The Amadis Project 2004/05 A Voyage of coral reef conservation and education www.theamadisproject.co.uk

Expedition Report of the Pacific Leg : French Polynesia & Cook Islands April – September 2005 by Gwenaël HEMERY, Marine Science Co-ordinator

South pass, Fakarava atoll, French Polynesia (G.Hémery)

The Amadis Project 2004/05 www.theamadisproject.co.uk

Expedition Report of the Pacific Leg : French Polynesia & Cook Islands April – September 2005 by Gwenaël HEMERY, Marine Science Co-ordinator March 2006

Aim of the project: To contribute to coral reef conservation through exploration, data collection, environmental awareness and education.

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The Amadis Project 2004/05 www.theamadisproject.co.uk

Contacts

Project Leader: Lily Kozmian-Ledward Wickhampton Farm Barn Loa Road, Wickhampton Norwick, Norfolk NR13 3PA UK Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]

Marine Science Co-ordinator: Gwenaël Hémery 825 Rue de la Rocaille 01170 Cessy FRANCE Email: [email protected]

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Table of Content 1. ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 2. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 7 3. EXPEDITION MEMBERS ............................................................................................................................ 10 4. FIELDWORK AND RESEARCH ................................................................................................................. 12 4.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 12 4.2 METHODS .................................................................................................................................................... 13 4.2.1 Coral reef health survey – Reef Check technique ............................................................................... 13 4.2.2 Survey and monitoring (Disease Observation) ................................................................................... 14 4.2.3 Limitations to the survey methods....................................................................................................... 14 4.2.4 Site selection ....................................................................................................................................... 15 4.3 FRENCH POLYNESIA .................................................................................................................................... 15 4.3.1 Context ................................................................................................................................................ 15 4.3.2 Specific Aims and Objectives .............................................................................................................. 16 4.3.3 Site selection ....................................................................................................................................... 16 4.3.3.1 Fakarava atoll ................................................................................................................................................16 4.3.3.2 Toau atoll ......................................................................................................................................................17

4.3.4 Results................................................................................................................................................. 18 4.3.4.1 General observations .....................................................................................................................................19 4.3.4.2 Substrate composition ...................................................................................................................................19 4.3.4.3 Fish................................................................................................................................................................23 4.3.4.4 Invertebrates..................................................................................................................................................25 4.3.4.5 Bleaching ......................................................................................................................................................26 4.3.4.6 Diseases.........................................................................................................................................................26 4.3.4.7 Environmental education day ........................................................................................................................26

4.3.5 Discussion and Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 28 4.4 COOK ISLANDS ............................................................................................................................................ 28 4.4.1 Context ................................................................................................................................................ 28 4.4.2 Specific aims and objectives................................................................................................................ 29 4.4.3 Site selection ....................................................................................................................................... 29 4.4.3.1 Aitutaki almost-atoll......................................................................................................................................29 4.4.3.2 Manuae atoll..................................................................................................................................................30

4.4.4 Results................................................................................................................................................. 31 4.4.4.1 General observations .....................................................................................................................................31 4.4.4.2 Benthic cover ................................................................................................................................................35 4.4.4.3 Fish community.............................................................................................................................................37 4.4.4.4 Invertebrates abundance ................................................................................................................................39 4.4.4.5 Bleaching ......................................................................................................................................................41 4.4.4.6 Diseases.........................................................................................................................................................41 4.4.4.7 Environmental education day ........................................................................................................................41

4.4.5 Discussion and Conclusion................................................................................................................. 45 5. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS ...................................................................................................... 46 5.1 RESEARCH MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................ 46 5.2 TRAINING .................................................................................................................................................... 46 5.3 PERMISSION AND PERMITS ........................................................................................................................... 47 French Polynesia .......................................................................................................................................................47 Cook Islands..............................................................................................................................................................47

5.4 FUND RAISING.............................................................................................................................................. 47 5.4.1 Sponsors.............................................................................................................................................. 47 5.4.2 Grants ................................................................................................................................................. 48 5.5 FINANCES .................................................................................................................................................... 48 5.5.1 Breakdown of budget costs ................................................................................................................. 48 5.5.2 Project Income .................................................................................................................................... 49 5.6 TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND FREIGHTING ....................................................................................................... 49 5.7 FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION ...................................................................................................................... 49

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5.8 COMMUNICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 49 5.9 RISKS AND HAZARDS ................................................................................................................................... 49 5.10 MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 50 5.11 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT................................................................................. 52 5.11.1 Environmental impacts: .................................................................................................................... 52 5.11.2 Social impacts:.................................................................................................................................. 52 6. DIARY AND LOG .......................................................................................................................................... 52 7. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................................ 55 8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 57 9. APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................................. 59 9.1 DETAILED REEF CHECK METHODOLOGY FOR THE AMADIS PROJECT 2004/05............................................. 59 9.2 INVENTORY OF STORES AND EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................... 67 9.3 RAW FIELD DATA ......................................................................................................................................... 69 9.4 SCHOOL PRESENTATION NOTES IN AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS ..................................................................... 70 10. BIBLIOGRAPHY.......................................................................................................................................... 72 11. DISTRIBUTION LIST ................................................................................................................................. 73

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Table of Figures Fig 1. The initial Amadis Project 2004/05 route Fig 2. Map of French Polynesia Fig 3. Maps of the Southern Group, Cook Islands and Aitutaki almost-atoll Fig 4. Map of Fakarava survey sites Fig 5. Map of Toau survey sites Fig 6. Typical outreef slope on Fakarava and Toau atolls Fig 7. Typical lagoon reef on Fakarava and Toau atolls Fig 8. Benthos composition of the shallow Reef Check 1999 site Fig 9. Reef of the Fakarava South Pass at around 25m Fig 10. Benthos community composition at 3m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons (L) and outreefs (O) Fig 11. Benthos community composition at 10m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons (L) and outreefs (O) Fig 12. Comparison between the density of fish at 3m and at 10m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons and outreefs (Barramundi Cod: Cromileptes altivelis; Peacock grouper: Cephalopholis argus; Humphead wrasse: Cheilinus undulatus; Bumphead parrotfish: Bolbometopon muricatum; Bluelined snapper: Lutjanus kasmira; Orangespine unicornfish: Naso lituratus). Fig 13. Comparison between the density of fish at 3m and at 10m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons and outreefs. Fig 14. Sharks in Fakarava South Pass Fig 15. Photos of the educational day at school, French Polynesia Fig 16. Map of Aitutaki study sites Fig 17. Map of Manuae Study sites Fig 18. Photo of a typical reef topography in the south of the pass on Aitutaki west coast (Here South Pass Site) Fig 19. Photo of benthos community structure in Amuri, Aitutaki. Hard coral form dominated by branching and submassive Fig 20. Photo of the North West Corner site of Manuae Fig 21. Photo of algae dominating the benthos community in Maina reef Fig 22. Photo of Vaioue landscape with all the yellowish coral colonies being recently killed Fig 23. Photo of Crown-of-thorn predation at 10m in Vaioue, Aitutaki Fig 24. Photo of Green turtle mating in Manuae Fig 25. Benthos community composition at 3m in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs Fig 26. Benthos community composition at 10m in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs Fig 27. Fish population composition in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs at 3m. Fig 28. Fish population composition in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs at 10m. Fig 29. Invertebrate population composition at 3m in Aitutaki and Manuae Fig 30. Invertebrate population composition at 10m in Aitutaki and Manuae Fig 31. School presentation in Aitutaki Fig 32. Environmental education day photos in Rarotonga, Cook Islands Fig 33. Project presentation for secondary classes

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8 9 10 17 18 19 19 20 20 21 22

23 24 25 27 30 30 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45

1. Abstract The Pacific leg of The Amadis Project 2004/5 aimed at collecting coral reef data in the South Pacific region. The data collected were to supplement global databases and local resource management programmes. The Amadis Project 2004/5 used the Reef Check survey technique and also partnered with the UNEP-WCMC regarding coral disease observation. The project planned to work in French Polynesia, Cook Islands and Fiji. Unfortunately for logistical and personal reasons, the project had to stop in the Cook Islands. In total, 24 coral reef sites have been surveyed at 10m and 3m depths in the Fakarava and Toau atolls of the Tuamotu archipelago, French Polynesia and Aitutaki and Manuae atolls in the Southern Cook Islands. In general, we could observe a healthy coral reef system in French Polynesia with a high density of top food chain predators such as sharks. Moreover, in most areas, hard corals were dominant (up to 90%). In the Cook Islands, a worrying crown-of-thorn predation impact could be recorded on the west reef of the almost-atoll of Aitutaki. One site in particular showed a high proportion of recently killed coral colonies. The data collected will be added to the Reef Check database and also given to the relevant governments for local use purposes. No signs of massive coral mortality due to disease events could be recorded. However, some unidentified coral mortality causes were observed, the infected colonies photographed and the pictures sent to UNEP-WCMC experts for identification. Disease data collected in the Pacific region by The Amadis Project 2004/5 will enhance the international ReefBase database. The other major aspect of The Amadis Project 2004/5 was environmental awareness. Two full days of educational programmes for children were organised and three oral presentations were proposed to secondary classes. Considering the tight schedule of The Amadis Project 2004/5, there was a limit to the number of environmental education (EE) activities that could be proposed. However, the EE programmes were a success considering the feedback given by both the teachers and the students.

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2. Introduction Tropical coral reefs represent 0.2% of the sea floor. Although they represent a tiny area in total, these 284 300 km2 of coral reefs are found in the waters of more than 100 countries. As a very productive ecosystem, they sustain a quarter of all marine life and support the livelihoods of more than a billion people. Capable of sustaining coastal communities world-wide by offering benefits to humankind from food production, tourism, recreation, aesthetic, and shoreline protection, coral reefs and the associated ecosystems have great economic, social and cultural importance to nations, and entire regions. As competition among users of reef resources increases, so does the significance of coral reefs to the human populations that depend on them. Coral reefs are in serious decline globally, especially those near shallow shelves and dense populations. It has been estimated that 10% of coral reefs on Earth have already been destroyed and that 60% are either severely damaged or threatened by immediate dangers. Many human activities have impacts on coral reef health. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices threaten the structure and functions of reef ecosystems. Development often leads to land reclamation on reefs and damages other areas by pollution and nutrient run-off from land. Deforestation and poor agricultural practices are responsible for heavy sedimentation, which can smother and kill wide areas of corals. Additionally, ‘natural’ disturbance and global events such as cyclones, El Niño events and global warming contribute to coral reef decline. Those activities and disturbances cause coral reef degradation and can lead to coral death, bleaching or diseases and consecutively to natural resource diminution. There is a growing awareness of the need to conserve coral reefs. This awareness can be tracked back to a sequence of wake-up calls on the increasing degradation of coral reefs. In 1992, alarm calls were raised at the 7th International Coral Reef Symposium in Guam. In 1994, the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), an informal global partnership regrouping governments, non-governmental organisations, academic institutes and the private sector was formed. In 1997, The International Year of the Coral Reefs regrouped experts in activities to promote public education, the knowledge of this ecosystem and further data collection. New activities started then including the launch of Reef Check. In 1998, the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) within ICRI chose the Reef Check (RC) protocol to serve as its community-based monitoring programme. Then, the need for a global information system on coral reefs was felt and ReefBase was created. Indeed, information from sophisticated methods is usually published in the primary scientific literature and may not be readily available or understood by a non-technical reader. A larger body of information has been compiled in technical reports, which are generally for limited distribution. This makes it difficult for the people tasked with managing coral reefs to obtain the information needed for good management even when comprehensive information exists. ReefBase gathers available knowledge about coral reefs into one information repository. It provides country-level data and information in a logical series of themes: resources, status, threats, management, maps, photos, and references. ReefBase is the official database of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), as well as the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN). The ReefBase Project is housed at the World Fish Centre in Penang, Malaysia, with funding through ICRAN from the United Nations Foundation (UNF). ReefBase website address is: www.ReefBase.org.

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It is recognised that “the critical first step in conservation is to assess the resources, then monitor trends in these resources, including how the human components are interacting with the resources” (Wilkinson, 2002). However, there is still a distinct lack of information on the health of coral reefs in many areas, especially those in remote islands. Moreover, the threats on coral reefs increase significantly and monitoring the ecosystems is necessary for developing efficient resource management. In the global conservation effort to preserve coral reefs and prevent threats to environmental and food security, every initiative either from local community, government or international organisations is needed. The Amadis Project 2004/5 aimed at contributing to the effort made to protect coral reef ecosystems by collecting further data on coral reef status and the trends they follow. Some reefs are more studied and surveyed than others considering their easy access location and proximity to a research centre or university. The reefs of the Pacific region are widely spaced and the distance to reach them can be an obstacle in their study. That is how The Amadis Project 2004/5 was thought out: using a sailing boat with minimum environmental impacts as a roving research platform to reach remote coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean (Fig.1). In addition, considering the previous point, coral diseases are not well known in the Pacific and the database run by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre of the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP-WCMC) is missing data in this region. Finally, environmental education is a key tool for long-term conservation and it is by teaching the young generations to preserve their environment and understand its importance that sustainable management will be reached. Therefore, The Amadis Project 2004/5 also aimed at setting up and carrying through some environmental education (EE) programmes in various schools. The Amadis Project 2004/5 expectations were to bring back environmental data and observations from remote coral reefs in French Polynesia and Cook Islands. The initial plan was to also collect data in Fiji but for several logistic and personal issues, the project had to stop in the Cook Islands.

Fig 1. The initial Amadis Project 2004/05 route (Source of the base map: Reefbase)

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Protection of coral reefs and natural environment in general needs different levels of intervention, from international to local. Therefore, The Amadis Project 2004/5 has been working with Reef Check, an internationally known organisation, particularly efficient in environmental awareness, as well as with UNEP-WCMC which gathers data on coral diseases amongst other subjects. In addition, The Amadis Project 2004/5 wished to participate in local environment protection programmes and make sure that the data collected could be used by local governments and organisations. In French Polynesia, The Amadis Project 2004/5 team was working along with the Man and Biosphere Reserve project in the district of Fakarava, Tuamotu archipelago (Fig.2). In the Cook Islands, we were supported and advised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Pacific Expeditions Ltd. The Amadis Project 2004/5 team surveyed the almost-atoll of Aitutaki and Manuae atoll in the Southern Group (Fig.3).

