial or conservation importance. Hard coral predation pressure at survey each site was investigated via density of 2 types of sea star; cushion stars (Culcita spp.) and Crown-of-thorns (Acanthaster planci) as well as gastropods in the genus Drupella, all of which are hard coral predators. Algal grazing pressure was investigated through density of sea urchins. Commercially important sea cucumbers, some of which are listed as fully or over-exploited (Aumeeruddy & Conand, 2008), plus Octopus and Spiny Lobsters are surveyed to help determine status and trends in these fisheries. The Giant Clam is also surveyed due to its high conservation interest and threatened status. A full species list can be found in appendix E. As part of the Line Intercept Transect methodology a more extensive list of invertebrates is recorded, these are typically indicators of reef health and community complexity. This list is available in appendix D.

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2.4.4 Sea Turtle Species All members of the marine expedition programme are taught through a number of mediums on sea turtle identification. Volunteers are confident at identifying the four most commonly seen sea turtle species detailed previously.

2.5 Expedition Training

All Volunteers receive up to three weeks intensive training on arrival at Curieuse, and ongoing training and education throughout the volunteer period. 2.5.1 Expedition Health and Safety The safety of all Volunteers is paramount. All Volunteers are given a health and safety briefing as soon as they arrive on base and conservative diving guidelines are adhered to throughout the expedition. Weekly health and safety meetings provide an open forum for volunteers and staff to discuss any concerns. In addition, Volunteers complete the PADI Emergency First Response first aid course, and are taught how to administer oxygen in the event of a diving related incident. 2.5.2 Dive Training All Volunteers must be at least PADI Open Water qualified to join the expedition. Volunteers then receive the PADI Advanced Open Water course, covering Boat, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Navigation, Underwater Naturalist, and Deep dives, before completing the PADI Coral Reef Research Diver speciality course.

2.5.3 Species Identification Training Volunteers on the marine expedition are required to learn full species list of either corals or fish. Training is initially provided in the form of presentations, workshops and informal discussion with the expedition staff. The materials necessary for self-study are also available and are now supplemented by the presentations being available to volunteers prior to their arrival. A basic level of competence is tested using a slide show of pictures on land, for which a 95% pass mark is required. Volunteers are also taken on coral identification dives with staff members and ultimately tested underwater, requiring a 100% pass to guarantee competence to survey. A

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similar format is followed when Volunteers are trained to identify the other invertebrates that are monitored. Volunteers on the terrestrial expedition are required to learn turtle species by sight and by their tracks, identify Coco de Mer species and differentiate between local mangrove species. Training is initially provided in the form of presentations and workshops with expedition staff, and further materials are made necessary for self study. Knowledge and confidence is tested in-situ with expedition staff when Volunteers are asked to identify turtles, turtle tracks, Coco de Mer trees and mangrove species in the field. 2.5.4 Survey Methodology Training After the Advanced Open Water course, Volunteers on the marine programme are given further in-water training in the skills required to survey, with all participants completing the PADI Coral Reef Research Diver course. This further training includes the use of a delayed surface marker buoy, practice monitoring and participation in monitoring dives in which they are supervised by a member of staff, ensuring the accuracy of the data recorded and consistency of monitoring techniques. Volunteers of the Terrestrial Programme were given further training in the field when monitoring nesting turtles, mapping Coco de Mer trees, conducting mangrove transects and conducting turtle behavioural snorkels. This training includes the use of surface marker buoys, clinometers, GPS practice, practice transects and participation in monitored data collecting in which they were supervised by a member of staff to ensure the accuracy of the data recorded and consistency of monitoring techniques.

2.6 Methodology
2.6.1 Stationary Point Counts The stationary point count is a traditional and commonly used UVC technique (Kulbicki 1998, Engelhardt 2004) employed by well-respected reef assessment programs such as the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGGRA) and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Coral Reef Monitoring Program (FKNMS CRMP) (Hill & Wilkinson 2004). Variations of the method have been used as part of several studies in the Seychelles (see Jennings et al. 1995, Spalding & Jarvis 2002, Engelhardt 2004, Graham et al. 2007) where the lack of spear fishing increases the reliability of this technique (Jennings et al. 1995). The post-bleaching surveys conducted by Reefcare International as part of the Seychelles Marine Ecosystem Management 16

Project (SEYMEMP) used 7 minute long stationary point counts and defined the area for the point count with a 7 m radius (Engelhardt 2001, 2004,); 7 7.5 m radius circle has been shown to create a the most suitably sized area for the size groups into which coral reef fish typically fall (Samoilys & Gribble 1997). When GVI assumed responsibility for the continuation of this

assessment in 2005, the same methodology was adopted. At each site 8 stationary point counts were carried out; four stationary point counts were done in each of the shallow and deep zones; two in the centre and one each on the left and right of the site. Divers recorded depth at the centre of each point count and a start time for each transect. For the first time a tape measure was used to delineate the circle radius, laid in any direction along the reef, removing the need to estimate the census boundary. Point counts were

conducted by buddy pairs of divers where each was responsible for counting a different selection of the fish surveyed, thus reducing the number of fish one person is required to count. During the last minute both divers swam around the circle to attempt to ensure that more cryptic fish were counted. 2.6.2 Fish Belt Transect The belt size used was 5 m x 50 m; this area is a standard often used for reef assessments (Samoilys & Gribble 1997, Hill & Wilkinson 2004). Transects were conducted by buddy pairs where, as with the point counts, each was responsible for counting a different selection of the fish surveyed. Four belts were completed at each site, two in the deep zone and two in the shallow (Fig. 2.2). The transect tape is laid parallel to the reef by one diver while the other swims in front counting fish. Samoilys and Gribble (1997) recommend this technique of

