Marine resources of Tokelau atolls: Atafu, marine resource management plan: background report

Abstract

The Tokelau Government prepared a State of Environment Report in 19942 (SOE) and an Environmental Management Strategy3 in 1995. An Environmental Legislation Review4 has also been undertaken which gives an overview of existing legislation that impacts on the environment and proposes recommendations for improved environmental planning and management. In all of these reports priority was given to the development of a conservation strategy to address the protection of lagoon and reef fisheries from the effects of pollution, siltation. sand and coral extraction and over-fishing. Recommendations included the establishment of an ecosystem profile, protected areas, regulation of fishing, resource monitoring, as well as monitoring the effects of land-based pollution.