Fig 2. Map of French Polynesia

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Fig 3. Maps of the Southern Group, Cook Islands and Aitutaki almost-atoll

3. Expedition Members The Amadis Project 2004/5 team was composed of 5 members at all times. For personal reasons, one team member left the project in French Polynesia and was replaced. This shift involved a new training session in survey techniques for the new crew member. The details of the team members below correspond to the start of the Pacific Leg. Lily Kozmian-Ledward: Skipper of SV Amadis, Project Leader. AGE: 25 NATIONALITY: British QUALIFICATIONS: BSc (Hons) Marine & Freshwater Biology RYA: Yachtmaster Ocean (theory), Yachtmaster Offshore (theory), Day Skipper (practical), International Certificate of Competence. Maritime Communications Agency: Maritime Radio Operators Certificates of Competence: Short range certificate, Long range certificate with satellite endorsements PADI: Rescue Diver EXPERIENCE: Sailing: 8000 + nautical miles logged as yacht captain, majority offshore in various areas of the world. Diving: 60 dives including survey dives, in variety of environments and locations. 10

Marine research: Managing The Amadis Project 2004/5, Caribbean Leg, 6 months at Leigh Marine Lab, New Zealand assisting MSc, PhD and post-docs in a variety of tasks. Work undertaken on Honours project in NZ LANGUAGES: English: native language Basic French and Spanish Gwenaël Hémery : Marine Science Co-ordinator (May – September 2005) AGE: 28 NATIONALITY: French QUALIFICATIONS: MSc Tropical Coastal Management, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK Postgraduate Diploma in Coastal Environment Sciences and Applied Geology, France PADI: Rescue Diver EXPERIENCE: Marine Research: Research officer Madagascar; Research assistant in Kenya, Honduras and Egypt Training Co-ordination: Tropical coastal management programme in Madagascar; Environmental Training programme in France Environmental Education: Outdoor and indoor activities for children between 3 and 12 years old on environmental themes Diving: 150 dives in different tropical areas (Caribbean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean) LANGUAGES: French: native language English: fluent Basic Spanish Stuart Keasley: 1st Mate, Dive Officer, Surveyor (May – August 2005) AGE: 36 NATIONALITY: British QUALIFICATIONS: BSc (Hons) Business and Information Technology PADI: Instructor (OWSI), (May 2002), Emergency First Response Instructor (May 2002) RYA: Day Skipper, Sea Survival course. EXPERIENCE: Diving: 300 dives in 20 countries over 7 years. Sailing: Crewing on a range of yachts in Europe and the Caribbean. 4,500 miles. LANGUAGES: English: native language Spanish: basic Rikkert Van Der Veer : 1st Mate, Surveyor (May – September 2005) AGE: 24 NATIONALITY: Dutch QUALIFICATIONS: MSc Earth System Science, University of Wageningen, The Netherlands BSc Aquatic Ecotechnology (and Water management), University of Vlissingen, The Netherlands PADI Rescue Diver EXPERIENCE:

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Research for thesis at the Waterboard of District Zeeland. Research ecological assessment of (non-) estuarine brackish waters within the control area of district water board Zeeuwse Eilanden. Traineeship at ‘Royal Haskoning’. Research for water quality (based on species in aquatic system) in polder areas in the western part of The Netherlands. LANGUAGES: Dutch: native language. English: Good. French: Moderate German: Reasonable. Tavis Walker: Pacific crew member, Surveyor (May – September 2005) AGE: 24 NATIONALITY: British QUALIFICATIONS: BSc (Hons) Archaeology and Geography BTec in Tropical Marine Conservation PADI Rescue Diver EXPERIENCE: Researcher for the Heritage Management Services, Oxford Archaeology Research Assistant for archaeological excavations Research Assistant for a marine conservation programme (Madagascar) LANGUAGES: English: native language Basic French Karin Olofsson: Pacific crew member, Surveyor (August – September 2005) AGE: 21 NATIONALITY: Swedish QUALIFICATIONS: High school Diploma (planning to undertake BA Political Science) PADI Advanced Open Water EXPERIENCE: Sailing on different yachts for a total of 6 months Travelling for 2 ½ years LANGUAGES: Swedish: native language English: fluent French, Portuguese, Spanish: moderate

4. Fieldwork and Research 4.1 Aims and Objectives As already explained, The Amadis Project 2004/5 aimed at contributing to the global coral reef conservation effort via exploration, monitoring and environmental awareness. The project supported national and international initiatives during its pacific route in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands.

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Our general objectives were to: - Survey little studied areas to collect baseline data on reef health. - Study zones impacted by human activities at different levels. - Record disease observation. - Raise public awareness about the importance of reefs and the threats to them.

4.2 Methods 4.2.1 Coral reef health survey – Reef Check technique The Amadis Project 2004/5 chose the Reef Check (RC) technique as it is a simple survey method, quick and easy to teach to experienced divers; it also represents a good environmental awareness tool. Reef Check is the largest international coral reef monitoring programme designed for non-professional divers to assess reef health. RC has focused on the abundance of the particular coral reef organisms that best reflect the condition of the ecosystem and that are easily recognisable to non-specialists. Selection of these organisms was chosen based on their economic and ecological value, their sensitivity to human impacts, and ease of identification. Several species and/or families were added to the original list of organisms to represent local environment characteristics. The standard Reef Check survey protocol utilises transects at two depths of approximately 3m and 10m. SCUBA diving was used for the 10m surveys and snorkelling for the 3m ones. The transects follow the designated depth contour one after the other; 20m segment start and end points must be separated by a 5m gap. Therefore, the distance between the start of the first segment and the end of the last segment is 20+5+20+5+20+5+20=95m. The 5m gaps are necessary to ensure independence between samples, which is important for statistical analyses. Four types of data were recorded by four surveyors along one transect line at each depth. Firstly, a site description sheet was completed which included locations, anecdotal, observational and historical information and other data. Secondly, four 5m*20m*5m (L*l*H) transect boxes were sampled for commercially important fish. Divers on fish surveys remained stationary at the start of each 20m transect for three minutes. This method ensures minimal disturbance to the fish population allowing reef fish to resume ‘normal behaviour’. The divers then swam slowly along the transect and the surveyor counted fish as he went along. Thirdly, four 5m*20m (L*l) transect belts were surveyed for invertebrate taxa typically targeted as food species or collected as curios. Quantitative counts were made of each species. Finally, four 20m long transect lines were point sampled at 0.5m intervals to determine the substratum types and benthic community of the reef. The diver noted down the substratum type directly under each point 50cm apart. The standard Reef Check protocol splits the benthic substratum into 11 categories (hard coral, soft coral, recently killed coral, nutrient indicator algae, sponge, rock, rubble, sand, silt/clay and ‘other’). Finally, the substratum surveyors recorded coral damage from anchors, dynamite or ‘other’ factors and trash from fishing nets or ‘other’. Divers rated the damage caused by each factor using a 0-3 scale (0 = none, 1 = low, 2 = medium, 3 = high). Some aspects of the method were adapted to the logistical and environmental conditions of The Amadis Project 2004/5 but obviously the core methodology was kept (cf. Appendices 9.1 for the detailed methodology).

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4.2.2 Survey and monitoring (Disease Observations) The first version of the Global Coral Disease Database (GCDD - http://www.unepwcmc.org/marine/coraldis/guide.htm) was created in 1999/2000 and is populated with some 2000 points of data from 155 references, mostly peer reviewed scientific literature. This initial data set was biased to the Western Atlantic Ocean, leaving an information hole over the Pacific and Indian Oceans, reflecting the research activity during this period. Over the last 5 years there has been a rapid increase in activity in the field of coral disease research, in quantity and geographical distribution of research. More global data are available and UNEP-WCMC is currently updating the GCDD accordingly. Data are available from a range of sources, from specialists of coral diseases to scientists monitoring coral reefs as well as unpublished volunteer survey teams. All information regarding the observation of coral diseases is of use and the database has been structured to allow data entries to be classified according to collector competence. The Amadis Project 2004/5 intended to catalogue (using digital photography) occurrences of diseases that were observed during surveys undertaken as part of the Amadis Project 2004/5. This data was fed back to the GCDD, helping to strengthen the data available for the Pacific Ocean where there is relatively less information on coral diseases in scientific literature than other regions such as the western Atlantic. Data on coral diseases was collected during the Reef Check surveys by the diver collecting data on invertebrates. The surveyor recorded and reported the following data on 5m*20m belt transects: - Year, Month - Latitude and longitude - Country, Region, Reef name - Nearest town - Disease name - Species/Genus affected - % colonies infected (Disease incidence %) - Qualitative disease (descriptive text) - Number of diseased colonies/m² - Disease comments - Qualitative mortality % - Number of dead colonies/m² - General comments (descriptive text) - Reference 4.2.3 Limitations to the survey methods - Weather conditions: Surveys cannot be undertaken in rough sea. Moreover, The Amadis Project 2004/5 being based on a boat, navigation and anchorage issues were raised when the weather conditions were not favourable. For example, as the wind was mainly the SE trade wind, the East and South of Aitutaki, Cook Islands, could not be surveyed. In addition, as the weather was quite windy and the swell important, surveys could not be carried out every day. Moreover, the conditions were too bad to reach Manuae (strong wind, bad direction and high swell). It took SV Amadis 28 hours to sail 60 miles from Aitutaki to Manuae. As a result, only 2 surveys were possible in Manuae in one day. - Tide: Tide had to be taken into account for survey and navigation planning. Entering or going out of lagoons in atolls was regulated by the water level and the current speed in the pass.

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For example, to enter the lagoon of Aitutaki, high tide was essential (maximum depth at high tide: 1.6m!). So survey schedule and sheltering from rough sea had to fit to the tide tables. - Number of surveyors: For personal reasons, one team member did not participate in most of the French Polynesia surveys. The team number was then down to 4 for less than two weeks. If the number of team members is lower than 5, surveying is still possible but it takes twice the amount of time as only 2 or 3 divers could be in the water at the same time, the fourth team member being surface support. 4.2.4 Site selection Survey sites have been selected considering several parameters: the geographical location of the reef on the atolls (lagoon, external drop off, proximity to passes), the anthropogenic impact level (fishery, harbour, town, etc.), and the accessibility with the boat. Considering the time available, discussion with local people (dive centres, scientists, etc.) helped selecting the most representative sites.

4.3 French Polynesia 4.3.1 Context French Polynesia lies in the South Pacific and extends over about 2.5 million km2 of ocean. It is part of the Polynesian Province characterised by numerous small islands and has a very small land mass compared to its surrounding waters. French Polynesia consists of 118 islands of which 84 are atolls; most of the remainders are high volcanic islands. Around 11 of those are regularly studied and monitored. The marine environment of French Polynesia is probably the best studied of this Province. In 1996, the population was estimated to be about 220 000, not evenly distributed. Of the 118 islands only 76 are inhabited and of these Tahiti and Moorea in the Society Islands have 75% of the entire population. Considering the ocean proportion of the French Polynesian territory, coral reefs and the marine environment are of great significance to the people, both in terms of culture and economy. Coral reef fisheries provide food for local consumption and export within the region. Tuna and other pelagic fish are caught offshore for both the local market and export. In addition, there are two other well-developed activities: the black pearl industry and tourism. Most anthropogenic impacts occur obviously in the most populous areas: the Society Islands. In some atolls, fishing is an important activity and may have led to overfishing. The local Reef Check co-ordinator for French Polynesia is Caroline Vieux, (she is also the GCRMN Polynesia Mana co-ordinator) and is based in the research centre CRIOBE in Moorea. Reef Check monitoring surveys are regularly undertaken in the Society Islands, Moorea and Bora-Bora. In the Tuamotu archipelago on the other hand, only two Reef Check sites exist: one on Fakarava and one on Apataki. In addition, they are not regularly monitored. The Amadis Project 2004/5 chose then to work in the Tuamotu archipelago, one of the 5 archipelagos composing French Polynesia. This archipelago is scattered over 800 000 km2 and composed of atolls only. This choice was made for several logistical and research reasons. The Society archipelago is relatively well studied considering that the University and the Research Centre CRIOBE are based there. The Gambier and Austral archipelagos are little studied but they are located too far away from the usual Pacific sailing route and

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The Amadis Project 2004/5 would have spent more time reaching the sites than studying them. Finally, the reefs of the Marquesas Archipelago are not very much developed. As the Tuamotu rchipelago covers a vast area, The Amadis Project 2004/5 had to focus on one particular area for schedule reasons. In addition, the Fakarava district seemed to have already shown particular interest in coral reef protection and natural resource management. Therefore, it was an opportunity for us to contribute to the local conservation effort. The Man and Biosphere project in Fakarava: “La Réserve de Biosphère des Tuamotu”. The Fakarava district is composed of 7 atolls: Fakarava, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Toau and Taiaro. Taiaro has been declared a Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve in 1977. However, as the atoll is uninhabited, the marine reserve does not fit the current MAB criteria anymore. That is why the zonation has been reviewed since 1998 and a proposal has been made to extend the reserve to the whole district, thus including the 7 atolls: it was then called “La Réserve de Biosphère des Tuamotu” (Tuamotu Biosphere Reserve). This project is still currently running and the new management plan has to be accepted by the local community. Therefore, every environment conservation initiative is useful to raise local people’s awareness and understanding about the project and its consequences on their environment and future life. That is where The Amadis Project 2004/5 fitted in. It contributed to the MAB Project database by collecting additional coral reef data. It was also used as an awareness tool. In fact, even if the locals seemed already well aware of the environmental issues of their atoll, education is a long-term process: the presence of a scientific team in the area showed the local and international importance of their marine environment. 4.3.2 Specific Aims and Objectives Our specific original objectives in French Polynesia were to: - Collect data to add to the baseline studies used for the Marine Environment Management Plan (PGEM) in Fakarava district. - Monitor Reef Check sites that already exist. - Run environmental programmes. However, a failing contact and politically sensitive issues led us to slightly different objectives and they became: - Support the Man and Biosphere Reserve Project by collecting additional data. - Compare the atoll of Fakarava with Toau that have different human impact levels. - Run an environmental education day at a local school in the continuity of what the MAB Project had already done. 4.3.3 Site selection 4.3.3.1 Fakarava atoll Fakarava atoll is the second-largest atoll in the Tuamotu and the largest in the Fakarava district. It is located 16°15’ south and 145°35’ west. The atoll is 50km long by 30km wide. The average depth in the lagoon is about 50m. The orientation of the atoll is NWSE and possesses two passes on the northern and southern sides. There are 467 inhabitants on Fakarava, most of whom live on the far north-eastern end, in Rotoava. The major economic industry of the island is pearl farming. Copra is still an important activity along with tourism which is developing. Fishing is a side activity, only for personal consumption and recreation. Fish traps are not used anymore on a commercial scale and one or two hostels have their own traps to feed their customers. Spearfishing in the

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lagoon, near the motus (=small coralline islands in the atoll) in the middle of the lagoon especially, is the most common fishing technique. Outside the atoll, long-line fishing is undertaken from Potimarara: 6 m long boats driven by 50-100 Hp outboard engines at a maximum of 10 km offshore. Fishing in Fakarava atoll is more for local consumption. However, some iceboxes can be seen at the airport in destination to Papetee, Tahiti.