simultaneously counting fish and laying the transect tape, as it avoids the issue of disturbing the fish prior to counting. On the return journey the second diver swims back along the tape counting different fish while his buddy reels in the tape. After completion of the outward stage of the transect the observers hover away from the end of the tape for three minutes to allow fish to return to the survey area before beginning the return stage. 2.6.3 Fish Size Estimation By recording the size of fish and using standard length-weight relationships, biomass of fish can be estimated. This is of particular interest for commercial species, where concerns exist over decreasing average size of targeted fish. The SFA were very keen to collect size estimation data but it is not something that SNPA prioritise with regards to the reef fish, therefore size data was recorded for the following families: 17

Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae, Siganidae and Haemulidae, where the size categories were as follows: 0 10 cm, 11 20 cm, 21 30 cm, 31 40 cm, 41 50 cm, 51 60 cm and 61 + cm. Observers were trained using lengths of PVC pipe held up on land and under water and their scores recorded so that each had an accuracy rating; during final fish spots and survey practice fish size estimation was checked by staff members. 2.6.4 Line Intercept Transects (LIT) The Line Intercept Transect (LIT) is a cost-effective method for assessing reef composition (Leujak & Ormond 2007) which produces good results, replicates easily and can be taught to volunteers within time and knowledge constraints. At every site, six 10 metre LITs were carried out, each running parallel to shore along a single depth contour and using polyprophelene tape measures on reels. Three LITs were completed in both the shallow and deep zones, evenly spread amongst the left, centre and right of the site (Fig. 2.2). Divers record a start and end depth for each transect. The benthic assemblage and substrate is recorded in a continuous series of data of what is directly under the tape, with start and end points for each entry, to the nearest cm. Where coral is found, it is identified to genus level and the life form describing the majority of the colony is recorded. Transects were laid haphazardly where possible, however placement of the 2lb weight at the beginning of the transect generally meant avoiding delicate organisms including coral, therefore the start point would not be chosen randomly. Additionally, the topography at some of the granitic sites creates limited possible places where 10 m of tape can be laid inside the 1.5 5.0 m zone and meant that shallow transects must be laid wherever the diver can achieve it and thus diver selection must drive the process. 2.6.5 Coral Diversity Belt Transects At every site, two 50 metre belt transects were completed to assess diversity of coral genera. The transects both started within the shallow centre, with one heading out to the deep left (belt B) and the other to the deep right (belt A), thus both the depth and spread of each site is sampled (Fig 2.2). The coral diversity belt transect is conducted along a 50 m tape with divers searching for coral genera in a 5 m wide swath, each diver in a buddy pair searching the area up to 2.5 m away from the tape on one side. Each diver records the presence of all coral

genera seen in their search area, as well as counting and identifying commercially important mobile invertebrates; sea cucumbers, lobster and octopus.

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2.6.6 Invertebrate Abundance and Diversity Belt Transects The belt sizes used were once again 5 m x 50 m; both transects started in the shallow centre, with one heading out to the deep left, one to the deep right, beginning and ending within the depth range 1.5 15.0 m, thus both the depth and spread of each site is sampled. Target species (Octopus, Lobster and sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sea stars, giant clams and Drupella gastropods) falling within 2.5 m either side of the tape were recorded. 2.6.7 Sea Turtle Monitoring and Other Incidental Sightings During each dive a record was made as to whether any sea turtle species were observed or not (results displayed in the terrestrial section of this report). Other details requested included; number of turtles, species, whether the turtle possessed a long or short tail (appertaining to males have a longer tail and females having a shorter tail), estimated carapace length, any evidence of a tag identification or any other observations. Additionally as part as a trial study through SCMRT, divers are encouraged to take photographs of the turtles heads if this does not disturb the turtle. It is hoped that this study will help to create an international database of turtle head shots along with other incidental data regarding its occurrence. In the future it is hoped that mathematical recognition software much like that used for whale shark spots can be used to begin a hands-off tagging system to monitor a particular turtles movements using their unique scale pattern on their heads. Additionally to this, divers were also encouraged to identify and record any sightings of any other species of interest such as Crown of Thorns (Acanthaster planci), rays (Genus Raja), Sharks, Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulates), and Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) that are listed as Threatened under the IUCN Redlist. 2.6.8 Environmental Parameters During each survey dive the skipper records abiotic factors pertaining to the environmental conditions during the dive. These include:
Turbidity is recorded using a Secchi disk Cloud cover is estimated in eighths Sea state is evaluated using the Beaufort scale Surface and bottom sea temperatures are recorded using personal dive computers

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2.6.9 Site layout Each survey site is divided into shallow and deep zones, where the shallow zone is defined by the depth range 1.5 5.0 m and the deep zone is defined by the depth range 5.1 15.0 m. Each site has a central point, marked by a distinctive landmark on the coastline, and is further divided into left, centre and right areas. These areas are loosely defined as such by their position with respect to the centre marker of the site. All depths are standardised with respect to chart datum. Fig. 2 shows the layout for the fish monitoring and fig. 3 shows the site layout for the benthic assemblage surveys

Stationary Point Counts Fish Belt Transect Invertebrate Belt

Figure 2: Diagram of site survey setup; showing the Stationary Point Counts, Fish Belts and Invertebrate belt locations for each site.

