The 34th general Meeting of the ICRI was held in Townsville, Australia between 3rd and 5th December 2019 at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and Mercure Hotel, Townsville, Australia, and was co-chaired by Australia, Principality of Monaco and Indonesia. A prior workshop, Managing for Coral Reefs, was hosted at the Mercure Hotel on 2nd December. The meeting was attended by over 80 delegates. The overarching theme of the GM was resilience-based management (RBM) following the sector evolution from Ecosystem-based Management (EBM) to RBM. The GM was attended by various ICRI members that operate on local, national and international levels, from international Governments and organisations to local practitioners and small Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO).
CCC Attend the 34th ICRI General Meeting
Tom Dallison • 13 January 2020
Our Head of Science, Tom, attended the International Coral Reef Initiative in Australia last month as countries and NGO's come together to protect coral reefs.
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is an informal partnership between Nations and organizations which strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world. Although the Initiative is an informal group whose decisions are not binding on its members, its actions have been pivotal in continuing to highlight the global importance of coral reefs and related ecosystems to environmental sustainability, food security and social and cultural wellbeing. The work of ICRI is regularly acknowledged in United Nations documents, highlighting the Initiative’s important cooperation, collaboration and advocacy role within the international arena.
The Initiative was founded in 1994 by eight governments: Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. It was announced at the First Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 1994, and at the high-level segment of the Intersessional Meeting of the U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development in April 1995. ICRI now counts more than 60 members.
Managing for Resilience Workshop
The hosted workshop focused on Resilience-Based Management and was designed to build an understanding on what "managing for resilience" means for corals by sharing leading examples of how RBM can be applied whilst opening dialogue between ICRI bodies and introducing the available tool-kits. It was a fantastic opportunity for all attendees to share their experiences whilst introducing resources that enable accessibility and efficacy.
The workshop was split into two components with examples from leading experts in the morning followed by focus groups in the afternoon that aimed to map out resilience-based management at varying levels. This mapping exercise focused on communication, challenges, opportunities and capacity building. Professor Peter Mumby, one of the first experts to present, highlighted the importance of heterogeneity within resilience-based management alongside the recent use of modelling techniques undertaken by the Marine Ecology Spatial Lab. The importance of connectivity in management was emphasised through a case study demonstrating that by managing 3% of reefs on the Great Barrier Reef, resource managers could effectively increase biological and conservation indicator on 47% of other reefs along Australia's east-coast. This is key when considering restricted resources over large spatial scales. Following Pete Mumby was Elizabeth McLeod, the Nature Conservancy, and Jennifer Kross, NOAA, detailing "Why?" we should be focusing on resilience and how we manage the coral reef crisis, respectively. Further in the day, presentations were delivered by the Reef Resilience Network
and Great Barrier Reef Foundation concerning their Resilient Reefs Initiative.
Whilst the workshop continued to highlight the plights of coral reefs, it is evident that through recent years, following strong calls for collaborative approaches, that the sector, from local practitioners to governments, is challenging these plights and making strides in the protection of coral reefs, their resources and those that depend on them.
Day 1
The first day of the GM was held at the
Australian Institute of Marine Science, Cape Ferguson; a fitting setting for Margaret Johnson, ICRI Co-Chair, Australia, to officially open the meeting. Following Margaret Johnson,
Penelope Wensley AC, AIMS Chairman, officially acknowledged ICRI, its achievements and necessary steps by all members and the organisation in the future.
The first few hours of all ICRI GMs are often scheduled for new members to present to ICRI body members, and this years was no different. Presentations were delivered by Canada, Mars Inc. Mirpuri Foudnation, AMAALA, Encounter Edu
and the World Underwater Federation (CMAS), with further applications made by Germany, Jordan and Sri Lanka. Each presentation showcasing their amazing work surrounding coral reefs or how they plan to incorporate coral reefs, and their associated ecosystems into their future directions.