Fig 4. Map of Fakarava survey sites Site 1: Kopuapiro, yacht anchorage site in front of the main village, Rotoava. Site 2: Tagamaitu-i-uta, navigation channel near the north pass Site 3: Pufana, reef very close to the north pass Site 4: Motu Vahapiapia, middle lagoon reef where Rotoava inhabitants fish especially during the week-end Site 5: Tohea, lagoon reef near anchorage site, navigation channel and fish trap Site 6: Reef Check 1999, outreef site surveyed in 1999 with Reef Check Site 7: Pukatoa, outer reef on the far north-western point. 4.3.3.2 Toau atoll Toau is located 15 km west of Fakarava atoll at 15°53’ south and 146°00’ west. The atoll is 19*36km side and the lagoon is relatively shallow. There are two passes on the southeastern reef and one uplifted reef pass in the north (where only very small speed boats can pass and water flows over the reef). This atoll, and especially the outer reefs, are fishing grounds for the Fakarava inhabitants. The members of one family living in the north, at 17

Anse Amyot, have relatively extensive fishing activities (from long-line fishing between Toau and Fakarava atolls, to spear fishing in lagoons and fish trapping in the north of Toau). They sell their products once every two weeks in Fakarava where they have their own house/shop, and once every week to Papetee, the capital of French Polynesia. This family lives out of copra production as well as tourism. Its members are currently developing an accommodation business and building more bungalows. Four people live in the south of the atoll and subsist only from copra production and fishing for personal consumption.

Fig 5. Map of Toau survey sites Site 8: South lagoon, lagoon reef near the south passes Site 9: SE outer reef, fishing ground reef Site 10: NW outer reef, sheltered reef

4.3.4 Results The Amadis Project 2004/05 spent one month studying in the Fakarava district of the Tuamotu archipelago. Eleven sites have been studied with SCUBA diving equipment at 10m and snorkelling at 3m, when sea and weather conditions allowed it. Pukatoa and Kopuapiro sites have not been surveyed at 3m and Motu Vahapiapia, Tohea NE, Tohea SE and Toau South lagoon sites were not deep enough to be surveyed at 10m. Therefore in total, seven 4*20m transect surveys at 10m have been carried out and nine at 3m. Studies took place from the 18th to the 31stof July 2005. The Mayor of the Fakarava district, M. Tavana Tekrio Dominique, has a real willingness to preserve the environment of the atolls and support all scientific and educational initiatives. Thanks to him and to Mrs. Miri Tatarata, the MAB project co-ordinator who insured our contact with the Mayor, our presence was well accepted and understood by the population who showed much interest in its marine environment and in what foreigners would think about it.

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No rigorous statistical analysis could be applied to the results. However, general features could be drawn. 4.3.4.1 General observations Surveys were carried out in the lagoons of Fakarava and Toau. In those lagoons with a sandy bottom, some patch reefs emerged. In Fakarava, some were deep enough to lay down transects at 3m and 10m. The natural phenomenon of siltation in a lagoon was observed on every patch reef especially on its bottom part. However, on the outreefs of the atolls, sedimentation has not been recorded. The patch reefs in the lagoons have a relatively steep slope from 0 to 10m, below which the reef levels out. The outreefs around Fakarava and Toau atolls are generally similar. They are composed of a gentle slope from 0 to 18m on a 100m width with a spur and groove topography at around 3m depth. From 10m downwards, coral colonies become more and more scattered and at 18m the sandy slope drops drastically.

Fig 6. Typical outreef slope on Fakarava Fakarava and Toau atolls (Photo: G.Hémery)

Fig 7. Typical lagoon reef on and Toau atolls (Photo: G.Hémery)

4.3.4.2 Substrate composition In general, in the lagoons and outreefs, coral cover was higher in Fakarava than in Toau. The coral cover ranged from 6% to 21% in the lagoons, at 10m. At 3m, between 24% and 31% (49% hard coral was found in Motu Vahapiapia but the result was not used as it was not coherent with visual observation) of the substrate in Fakarava lagoon was hard coral; in Toau it represented only 7%. On the outreef slopes, an average of 40% of coral cover was found in Fakarava, 28% in Toau, at 10m. Finally, the only outreef site surveyed at 3m in Fakarava, the Reef Check 1999 site, showed a coral cover of 36% while Toau outreefs recorded 25% on average. The best sites in terms of coral cover were the north and south passes of Fakarava. However those sites could not be surveyed considering the strong current. The coral cover was over 90% at 25m and over 50% at 10m (personal observation).

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Fig 8. Benthos composition of the shallow Reef Check 1999 site (Photo: G.Hémery)

Fig 9. Reef of the Fakarava South Pass at around 25m (Photo: G.Hémery)

Rock was another dominant benthos category. It was mainly represented by dead corals. Some were covered by coralline algae, especially in shallow areas, and turf was rarely observed. In the lagoon, sand represented on average 16% of the substrate compared to only 1% on the outreefs. No soft corals were recorded on our transect line, except zoanthids at 10m in Rotoava harbour (site1). The highest sponge coverage was found on Reef Check 1999 with 8% of the substrate line. The nutrient indicator algae proportion ranged from 0% in some lagoon sites to 25% at 10m at the Reef Check 1999 site composed mainly by Halimeda spp. Comparison with the 1999 data on the Reef Check 1999 site In general, the benthos composition of this site has not changed since the results from 1999 are quite similar to those recorded in 2005. Indeed, hard corals represented, respectively at 3 and 10m, 41% and 51% of the substrate in 1999 and 36% and 42% in 2005. Moreover, the percentage of sponge was similar (9% and 2% in 1999; 8% and 4% in 2005, respectively at 3m and 10m). However, there is a major difference in the nutrient indicator algae NIA: 3% and 7% in 1999; 13% and 25% in 2005, respectively at 3m and 10m. Since 2004, the NIA category included more types of algae then in 1999. For instance, Halimeda spp. was not counted as NIA. Finally, the major difference recorded was the proportion of sand SD and rubble RB at 3m in 1999 which was higher than in 2005: respectively SD=19%, RB=14%; SD=RB=0%, while rocks were dominant in 2005 (43%) and not in 1999 (14%). 20

Fig 10. Benthos community composition at 3m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons (L) and outreefs (O)

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Fig 11. Benthos community composition at 10m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons (L) and outreefs (O)

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4.3.4.3 Fish In general, for most of the fish families, the number of individuals/m² recorded was higher at 10m on the outreef slope. The main representative family of this trend being Lutjan spp. (snappers) with 0.004 fish/m² at 3m in the lagoon and 0.077 fish/m² at 10m on the outreef slope. However, Scaridae spp. (parrotfish) count was higher at 3m on the outreef than at 10m (respectively 0.00475 fish/m² and 0.00225 fish/m²). Acanthuridae spp. (surgeons) was the dominant family surveyed with an average of 0.19 individual/m², this number being roughly similar in the lagoon and on the outreefs. Chaetodon spp. (butterflyfishes) was the second most represented fish family. The number of Chaetodon spp. counted did not vary between the lagoon and the outreef areas. However, a slight difference between depths could be observed. At 3m, an average of 0.086 fish/m² was recorded, against 0.113 fish/m² at 10m.

Fig 12. Comparison between fish density at 3m and at 10m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons and outreefs (Barramundi Cod: Cromileptes altivelis; Peacock grouper: Cephalopholis argus; Humphead wrasse: Cheilinus undulatus; Bumphead parrotfish: Bolbometopon muricatum; Bluelined snapper: Lutjanus kasmira; Orangespine unicornfish: Naso lituratus).

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Fig 13. Comparison between fish density at 3m and at 10m in Fakarava and Toau lagoons and outreefs.

Large groupers were recorded, especially in lagoon areas: from 30 cm length to more than 80cm. Cheilinus ondulatus (Napoleon wrasse) were observed at almost every site inside or outside transects during surveys. In total, four Napoleon wrasses were counted in the lagoons and six on the outreef sites, the maximum being seen at Toau North West outreef (4 fishes). Their size ranged from 30 cm for a juvenile on Toau outreef to 1.2m for an adult in the Fakarava South pass area that was fed and ‘protected’ by local people. Napoleon wrasses are fished for personal consumption and in a small scale commercial fishery. Comparison with the 1999 data on the Reef Check 1999 site In general, more fish were recorded in 2005 then in 1999. The butterflyfish for instance was the dominant species in 1999 at both depths (on average 0.69 fish/m²) while in 2005 at 3m, (if we only take into account the Pacific region Reef Check list and not the species

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added to The Amadis Project 2004/5) the dominant family were parrotfish (0.122 fish/m² while there was none recorded in 1999) and at 10m snappers (0.155 fish/m²). In total, 5 Carcharhinus albimarginatus (silvertip shark), 13 Carcharhinus melanopterus (reef blacktip shark), 1 Nebrius ferrugineus (nurse shark), 1 Carcharhinus falciformis (silky shark), 1 Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (gray reef shark), 2 Manta birostris (manta rays), and 1 Aetobatus narinari (spotted eagle ray) have been observed in the lagoons. On the outreef sites, 8 Silvertip sharks, 3 Reef blacktip sharks, and 9 Gray reef sharks were recorded. Shark sightings were very common; on almost every survey, recreational dives and snorkelling, one or more sharks were spotted. The maximum density of sharks was observed during a dive in Fakarava South pass with approximately 80 individuals (Fig.14). Although quantitative data cannot be given with our study, it was remarkable that the shark population, in Fakarava especially (only few sharks were seen in Toau), was very well represented compared with the other study sites that The Amadis Project 2004/5 team surveyed later in the expedition (Cook Islands, Fiji (personal marine science co-ordinator project)).

Fig 14. Sharks in Fakarava South Pass (Photo: G.Hémery) 4.3.4.4 Invertebrates In general, the outreef slope invertebrate density was very low. At 3m, no invertebrates have been recorded on the outreef slope of Fakarava and Toau. Tridacna spp. (Giant clams) was the main invertebrate species found in the lagoons. The maximum density was recorded in Fakarava lagoon at 3m with 0.47 individual/m² while this figure was only 0.03 indiv./m² in Toau lagoon. On the outreef at 10m, 0.006 clam/m² were recorded in Fakarava and 0.001 clam/m² in Toau. The maximum count in a 100m transect was recorded in Tohea north-eastern site with 0.98 individuals/m². Tridacna spp. is collected for personal consumption only. Considering the number of inhabitants, the pressure is still low. There is an increasing demand for clams from the capital Papetee but the Tuamotu fishermen seem to want to preserve their stock and not start a business. The same wish was expressed for the lobster resource. Only Bohadschia argus (Ocellated seacucumber) and Thelenota ananas (Prickly redfish seacucumber) have been recorded on our transect lines. The maximum density was found 25

in Toau South lagoon site with 0.013 seacucumbers/m². Their sizes were on average 50cm and could reach 80cm (personal observation). Sea cucumbers are not harvested as French Polynesians do not eat them; only the minority of Chinese Polynesians know how to cook them. The low diversity of seacucumber species might be due to the fact that French Polynesian reefs are far from the hot spot of biodiversity in South East Asia. No sea urchins from the Reef Check organism list were recorded. However, no sea urchin fishing was reported from discussions with local people. About 10 Acanthaster planci (crown-of-thorn starfish) were recorded in belt transects and observed out of transects in the north lagoon of Fakarava atoll. However, no signs of massive recently killed coral area were observed. Comparison with the 1999 data on the Reef Check 1999 site Although the number of individuals of different invertebrate families is not high enough to be significant, variation in data between 1999 and 2005 surveys can be noticed. No giant clams were seen in 2005, only trocas and cowries at 10m. In 1999, 7 edible sea cucumbers were recorded at 3m and none in 2005. 4.3.4.5 Bleaching Bleached coral colonies have been observed on almost every transect. However it represented 1% or less of a transect belt. The proportion of the colony bleached ranged from 1% to 100% occasionally. No massive bleaching events have been observed. 4.3.4.6 Diseases No sign of massive disease mortality has been observed. No disease similar to the ones known in the Caribbean could be reported. However some marginal sighting of unidentified coral mortality has been reported to WCMC-UNEP with photos for analysis. 4.3.4.7 Environmental education day The general aim of The Amadis Project 2004/5 environmental awareness work was to educate and make the children aware of the marine environment and especially coral reefs, their biodiversity, the importance of the resources that they generate, the different issues faced by this fragile ecosystem and how to protect it. The different objectives for the children were to: - understand better their surrounding environment - be conscious of the ecological, social and economical value of coral reefs - learn how to observe the environment - have a direct interaction with this environment - develop their scientific interest - develop their observation skills - become active in the nature protection process - develop collective and team skills The environmental education day was run at the Rotoava School on July 20th 2005. It was summer holidays in French Polynesia, but the headmistress was ready to give of her time to gather the children and help organise and co-ordinate the activities. It was an opportunity for the children to participate in some activities during their holidays and for the head mistress to initiate the environmental program starting next September. Considering the reduced number of adults to supervise the children during their activities, a maximum number of participants had to be set up. The age range was chosen according

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to the kind of activities and the level of understanding required. In total 34 children between 6 and 12 years old took part in the environmental day. The morning activities were designed around the theme of coral reef biodiversity. The first activity was to draw a list of the different marine organisms that the children knew and to classify them. Then, a game based on the rapid identification of organisms, using pictures, was organised. Finally, children were asked to act as scientists who would study the marine ecosystem. They built quadrats with local material (palm tree leaves) and spent 30 min in the shallow lagoon water, exploring and recording information on their slates. An hour break was filled by the lunch offered to all the children by the Mayor and more environment oriented games on the playground. The afternoon was devoted to the importance of the coral reef ecosystem for the atoll and the people of Fakarava. Finally, thoughts around what can be done to protect the environment were shared. A beach cleaning session was then organised. Finally the theme of recycling was tackled by making a big mosaic in a fish shape with the rubbish collected on the beach. Considering the headmistress’ enthusiasm and the active participation of the children during the whole day (from 8:00 to 16:00), this day was very successful and the activities proposed seemed to have reached their goal of gathering children around environmental themes and issues. For example, the enthusiasm with which the children collected the rubbish really surprised us and it was even difficult to stop them!