20

Shore

Increasing depth

LIT Invertebrate belt Coral diversity belt

Figure 3: Layout of transects at each survey site; the shoreline is represented by the top of the figure and distance from shore indicates increasing depth.

2.7 Results
2.7.1 Fish During the February to May 2012 survey period all 14 survey sites were completed for both fish belts and stationary point count methodology. A total of 10,390 fish were recorded across all sites compared to 12,471 recorded for the same sites in 2011. The most abundant fish found on the Curieuse and Praslin survey sites are Bristletooths, parrotfish and unicornfish respectively. Fig.4 shows the highest fish abundance to be found at Point Rouge followed by St Pierre North East Rock with 0.546 and 0.466 fish per m2 respectively. The lowest abundance was recorded at St Pierre East Rocks with 0.214 fish per m2. Both highest and lowest abundance were found at granitic sites however as a general observation there are more fish at the granitic reefs.

21

0.6

Density per m2

0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0

Figure 4: Graph showing the abundance of fish per m for each survey site from data recorded February-May 2012. G=Granitic reef, C=Carbonitic reef.

The average abundance of all sites is represented in Fig 5. and over the past few years the fish abundance has show some variation. Whether this is a natural fluctuation or the cause of variables in data collection is unknown, likewise it is impossible to say whether the upward trend shown in Fig. 2 is representative of fish stocks. The highest abundance of fish was recorded in 2011; a spawning aggregation of rabbit fish contributed to this spike.

0.45 0.4

Abundance per m2

0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 2010 2011

2

2012

Figure 5: Graph showing the average abundance of fish per m from 2010-2012.

22

A closer look at the distribution of fish abundance (see Fig. 6) shows that some sites have similar fish density each year (Point Rouge & Coral Garden) whereas others have large variation (Caiman Point & St Pierre East). Interestingly for the 2011 data all sites have a higher fish abundance then so far recorded representing a uniform increase rather than a site specific increase.
0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0

Fish per m2

2010 2011 2012

Figure 6: Graph showing the fish abundance per m2 for each survey site for 2010-2012.

The species diversity across all sites varies from 27 to 54, fig.7 shows that Point Rouge consistently has high species diversity being the only site to of had more than 50 species recorded. The most consistent recording is for Badamier and the least consistent is Praslin NE rock and St Pierre SE rocks. The lowest diversity is found at Praslin NE rocks. There seems to be no obvious differences in species diversity between granitic or carbonitic reefs.
60 No. of species 50 40 30 20 10 0 2012 2011 2010

Figure 7: Graph showing the species diversity for each survey site from 2010-2012.

23

2.7.2 Reef fish vs Commercially valuable fish At all sites except Burts Bank reef fish abundance exceeds that of the commercially valuable species. The highest abundance of commercially valuable fish was recorded at Burts Bank followed closely by Point Rouge (see fig. 8) and the lowest amount was recorded at Praslin NE rock.

0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0

Fish per m2

Commercial Reef

Figure 8: Graph showing the abundance (per m2) of reef fish and commercially valuable fish species for the 2012 survey period.

2.7.3 Size class data analysis for commercially valuable fish Size class data is important when analysing commercial fish stocks; a general shift in size class within a species can reflect a change in fishing pressure. The four species below were chosen because they represent species that are commonly fished in this area and seen on markets and menus. The graphs 9 a-d show that there is a general downward shift in size class since the first surveys in 2010, however much more data is required to make this conclusive. The majority of Red Snappers and Big Eye Breams in this area are between 11-20cm, and the majority of Coral Hind Groupers and Black Snappers recorded were 21-30cm.

24

Red Snapper (Lutjanus bohar)

25 20 15 10 5 0

Coral Hind Grouper (Cephalopholis miniata)

20 10 0

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

Figure 9a: Graph showing the size class data for the Red Snapper taken each year 2010-2012.

Figure 9b: Graph showing the size class data for the Coral Hind

Grouper taken each year 2010-2012

Black snapper (Macolor niger)

60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0-10cm 11-20cm 21-30cm 31-40cm 41-50cm 2012 2011 2010

Big Eye Bream (Monotaxis sp.)

30 20 10 0

0-10cm 11-20cm 21-30cm 31-40cm 41-50cm 2012 2011 2010

Figure 9c: Graph showing the size class data for the Black Snapper taken each year 2010-2012.

Figure 9d: Graph showing the size class data for the Big Eye Bream taken each year 2010-2012.

2.7.4 Feeding Guild As previously done, fish data is analysed by looking into feeding guilds; long term monitoring of the proportion per feeding guild may reveal subtle changes in reef health, allowing for a better understanding into what environmental and anthropogenic factors impact on the reef ecosystem and whether management plans need to be adjusted. The data presented in fig. 10 shows an overall increase in Herbivore abundance since 2010. Besides this the data is remarkably similar.

25

0.25 0.2

Fish per m2

0.15 0.1 0.05 0 2010 2011 2012

Figure 10: Graph showing the comparison of fish feeding guild abundance from 2010-2012.