Continuing the day under the theme "AIMS Science Day: Science and Managing for Resilience", various presentations, under the sub-theme of "Understanding the Trends of Coral Reefs", were delivered. A truly exciting announcement was made by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network
(GCRMN), presenting plans for a new Global Status of Coral Reefs set to be published in 2020. CCC are a significant contributor to GCRMN publications and databases, highlighting the importance our continual monitoring efforts in the Philippines as well as our historic projects.
Following GCRMN's announcement, Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero, AIMS, and Emily Darling, WCS, continued with the excitement by introducing two new tool kits for resource mangers that will see a greater integration of technology whilst the use of instantaneous dashboards will increase accessibility for stakeholders and resource managers in the field. MERMAID, produced by WCS and WFF, is accessible and can already be utilised with plans for the ability to upload legacy data in the future. REEFCLOUD, AIMS, is still being trialled and tested.
Day 2
Day 2 of 34th ICRI GM focused on the achievements by ICRI members over the past three years as each member contributed to the accepted Plan of Action 2018 - 2020. The day was segmented into two with the first half of the day focusing on these achievements and the second half enabling discussion of the proposed motions for future direction by ICRI members. Various themes were covered throughout the day from "Promoting effective and adaptable solutions to improve the protection of coral reefs" and "Helping to reduce anthropogenic threats to coral reefs" to "The Live Reef Fish Food Trade (LRFFT)". Key highlights from these presentations included Emily Corcoran providing an update on an ICRI-driven submission to the Convention on Biological Diversity
for the inclusion of Coral Reefs in the post-2020 targets, Chuck Cooper, Vulcan Inc. announced the launch of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, and Yvonne Sadovy
presented the under-reported LRFFT, identifying common traded species and the evolution of fisherfolk behaviour within the fishery. Other presentations included noise pollution on coral reefs, ocean plastics and ICRI's side event, ITMEMS 6.
Following the presentations from ICRI members, various motions
were discussed, of which all were accepted;
- Motion to update the 2005 ICRI resolution on artificial coral reef restoration and rehabilitation;
- Motion to extend the ICRI Ad Hoc Committee on coral reef restoration and adaptation research and development;
- Motion for the inclusion of a coral reef-related target in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework;
- Motion on addressing the decline of herbivorous fish populations for improved coral community health throughout the Tropical Eastern Pacific, the Eastern and Western Atlantic and the Greater Caribbean Region;
- Motion to support the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.
Day 3
After a busy and eventful first two days, the final day of the 34th GM was scheduled to provide time to ICRI members to present their recent achievements and directions for the future. A total of 7 reports were presented by ICRI bodies, summarising recent actions, efforts from the previous years or new initiatives and directions;
- Dr. Augy Syahailatua, Indonesia/COREMAP/LIPI, presented future directions for the COREMAP Initiative across Indonesia, announcing an extension of COREMAP’s third phase until 2022.
- Andrea Grottoli, ICRS President, presented updates for the upcoming International Coral Reef Society (ICRS) 2020 event in Bremen.
- Jennifer Koss, NOAA, presented the drastic and startling new coral disease – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). SCTLD originated in Florida in 2015 following suspected dredging in Broward County, FL. The disease knowingly affects 22 reef-building species and can rapidly spread throughout the colony at a rate of 3-4 cm per day. We recommend anyone that dives or snorkels in the Caribbean to click here and read through signs and symptoms of SCTLD as well as how to report its presence.
- The World Coral Conservatoire; a Noah’s Ark for Coral sand Reef Ecosystems – Didier Zacolla, Monaco
- The IUCN Red List of Threatened Corals – David Obura
- Future Plans of CTI-CFF
- Update on Coral Triangle Centre Activities.