The marine organism identification game in the school yard (Photo: R.V.D.Veer)

Beach cleaning session (Photo: T.Walker)

Junior scientists carrying their quadrat to the lagoon (Photo: T.Walker)

Recycling the rubbish collected to create a mosaic (Photo: R.V.D.Veer)

Fig 15. Photos of the educational day at school, French Polynesia (T. Walker; R.Van der Veer)

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4.3.5 Discussion and Conclusions In general, the state of coral reefs in Fakarava and Toau can be considered as good or very good. Indeed the presence and high density of top predators like sharks indicated a healthy and relatively balanced environment. The other reefs of the Pacific visited by The Amadis Project 2004/5 team (Cook Islands, Fiji (personal marine science co-ordinator project)) did not count as many individuals as in French Polynesia and sharks and rays sighting were rare. Moreover, environmental analysis on Fakarava and Toau atolls could show that the area is under low human pressure: low population density, no major industry producing wastes, no sedimentation problem due to run-off, no high scale fishing activities since the major income is pearl farming, and no high impact tourism accommodation and activities. However, for a sustainable environmental quality, it would be important to raise the issue of domestic waste management since the rubbish is currently buried: land space on the atoll is scarce and burying will become a problem. Moreover, a monitoring program of the impact of pearl farming would be interesting to set up for a resource use management approach of the lagoon. Finally, as tourism is a developing industry, a tool to control and monitor its impact should be designed. Considering the enthusiasm and interest of the Mayor and the population of Fakarava for their environment, a Reef Check monitoring program could be an opportunity to involve fully this community into the protection of its atoll. Thus, The Amadis Project 2004/5 studies in Fakarava and Toau could serve as preliminary surveys to set up a monitoring plan after identification of the participants. This strategy could be integrated in a school project, or be part of a module of diving certificate course for tourists.

4.4 Cook Islands 4.4.1 Context The Cook Islands are made up of 15 small islands scattered over a large area of the central South Pacific Ocean. While its land mass covers only about 240 km2, its territorial seas represent 1.8 millions km2. The largest island is Rarotonga (67 km2). The Northern Group of the Cook Islands is made up of coral atolls while the more populous Southern Group consists of uplifted limestone islands, sand cays, the almostatoll of Aitutaki and the volcanic island of Rarotonga with a narrow fringing reef. The population is about 18,000 inhabitants, half of which live on Rarotonga. The economy is mostly based on tourism, offshore banking, and the black pearl industry. Some 50,000 tourists visit the Cook Islands annually. Coral reefs provide food to the population and have a deep cultural and spiritual significance. Human population and fishing pressure are low in the Cook Islands compared to other Pacific Island countries. The reefs are generally in good condition except for some areas in Rarotonga and Aitutaki where damage has occurred as a result of run-off and coastal development activities. Certain fish species have been heavily exploited through the use of small-mesh gillnets. In recent years there has been baseline and/or monitoring surveys on 9 out of the 15 Cook Islands undertaken by the Ministry of Marine Resources: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Manuae, Mitiaro, Takutea, Atiu, Mauke, Manihiki, Penrhyn. Much of the attention for monitoring is focused on the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki where the impacts from anthropological activities are the greatest. The major survey components include water quality, coral cover, invertebrate abundance and fish abundance. In total, four monitoring sites are listed in the ReefBase database. No Reef Check site has been implemented in the Cook Islands.

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After discussing with different environment conservation professionals in Rarotonga, The Amadis Project 2004/5, considering the time allowed, decided to focus on two comparable reefs: Aitutaki and Manuae, the former one being under a greater anthropogenic pressure than the latter. Nevertheless, there were many other interesting areas to explore and interesting subjects proposed by different advisors. 4.4.2 Specific aims and objectives Our specific original objectives in the Cook Islands were to: - Make a rapid assessment of coral reef health in Aitutaki and Manuae - Compare the reefs of Aitutaki and Manuae that support different level of human impacts - Run environmental awareness programmes However, weather and sea conditions were not favourable and full surveys in Manuae could not be carried out. Moreover, only the leeward side of Aitutaki atoll could be studied. So the specific objectives of our study became to: - Collect baseline data on Aitutaki west outreef - Compare our results with the data collected in 1999 in some of the same sites to identify potential changes - Organise a school presentation 4.4.3 Site selection 4.4.3.1 Aitutaki almost-atoll Aitutaki is located 18°52’ south and 159°47’ west. It is 225km north of Rarotonga in the Southern group of the Cook Islands. The geology of this island is unusual. It is called an almost-atoll as it is in part a volcanic island and in part a coral atoll. The main island has an area of about 17 km2 and its maximum height is 119m. Aitutaki has a mild tropical climate with an average temperature of 25°C and high humidity with the maximum precipitation occurring from December to May. It can be subject to strong storms and cyclones during the summer. The population of Aitutaki is approximately 2,300 inhabitants (1996 census) and is decreasing slowly. The main economic activity on the island is tourism with currently around 20 tourist accommodations. Tour operators bring people on daily trips to the other motus in the lagoon. Some companies also run recreational fishing trips around Aitutaki and to Manuae as well. However the people still rely heavily on marine resources especially for personal consumption. The lagoon of Aitutaki supports a high harvest pressure that leads to stock depletion. Outreef fishing is practised by a few fishermen who catch mainly tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, trevally and other pelagic species.

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Fig 16. Map of Aitutaki study sites 4.4.3.2 Manuae atoll Manuae is located about 100km south east of Aitutaki, 19°17’ south and 158°58’ west. This uninhabited island belongs to the Aitutaki people and permission is needed to have access to the coast and the land. It is composed of two main coral islets (Motu Manuae and Motu Te Au Out) and a lagoonal area in between, of approximately 28 km2. This island used to support copra activity and has an airfield that has not been used for several years. The offshore fishing ground of Manuae is known by the Aitutaki people to be rich. Hence, some fishing trips are organised there.

Fig 17. Map of Manuae study sites

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4.4.4 Results Survey site selection was determined by several factors: geographical location, reef topography, quality of the site, and sites already studied (Beacon, Atuatane, Maina). At each site, four 20m transect replicates were done along a 10m depth contour and a 3m depth contour (when sea conditions allowed). In total 11 survey sites were selected on the leeward side of Aitutaki atoll representing 44 replicates at 10m and 28 at 3m. In Manuae, because of bad sea conditions mentioned above, only 2 survey sites have been studied at 10m (= 8 replicates). Surveys in the Cook Islands were carried out between the 23rd of August and the 8th of September 2005. No rigorous statistical analysis could be applied to the results. However, general features could be drawn. 4.4.4.1 General observations The west reef of Aitutaki extends for approximately 14km and is oriented SW-NE. The topography was generally composed of spur and groove structures. However, the relief varied depending on the location (Fig.18). In the middle of the west reef near the pass to enter the lagoon, spur and groove topography extended further from the reef crest by large patch reefs. On the opposite, in the north (Beacon site) and the south (Maina), the spur and groove areas were short and were followed by a gentle slope around 10m and a dropoff starting at 18m. On the west reef of Manuae, the topography was similar to the ones in the north west and south west reefs of Aitutaki. Differences in benthic community structure could be noticed between the different sites. On Aitutaki, to the north of the pass, branching and digitate coral colonies were well represented (Fig.19). From the south of the pass to the south west point of Maina, massive and encrusting forms were dominant. In general, coral colonies were relatively small (1015cm diameter for the branching (personal observation)). On Manuae, the benthic structure was different as it included various coral forms (Fig.20). Soft coral colonies were not very common and were represented mainly by Sinularia spp. and some Lobophytum spp. Algae were mainly coralline and there was no site where macro-algae were dominant except in the south west of Aitutaki, Maina, where only one alga (not identified) was dominant (Fig.21). Moreover, on Manuae, encrusting coralline algae were not dominant anymore and other species such as Halimeda sp. and Lobophora variegata were well represented. Sponges were mainly of an encrusting form and the most were found in North Pass 2 and Atuatane.

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Fig 18. Photo of a typical reef topography in the south of the pass on Aitutaki west coast (Here South Pass site) (G.Hémery)

Fig 19. Photo of benthos community structure in Amuri, Aitutaki. Hard coral form dominated by branching and submassive (G.Hémery)

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Fig 20. Photo of the North West Corner site of Manuae (G.Hémery)

Fig 21. Photo of algae dominating the benthos community in Maina reef (G.Hémery)

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Crown-of-thorn predation could be observed during surveys and a manta tow on Aitutaki. An important predation impacted zone stretched from the north west coast of Aitutaki (Vaioue site), where the impact was the most dramatic with lots of recently killed coral colonies bleached or covered by a thin layer of algae (Fig.22-23), to the north of the pass site. The depth of crown-of-thorn presence was around 10-12m but some individuals were found at 6m as well. On Manuae, the North West Corner site also showed signs of crownof-thorn predation at a depth of 10-15m.

Fig 22. Photo of Vaioue landscape with all the yellowish coral colonies being recently killed (G.Hémery)

Recently killed coral colony covered by a thin layer of algae

Crown-of-thorn starfish

Bleached Coral colony

Fig 23. Photo of Crown-of-thorn predation at 10m in Vaioue, Aitutaki (G.Hémery)

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No sharks have been observed during surveys or recreational dives in Aitutaki. One green turtle was spotted several times on the outreef of the pass as well as a Hawkbill turtle in Amuri site. On Manuae, white tip sharks were observed off transect at South West site. Moreover, in the north of the atoll, near and in the small pass to the lagoon (not on survey sites), 4 sharks were observed, including 3 under 2m long swimming against the current in the pass. Finally we witnessed a green turtle mating event on the west coast involving 4 individuals (probably 1 female and 3 males) (Fig.24).

Fig 24. Photo of Green turtle mating in Manuae (G.Hémery)

4.4.4.2 Benthic cover The dominant benthic cover on all sites was rocky substrate. On average, 43% of the substrate at 10m and 66% at 3m was Rock in Aitutaki. This Rock category included coralline algae which were the dominant species with turf. Reef Check survey protocol considers these two types of algae to be potential substrates for coral recruitment. In the Atuatane site, 2% of the substrate was turf algae. However, in 1999, 42% of the substrate was recorded as turf (Ponia et al., 1999). At the Manuae South West site, only 15% of substrate was Rock but on the North West Corner site, 36% was composed of rock and turf. This last result does not fit with the general statement that suggests that Manuae reefs were dominated by hard corals (Ponia et al., 1999). In Aitutaki, the maximum hard coral cover at 10m was found in the Amuri and Amuri 2 sites with an average of 35%. The lowest hard coral cover was located in Maina (11%) where the highest NIA proportion was found (38%). In the Ponia study in 1999 (Ponia et al., 1999), authors found that hard coral covered 22% while other algae categories represented only 19% of the benthos. At 3m in Aitutaki, the highest hard coral cover was found in Beacon (20%). Soft coral cover was higher at the Amuri site representing 8% of the substrate community. In the Manuae South West site, the dominant benthic cover was Hard Coral with 62.5%. This result could be related to the one of Ponia (1998) who found that the outreef of Manuae at 6m were mostly composed of hard coral. Amuri and Amuri 2 sites in Aitutaki had one of the lowest Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) proportion (respectively 0.6% and 3.7%) at 10m. The highest NIA proportion (38%) was found on the Maina 10m survey site (Aitutaki). On Manuae, 13% of the benthic

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community was composed of algae in the South West site at 10m. At 6m, this proportion was found to be the same (Ponia, 1998). The highest percentage of Recently Killed Coral colonies were found at 10m in Vaioue, covering 11% of the substrate, and in North Pass, 8%.

Fig 25. Benthos community composition at 3m in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs

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Fig 26. Benthos community composition at 10m in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs 4.4.4.3 Fish community The dominant fish category was the Acanthuridae spp. (surgeons). The greatest densities at 10m and 3m were recorded at Amuri with 0.335 animals/m² (or 1 fish for 4m²) and Vaioue with 0.315 fish/m² (or 1 fish for 3m²) respectively. On average, 0.224 surgeon/m² were recorded in Aitutaki. In his study in 1999, Ponia found a surgeon density of 0.39 individual/m² being the dominant species of his study as well (Ponia et al., 1999). The other abundant fish family and/or species included Chaetodon spp. (butterflyfish), Mullidae spp. (goatfish), Cephalopholus argus (peacock grouper), Scaridae spp. (parrotfish) and Naso lituratus (orangespine unicornfish). The density recorded in our surveys generally fit with the results of Ponia (1999). For instance, both studies (The Amadis Project 2004/5; Ponia et al., 1999) found the same goatfish density (0.003 fish/m²) and grouper density (0.014 fish/m²). However, a significant density variation was

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found regarding the parrotfish family (0.072 versus 0.024fish/m² respectively The Amadis Project 2004/5 versus Ponia et al., 1999). The densities of fish for most of the families were similar at 3 and 10m except for the Cephalopholus argus (peacock grouper) which was much higher at 10m than at 3m. Manuae 10m surveys recorded the highest density of Cephalopholus argus with 0.275 fish/m². Four Cheilinus undulatus (humphead wrasse) were spotted off transects in three different sites (Vaioue, North pass 2, and Atuatane). The dominant Acanthuridae species was Ctenochaetus striatus. Other abundant species of the same family were Zebrasoma veliferum, Acanthurus achilles and Acanthurus nigricans. The general pattern observed was that Acanthurus achilles was found in shallow water (3m) while Acanthurus nigricans was more common in middle water (10m).

Fig 27. Fish population composition in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs at 3m.

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Fig 28. Fish population composition in Aitutaki and Manuae outreefs at 10m.

4.4.4.4 Invertebrate abundance At 10m in Aitutaki, the maximum number of Acanthaster planci (Crown-of-thorn) recorded was at Vaioue with 21 individuals and in North Pass with 5. In Manuae, 6 Crown-of-thorn were observed in the transect on the North West site. At 3m, Crown-ofthorn was only found in Atuatane (2 individuals). Although Amuri and Amuri 2 were considered as the best sites of the west coast of Aitutaki regarding their coral cover, Crown-of-thorn were observed below 12m during the survey, with evidence of predation (bleached and recently killed corals). In Beacon at 10m, 91 Stichopus chloronotus (Greenfish seacucumber) were recorded, 4 in South Pass site and none in the other sites. At 10m, Tronchus niloticus was another prominent marine life reported on the belt transect. Marutera recorded the maximum of 41 individuals at 10m. Giant clam count was highest at the Manuae North West Corner site with 22 individuals recorded.

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At 3m, the dominant invertebrates were Heterocentrotus mammilatus (Pencil urchin) with a maximum count in Amuri2 (37) and Cowries, recorded 24 in Vaioue.