The site specific breakdown for feeding guilds is shown in Fig. 11; the highest herbivore abundance was recorded at Point Rouge with 0.275 fish per m2 , a considerable difference from the lowest herbivore abundance which was recorded at APC with 0.064 fish per m2 . Both Curieuse NW Rocks and St Pierre NE Rocks have much higher numbers of planktivores than other sites. APC has distinctly more coralivores than all the other sites and Burts Bank and Point Rouge are characterised by high numbers of piscivores. The highest abundance of invertivores is recorded at Point Rouge, Anse Papaie and Badamier respectively.
0.3 0.25 Fish per m2 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Planktivores Piscivores Corallivores Invertivores Herbivores

Figure 11: Graph showing the breakdown of feeding guilds for each survey site for data recorded February-May 2012.

26

2.7.5 Coral Benthic assemblage surveys were completed at all 14 survey sites, making the third consecutive year of data available for analysis. Fig. 12 shows that average percentage coral cover has increased each year since surveys began showing a general upward trend in coral cover.
30 25 % Cover 20 15 10 5 0 2010 2011 2012

Figure 12: Graph showing the average percentage coral cover for all survey sites for the past three survey periods 2010-2012.

A look at the site specific percentage coral cover (see fig. 13) shows that at all sites a higher percentage of coral cover was recorded during the 2012 survey period. The highest percentage coral cover recorded so far was APC with 40.6% and the lowest for both years was recorded at St Pierre SE with 6.8 & 13.1% respectively. Coral cover has remained relatively constant at Booby SE Rocks and St Pierre E Rocks.

45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

% Coral Cover

2012 2011

Figure 13: Graph showing the site specific percentage coral cover for the 2011 and 2012 data sets.

27

As reef health is also a function of diversity as well as abundance a look at the amount of coral genera found at each survey site is imperative. Fig. 14 shows that most sites have 20+ genera recorded. For both the 2011 & 2012 data Caiman Point and St Pierre SE Rocks have the lowest recorded coral diversity. The highest diversity was recorded at APC and Praslin NE Point with 32 and 31 respectively.
35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

No. of genera

2012 2011

Figure 14: Graph showing the number of coral genera recorded at each survey site for both the 2011 & 2012 data.

The most prolific coral recorded was Porites, followed by Acropora, Pocillopora and Favites respectively. Fig. 15 shows that 38 out of the 50 gerera have been recorded during the 2012 survey period. This data is similar to that collected in both 2011 and 2010.
70 60 Total Cover (m) 50 40 30 20 10
MTP ACP ASP STC PCP SRP STY PHY GLX PSD SDA PSM CSC PVA LPS CLS GDS PCH CYC DIS FNG HRP PDB HMA TRB FVA FVS GNS PTG OUL TOR MTS PLS DPL TAS CPH EPR UFD BMS ACT LOB SYM PRT GNP AVP HYD MRL EPH MCD PCT

Figure 15: Graph showing the total cover recorded for each coral genus during the 2012 survey period.

28

Alongside coral it is important to monitor the abundance of algae on the survey sites; it is well documented that algae and coral compete for substrate and therefore a major shift in the benthic assemblage may reflect a change in the reef community. Fig 16 shows an overall reduction in algae cover over time. The largest change in percentage algae cover was recorded at APC with a 31% reduction since 2010; other reductions were recorded at Point Rouge, Coral Garden, Booby and Caiman Point. No change has been recorded at Burts Bank and very little change at Anse Papaie, Badamier or Curieuse NW Rocks.
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Algae % cover

2012 2011 2010

Figure 16: Graph showing the percentage of algae recorded at each survey site for the past three years 2010-2012.

The coral-algae dynamic is demonstrated in fig. 17 showing a distinctly converse relationship whereby as coral cover increases, algae cover decreases and vice versa. The lowest algae cover and highest coral cover were recorded at APC.
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

% Cover

% Algae % Coral Linear (% Algae) Linear (% Coral)

Figure 17: Graph showing the site specific algae and coral dynamic for data collected FebruaryMay 2012.

29

The overall benthic assemblage has changed marginally since surveys began; the most obvious change has been an increase in the hard coral proportion recorded in 2012 (fig. 18 C). The changes here should be monitored going forward but currently the data set is too small to draw any conclusions.

A:2010
Macro Algae 1% Other 1% Sponge 1% Hard Coral 16% Other 3% Sponge 2% Algal assemblage 27% Fire Coral 0%

B:2011
Macro Algae 1%

Hard Coral 21%

Turf Algae 54%

Algal assemblage 21%

Turf Algae 49%

Halimeda 0%

Coraline Algae 3%

Halimeda 0%

C:2012
Macro Algae 1% Hard Coral 31% Turf Algae 47% Sponge 1% Fire coral 1%

Figure 18 A-C: Charts showing the overall benthic assemblage for all survey sites from data collected 2010-2012.

Algal Assemblag e 18%

Coralline algae 1%

30

2.7.6 Coral & Fish A closer look at the relationship between coral and corallivores, algae and herbivores can be seen in fig. 19 for each site. A positive correlation can be seen between the percentage of coral cover and corallivore abundance and likewise with percentage algae cover and herbivore abundance. The relationship is particularly clear at APC.
0.3 0.25 Density per m2 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 80 70 60 40 30 20 10 0 % Cover 50

Corallivores Herbivores Coral % Cover 2012 Algae % 2012

Figure 19: Graph showing the site specific relationship between coral and corallivores as well as algae and herbivores for data collected February-May 2012.

Of all the sites that are surveyed APC has shown some consistent and interesting changes that should be monitored in future years. Fig. 20 represents the data collected there over the past three years and it seems that both coral and fish surveys point to the same thing; a potential phase shift. Both coral and corallivores have increased since 2010 whereas both algae and herbivores have decreased.

