Marine Conservation Cambodia
First to be entered into the new Hall of Fame, Alex really left an impression, From making sure we were all super organized, giving inductions to new volunteers, working with Delphine to create the very first children’s play on the effects of trawling. We all miss you!!!!
FUN FACT FRIDAY!!!
We have received some much needed initial funding from the International conservation fund of Canada (ICFC) which covers our work combatting IUU, but also includes our first initial budget for creating these structures. We would like to thank ICFC for being there in our time of need and continuing to make this work possible. We are still however looking for more funding to grow and maintain this project. Here is a small rundown on what we have begun and hope to achieve in the future.
INTRODUCTION
The consequences of the global decline in shellfish reefs has largely remained under the radar of the scientific and conservation community. Shellfish reefs provide a large range of ecosystem services, including habitat and food provision, coastal defence, nutrient cycling and water filtration. Restoration of shellfish reefs in Kep Province, Cambodia, would catalyse the enhancement of its vulnerable marine environment. Importantly, aside from enlarging commercial marine species populations, this would create opportunities for aquaculture that would greatly benefit small-scale fishing communities. These opportunities would additionally extent to current illegal fishers, thereby addressing this pervasive issue in Kep Province.
We are currently undertaking a pilot project on Koh Seh, Kep Province, in which artificial reef structures will be created and deployed within MCC’s legislated conservation area. The main purpose of these structures is to provide substrate for oyster and mussel growth. This project will provide invaluable experience in setting up and maintaining shellfish reefs, and if successful, could be expanded long-term throughout Kep Province.
Bivalve shellfish reefs and beds (hereafter called reefs) were once abundant throughout many parts of the world, including North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea and Japan. These reefs suffered dramatic decline (85% of oyster reefs lost globally), which is thought to be primarily a result of overharvesting, coastal development and the introduction/trans-location of non-native shellfish species. Conservationists and the scientific community are only recently beginning to study and realise the variety of important economic and ecological advantages that these reefs can provide. Oysters are considered ecosystem engineers, and perform numerous invaluable ecosystem services. Examples include stabilization and protection of shorelines, food and habitat for fish species, improving water clarity and quality, removing excess nutrients and sediment on top of the variety of short and long-term employment opportunities available for coastal communities and tourism industries. This realization, in conjunction with the alarmingly low level of functional shellfish reefs remaining today, has spurred a series of projects attempting to restore and protect these reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, Australia, the United States and China.
Shellfish reefs are still present in Cambodia, and despite a lack of documentation detailing historic shellfish distribution, they have very likely faced heavy decline. This most likely occurred predominately through overharvesting and intensive bottom trawling of shallow waters. Most declines start with destruction of the primary structural complexity, often through dredging/trawling, which increases likelihood of stresses from anoxia, sedimentation, disease, and non-native species1. Trawling results in extensive habitat damage and poor environmental conditions in Kep Province, and Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) has witnessed a numerous trawling nets with high by-catch of oyster and mussel species (see picture…). It is very plausible that this destructive fishing technique caused widespread elimination of natural shellfish habitats in Kep Province. Despite this, MCC believes that trawling vessels will not have a noteworthy effect on the artificial reef structures for a number of reasons. Vessels will be hampered from trawling through the artificial reef structures proposed in this document, due to the sheer weight and size of the structures, as well as the close proximity regarding placement. In addition to this, demarcation through buoys will aid fishing vessels in general to avoid the water nearby these structures.
The restoration of these reefs will form a significant step in revitalizing Kep’s marine environment and ensuing economic benefits. Shellfish reefs are associated with high levels of species diversity and unique assemblages, and improved water quality, thereby enhancing Kep’s marine environment. In light of Kep’s extensive seagrass decline and recent algae bloom, the ability to shellfish reefs to facilitate seagrass growth and hinder the probability of harmful algae blooms is especially relevant. By acting as natural coastal defence mechanisms, shellfish reefs will assist in mitigating the consequences predicted to result from sea level rise via climate change. This is especially important in ensuring security for Kep’s and Cambodia’s coastal communities in the near future. Shellfish reefs will provide opportunities for private sector input, which leads to further development of and improvements to the creation, management and monitoring of these reef structures. In turn, this may increase the productivity and commercial species biomass of these reefs, which ties back into further private sector involvement, as well as more widespread benefits to other stakeholders.
Small-scale fishers and their families, who rely on marine resources for their livelihood, will be the primary beneficiaries of these shellfish reefs. Cambodia’s marine fisheries are in a declining state, yet reliance upon them is only increasing. Sustainable aquaculture is a necessity to mitigate the looming detrimental impacts that are likely to ensue upon fishing communities and coastal provinces if action is not taken.