Fig 29. Invertebrate population composition at 3m in Aitutaki and Manuae

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Fig 30. Invertebrate population composition at 10m in Aitutaki and Manuae 4.4.4.5 Bleaching Bleached coral colonies have been observed on almost every transect. However they represented 1% or less of a transect belt. The proportion of the colony bleached ranged from 1% to 100% occasionally. No massive bleaching events have been observed. 4.4.4.6 Diseases No sign of massive disease mortality has been observed. No diseases similar to the ones known in the Caribbean have been observed. However some marginal sighting of unidentified coral mortality has been reported to WCMC-UNEP with photos for analysis. 4.4.4.7 Environmental education day EE activities in Aitutaki, Cook Islands

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The Araura College in Aitutaki The time schedule of the expedition was quite tight so we could only run one school presentation on Aitutaki. The most interested teacher of the college was Mrs Nora Kitai, Form 1K. She was already trying to integrate good environmental practices in her way of teaching. She thought it would be good to have outside contributors to support her initiative and show the children real work done on their coral reefs. - The presentation The environmental awareness presentation took place on August 30th 2005. It ran for 50 minutes for twenty 12 years old pupils. The content of the talk can be found in Appendix 9.4. The presentation was followed by a computer slide show of the project including underwater pictures. That was the most interactive part of the presentation. For logistical problems (no computer projector or electricity), we could not run the computer during the talk. However, considering the questions at the end and the satisfaction of the teacher, it was a successful presentation.

Fig 31. School presentation in Aitutaki (Photos: G.Hémery) EE activities in Rarotonga, Cook Islands In the Cook Islands, WWF is undertaking extensive work on environmental awareness and education. Its representatives work closely with communities and with various schools especially in the main islands where they are based (Rarotonga). The Amadis Project 2004/5 worked in relation with the WWF Cook Islands on the educational programmes, and Mr. Pat Fitzgibbon was of major help for our work. He introduced us to the different schools WWF works with. Teuki Ou primary school day The Teuki Ou primary school is located on the east of Rarotonga Island, just in front of the sea. The location is ideal to run some activities on the marine environment. However, the reef is a short fringing reef and the sea and wind conditions were rough and difficult at the end of the month of August. As a result, no activities in the water could be proposed for safety reasons. The programme was discussed with the teachers in advance. The different themes approached were: biodiversity of coral reefs, importance of the resources generated by

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coral reefs, different issues faced by this fragile ecosystem and means of environmental protection. The biodiversity aspect of coral reefs was firstly illustrated through brain storming of all the marine animals pupils would know. Then beach sediments were analysed: what can be found on shore comes from the sea. So we looked at how many different species of corals could be identified as well as other marine organism categories such as sea urchins, shells, sponges, algae, etc. Moreover, this data record activity on the beach introduced the fieldwork aspect of scientific studies and tried to enhance pupil observation skills. The importance of marine resource conservation was tackled by an informal discussion and put into practice by a beach cleaning session. Then a final discussion was held about recycling and rubbish degradation times. The date was fixed on the 12th of September and the programme was run for 48 pupils from two different classes. Four Amadis crew members, two teachers, one WWF staff and one parent helped supervise the children. The ages of the pupils ranged between 8 and 11 years; the activities occurred in the school library, on the playground and on the beach. Below is the schedule of the environmental education day: 8 - 8.15: Presentation of the team and day schedule (in classroom) 8.15 – 9.00: Marine life knowledge (list and categories) (in classroom) 9.00 – 9.30: Identification game (in school yard) 9.30 - 10.00: Break and explanation of what comes next (in school yard/ classroom) 10.00 – 11.00: Little scientists work with quadrats (on the beach) 11.00 – 12.00: Analysis of results from quadrats and of a sand sample (in classroom) 12.00 – 12.30: Lunch break (at school) 12.40 – 14.00: Beach cleaning – collecting rubbish from the beach (on the beach) Waste analyse – Life times of different rubbish (in classroom) Closure of the day The material needed was: - Paper board - Pen and pencils - White/Color A4 papers - Clip-boards - Megaphone (for the game and on the beach) - Magnifying glasses (to analyse sand sample) - Plastic bags (to collect rubbish)

How many marine animals do you know?

The marine life identification game 43

Little scientists survey the beach

Beach cleaning

Sand sample analysis

How long does it take for aluminium cans to disappear?

Fig 32. Environmental education day photos in Rarotonga, Cook Islands (R. Van der Veer, T.Walker) Tere Ora College presentation Students had already tackled Coral reef ecology in their secondary school programme. However, to emphasise the importance of the reef, some science teachers of the Tere Ora College felt The Amadis Project 2004/5 was a good opportunity to show the students that real work is being done and that studying coral reef ecosystems can be a professional activity. The presentation content was discussed with Mrs. Pauline Waiti, science teacher, and we agreed to focus on the expedition and fieldwork aspect of the project. A power point presentation was chosen for the talk form. The Amadis Project team did two presentations on the 14thof September 2005, one at 11.30 a.m. and the other at 2.30 p.m. In the first group, around 30 students of 15 years old on average were present. The second group was composed of approximately 20 students of 14 years old. The presentation was a success considering the reactions of the students and their questions at the end of the talk. Teachers were satisfied as well as interested by our presentation. Power point support is a very powerful media tool as it allowed us to project pictures as well as underwater movies on a big screen.

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The three main points of the talk were: - The Amadis Project: the crew, the boat, the route, the Reef Check method - Why this project? Importance of coral reefs and the threats to their existence - The project progress: our research in French Polynesia, Cook Islands

Presentation in the library

A surveyor all kitted out! Fig 33. Project presentation for secondary classes (Photos: G.Hémery) 4.4.5 Discussion and Conclusion The dominant substrate on the west coast of Aitutaki almost-atoll is coralline encrusting algae that represent a bare surface for coral settlement. Moreover, the small size of the coral colonies and their type (mostly Acropora spp., branching and digitate in the northwest) could indicate a regenerating young reef. From local sources, bleaching events in 1998 and 2000 considerably damaged the reef. Considering the low cover of nutrient indicator algae and the available surface for colonisation, the west coast reefs could recover slowly. However, crown-of-thorn predation seems to be, even if not at an alarming stage of development, a future issue. Indeed, some areas, especially around the Vaioue site, were severely impacted and the landscape has changed. This predation can have ecological as well as economical impacts, especially on the tourism industry. Therefore, the crown-ofthorn population should be monitored to prevent any further development. The diversity of coral forms in Manuae, from branching, digitate, encrusting and platform, and the percentage of hard coral coverage, suggests a healthier reef than Aitutaki having similar exposition to swell and wind. Considering that Aitutaki is developing its tourism industry, it would be interesting to monitor the outreef and the lagoon of Aitutaki and Manuae as comparative sites.

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5. Administration and Logistics 5.1 Research materials Transport/Navigation: - 38 ft (on deck), ocean-going, wooden bermudan cutter-rigged yacht; 37 hp Nanni Diesel auxiliary engine; ‘Monitor’ servo-pendulum wind-vane self-steering gear; full navigation and safety gear; large fuel, stores and water capacity; short and long-range radio equipment. - 3.8m inflatable dingy with removable solid floor, powered by 5 hp 4-stroke Honda outboard. - 2.6m inflatable dingy - 5 hp 4-stroke Honda outboard - 37 hp Nanni Diesel Auxiliary engine - Monitor servo-pendulum wind-vane self-steering gear - hand-held GPS and VHF Survey: - a copy of the Reef Check Instruction Manual - Indicator organism ID and Books - GPS - Transect lines: 100m measuring tape - plumb line - Slates, pencils, permanent markers - Buoys to mark start and end of transect line - Safety gears: dive flag, sunscreen, first aid kit, water - laptop Diving: - Compressor; Bristol 3.5 cfm compressor with Honda 5.5hp, 4-stroke engine, extra filters, o-rings, oil etc - Range of spares for dive and snorkel gear - 4 completed dive kit (regs, BCDs, etc...) - 4 12l tanks - 4 weight belts, 13.5kg weights - dive computers - hand-bearing compass - Delayed Small Markers Buoys - Emergency O2 equipment Cameras: - Olympus digital camera with housing - Canon digital camera with housing

5.2 Training The Amadis Project 2004/5 team were trained in the Reef Check technique by the Marine Science Co-ordinator who had the required qualifications for it. The training started during the long crossing (24 days) between the Galapagos, Equator and the Marquesas, French Polynesia. Lectures on coral reef ecology, their importance and threats and fish ecology were given onboard along with marine organism ID sessions (fish, invertebrates, benthos/substrate categories). In total, ten hours of theory were provided, not including 46

personal study sessions with each trainee. Power point files were produced with organism pictures to help the trainees in ID and to test their knowledge and rapidity to identify the species. Practical sessions for organism ID and survey technique started in Fakarava, French Polynesia. Three full days were given in total to practical training including personal underwater ID sessions with the trainer, tests on computer, practice of the Reef Check technique snorkelling and diving to obtain an optimal co-ordination of the surveyors under water.

5.3 Permission and permits 5.3.1 French Polynesia No official permits were required to carry out surveys in French Polynesia. However for optimal working conditions, The Amadis Project 2004/5 has been formally introduced by the MAB co-ordinator to the Mayor of Fakarava. 5.3.2 Cook Islands A research proposal given to the Office of the Prime Minister was necessary to apply for a research permit in the Cook Islands. The Amadis Project 2004/5 has been approved by the National Research Committee (NRC). A fee of 45 US$ was requested.

5.4 Fund raising SV Amadis was refitted prior to The Amadis Project 2004/5, specifically for longdistance cruising and as a dive boat. SV Amadis is co-owned by the Project Leader and Mr. P Kozmian-Ledward and will continue to be used for the above purposes after The Amadis Project 2004/5 is over. Therefore, the cost of purchasing and re-fitting SV Amadis is not included in The Amadis Project 2004/5 accounts. Instead, the project was charged a fee for the use of SV Amadis per week. 5.4.1 Sponsors To assist with the costs of re-fitting SV Amadis, sponsorship was sought for equipment. Brochures were sent to relevant companies and contacts met at the London Boat and Dive Shows in 2004. List of sponsors: Foyer Multi-loisirs - cash Barefoot Traveller - cash M. Peter Kozmian-Ledward – cash Mrs. Didar Fawzi - cash International Paints – free paint Cleghorn-Waring – free clutch pump (engine driven bilge pump) Barden – discount on solar panels, batteries, and inverter Olympus – free digital camera with waterproof housing Aquapac – free waterproof cases Nasa Marine – half-price depth sounder, log, compass Scanmar International – discount on wind-vane steering gear Oceanic – discounted dive gear Aquafax – trade discount on equipment McMurdo – discounted flares and EPIRB English Braids – discounted ropes Tidemill Marina – discounted moorings 47

West Mersea Yacht Club – free moorings Atlantic Rigging – discount on work req to re-rig Amadis Dr. Abdul Kingston – free comprehensive medical kit Central Compressor Consultants – built reconditioned compressor Quicksilver – boatshow discount on dingy Echomax - factory second radar reflector 5.4.2 Grants The Amadis Project 2004/5 applied for several grants. It won: - The Geographical Fieldwork Grant of the Royal Geographical Society with IBG. - The Aware Project Grant of the Aware Project Foundation.

5.5 Finances A ‘Community Small Business’ Account was set up with Barclays Plc, in the name of The Amadis Project. Debit cards were held by the Project Leader (Lily KozmianLedward) and project sponsor Mr P Kozmian-Ledward who formed the UK base for account management. Funds were paid into the account by bank transfer and cash withdrawn at ATM machines. Accounts were also managed online. Throughout the project, accounts were recorded on computer by the Project Leader. As we were travelling between several countries, a note was kept of the current exchange rates from www.oanda.com. Project members paid for their transport to join and depart SV Amadis, dive training to PADI Rescue Diver level and personal insurance. All project members contributed to the day-to-day project expenses. 5.5.1 Breakdown of budget costs PRE_EXPEDITION EXPENSES Item Website Communications

Cost, £ Notes 103.34 Server hosting for 2 years 150 Phone, internet, mailings Sub-total: £253.34

FIELD EXPENSES Item Subsistence Fuel Formalities

Cost, £ 1516.47 468.16 116.71

Moorings & Harbour Fees Communications

274.38 154.01

Local Transport Equipment/Hardware

378.31 614.34

Panama Canal transit Insurance Use of SV Amadis

362.16 165 3rd party for SV Amadis 2884.56 £137.36 per week Sub-total: £6934.10

Notes Food, water, showers, laundry Diesel, petrol, paraffin Customs, immigration, quarantine, permits Internet, phone, Sailmail email (onboard SV Amadis) Bus, taxi, national flights Chandlery, print paper, compressor parts, dive spares, fishing gear, fuel and water containers

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POST EXPEDITION EXPENSES (to date) Item Cost, £ Notes Sponsors letter and photographic 21 Selected sponsors only, postage from NZ CD to UK. Production of reports 50 Internet, CD, postage Communications 15 (me) Internet, emailing, phone Sub-total: £86.00 TOTAL EXPEDITURE: £7273.44 5.5.2 Project Income Item Team member contribution RGS grant Project Aware Grant Sponsors TOTAL INCOME: 7273.44£

Amount, £ 5143.44 950 250 930

5.6 Travel, transport and freighting The Pacific leg of The Amadis Project 2004/5 started in Panama. It was the responsibility of each team member to fund their trip to Colon, Panama. From Panama, all transports were by SV Amadis. To meet the partners in French Polynesia, the Marine Science Co-ordinator, flew from the Marquesas to Tahiti and from there to Fakarava. This travel expenditure was financed on the expedition budget. No freight was needed since all the equipment was carried on board SV Amadis from the UK. Some additional equipment was brought in Panama by some team members.

5.7 Food and accommodation Food re-supply was made regularly at various stops of the journey through the South Pacific. We re-supplied in Panama, Galapagos, Marquesas, Tahiti, and Rarotonga. The space on board allowed us to store food and water for 5 persons for more than a month. Accommodation was on board SV Amadis. Even though the boat is a 38 foot boat, 5 persons were able to sleep and live in it!

5.8 Communications - Long-range communications are available on SV Amadis to contact rescue services for emergency advice and evacuation: HF / MF SSB radio (voice and email communications), EPIRB 406 MHz. - Short-range communications: VHF (fixed and hand-held). - On shore communication: to contact partners and get some necessary information, phone and internet were used on shore where it was possible (in the cities mainly).

5.9 Risks and hazards RISK: Yacht sinking MINIMISING: EPRIB to be activated immediately. Mayday call via SSB and VHF radios. Flares. In the event of yacht abandonment in emergency, we have a 6-man ‘transocean’ liferaft with survival equipment to be taken in pre-prepared ‘grab-bag’.