31

90 80 70 60 % Cover 50 40 30 20 10 0 2010 2011 2012

0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 per m2 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0

Algae % Coral % Herbivores per m2 Coralivores per m2 Linear (Algae % ) Linear (Coral %) Linear (Herbivores per m2) Linear (Coralivores per m2)

Figure 20: Graph showing the changes in coral percentage cover, algae percentage cover, herbivore and corallivore abundance per m over time for survey site APC.
2

2.7.8 Invertebrates
Invertebrate surveys were completed at all 14 survey sites between February and May 2012. The abundance of octopus is closely monitored in and around Curieuse Island marine park; fig. 21 shows that there has been a general increase in octopus abundance recorded since 2009. A large increase was recorded for the 2012 data from 0.0004 to 0.003 per m . 0.004 0.0035 0.003 Density per m2 0.0025 0.002 0.0015 0.001 0.0005 0 -0.0005 2009 2010
2 2

2011

2012

Figure 21: Average octopus abundance per meter recorded from 2009-2012.

32

A look at the sea cucumber densities (shown in fig. 22) shows that over the past four year there has been a general increase in sea cucumber abundance although minor fluctuations can be seen. Whether this reflects true population growth is impossible to tell; long-term monitoring is essential for this.
0.15 Density per m2 0.1 0.05 0 2009 2010 2011 2012

Figure 22: Graph showing the average sea cucumber abundance recorded for each survey period from 2009-2012.

The data is dominated by the Stichopus sp. which are recorded in large numbers around Booby Island. Fig. 23 shows that Booby has by far the largest abundance of sea cucumbers with 82% more than St Pierre East Rock which has the second largest abundance. This is consistent with previous data making Booby a key habitat for sea cucumber reproduction and dispersal. The highest abundance of invertebrates was recorded at Praslin NE Point (9.4 per m2) followed by Burts Bank and Badamier ( 8.3 & 7.7 per m2 respectively). The lowest invertebrate abundance was recorded at Curieuse NW Rocks with 2.2 per m2. When referred to the invertivore fish data there doesnt seem to be an obvious correlation between invert abundance and invertivore abundance. More specific studies would be needed.
Cucumbers per m2
2

10 8 6 4 2 0

1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0

Inverts per m2

Lit Inverts per m2

Cucumbers per m2

Figure 23: Graph showing the abundance of invertebrates and sea cucumbers per m , for each survey site. Data collected February-May 2012.

33

A closer look at the site-specific data for invertebrates show there are variations in species composition for each site. As seen in previous years Praslin NE Point is abundant is sea stars, urchins, crabs and molluscs. Badamier and Burts Bank are characterized by high numbers of crabs and shrimps, whereas Booby and Praslin Point have high abundance of molluscs.
6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Density per m2

Annelida Arthropoda Mollusca Echinodermata Black Spined Sea Urchins

Figure 24: Graph showing the site specific Invertebrate composition densities for data in 2012.

The abundance of sea urchins has been closely monitored at each survey site, fig. 25 shows that the largest increases have been recorded at St Pierre SE Rocks, Caiman Point and Booby. Highest abundance was recorded at St Pierre SE Rocks, Praslin NE Point and Praslin NE Rocks respectively. Incidentally, St Pierre SE Rocks and Praslin NE Point both has a high percentage cover of algae of which urchins feed upon.
2.5 Density per m2 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 2010 2011 2012

Figure 25: Graph showing the abundance of black spined sea urchin abundance at each survey site over the past 3 years.

34

The coral eating gastropod Drupella sp. has shown a general increase in abundance over time (see fig. 26). This could be linked with an overall increase in coral cover however this is speculation.

0.2 Density per m2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 2009 2010 2011 2012

Figure 26: Graph showing the average abundance of Drupella sp. recorded each survey period from 2009-2012.

The site specific abundance data (see fig. 27) shows that the highest abundance by far was recorded at Praslin NE Point, followed by Booby and Burts Bank with 82, 36 & 33 respectively. Lowest Drupella abundance was recorded at Coral Garden and St Pierre SE Rocks with 1 & 2 respectively.
90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

No. of Drupella

Figure 27: Graph showing the site specific Drupella abundance for 2012 surveys.

35

2.8 Discussion for Marine Survey data

Line intercept transect methodology, invertebrate belts, fish belts and stationary point counts for fish have now been carried out at each survey site completing another successful year of monitoring. The data collected during 2012 denotes the third consecutive year of ecosystem monitoring in and around Curieuse Island National Park. The data presented here can be used as a comprehensive and confident representation of current reef health.