To round off an incredible and inspiring meeting, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) hosted a trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. This was an offer not to be missed! So for those that could attend, the first day of the field trip saw ICRI members travel to Port Douglas from Townsville, a journey amassing over 6-hours but only 1/6th of the length of the GBR, through rain forest and coastal roads. The following day, attendees boarded the Sailaway vessel and headed to the outer reef to see first hand the condition of the reef and the efforts by GBRMPA to protect this wondrous ecosystem.
We would love to learn some more about you, how you found our Scholarship Programme and how it has helped you achieve your goals in the Philippines since graduating! 1) What year did you join the Scholarship Programme? I joined the Coral Cay team in Napantao, Southern Leyte from August to September 2016. In June 2017, I also came back to Coral Cay to help in survey dives for three weeks. Glad to have been given the chance to stay in the base twice with two different groups! 2) Could you please tell us a bit more about yourself? For example, what are your interests, where abouts in the Philippines are you from? etc. I am Carm, a development professional working in the intersection of environmental conservation and human development. I currently work for the Department of Agriculture, helping run projects that aim to improve protected area management in selected key biodiversity sites, at the same time, improve the socio-economic condition in the nearby coastal communities. Aggregation of whalesharks and manta rays are common in where I am currently based so it is a really exciting place to be! I am a Divemaster candidate looking to go “Pro” and I’m also in graduate school studying marine affairs. I love to cycle, hike, climb, fish, camp, discover new places, volunteer in causes, read non-fiction and watch silly rom-coms in my other time.
We would love to learn some more about you, how you found our Scholarship Programme and how it has helped you achieve your goals in the Philippines since graduating! What year did you join the Scholarship Programme? I was a Filipino scholar in August of 2013. Could you please tell us a bit more about yourself? For example, what are your interests, whereabouts in the Philippines are you from? etc. My name is Ara and I was born and raised in Manila. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and weekends would be spent in my grandparents house talking about business over lunch. The fast-paced life of the city was all I ever knew. In University, I took up Communication Technology Management and Minored in Marketing because I also wanted to start my own business someday. As I grew older, I had a constant need to get out of Manila and just travel. When I was not working, I would be exploring some remote island in the Philippines or visiting neighboring countries in Asia. In the past 15 years, I have held job titles like photographer, store manager, photo editor, production manager, operations manager, jewelry maker, mug maker, and now a business owner. Despite the frequent changes in job descriptions and careers, being a traveler, and now a scuba diver, are the only things that have remained constant in my life. What was it about Coral Cay Conservation that made you decide to apply for the scholarship programme? I learned about Coral Cay Conservation from one of my best friend and travel buddy, Jem. One day we were discussing where we could go next and she told me that she would not be available on certain dates because she got accepted as a dive scholar in Coral Cay Conservation. She told me that will be gone for a month doing reef surveys in Napantao, Southern Leyte. I had never heard of Coral Cay Conservation nor of a place called Napantao until that moment, so this peaked my interest even more. One month learning about the conservation and diving almost everyday for free? It seemed to good to be true! The more I read about the scholarship programme, the more I wanted to join. I have always wanted to learn scuba diving but kept pushing it down my bucket list. The idea of learning how to scuba dive for free in my own country was really a no-brainer for an ocean-lover like myself. I knew right away I couldn’t pass up on this opportunity.
Hi Daff, we would love to learn some more about you, how you found our Scholarship Programme and how it has helped you achieve your goals in the Philippines since graduating! 1) What year did you join the Scholarship Programme? I joined the CCC Scholarship Program in November of 2016. I learned about the program from a few acquaintances. It took me at least a year to finally apply and see where it takes me. During that time, I was working with the Department of Tourism. I had a good number of projects that involved eco-tourism, fisheries management, and marine conservation, which kind of made me decide to try and apply. It only took a couple of months for the head office to get me on board and informed me that I was accepted! It was a long trip to Napantao but I enjoyed it since it was my first time in that part of the country. When I arrived, I was met by Claire (field base manager), and of course, the ever-welcoming Coral and Shrimp! 2) Could you please tell us a bit more about yourself? For example, what are your interests, where in the Philippines are you from? etc. I grew up in a small town in Iloilo. We were living fairly in the middle of farmlands and the sea. As a result, most of the people in my place are either farmers or fishermen. My interest in the environment started way back when I was a kid and eventually became more involved as I got my education. I spent two years in a fisheries school where I studied during the first half of my high school. I eventually got into the outdoor movement, which brought me to mountain and cave explorations. It made me appreciate the world and the things around it more. It also gave me a better perspective on how we can help and do better in protecting the environment. During my professional career, I first got into research where I had the opportunity to work with fishing communities. There, I was able to experience first-hand how our oceans are under threat due to climate change and human activities.
