From 17 September until 25 September the WCS team surveyed reefs in the Lembeh Strait to Tangkoko Nature Reserve region of northern Sulawesi. The survey was conducted to evaluate the condition of reefs and the abundance/biomass of reef fish which support the livelihoods of local communities.  Sulawesi has been a priority for WCS for many years. The marine program has identified current needs and opportunities to work with governments and local stakeholders to further refine MPA regulations in Lembeh and Tangkoko.  Through this, we aim to help protect this internationally renowned marine area.

Using base maps from previous work in the region conducted by the Coastal Resource Management Project we were able to get a “snapshot” of the reef condition in the northern part of Lembeh Strait. Generally speaking the corals and other benthic marine life are in good condition with little evidence from destructive fishing, anchor damage or pollution from nutrient inputs. However a lack of large sized reef fish was indicative of overfishing and the crown of thorns starfish had invaded the northern part of the Straits and killed many hectares of reef at one site. Also thousands of Acanthaster had invaded reefs adjacent to Tangkoko Nature Reserve causing damage to foliose and branching corals.

Local dive operators, who are members of the local NGO, North Sulawesi Water Sport Association (NSWA) and led by Danny Charlton, pulled out about 1045 Achantaster on Friday 28 September.  Intensive efforts to continue this are being planned.  WCS hopes to continue by working with local communities, governments and dive operators to formalize some conservation initiatives and help design and implement marine resource management initiatives for the area.