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RISK: Man-overboard (MOB) while sailing. MINIMISING: Safety taught for all new members on board SV Amadis regarding hazards including MOB drill. Combination harness / lifejacket issued to all on board. Strong points for harness attachment include jackstays running length of yacht to clip to. Dan-buoy and horse-shoe buoys with lights easily accessible. Lline and strop to assist in retrieval of MOB. RISK: Diving related hazards, including drowning, barotrauma, decompression illness and stings / bites from marine organisms. MINIMISING: All crew members have Medic First Aid certificate. Nearest airport and decompression chamber are located. Safety brief is given by Diving Officer before each dive. All diving was to be undertaken in buddy pairs. At least one person had to act as shore support. Shore support has radio, oxygen administration equipment, first aid kit, water and food available. All divers to be experienced enough (min. 30 dives) PADI Rescue diver min qualification, max. dive depth 14 m, one in every four days dive free. Maintaining regular equipment checks. RISK: Heat / sun related illness, including sunburn, heat stroke. MINIMISING: Shelter from sun available, skin to be covered by clothing or sun-block, plenty of fresh-water available. RISK: Gastroenteritis. MINIMISING: Ensure good food and personal hygiene at all times. Water used from reliable source, purify with suitable chemicals if necessary. RISK: Tropical illnesses. (Dengue fever occurs in Fiji and French Polynesia). MINIMISING No specific vaccination required but basic ones are recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus. Avoid mosquito bites (long-sleeved shirt, repellent spray). RISK: Ciguatera fish poisoning, implicated tropical fish such as groupers, barracudas, snappers, jacks, mackerel, and triggerfish. Many other species of warm-water fishes harbour ciguatera toxins. The occurrence of toxic fish is sporadic, and not all fish of a given species or from a given locality will be toxic. MINIMISING: Avoid consuming large fish of potentially toxic species. Stay informed from local authorities if any outbreaks.

5.10 Medical arrangements No doctors were on board. However, all crew members had the PADI Emergency First Response certificate and were Rescue Divers. Team members sought medical advice before departure of their home countries regarding personal health and inoculations. Vaccinations included: Yellow fever, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Diphtheria/Tetanus. Living on board a yacht is generally very healthy as it minimises contracting land-based infections. Illnesses and medical problems were few and minor in nature. Most common problems were small skin ulcers from infected cuts and insect bites, minor cuts, scrapes and bruises, minor stomach irritations, one cut requiring steri-strips and a minor skin infection requiring a doctors advice and drug prescription. Before arrival in every study areas, information about emergency facilities were researched including the nearest decompression chamber, emergency phone number,

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radio channel for emergency, closest airport, close dive centres or hospital for oxygen supply. The medical equipment on board SV Amadis was generously donated by Dr. Kingston. Below, the list of drugs and uses, a * indicates those actually used: *Sturgeron – seasickness prevention Immodium - diarrhoea *Re-hydration salts *Paracetamol – pain relief *Ibuprofen – pain relief *Betadine cream – aintiseptic ointment *Savlon – antiseptic Oragel - toothache Anusol - haemorroids *Hioxyl cream - ulcers Fucadin cream – skin infections Flamazine cream – ulcers and burns Magnesium sulphate paste - boils Pottassium pomanganate crystals – wound cleaning Iodine tincture - antiseptic Canesten cream – fungal infection Amoxicillin – antibiotic Penicillin – antibiotic Locorten Viaform eardrops Betresol ear, eye and nose drops *Piriton (Chlorphenirmne maleate) tablets – skin allergies Chlorphenamine injection – emergency treatment of anaphylactic reations Efcortesol (Hydrocortisone) injection – anaphylactic reactions *Benadryl cream – skin allergies, stings and bites *Hydrocortisone cream – minor skin irritation Salbutamol inhaler - asthma Lidocaine Hydrochloride injection – local anaethetic Tetracaine Hydrochloride eyedrops – local anaethetic Quinine sulphate tablets – malaria treatment *Puriton – water treatment Non-drug items: Oxygen Administration Equipment Surgical gloves Sutures *Steri-strips Rescsciade Plasters Wound dressings, bandages Thermometer Tweezers, scalpel, forceps

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5.11 Environmental and social impact assessment 5.11.1 Environmental impacts: The SV Amadis is an environmentally friendly means of transport and accommodation. Living on a yacht encourages efficient use of freshwater and electricity with little waste produced. - Fuel consumption: Propulsion is largely by the wind with a diesel engine as auxiliary. The 37 hp diesel engine of SV Amadis uses approximately 2 litres of diesel per hour. The total diesel consumption during the project was 215 (imp.) gal. The outboard and dive compressor both use approximately 1 litre of petrol per hour and the total petrol consumption was 16 gal. - Waste management on board: biodegradable waste was thrown overboard and sunk while sailing at more than 12 miles offshore in deep water or at local facilities when ashore. Plastics were always disposed of ashore. - Energy consumption: Electricity is provided by 3 x 40 Wp solar panels with additional power via engine alternator. Two 105 Ah 12 V batteries store electricity. Finally 240 V is provided with an inverter for powering the laptop, battery chargers, etc. 5.11.2 Social impacts: Interactions with the local communities were undertaken in a working context. At each study locations, meeting with the local representatives was essential and would make the link with the rest of the population. Moreover, The Amadis Project 2004/5 worked in areas where tourism was a relatively major activity; therefore the local communities were used to see strangers on their islands. The Amadis Project 2004/5 tried not to increase tourism pressure as the crew members acted as responsible travellers: no purchasing of curios (shells, etc.), or seafood (lobsters, giant clams, turtle meat, etc...), and adopting a respectable attitude toward the local population (wearing T-shirt, long trousers when needed, etc...).

6. Diary and log Date (2005) 27/04 28/04 – 06/05 07/05 – 08/05 09/05 – 11/05 12/05 – 16/05 17/05 – 25/05 26/05 – 30/05 WED 01/06 – SAT 25/06

Activities SV Amadis arrived in Colon, Panama Team members join Amadis, provisioning, brief of facilities and safe practise aboard SV Amadis. Panama Canal transit

Location

Panama

-

Balboa, Panama. Provisioning, purchase of certain equipment Las Perlas, Panama. Diving and exploring

-

Passage to Santa Cruz, Galapagos

-

Santa Cruz, Galapagos. Meeting with staff of Charles Darwin Research Station, sightseeing, diving Passage to Hiva Oa, Marquesas. Reef Check and organism ID theory training, Rescue diver theory (Lily and Rik)

-

-

Galapagos, Equator East Pacific Ocean

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SUN 26/06 – FRI 01/07 SAT 02/07 – WED 06/07 -

Hiva Oa, Marquesas. Sightseeing

THU 07/07

-

Arrival of the team in Fakarava Appointment taken with the Mayor for the next day

FRI 08/07

-

Morning: Meeting with the Mayor and the head mistress; welcome, contact with Direction de l’Environnement, Miri Tatarata by phone. Enthusiasm about our initiative, very open/active on environmental matters, want to include any kind in action since now population understand more and more about it. Afternoon: site selection for EE activities (Tav Gwen) Rescue diving training (Rick Stu Lil)

SAT 09/07

TUE 19/07

-

Boat maintenance Fish ID (diving Lil Stu; snorkelling Rick Tav Gwen) Off All day rescue diving course (Stu Rick Lil) Morning: meeting with Chantale, Head mistress (Tav Gwen) Detailed planning of the activities of the educational day (material need, place of occurrence, etc…). Contact with diving shop for partnership in the school activities (lend mask) Afternoon: check the reefs close to school slates, size estimation rope preparation (Gwen) check site for beach cleaning with children + get material for quadrats (Tav) rescue diving course all day RC technique practice on land Fish test and Review RC technique practice snorkelling Tests Morning: off Afternoon: practice RC tech snorkelling ID tests + review morning: try to meet the Mayor! Afternoon: practice RC tech diving boat maintenance Off Meeting with the Mayor and head mistress Survey 1 North Buoy Harbour Survey 2: Togamaitu-I-uta

WED 20/07 THU 21/07 FRI 22/07

-

Educational day Survey 3: Pufana Survey 4: Motu Vahapiapia

SUN 10/07 MON 11/07

TUE 12/07

WED 13/07

THU 14/07

FRI 15/07 SAT 16/07 SUN 17/07 MON 18/07

-

Passage to Fakarava (Lily, Stu, Tav, Rik) Meetings of partners in Tahiti (Gwen)

-

Hiva Oa, Marquesas Archipelago, French Polynesia Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

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SAT 23/07 SUN 24/07 MON 25/07 TUE 26/07 WED 27/07 THU 28/07

FRI 29/07 SAT 30/07 SUN 31/07 TUE 02/08 WED 03/08 to MON 08/08

-

survey 5 off Survey 5bis survey 6 survey 7 sailing from Fakarava to Toau survey 8 and 9 enter Toau lagoon boat maintenance sailing to Anse Amyotte, North of Toau survey 10 sailing to Tahiti arrival in Tahiti

TUE 09/08

-

emails, phone calls to organise Cook Islands work writing reports resupply 2 days off Sailing from Tahiti to Moorea

WED 10/08

-

departure from Moorea to Cook Islands

MON 15/08

-

arrival in Rarotonga midday phone calls

TUE 16/08

-

WED 17/08

-

meeting with Jacqui Evans, Pat Fitzgibbon, Graham Wragg, Ian Bertram, Research permit officer meeting with Gerald McCormack, school teacher at Muri school, science teacher at secondary school interview TV and news paper library research phone calls last few phone calls: Pat, Neil William, etc… research permit resupply Sailing to Aitutaki at 6 a.m. arrival at midday in Aitutaki boat maintenance

THU 18/08 FRI 19/08

SAT 20/08 SUN 21/08

-

MON 22/08

-

TUE 23/08

-

WED 24/08

test dive for Karin in north of the pass Meeting with the Mayor – Mr Secretary of the Committee for Manuae Mr Maki Toko – Richard Story (MMR) survey 1 and 2 meeting with Mike Henry - Neil Williams survey 3 and 4 anchor outreef north-west

Toau, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Tahiti, Society Archipelago, French Polynesia Moorea, Society Archipelago, French Polynesia

Rarotonga, Southern Groups, Cook Islands

Aitutaki, Southern Groups, Cook Islands

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THU 25/08 FRI 26/08 SAT- SUN 27-28/08 SUN 27/08 MON 29/08

TUE 30/08 WED 31/08 THU 01/09 FRI 02/09 SAT 03/09 SUN 04/09 MON 05/09 TUE 06/09 WED 07/09 THU 08/09

FRI-SAT 09-10/09 SUN 11/09 MON 12/09 TUE 13/09 WED 14/09 THU 15/09

-

survey 5 and 4 anchor outside lagoon south-west for the night survey 6 back in Harbour because of bad weather conditions boat maintenance data entry/checking Off try to survey the site call South outreef in Aitutaki but too much swell. Back to the west reef survey 7 Amuri School presentation Survey 8 Survey 9 Survey 10 Survey 11 Morning: enter the lagoon with SV Amadis to shelter afternoon: off Bad weather: wind and rain Report writing Sailing to Manuae: departure at 11:00 Sailing: arrival at 16:00 survey 1 in Manuae North west corner survey 2 Manuae south west

-

Sailing to Rarotonga

-

Off School educational day at primary Teuki Oa Emails, power point presentation 2 school presentation from 12.00 to 14.30 End of the project

Manuae, Southern Groups, Cook Islands Rarotonga, Southern Groups, Cook Islands

7. Conclusion The Amadis Project 2004/5 was a first attempt to conduct coral reef health surveys from a 38 foot sailing boat. The aims were actually very challenging on a logistical and human point of view. The project was successful in the sense that data were collected and transferred to the different partners to extend current database on the South Pacific region. Moreover, the environmental education programmes proposed by The Amadis Project 2004/5 in various schools received very positive feedback from the pupils and the teachers. Indeed, the educational impact of a crew coming from Europe and travelling the world to protect coral reef aroused curiosity among the young people. The main limiting factor of the expedition was time. The project had to end up by November, before the cyclone season. Therefore, The Amadis Project 2004/5 could only make a rapid assessment of coral reef health in few locations and give an overview of the local situation.

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The Tuamotu archipelago in French Polynesia and especially Fakarava and Toau atolls could be considered as healthy reefs in and outside lagoons. The establishment of the ‘Réserve de Biosphère des Tuamotu’ (Tuamotu Biosphere Reserve) represents an ideal instrument to preserve and use the coral reef resource in a sustainable way. The local population and community representatives seem very much aware of the importance of protecting their environment and it is likely that even with the tourism industry developing, the Tuamotu will not suffer from extensive tourist pressure. That is also probably due to the remoteness of this archipelago from the international airport in Tahiti. Tourism is developing on a wider scale in the Society Archipelago (Bora-Bora, Moorea) because those islands are very close to the main island, Tahiti. Thus, even though environmental protection appears to be wished by the local population of the Tuamotu atolls, long-term resource management plans should take place rapidly. Globally, the Aitutaki reefs in the Cook Islands seem to recover slowly from the past different bleaching events. Unfortunately, comparison with coral reef health in French Polynesia is difficult to make considering that we did not survey the Aitutaki or Manuae lagoons and we could only study the leeward side (West reef) in the Cook Islands. It would be interesting to study in more depth the Manuae reef since it seems healthier than Aitutaki. It could represent an interesting comparison site with Aitutaki. Finally, a high Crown-of-thorn predation impacted area has been located on the West outreef of Aitutaki. The number of Crown-of-thorn starfish does not sound alarming. However, the result of their predation could completely change the landscape of the reef in some areas. Therefore, it would be important to monitor the starfish population to prevent any important outbreak. Specific attention was given to coral disease observation. In various places where The Amadis Project 2004/5 crew had the opportunity to dive, it would always pay attention to potential signs of coral diseases, record the location and information about the site and take pictures for future identification by experts. From the first picture analysis, it seems that The Amadis Project 2004/5 team might have found some interesting cases but more study needs to be carried out. The aims of coral reef conservation of The Amadis Project 2004/5 would not have been fulfilled without the educational programmes. We felt it was our duty to talk about what we were doing and why to the inhabitants of the study areas. Firstly, it helped the project to be understood and therefore to be accepted by the local population. Secondly, it worked toward our goal which is: sustainable resource management for the marine environment. The time schedule of the project did not allow running the educational programmes in more schools although it was a very enjoyable and grateful experience for the Amadis project team. The Amadis Project 2004/5 is aware of the limits of its study and results. However, it was an attempt to carry out surveys in various places of the South Pacific in a limited amount of time and means. Improvements for possible future similar projects have been identified. The major limitations of the project were: - Weather and sea conditions Unfavourable weather and sea conditions were the main limiting parameter for The Amadis Project and affected scheduling and survey work. Bad weather and sea conditions result in longer sailing times between locations, cancellation of surveys and/or changes to survey locations as a result of large swells, strong onshore winds etc. - Time

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Running an expedition from a sailing boat in different locations that have to be reached by sea implies a risk for delays in the schedule considering weather and sea conditions. The distance covered during 5 months was 5,300 nautical miles and the average speed of the boat was 5kts. Therefore a lot of time was actually allocated to the travelling from one study area to another. Moreover, even if projects were delayed because the travelling took longer than expected, the research programme schedule could not be put back since the project had to finish at the end of October before the cyclone season started. - Logistics: boat manoeuvrability, engine power The Amadis project was a first attempt to carry out surveys from a sailing boat. It is during the project, as it went along, that we found out the potentials and limitations of a shallow draft sailing boat. The possibilities were wider than expected but we could not manoeuvre everywhere and usual boat limitations applied here, namely weather and sea conditions. Moreover, the engine power for the inflatable boat used in some occasions to reach survey sites was 5 hp. This meant that the distance which could be covered with 5 persons on board plus the diving equipment was restricted to 2 km maximum. - Restricted living space for crew members Living and working conditions on board could be difficult for some crew members considering the small space inside a 12 m sailing yacht for 5 persons plus the diving equipment. Working conditions are an important parameter when looking at efficiency. The Amadis Project 2004/05 does not claim to have found remarkable results but we believe that it has participated to the global and local coral reef conservation efforts and that every initiative is important against the global degradation of our environment.

