Marine reserves in New Caledonia: case study

Abstract

New Caledonia is surrounded by a large and rich lagoon which is enclosed by a barrier reef over 1,000 km long. Exploitation of the living lagoon resources to meet local requirements for fish and other seafood has not, up to now, greatly affected the overall bio-ecological balance of the lagoon environment because New Caledonia's population density is very low. The sea area near the capital of Noumea, where over half of the Territory s population lives is, however, a notable exception. Artisanal fishermen are far more active in this area than anywhere else in the Territory and their impact is further compounded by other activities such as recreational fishing, spear fishing and tourist related activities