The Northern Reef Project is home to some of Palau's most productive fishing grounds and encompasses a total of 3,930 Km of territorial waters pertaining to the states of Kayangel and Ngarchelong. Its waters include important habitats of coral reef systems, barrier reef, patch reefs, sea grass, nesting beaches, unique atoll forests; and offer spawning and aggregation sites for nationally protected fish species and breeding areas for seabirds among other species. Given the decline in fisheries, both states have recently established marine law enforcement programs to reverse trends and protect their near shore territorial waters (12NM). This report analyzes the legal framework, competencies and jurisdictions of all marine enforcement agencies in order to design an enforcement system for the Northern Reef project that is practical, affordable and feasible to implement over a four-year timeframe. While it is the responsibility of each state to implement activities according to their respective timelines, it would behoove them to develop their programs in tandem given their similar stage in development and the synergies afforded through cooperation. The final enforcement system design provides strategic sensor coverage to key fishing areas, MPAs and access ways. The strategy combines high-power video cameras and a robust VHF marine radio network with the strategic placement of buoys, patrol vessels and a floating barge to provide a constant presence and fast response capacity throughout both Marine Managed Areas (MMAs). All CAPEX and OPEX decisions were made in consideration of a highly limited budget, which is currently underwritten by the Protected Areas Network (PAN). More importantly, there is a defined a blueprint of critical steps for the capacity building and professionalization of the Rangers, who truly are the core component of the Northern Reef enforcement program.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
Published By
Funded By
Copyright
- Copyright 2014 by The Nature Conservancy. All rights reserved.