We would love to learn some more about you, how you found our Scholarship Programme and how it has helped you achieve your goals in the Philippines since graduating! 1) What year did you join the Scholarship Programme? I joined Coral Cay Conservation’s Scholarship Program this year, 2020, specifically last March. And it’s probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I will forever thank myself for applying for it because it was such a beautiful opportunity. 2) Could you please tell us a bit more about yourself? For example, what are your interests, where abouts in the Philippines are you from? etc. Well, my name is Easter and that’s because I was born on Easter Sunday. I live in the small town of Hilongos Leyte, just two or more hours away from Southern Leyte. And just as how every other kid that grew up in a province with the beach just a walk away, I, too, grew up loving it. I remember just being in the water and finding comfort in it. I started taking swimming classes in Cebu City every summer I get the chance too, and I remember feeling so new to the feel of the pool, my swimming cap, and goggles. I never really wore these in the beach, my siblings and I would literally swim with or without goggles with our eyes wide open. I competed twice and didn’t do badly for a beginner. The city has a special spot in my heart because, before coming to Coral Cay, I worked at Turtle’s Nest Book Café & Gallery in Lahug. I worked behind the bar there and made cheap coffee while entertaining locals, regulars, and tourists. I guess I just love amusing people and learning about them. 3) What was it about Coral Cay Conservation that made you decide to apply for the scholarship programme? I found out about Coral Cay Conservation when I googled environmental conservation organizations near me. At the time, I was still in school but had already decided on taking a different path. I’ve always wanted to learn more about conservation, but the expenses in volunteering camps always hindered me until I saw Coral Cay Conservation’s Scholarship Program. I read what it included and what it did not and got excited about learning about corals! I’m not going to lie but during this time I didn’t know corals are animals, so, that got me so hooked and I just started reading about it! And since this was CCC’s specialty, I decided to apply. 4) What was the most exciting part of your scholarship placement? And what were your favourite moments? The most exciting part of the scholarship was scuba diving. I had only ever seen it in movies, the Discovery Channel or on National Geographic. I never thought I would be ever be learning about it and doing scuba diving myself. Also, because it made me see a part of the underwater world that I only ever hear in the news, see in movies, and read in books. And I have so many favorite moments with CCC, a few would be the pointy dives, dinner talks, Sundays when we’re supposed to be dry but we’d still choose to snorkel to see more of what’s under, and, honestly, just the whole of it! I have never been in a place with so much understanding and learning and good food and people! 5) What would you say to people thinking of applying to Coral Cay Conservations scholarship programme? Any words of wisdom or advice!? To anyone who’s planning to apply for Coral Cay Conservation’s Scholarship Program, please do. You’re going to learn a whole lot (more) about the ocean, the reefs, our planet, people and culture from different corners of the world, and butterflyfish! Do it. It’s going to be worth it! 6) Since finishing your scholarship with Coral Cay Conservation, where has life taken you? How have the skills and experience received from the scholarship benefited you since graduating? Given the current situation now, with COVID-19 and the halt to almost everything, I haven’t really done much since graduating. But I now have more confidence about the path I want to take and am in. With this, I revamped the organization—Kuntahay—that I started in September last year. Kuntahay is a Visayan term for “imagine” and with and through it, I want people to see the beauty of both under and above water. It also follows the conscious and careful lifestyle, hoping to encourage more people to be in the fight against climate change and systemic oppression. And the skills and experience that I have acquired in CCC have truly benefited me in some ways. I can now identify fishes, corals, coral bleaching and diseases! And when my friends and I go snorkeling in the neighboring town that has a dying/growing reef in it, I would share with them the exciting parts! But right now, I’m looking forward to enrolling to Marine Biology next school year, and it’s such a relief to be looking forward to something I know I actually want to pursue because I’ve been in and out of school for a while now, due to not having a clear idea of where I really want to go. But ever since my time in CCC, I’ve been introduced to new things and re-introduced to, what I believe I have nearly forgotten about in my years of being in the city, the ocean and its importance.