The reefs around Curieuse Island appear to show little change in their health and biodiversity (pers.obs) however the importance of monitoring is apparent with increasing threats of climate change, coastal development, fishing pressure and tourism. The general upwards trend of coral recorded so far cannot confidently be attributed to actual growth without a reference to coral recruit data. The ecosystem based approach to monitoring in which each component of the ecosystem is monitored is an important tool for monitoring actual change. The lack of recruit data collected has had a detrimental effect on drawing conclusions from the other data sets. For example, it is apparent that there are certain levels of variability in the data sets that stem from the methodology (GVI 112, 2011), which over time will be eliminated as a trend is reinforced each year. The merging of fish, benthic assemblage and coral recruit data reinforces an apparent trend. An example of this can be seen in the data recorded at APC; over the past 3 years there has been an apparent increase in coral cover coupled with a decrease in algae cover. When fish data is then added to this the likelihood of this is increased because corallivore abundance has increased and herbivore abundance has decreased. If coral recruit data also showed an increase in recruit density then the assertion that changes are in fact occurring on the reef would be confidently made. It is likely that reefs are still recovering from decimation caused by the 1998 bleaching event and the 2004 tsunami, in this case coral cover will continue to increase until the next environmental impact slows or reverses the growth. The high coral cover and high coral diversity at APC makes it an important site to conserve due to its potential to withstand impacts and facilitate coral reef recovery via larval dispersal to other reefs. The current importance of the ecosystem monitoring in and around Curieuse Island is that it highlights areas of importance for fish and coral. Point Rouge is particularly important for fish density and diversity; it is consistently high in both and is perhaps an important spawning aggregation site. As well as target species there is also an abundance of non-target transient species such as trevally and barracuda (pers.obs). As mentioned in the GVI 111, 2011 report

36

Caiman Point is likely a spawning aggregation site for rabbit fish although there was nowhere near as many recorded this season. Other exceptional sites include Booby Island, which is consistently high for fish, coral and invertebrates and is home to vast numbers of the commercially important Stichopus chloronatus. The site is characterised by strong currents and is likely a successful location for maximum larval dispersal and recruitment. Praslin North East Rock similarly has high biodiversity and should continue to be monitored regularly. Conversely sites with low diversity and abundance should be monitored for signs of recovery, in particular coral recruits. St Pierre South East is a good site to study reef recovery. Further to the size-class analysis carried out in the GVI 111, 2011 report for Red Snapper, Black Snapper, Coral Hind Groupers and Big-Eye Breams the 2012 data reiterates that there are less larger fish than previously. The loss of large marine fish on coral reefs is apparent around the world due to selective fishing (Wilkinson, 2008). The consequence is the removal of large top predators such as groupers and snappers, this is known as fishing down the food web and the early signs of this can be seen in an overall reduction in average fish size. Although the sample sizes for this type of study are relatively low it is representative of the population in this area however a more extensive study is needed to examine this further. The predominant coral genera recorded for 2012 matched previous years findings and the significance of high percentage cover of Porites, Acropora, Pocillopora and Favites was discussed in the GVI 112 report. An overall increase in herbivore abundance has not been matched by an increase in algae cover however the presence of herbivores can indicate two things; either algae cover has increased or the herbivore increase has led to a decrease in algae cover. It is difficult to tell which without a longer data set than we have presently. An overall increase in octopus and sea cucumbers adheres to the general upwards trend seen throughout the data sets. If this trend continues then Curieuse Marine Park can be seen as a success and used as an example of Seychelles conservation and any potential environmental impact should be mitigated.

37

3. Conclusion and future recommendations

The coral reefs of the Seychelles could be described as priceless for the local economy; certainly from a tourists and even a fishermens point of view the reefs appear rich and diverse in species. From scientists point of view things appear somewhat different; small scale changes are taking place all the time in response to environmental and anthropogenic factors. These changes are impossible to detect by observation and only by long-term monitoring do they become apparent. The data represented in this report does not reflect the day-to-day impacts affecting the local reefs here. There is a significant amount of litter left on the island by tourists and taxi boats, which has potential for damaging the local ecosystem. A well known example is marine turtles eating plastic bags; the installation of litter bins and signage would go some way towards reducing the problem. The implications for a key turtle nesting area are obvious. Fishing in the marine park continues on a small scale, fishing traps are set out and collected daily in the channel between Curieuse and Praslin, usually before and after rangers work hours. The past year has seen a staggering amount of coastal erosion along the southern coast of Curieuse Island. Lines of trees have fallen onto the beach and the lepur ruins are disappearing fast along the western end of Anse Jose beach. The most worrying has been the falling of two large Casuarina equisetifolia trees along the path by the Doctors house and the exposure of roots for the large Takamaka trees (Calophyllum inophyllum) which currently protect the GVI base from erosion. Without erosion prevention measures it is likely these large trees will fall in the next few years. I would recommend an effort to remove the invasive vine Pueraria sp. which is having a detrimental effect on young coastal trees. If the vine continues to grow as it is, then it will likely contribute to increasing coastal erosion.

38

References
Engelhardt U., (2004). The status of scleractinian coral and reef-associated fish communities 6 years after the 1998 mass coral bleaching event. Seychelles Marine Ecosystem Management Project. Global Environment Facility/Government of Seychelles/World Wildlife Fund, Victoria. Engelhardt, U. (1998) Effects of natural and human-induced disturbances on the coral reef communities of Mah Island, Seychelles Results of fine-scale benthic surveys conducted in June 1998. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Technical Report, 48 pp. Engelhardt, U., Taylor, N., Brent, J., Engelhart, D., Russell, M., Williamson, D., Wiseman, D. (2001). Finescale surveys of crown-of-throns starfish Acanthaster planci in Cairns Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Status report 2000-01. CRC Reef Research Centre Technical Report NO 45. Grimsditch, G. D. and Salm, R. V. (2006). Coral Reef Resilience and Resistance to Bleaching. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. 52pp. Hill, J. & Wilkinson, C. (2004) Methods for Ecological Monitoring of Coral Reefs: Version 1, A Resource for Managers, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville IUCN. (1996). A marine turtle conservation strategy and action plan for the Western Indian Ocean. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Jennings, S., Boulle, D. P. & Polunin, N. V. C. (1995) Habitat correlations of the distribution and biomass of Seychelles reef fishes, Environmental Biology of Fishes, 46, pp.15-25 Kulbicki, M. (1998) How the acquired behaviour of commercial reef fishes may influence the results obtained from visual censuses, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 222, pp. 11-30. Leujak, W., Ormond, R. F. G. (2007). Comparative accuracy and efficiency of six coral community survey methods. Journal of experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 351, 168-187. Samoilys, M. & Gribble, N., (1997) Manual for Assessing Fish Stocks on Pacific Coral Reefs, Queensland Training Series, Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane Shah, N (1995). Managing Coastal Areas in the Seychelles. Nature and Resources, 31 (5), 16-33. Spalding, M.D. Jarvis, G.E (2002) The Impact of the 1998 coral mortality on reef fish communities in the Seychelles. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44, 309 321. Veron J.E.N., 2000, Corals of the world. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, p. 295. Wilkinson, C (1998). Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 1998. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia.