8. Acknowledgements We would like to thank Gregor Hodgeson and Jenny Mihaly from Reef Check Foundation for their major help, support and collaboration. The same gratefulness goes to Emily Corcoran of UNEP-WCMC for the partnership she developed with kindness and patience. We thank as well Helen Sykes of Fiji Resort for her collaboration during more than one year even though we could not make it to Fiji. We thank as well Michel Pichon, Université de Perpignan, for his support concerning our grant applications. We acknowledge funding from the Royal Geographical Society with IBG and we would like to thank Greg Dow in particular. We acknowledge as well funding from the Aware Project Foundation and Joanne Marston in particular. Thank you to Peter Ledward, Didar Fawzi, and Jean-Yves and Névine Hémery for their moral and financial support. We thank as well the crew of SV Syn-y-mor for the donation of Pacific charts. We are grateful to the Darwin Institute in Galapagos and Stuart Banks in particular for taking the time to share information and experience with us. Finally we would like to thank Jocelyne Rebillard for her interest in our project and her press articles. I would personally like to thank Tavis Walker for his particular interest and work on the environmental education programme, Rikkert Van Der Veer for his inputs in the research programme, and Lily Kozmian-Ledward for her participation in the final report.

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In French Polynesia We would like to thank Miri Tatarata, MAB Reserve Coordinator for her support in our project making the link between us and the Fakarava district. The Mayor of Fakarava district, Tavana Tekrio Dominique, has a real will to preserve the environment of the atolls on his district and supports every scientific or educational project. Therefore, he was of major help for our mission in Fakarava district and we would like to thank him very much for his co-operation. The environmental education day proposed to the children of Fakarava has been possible thanks to the major help and enthusiasm of the headmistress of Rotoava School, Chantale MoeVai. Without her participation, it would not have been such a success. Many thanks to J.C. Lapeyre, Director of the dive centre Te Ava Nui on Fakarava to support our educational day by lending us snorkelling equipment for the children. We are very grateful to the following people who helped either by their advice or by sharing their knowledge: Christian Monier, Service de la Pêche; Yannick Chancerelle, CRIOBE; Caroline Vieux, CRIOBE/GCRMN; Annie Aubanel, Service Urbanisme; Mani Sazar, Tavana Environnement Fakarava; and Agnès Benet, PROGEM. Finally we would like to thank SV Aqua Tiki for the use of their moorings in Fakarava and Toau.

In Cook Islands We are very grateful to Dr Graham Wragg of Pacific Expeditions, Gerald McCormack of Cook Islands Heritage, and Pat Fitzgibbon of WWF Cook Islands for their considerable help and major advice. We acknowledge Ian Bertram of the Ministry of Marine Resource, Diane Charlie of the Office of Prime Minister, the Mayor of Aitutaki, and Maki Toko of the Management Committee of Manuae for their permission to carry out our work on Aitutaki and Manuae. We thank the following persons for their participation to our project by supporting it and/or sharing information: Jacqui Evans, Mona Matepi of WWF, Richard Story of the Ministry of Marine Resources based on Aitutaki, and Neil Mitchell of Dive Center Aitutaki. Moreover, we are thankful to Mike Henry for the use of his mooring on Manuae. Many thanks to Helen Greig of the Daily Paper for her interest in our work. Finally we would like to thank all the teachers involved in our environmental education programmes in the Cook Islands: June Young, Headmistress of Teuki Ou Primary School; Marie Young, Teacher of Teuki Ou Primary School; Pauline Waiti, Teacher at the Secondary School Tere Ora College; and Mrs Nora Kitai, Teacher at Araura College in Aitutaki.

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9. Appendices 9.1 Detailed Reef Check methodology for The Amadis Project 2004/05 Core Methods Site Selection Site selection is a critical factor in the success of Reef Check. One goal of Reef Check is to determine the widespread extent of human impacts on coral reefs. - For this reason, The Amadis Project 2004/5 team surveyed the "best" site they have access to (i.e. sites least likely to have been affected by human impacts, fishing, pollution etc). Such a site should have high living hard coral cover, and dense fish and mobile invertebrate populations. - In addition, The Amadis Project 2004/5 chose two or more additional sites that are representative of moderate and heavy human impacts. By doing so, it is possible to construct a picture of the extent and distribution of human threats, and to find out why some reefs are more vulnerable to these threats than others. No surveys on steep wall reefs (drop-offs), reefs predominantly located in caves or beneath overhangs have been conducted. Lagoons were also surveyed using Reef Check methods. The survey transects were placed seaward of the reef crest on the outer slope, parallel to shore. Site selection was not carried out with the manta tow technique for logistical reasons (except in the Cook Islands where one manta tow was possible). Sites were selected after interviews of local people, diving centres and research partners as well as after snorkelling potential sites. Basic Design The goal is to survey two depth contours, 3 m and 10 m below chart datum (lowest low tide). However, on many reefs, the highest coral cover will not be found at these exact depths. Therefore, we chose the depth contour with the highest coral cover within the following ranges: Shallow (2 - 6 m depth), Midreef (>6 - 12 m depth). Note that particularly for the shallow transect, the tide should be taken into account (2 – 6 m below lowest low tide). Along each depth contour, four 20 m long segments were surveyed to make up one transect. The segments followed the designated depth contour one after the other; however, segment start and end points were separated by a 5 m gap. The distance between the start of the first segment and the end of the last segment was 20 + 5 + 20 + 5 + 20 + 5 + 20 = 95 m. The 5m gaps are necessary to ensure independence between samples, which is important for statistical analyses. A 20m measuring tape was used for the Amadis Project surveys and was deployed 4 times on a same transect line. Reefs in many areas are not suitable for a survey at both depths. In this case, just one depth contour was surveyed. At some reefs, it might have been necessary to deploy transects perpendicular to the reef edge or crest, i.e. following spurs or ridges. In such areas, teams preferred surveying individual 20m transect segments located within the specified depth contours.

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Four types of data were recorded and later transferred to standard RC Data Forms. 1) Site Description. Anecdotal, observational, historical, location and other data were recorded on the Site Description Sheet. These data are extremely important when global correlations in the data are interpreted. 2) Fish belt transect. Four 5m wide (centred on the transect line) by 20m long segments were sampled for fish species typically targeted by fishermen, aquarium collectors and others. Fish seen up to 5m above the line were counted. This was the first survey performed. 3) Invertebrate belt transect. The same four 5m wide (centred on the transect line) by 20m long segments, as in the fish belt transect, were sampled for invertebrate species typically targeted as food species or collected as curios. 4) Substrate line transect. Using the same transect line as the fish and invertebrate belt transects, points were sampled at 0.5m intervals along the measuring tape to determine the substrate types on the reef. Pre-dive Preparation Training programme Day1 Morning What is Reef Check protocol? Overview of the different organisms and data to record Reef Fish ID lesson afternoon Snorkelling/Diving training - Point out Debriefing Day2 morning Invertebrate ID lesson Substrate lesson afternoon Snorkelling/Diving training - Point out Day3 morning RC survey training (on land and underwater) afternoon Size estimation training Day4 morning Reef fish test on computer Size estimation test in the water afternoon Invert and substrate test on computer Day5 morning Reef fish, invert, substrate tests underwater afternoon Data entry training The Team scientist / Marine science co-ordinator completed the two following tasks before the survey: - Assign team members to survey tasks - Prepare all the survey equipment (underwater measuring tape, GPS, extra weight) The Dive leader was in charge of: - Planning the dive according to the Amadis Dive protocol - Preparing safety dive equipment (O2, first aid kit, dive flag, BCD) Each diver was responsible for: - His/her own diving equipment (fins, masks, weight, etc...) - The survey equipment once his/her post had been allocated (slate, pencils, underwater camera) Transect survey A 20m transect was deployed by the first body pair composed by the dive leader doing site description and controlling survey baring and depth, and by the 1st Diver surveying

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for reef fish. Meanwhile, the second body pair was waiting at the start point of the 20m segment. Once the first buddy pair finished surveying and lying down the measuring tape, the second buddy pair started to swim along the segment. While the second body pair recorded their data, the first body pair was waiting at the end point of the 20m segment. This waiting time of the first buddy allowed the fish of the second 20m transect to come back if afraid of divers. Then the 4 divers swam 5m in the same direction, same depth than before and started the second 20m transect the same way. A note of safety Safety of divers is the number one priority. No Reef Check surveys were undertaken when weather or sea conditions were unsafe or if a diver did not feel well. Dive surveys were planned according to the Amadis diving protocol (= mainly: work to avoid decompression dives during Reef Check; Any diver who is not comfortable diving for any reason should not participate in the diving aspects of the survey).

Data collection Surface support person Site Description Instructions Those data were recorded by the surface support person while the other divers were surveying. Blanks were interpreted as missing data or unknown. Date Country Region Close city Site name Depth of the transect Location (GPS point) start and end survey Orientation of the transect Air in/out Time in/out Distance from shore from nearest river width of the river mouth from nearest population centre Weather Visibility Site sheltered/exposed Activities in the area: fishing boat (number, kind, activity (spearing, nets, hand line, etc.), tourist boat (number of divers/snorkellers, activities)

1st Diver

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The 1st diver was the Dive leader and therefore was in charge of diving to the plan, keep the right bearing and depth, laying the measuring tape, and describing the transects. Transect description For each 20m transects, the 1st diver described the 20m*5m area: horizontal visibility, type of reef (slopes, pinnacles, boomies, etc.), living coral percentage cover and a drawing if necessary. Bleaching, Coral Diseases, Trash and Coral Damages The diver also noted the level of bleaching, presence of coral diseases, presence of trash and coral damage in the survey area. 1. If bleaching was present, two estimates were made: - Percentage of bleached coral colonies on the 20m*5m transect belt. - Mean percent of bleached area on each individual colony that was bleached. (For example, the estimate might be that 30 out of 100 corals (30%) along the transect are bleached but the mean level of bleaching per colony was 80%). 2. The surveyor recorded the following data on 20m*5m belt transects: - Disease name (if known; if not: give a detailed description of it in the comment section) - Coral Species/Genus affected - % of colonies infected (Disease incidence %) - Qualitative mortality % - General comments (descriptive text) (We considered "% disease incidence" to mean "% of colonies infected" and "% mortality" to be "% of colonies dead" (this generally means the surveyor knew the coral died of disease as they recorded disease present on previous surveys), or the "Qualitative mortality %" field can be used i.e. 'around 10% of colonies were dead and, considering the high incidence of diseases in the area, it is sensible to presume that at least some of this percentage is due to disease'). As well as incidence of coral diseases, we were also recording absence of diseases. Finally, pictures were taken and registered. 3. Trash were separated into general and fish nets/traps and the number of these items was recorded for each 20m segment. Coral damage was separated into boat/anchor, dynamite, and other. The number of incidents and estimated size were recorded per segment. Damage and Trash were rated as the following: None=0, Low=1, Medium=2, and High=3. It was important to put zeros in these fields if there was no bleaching, diseases, trash or coral damage. 2nd Diver The 2nd diver was buddying the 1st one. He was in charge of the fish belt survey as well as holding the SMB.

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Fish Belt Transect The fish belt transect was the first survey completed. We tried to begin the fish transect before 10:00 a.m. but it was not always possible for logistical reasons. The maximum height above the transect to record fish was restricted to 5m in the water column. The diver assigned to count fish swam slowly along the transect counting the indicator fish. This is a combined timed and area restricted survey: four segments of 20m long by 5m wide = 400 m2. A note was made of any sightings of what are now becoming rare animals such as manta rays, sharks and turtles, but if these were off-transect records, they were written at the bottom of the slate under "Comments”. This list included off transect records of Humphead (Napoleon) Wrasse and Bumphead Parrotfish as these species roam near reefs rather than being strictly resident species. English name , Latin name French name Grouper/coral trout (>30 cm) Serranidae Loche/Loche truite Barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis Mérou bossu Parrotfish (>20 cm) Scaridae Poisson perroquet Snapper Lutjanidae Lujan Butterflyfish (any species) Chaetodontidae Poisson Papillon Moray eel (any species) Muraenidae Murène Humphead (Napoleon) wrasse Cheilinus undulatus Poisson Napoleon Bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum Perroquet à bosse Grunts/Sweetlips/Margates Haemulidae (e.g. Plectorhincus spp.) Grosses lèvres 3d Diver Invertebrate Belt Transect When the fish belt transect was completed, the second buddy pair composed by the 3d diver and the 4th diver would then carry out the belt transect survey for invertebrates using the same belt transect as used for the fish survey. Each belt transect was 5m wide with 2.5m on either side of the transect line. It was extremely important to look in cracks and under large coral heads and overhangs to search for cryptic species such as lobster and banded coral shrimp. Diver swam slowly in front of the substrate diver along the transect counting the indicator invertebrates. English name , Latin name French name Long-spined black, black sea urchin Oursin diadème Diadema spp. , Echinotrix spp. Sea Egg/Collector urchin Tripneustes spp. Pencil urchin Heterocentrotus mammilatus Oursin crayon Banded coral shrimp Stenopus hispidus Langoustine violon Lobster (all edible species) Malacostraca (Decapod) Langouste Giant clams (give size/species) Tridacna spp. Bénitiers Triton Charonia tritonis Triton Edible sea cucumbers (2 species) Holothuries comestibles Prickly redfish Thelenota ananas,Greenfish Stichopus chloronotus

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Crown of thorns starfish Acanthaster planci

Etoile de mer épineuse

4th Diver Line Transect Instructions The method chosen for Reef Check sampling of substrates is "point sampling." Point sampling was chosen because it is the least ambiguous and fastest method of survey and is easily learned by non-scientists. In use, the diver can simply look at a series of points where the transect tape lies above the reef and note down what lies under those points. Substrate type was recorded at 0.5m intervals along the line, i.e. at: 0.0m, 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m etc. up to 19.5m. Hard coral (HC) Corail Dur: Includes fire coral (Millepora), blue coral (Heliopora) and organ pipe coral (Tubipora) because these are reef builders. Soft coral (SC) Corail mou: Includes zoanthids, but not sea anemones (the latter go into "Other"). Sea anemones do not occupy much space in the same manner as zoanthids or soft corals. In the Atlantic, this category is only represented by zoanthids. Recently killed coral (RKC) Corail récemment mort: The aim is to record coral that has died within the past year. The coral may be standing or broken into pieces, but appears fresh, white with corallite structures still recognisable, only partially overgrown by encrusting algae etc. Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) Algues indicatrices de nutriment: The aim is to record blooms of algae that may be responding to high levels of nutrient input. Examples of these types of algae are Ulva, various blue green algae, and bubble algae. Since 2005 all macro-algae except turf and coralline algae would be included in the NIA category on the Reef Check substrate survey. This is because all algae can potentially become problematic if nutrients are elevated. Sponge (SP) Eponge: All sponges (but no tunicates) are included; the aim is to detect sponge blooms that cover large areas of reef in response to disturbances. Rock (RC) Rocher: Any hard substrate whether it is covered in e.g. turf or encrusting coralline algae, barnacles, oysters etc. would be placed in this category. Rock will also include dead coral that is more than about 1 year old, i.e. is worn down so that few corallite structures are visible, and covered with a thick layer of encrusting organisms and/or algae. Rubble (RB) Débris: Includes rocks between 0.5 and 15 cm diameter. If it is larger than 15 cm, it is rock, smaller than 0.5 cm, it is sand. Sand (SD) Sable : In the water, sand falls quickly to the bottom after being dropped. Silt/Clay (SI) Vase: Sediment that remains in suspension if disturbed. Note that these are practical definitions not geotechnical. Often, silt is present on top of other indicators such as rock. In these instances, silt is recorded if the silt layer is thicker than 1 mm or covers the underlying substrate such that you cannot observe the colour of what is underneath. If the colour of the underlying substrate can be discerned, then the contact will be counted as the underlying substrate NOT silt. Other (OT) Autres: Any other sessile organism including sea anemones, tunicates, gorgonians or non-living substrate.

