Report on baseline data from permanent monitoring sites and community based monitoring trials, Aleipata district

Abstract

Baseline monitoring was carried out in two complementary programs : establishment of Permanent Monitoring Sites conducted by the Project Team, and trials of a Community Based Monitoring Program undertaken with village volunteers who will monitor their respective No-Take areas on a more frequent basis. The former program was expected to give rigorous data on the effectiveness of the MPA design, while the second Community Based Program was designed to give regular semi-quantitative feedback to District communities on the progress of changes that could be attributed to MPA management measures. The Community Based Monitoring program was also designed to improve community involvement and awareness of the MPA project and its function.