39

Appendices
Appendix A. Details of sites surveyed by GVI Seychelles Curieuse, year round.
Site No. Site Name GPS Survey frequency Substrate

46

Praslin North East Rock

0417.361,

05542.426 S 0417.274, E

Additional

Granitic

46A

Praslin North East Point

05541.978 S 0439.158, E 05523.695 S 0415.461, E

Additional

Granitic

47A

Booby South East Rocks

Additional

Granitic

47

Curieuse West Rock

05540.475 S 0416.626, E

Core (4 per year)

Granitic

48

Curieuse North West Rock

05542.851 S 0416.595, E

Additional

Granitic

49

Curieuse North Central

05543.572 S 0416.724, E

Core (4 per year)

Granitic

50

Curieuse Point Rouge

05544.708 S 0417.204, E 055

Core (4 per year)

Granitic

51

Coral Garden

44.595 S 0418.505, E

Core (4 per year)

Carbonitic

52

Anse Petit Cours

05543.724 S 0418.072, E

Core ( 4 per year)

Carbonitic

53

St. Pierre North East Rock

05544.932 S 0418.205, E

Additional

Granitic

55

St. Pierre South East Rocks

05545.013 S 0418.149, E

Additional

Granitic

56

St. Pierre East Rock Anse Papaie Burts Bank

05545.047

Additional Additional Additional

Granitic Carbonitic Carbonitic

40

Appendix B: Fish families, genera and species surveyed by GVI Seychelles during the period February to May 2012.

Family

Scientific name
Chaetodon vagabundus Chaetodon auriga Chaetodon trifascialis Chaetodon melannotus Chaetodon mertensii Chaetodon triangulum Chaetodon trifasciatus Chaetodon interruptus Chaetodon bennetti Chaetodon lunula Chaetodon kleinii Chaetodon citrinellus Chaetodon guttatisimus Chaetodon lineolatus Chaetodon falcula Chaetodon meyersi Chaetodon xanthocephalus Chaetodon zanzibariensis Forcipiger spp. Chaetodon melapterus Apolemichthys trimaculatus Pomacanthus imperator Pomacanthus semicirculatus Pygoplites diacanthus Zanclus cornutus Acanthurus spp. Ctenochaetus spp. Naso spp. Siganus puelloides Siganus corallinus Siganus stellatus Siganus argenteus Siganus sutor Lutjanus gibbus Lutjanus sebae Lutjanus fulviflamma Lutjanus kasmira Lutjanus bengalensis Lutjanus monostigma Lutjanus vitta Lutjanus fulvus Lutjanus argentimaculatus Lutjanus bohar Lutjanus russelli

Common name
Vagabond Threadfin Chevroned Black-backed Merten's Triangular Indian Redfin Indian Ocean teardrop Bennett's Raccoon Klein's Speckled Spotted Lined Saddleback Meyer's Yellow-headed Zanzibar Longnose sp. Arabian Three-spot Emperor Semicircle Regal Moorish idol Surgeonfish Bristletooths Unicornfish Blackeye Coral Honeycomb Forktail African whitespotted Paddletail Red emperor Longspot Blue-lined Bengal Onespot Brownstripe Flametail Mangrove jack Red Russell's

Relevance
(Engelhardt 2004) Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral recovery Coral vs. other Coral vs. other Coral vs. other Coral vs. other Coral vs. other Algae vs. coral Algae vs. coral Algae vs. coral Algae vs. coral Algae vs. coral Algae vs. coral Algae vs. coral Algae vs. coral Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure

Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae)

Angelfish (Pomacanthidae) Zanclidae Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae)

Rabbitfish (Siganidae)

Snappers (Lutjanidae)

41

Triggerfish (Balistidae)

Emperors (Lethrinidae)

Groupers (Serranidae)

Sweetlips (Haemulidae)

Parrotfish (Scaridae) Wrasses (Labridae) Caesionidae Tetraodontidae Diodontidae Holocentridae

Macolor niger Aprion virescens Balistoides viridescens Sufflamen chrysopterus Balistidae Monotaxis / Gymnocranius spp. Lethrinus olivaceous Lethrinus nebulosus Lethrinus rubrioperculatus Lethrinus xanthochilus Lethrinus harak Lethrinus lentjan Lethrinus obsoletus Lethrinus erythracanthus Lethrinus mahsena Lethrinus variegatus Anyperodon leucogrammicus Cephalopholis argus Cephalopholis urodeta Cephalopholis miniata Cephalopholis sonnerati Epinephelus merra Epinephelus spilotoceps Epinephelus polyphekadion Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Epinephelus tukula Epinephelus fasciatus Aethaloperca rogaa Variola louti Plectropomus laevis Plectropomus punctatus Serranidae Plectorhinchus orientalis Plectorhinchus picus Plectorhinchus gibbosus Plectorhinchus spp. Bolbometopon muricatum Scaridae Cheilinus trilobatus Cheilinus fasciatus Oxycheilinus digrammus Cheilinus undulatus Caesionidae Arthothron spp. Diodon spp. Myripristis/Plectrypops spp. Neoniphon/Sargocentron spp.

