The state of coral reef ecosystems of the Republic of the Marshall Islands : 2005 & 2008

Abstract

The reefs of the Marshall Islands are among the most pristine in the Indo-Pacific, having suffered minimal damage from bleaching, destructive fishing techniques, and sedimentation. However, signs of unsustainable resource exploitation are apparent, including the earlier extirpation of the largest giant clams, and the ongoing reduction of reef shark, grouper, and Napoleon wrasse populations. In addition, localized outbreaks of crownof-thorns starfish (COTS) and coral disease, principally on the capital atoll of Majuro, are ongoing. Another concern is the growing, unregulated exploitation of reef fish for the local markets.