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After the survey Data entry Entering data in computer spreadsheet is a very important stage of the research. z Data were reported on the appropriate computer spreadsheet after each survey dive. z One diver entered all the data checking with each surveyor in case of ambiguous record z Team scientist had to make sure that all data fields are filled and that data were coherent. Additional data Additional data on the impacts that the studied site encountered were given. Impacts RECENT CORAL DAMAGING STORMS (date) OVERALL ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT (Low, Medium, High) SILTATION(Low, Medium, High) BLAST FISHING Low — Known blast fishing in area, but no evidence seen or heard during survey Med — Blast crater observed anywhere on reef, no blasts heard during survey High — One or more blasts heard during survey and/or dynamite crater on transect POISON FISHING Low — Less than one incident per month Med — More than one incident per month, but less than one per week High — One incident a week or more AQUARIUM FISHING Low — Less than once per month Med — More than once per month, but less than once per week High — Once a week or more HARVEST INVERTS FOR FOOD Low — Harvest less than once per week Med — Harvest more than once per week, but less than daily High — Daily harvest HARVEST INVERTEBRATES FOR CURIO SALES Low — Harvest less than once per week Med — Harvest more than once per week, but less than daily High — Daily harvest TOURIST DIVING/SNORKELING (PEAK SEASON AVERAGE PER DAY WITHIN 100M OF TRANSECT AREA) Low — 1-5 individuals per day Med — 6-20 individuals per day High — More than 20 individuals per day SEWAGE POLLUTION (OUTFALL OR BOAT) Low — Sewage, irregular or rare discharge Med — Source of discharge > 100 m but < 500m from transect High — Source of discharge < 100 m from any point on transect INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION Low — Source > 0.5 km Med — Source between 0.1 and 0.5 km High — Source less than 100 m

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COMMERCIAL FISHING (FISH CAUGHT FOR FOOD TO SELL NOT INCLUDING LIVE FISH RESTAURANT TRADE) Low — Less than once per month Med — Less than once a week and more than once a month High — Once a week or less FISHING FOR THE LIVE FOOD FISH RESTAURANT TRADE Low — Less than once per month Med — Less than once per week and more than once per month High — Once per week or less ARTISANAL/RECREATIONAL FISHING (PERSONAL CONSUMPTION) Low — Less than once per week Med — More than once per week, but less than daily High — Daily artisanal fishing LIST THE NUMBER OF YACHTS TYPICALLY PRESENT WITHIN 1 KM OF REEF Few — 1-2 Med — 3-5 Many — More than 5 Protection We indicated if the area had any sort of protection from human usage (legal or otherwise) and if the protection was enforced. The level of protection was estimated and the listed activities that are banned at our sites were checked.

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9.2 Inventory of stores and equipment Survey: - a copy of the Reef Check Instruction Manual - Indicator organism ID and Books - GPS - Transect lines: 100m measuring tape - Slates, pencils, permanent markers - Buoys to mark start and end of transect line - Safety gears: dive flag, sunscreen, first aid kit, water Diving: - Compressor; Bristol 3.5 cfm compressor with Honda 5.5hp, 4-stroke engine, extra filters, o-rings, oil etc - 4 completed dive kit (regs, BCDs, etc...) - 5 12l tanks - 4 weight belts, 13.5kg weights - 1 dive computer Sailing: - sails (fully battened main, two reef points; standard main, three reef points; genoa, on furler; staysail; twin running sails; multi-purpose spinnaker (MPS); No. 2 jib; Trysail) - Engines (37 hp Nanni diesel; 90 gal (400l) diesel capacity in 4 tanks; 5 hp, 4stroke outboard engine; 56l petrol in cans) - Dingies (Quicksilver 3.8 m inflatable, solid wooden floor, inflatable keel; Humber 2.1m inflatable) - Electrics/Navigation equipment (3 40w Solara semi-flexible solar panels and 400 W inverter to supply 12v and 230v electric supply; GPS: one fixed, one handheld with waterproof case; Depth sounder and log plus back-up depth-sounder; Compass: steering pedestal mounted, electric, 2 hand-bearing compasses; Barometer and thermometer; Navigation lights; VHF radio (fixed); SSB (MF/HF) radio with modem; CD/radio; IBM thinkpad; Printer; CD burner; Sextant) Cameras: - Sony digital camera with housing - Olympus digital camera with housing Safety gear: - 6-man Transocean liferaft in canister at stern - 406 MHz EPIRB - comprehensive offshore flares kit - 6 auto inflate lifejacket/harnesses - jack-stays running length of deck - offshore Dan buoy with horseshoe buoy and light - MOB recovery sling - 2 horse-shoe buoys with lights - fire extinguishers, fire blanket - bilge pumps: engine driven clutch pump, manual, electric - comprehensive medical kit

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oxygen administration kit (10 litre tank)

Ground tackle: - Muir Hercules M-1200 manual anchor winch, 2-speed. - Bower anchor: 60lb Plough - Kedge: 45lb Plough; 80lb Fisherman - 64 m 10mm short-link tested chain - 100m anchor warp Other: -

manual sea-toilet chemical toilet small solid fuel stove two surfboards (6’ 8” and 6’ 4”) ice-box paraffin stove: two burners, oven 90 gal freshwater supply in 5 tanks plus extra in jerry cans comprehensive tool kit, including work bench, electric drill, jigsaw, many spare parts fishing gear

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9.3 Raw field data Raw field data are stored in Excel files. The amount of files being too large, it is not possible and suitable to present them here. However, persons interested in the raw data can obtain them from the Marine Science Co-ordinator of The Amadis Project 2004/5, Gwenaël Hémery at: [email protected]

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9.4 School presentation notes in Aitutaki, Cook Islands 1. Presentation of the project - Where are we from? 5 crew members from Europe….Boat from England 38 foot sailing boat…speed 5knots=10km/h. Route: The boat started in England, across the Atlantic then Caribbean, then Panama canal, then…for a year. Trip continues to Fiji and then New Zealand. - Project for coral reef conservation = to protect and save the coral reefs. So we study the health of the reefs (good or bad state). We go underwater, and along a line we count fish, invertebrates (like sea urchin, sea cucumber, shells, crown of thorn etc…) and look at the bottom of the ocean and look whether there are living corals, dead corals, algae/sea weeds (plant), etc…So for example if there are lots of living corals and lots of different species/kind of fish, the reef is in a good state. If lots of coral just died, and there are lots of algae covering the bottom of the ocean than it is in a bad state. - To protect coral reefs, we do some environmental awareness as well : we try to explain to people everywhere what is bad for the coral reefs and how we can all change our behaviour to stop damaging them. 2. Importance and threats/impacts on coral reefs - Why do we want to protect the coral reefs? Source of food: fish, lobster, giant clam Source of income/making money: tourism (tourist taking in the lagoon, diving outside the atoll) Protection of the shoreline: protect the coast from erosion, if no reef, the beach area will decrease - What are the dangers for the reef then? Around the world 10% of the reefs have been completely destroyed and 60% are in danger now or for later if we don’t do anything. Natural impacts: cyclones (especially in Rarotonga, break all the corals), crown of thorn (can be natural) Human impacts - Overfishing = when we fish too much. Then the fish don’t have time to lay eggs anymore, so the number of fish in the water decreases and the size of the fish as well. The same for other kinds of marine organisms (giant clam, other shells, sea cucumber…) - Pollution: waste water (dirty water from the houses go into the lagoon and can cause problems to the life in the lagoon because corals cannot stand too much pollution), oil (when big boat sunk on the reef), agricultural pollution (when toxic products are used on land to grow vegetables or fruits, for example banana, pineapple, etc..), is washed in the lagoons with the rain. - Building: when hotels or houses are built on shore, the reef is destroyed and lots of sediment/earth/sands are washed in the lagoon and on the reef: they cover the corals. - Tourism: when lots of people go at the same place and anchor, snorkel, kick corals with fins, etc… - Rubbish in the water or on the beach: the wind blows it into the sea; it covers corals, a turtle will eat a plastic bag thinking it is jellyfish, lost nets will catch dolphins, etc…

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Global warming: temperature of the water increases; coral can only live between 20C and 30C, so if it is 34C the coral will die and will first become all white: it is called “bleaching”.

3. How is it elsewhere ? - Where do coral reefs grow on earth? Between 20N to 20S where the water is hot (2030C), in salt water, with lots of light (clear water)…therefore in the tropics. In England/Europe there are no coral reefs because it is not warm enough and there is not enough light. We have big sea weeds on the bottom and rocks, and mud. - Elsewhere we found a big variation of coral reef health because it depends on local conditions. - In the Caribbean, human impacts are numerous, so now the reefs are not very healthy in general, with lots of algae. - Near the big cities, a lot of pollution goes into the sea and the reefs are in bad shape or even dead - In SE Asia they use destroying fishing techniques, like bombs and poisons. We’ve been in: - Galapagos: they fished too much and now there are not many fish anymore - We studied two atolls in French Polynesia: 700 people live there. Lots of people work in pearl farming. Not many people fish and there are not too many tourists for the moment, so the reefs are in good health (see pictures later). - Papetee, capital Tahiti: pollution occurs, so coral reefs are in a bad state. - Rarotonga had problems with hurricanes and too much fishing, but now the population tries to save the reef and has set up a system of protection by traditional management (Rau’ri).

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10. Bibliography ID books LIESKE E., and MYERS R. (2001). Coral Reef Fishes – Indo-Pacific and Caribbean. 400pp. Ed. Collins. ALLEN G., et al. (2003) Reef Fish Identification – Tropical Pacific. New World Publications. 457pp. GOSLINER T.M., et al. (1996). Coral Reef Animals of the Indo-Pacific. Pub. 314pp. Sea Challengers. ALLEN G. , and STEENE R. (). Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Field Guide. 278pp. OLIVER J., et al. (2004). A Global Protocol for Assessment and Monitoring of Coral Bleaching. 35pp. Worldfish Center and WWF Indonesia. General information Reefbase website, www.reefbase.org WILKINSON C. (ed) (2002). Status of coral reefs of the world: 2002. AIMS/ GCRMN. HODGSON G., et al. (2004). Reef Check Instruction Manual: A Guide to Reef Check Coral Monitoring. Published by Reef Check. HODGSON G., LIEBELER J. (2002). The global coral reef crisis, Trends and solutions. Published by Reef Check. SPALDING M.D., et al. (2001). World atlas of coral reefs. Prepared at the UNEPWCMC. University of California Press, Berkley, USA. French Polynesia SALVAT B., et al. (2001). Etat des récifs et de leurs ressources en Polynésie Française. Chap 9, p.171-202 SALVAT B., et al. (2004). La surveillance de l’état de santé des récifs coralliens en Polynésie française. Le réseau Reef Check, Volume 2, Hôtels Pearl Beach 2003-2004. EPHE-CRIOBE-NEB-IFRECOR, référence CRIOBE – RA 118, Mars 2003, 79 pages Cook Islands BARNETT Consulting Group, Inc. (1995). Aitutaki Infrastructure Evaluation – Phase I: Final Report for the Office of the Prime Minister. GIBBS P.E., et al. (1975). Marine fauna of the Cook Islands: Check list of species collected during the Cook Bicentenary expedition in 1969. Atoll Research Bulletin n°190:133-148 PONIA B. (1998). Manuae Island Marine Baseline Assessment from 1994 to 1997. Government of the Cook Islands-Ministry of Marine Resources. PONIA B., and MARURAI J.(1998). Aitutaki Trochus assessment, June 1998. Government of the Cook Islands-Ministry of Marine Resources. PONIA B., et al. (1999). Aitutaki lagoons and fringing reef fish and coral monitoring survey, April 1999. Government of the Cook Islands – Ministry of Marine Resources STODDART D.R. (1975). Almost-atoll of Aitutaki: geomorphology of reefs and islands. Atoll Research Bulletin n°190:31-57.

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11. Distribution list For financial and environmental reasons, the final expedition report of The Amadis Project 2004/5 will be sent by email or burnt on CD and delivered to the different partners of the project. They are: -

Royal Geographical Society with IBG Aware Project Foundation Reef Check Foundation UNEP-WCMC

French Polynesia - Service de l’Environnement (Miri Tatarata) - Mairie de Fakarava - Rotoava School (Chantale MoeVai) - CRIOBE (Caroline Vieux) - Centre de plongée Te Ava Nui, Fakarava - Service de la Pêche Cook Islands - Pacific Expedition (Graham Wragg) - Cook Islands Heritage (Gerald McCormack) - WWF Cook Islands (Pat Fitzgibbon) - Ministry of Marine Resource (Ian Bertram) - National Environment Service - Office of Prime Minister - Mayor of Aitutaki - Teuki Ou Primary School (Headmistress: June Hosking) - Secondary School Tere Ora College (Pauline Waiti) - Araura College in Aitutaki (Nora Kitai)

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