Black Green jobfish Titan Flagtail Other triggerfish Bream Longnosed Blue-scaled Redear Yellowlip Thumbprint Pinkear Orange-striped Yellowfin Mahsena Variegated Slender Peacock Flagtail Coral Hind Tomato Honeycomb Foursaddle Camouflage Whitespotted Brown-marbled Potato Blacktip Redmouth Yellow-edged lyretail Saddleback African coral cod Other groupers Oriental Spotted Gibbus Other sweetlips Bumphead parrotfish Other parrotfish Tripletail Redbreasted Cheeklined splendour Humphead Fusiliers Puffers Porcupinefish Soldierfish Squirrelfish

Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Coral damage Algae vs. coral Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Upwelling areas Urchins & COTs Urchins & COTs Habitat, upwelling Habitat, upwelling

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Appendix C: Coral genera surveyed by Global Vision International Seychelles in the period February to May 2012.

Acropora Acroporidae Astreopora Montipora Pocillopora Pocilloporidae Stylophora Seriatopora Porites Poritidae Goniopora Alveopora Dendrophylliidae Turbinaria Siderastrea Siderastreidae Pseudosiderastrea Coscinaraea Psammocora Lobophyllia Mussidae Symphyllia Acanthastrea Blastomussa Oculinidae Euphyllidae Galaxea Physogyra Pectinia Pectinidae Mycedium Echinophyllia Merulinidae Merulina Hydnophora Agaricidae Astrocoeniidae Faviidae Fungiidae

Fungia Herpolitha Diaseris Cycloseris Podabacia Halomitra Polyphyllia Favia Favites Montastrea Plesiastrea Goniastrea Echinopora Diploastrea Leptasrea Cyphastrea Platygyra Leptoria Oulophyllia Stylocoeniella Pavona Leptoseris Gardineroseris Coeloseris Pachyseris

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Appendix D. Invertebrates surveyed on 10m belts

Sabellidae Annelida (Polychaeta) Serpulidae Terebellidae (Platyhelminthes) Arthropoda (Crustacea) Polycladida Caridea Stomatopoda Muricidae Drupella sp. Strombidae Cypraeidae Mollusca (Gastropoda) Ranellidae Conidae Trochidae Cassidae Nudibranchia Mollusca (Bivalvia) Mollusca (Cephalopoda) Ostreidae Tridacnidae Sepoidea Teuthoidea Culcita sp. Sea Stars (Asteroidea) Acanthaster planci Ophiuroidea Crinoidea Diadema sp. Echinometra sp. Sea Urchins (Echinoidea) Echinothrix sp. Toxopneustes sp. Feather Duster worms Christmas Tree worms Spaghetti worms Flatworms Shrimps Mantis shrimps Crabs Murex Drupella Conch Cowrie Triton Cone Top Helmet Other shells Nudibranchs Oysters Giant Clam Cuttlefish Squid Cushion Sea Star Crown of Thorns Sea Star Other Sea Stars Brittle Stars Feather Stars Long Spine Urchin Mathaes Urchin Short Spine Urchin Pencil Urchin Flower Urchin Cake Urchin Other Urchins

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Appendix E: Invertebrates surveyed on 50m belts

Group
Gastropod Molluscs (Gastropoda) Bivalve Molluscs (Bivalvia) Sea Stars (Asteroidea)

Scientific name
Drupella spp. Tridacnidae Culcita spp. Acanthaster planci Diadema sp. Echinometra spp. Echinothrix spp.

Common Name
Drupella Giant Clam Cushion Sea Star Crown-of-thorns Sea Star Other Sea Stars Long Spine Urchin Mathaes Urchin Short Spine Urchin Pencil Urchin

Relevance
Coral predator Drupella Coral predator Coral predator Algal control Algal control Algal control Algal control Algal control Algal control Algal control Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure Fishing pressure

Sea Urchins (Echinoidea)

Toxopneustes pileolus

Flower Urchin Cake Urchin Other urchins

Holothuria atra Holothuria fuscopunctata Holothuria fuscogilva Holothuria nobilis Holothuria (undescribed sp.) Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea) Bohadschia spp. Actinopyga spp. Actinopyga mauritiana Stichopus spp. Thelenota ananas Pearsonothurian graeffei Thelenota anax Cephalopod Molluscs (Cephalopoda) Lobsters (Palinuridae) Octopus cyanea Panulirus spp. Parribacus sp./Scyllarides sp.

Lollyfish Elephant Trunk White teatfish Black teatfish Pentard Bohadschia Actinopyga Yellow Surfish Stichopus Prickly Redfish Flowerfish Royal Common Reef Octopus Spiny Lobster Slipper Lobster

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