Papuan Bird’s Head Seascape: Emerging threats and challenges in the global center of marine biodiversity

Abstract

The Bird's Head Seascape located in eastern Indonesia is the global epicenter of tropical shallow water marine biodiversity with over 600 species of corals and 1,638 species of coral reef fishes. The Seascape also includes critical habitats for globally threatened marine species, including sea turtles and cetaceans. Since 2001, the region has undergone rapid development in fisheries, oil and gas extraction, mining and logging. The expansion of these sectors, combined with illegal activities and poorly planned coastal development, is accelerating deterioration of coastal and marine environments. At the same time, regency governments have expanded their marine protected area networks to cover 3,594,702 ha of islands and coastal waters. Low population numbers, relatively healthy natural resources and a strong tenure system in eastern Indonesia provide an opportunity for government and local communities to collaboratively manage their resources sustainably to ensure long-term food security, while meeting their development aspirations.

Integrating impact evaluation in the design and implementation of monitoring marine protected areas

“…The Seascape also provides critical habitat for migratory species such as turtles, cetaceans and whale sharks [64,65]. While no coastal marine ecosystems there remain pristine, the Seascape's low human population density and relative remoteness have ensured that its coastal marine ecosystems are relatively healthy compared with other parts of Southeast Asia [66].…”

“…The MPAs range in size from 5000 to 1 453 500 ha and cover a total area of 3 594 702 ha, representing approximately 29% of Indonesia's total MPA estate. The majority of the MPAs were established by local communities, with the support of NGOs through traditional ('adat') and Regency legal frameworks and reinforced by national legislation [64]. The BHS MPAs are also recognized under a broader provincial spatial plan for the West Papua ('Papua Barat') Province.…”

Newly discovered "jellyfish lakes" in Misool, Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia

“…Located 100 m from Lake 1, another marine lake has been entirely converted into a fish aquaculture. Such exploitation of these unique systems in the region is a great conservation risk (Mangubhai et al 2012).…”

Ten things to get right for marine conservation planning in the Coral Triangle

“…In Indonesia, prior to laws relating to spatial planning and management of coastal areas and small islands passed in 2007, coastal resources were governed by a vast array of statutes and laws with dozens of implementing agencies 35 . Indonesia is now moving towards a more integrated approach 43 . However, local government agencies previously mandated to zone terrestrial and urban areas lack capacity in marine conservation planning 44 (see “ Building local capacity for conservation planning”).…”