Biodiversity Restoration David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, opens our eyes to truths many of us have tried to ignore. Our planet is changing at an accelerated and unprecedented rate, and it is up to us to try and change this uncertain trajectory. Biodiversity loss is considered to be one of the severest threats to our environment, and without action, over half the world’s marine species could be nearing extinction by 2100. The ocean is home to over 90% of the habitable space on our planet, but only about 5% of the worlds ocean and adjacent seas are protected, compared to 12% of the worlds land . 50% of the oxygen on our planet is created in the ocean , by microscopic phytoplankton, which forms the very base of the marine food chain and enables life. The ocean is a critical carbon sink, and the blue carbon locked in our marine habitats may be up to 5 times the amount of carbon stored in tropical forests . And unfortunately, it is thought that between 3 0-35% of global critical marine habitats (seagrass, coral reefs and mangroves) have been destroyed.
David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, reflects on previous trips to coral reefs, which were once colourful, vibrant, and full of life. When returning to these exact reefs however, he notices a very stark contrast in the corals appearance; they are white. But what is coral bleaching and why is it something that we should be aware of, and increasingly concerned about? What is a coral? For many, corals are a confusing organism: Is it a rock, a plant, or an animal? Corals are marine invertebrates in the class Anthozoa, of the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish, hydroids (Portuguese men-of-war), sea anemones and sea fans! Corals are sessile animals, and once their larval stage is complete, are permanently attached to the ocean floor. When we think of a coral, we are not really thinking about an individual coral, but in fact a colony of corals, made up of thousands of individual polyps! In reef-building corals, these soft-tissue polyps secrete a hard-outer skeleton made up of calcium carbonate, which over millions of years creates vast expansive biological structures that can sometimes be seen from space ! Producing and secreting these calcium deposits is energetically costly, so corals have evolved a unique symbiotic relationship with an algae called zooxanthellae. These microscopic algae reside within the coral tissue and create energy via photosynthesis. An incredible 90% of the organic material produced photosynthetically by zooxanthellae can be transferred to the host coral , giving the coral sufficient energy to live, thrive and grow! Why are corals valuable? Coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of the oceans floor but house a staggering 25% of the oceans biodiversity! Corals provide a wealth of eco-system services, acting as nursery habitats for commercially valuable species, providing a source of primary protein for coastal communities, creating a source of income through tourism and recreation, and also protecting coastal areas from storm surges. It is estimated that the economic goods and services provided by coral reefs amount to an annual value of $375 billion! Corals have been around for millions of years and have even survived global mass extinctions, but due to raising ocean temperatures the future of corals is scarily uncertain – and this is largely due to coral bleaching.
‘Knowledge is like a vast ocean. It is inexhaustible quest!’ – Lailah Gifty Akita
We've taken some time to catch up with one of our previous Science Officers, Jasmine. Here we quiz her on what she's been up to since CCC, her favourite elements of the role and some advice for up-and-coming Marine Conservationists.
Santa Paz Norte National High School held an Environmental Action Day to achieve their Gold Sea Star award!
