Status of coral reef resources in Micronesia and American Samoa : 2008

Abstract

Coral reefs in Micronesia and American Samoa appear to be amongst the most resilient in the world, despite numerous on-going threats; There has been considerable recovery of reefs in western Micronesia (especially Palau) that were devastated during the massive coral bleaching in 1998; The more remote islands support thriving communities of large reef fishes due to limited fishing pressures and habitat degradation; Fish populations around major population centres show clear signs of over-fishing with few large fish observed because of fishing pressure, particularly spear-fishers using scuba; Management and monitoring efforts are on-going throughout the region and numerous effective initiatives are promoting recovery of damaged coral reefs as well as the conservation of healthy ones; Lack of enforcement continues to be one of the major hindrances to effective resource management outcomes and more support is necessary.