Evidently, the formation of shellfish reefs in Kep Province will benefit several parties, including fishing communities, aquaculture and tourism industries, and government bodies. Alternative employment for illegal fishers or those experiencing economic hardship will also be readily accessible, helping to address this ongoing issue.
MAIN TARGET SPECIES
MCC has identified two local shellfish species for restoration and potential future commercial harvest; the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). The Pacific oyster is native to Japan and South East Asia, and occurs primarily in marine and estuarine habitats. This oyster is globally a popular choice for bivalve aquaculture, given its characteristic rapid growth (market size in 18 to 30 months), wide range of tolerances to environmental parameters, and lack of major issues with disease. The water conditions at Koh Seh are suitable for Pacific oyster growth, with the temperature (27 – 33ºC) and salinity range (2.9 – 4.1%) falling within the Pacific oyster’s spectrum of physiological tolerances. The green lipped mussel is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region throughout estuarine and marine habitats. However the installation of these devices will go far beyond just our main target species.
CREATION and DEPLOYMENT
Creation and deployment of artificial reef structures is taking place on MCC’s current base island on Koh Seh, Kep Province, Cambodia. Specifically, these structures will be placed within MCC’s 300m by 150m conservation and research area on the eastern side of Koh Seh. The marine habitats within this side of the island sequentially consist of shallow fringing reefs, seagrass, sand and shell, and mud. The depth ranges from 0.5m to 4m, with the maximum occurring in the mud habitat. Artificial reef structures will be placed in a specified range ending at the eastern extent of MCC’s conservation zone (approximately 300m from shore), where the habitat is predominately mud resultant from trawling. MCC has held legal jurisdiction over its conservation area for the past 3 years Before MCC’s placement on Koh Seh, unsustainable fishers using methods such as trawling, shell collecting, long-lines, rat-tail traps, and in the past cyanide and dynamite fishing, frequently damaged the reef structure and ecosystem of this island. Since MCC’s restoration efforts on the island began (December 2013), the intensity of illegal and destructive fishing techniques has lowered significantly. In saying this, illegal fishing boats are still active within Koh Seh’s eastern marine environment, consisting predominately of shell collectors and less often, trawlers. MCC’s efforts, in conjunction with improvements in marine law enforcement by local fisheries departments, have resulted in noteworthy enlargements in fish biodiversity and abundance, as well as ecosystem health in general. This improvement has been noticed by local small-scale fishers, who are often present within this area and typically use sustainable gear. MCC strongly believes that the marine environment on the eastern side of Koh Seh is suitable for sustained shellfish growth on the artificial reef structures. Nutrient levels are relatively high… Reinforcing this is research evidence from MCC’s coral reef surveys and personal observations that the ecosystem is in a state of increasing recovery. In addition to this, oysters and mussels already grow within this vicinity. Despite illegal fishing methods still utilized within MCC’s conservation area, MCC believes that the level of these activities is sufficiently low, so as not to greatly impair the effectiveness of the artificial reef structures.
Creation of the blocks picture gallery.
Our Full Project Concept and Proposals are available on request for potential funders. Contact Us
This project also opens up many new opportunities for potential interns and volunteers, with regards to aquaculture and research on the impacts and scope of the restoration.
Over the past few months we have been traveling from Koh Seh to Koh Karang, a small island on the border of Kampot and Kep provinces. After receiving an invitation from Knai Bang Chat (Kep’s leading sustainable boutique Hotel) and the Ministry of Environment, we engaged in a series of marine surveys to assess the reefs and benthic areas directly adjacent to Koh Karang. A full set of marine surveys were needed to create a baseline data set and gather other information on the feasibility of Koh Karang becoming a Marine Protected Zone.
This work took a lot longer than expected due to monsoon weather conditions, but now all surveys are completed and you can read the report on the initial results here.
After the last three years combatting IUU together with Kampot and Kep fisheries Cantonments we received a certificate of recognition for our efforts and hard work.
Together with The International Conservation Fund of Canada, who has helped greatly with extra funding for MCC and FiA to assist in the current crackdown on IUU in Kep, we can continue to fight against the illegal and destructive trawling that is destroying one of Cambodia’s most important and productive marine habitats.
INTERVIEWER: If you were stuck on the island with only one other volunteer who would you choose to be with?
ALEX: Well, from my couple of months here on Koh Seh, I’d have to say that one person springs to mind. There are a few really important qualities that set him apart from the rest (apart from his good looks and British accent, oh my god I love his accent…)
Firstly, I’d have to say general housekeeping is important on the island to keep the place looking nice and the only way to describe this guy is a domestic god. He is great at sweeping the bungalow daily and wiping down the table after meals. Lucky for me, I plan the weekly dishes schedule and weekend cooking so I try to pair myself with him as much as possible (I hope he doesn’t notice).
On the island it is important to be good with kids and this guy is a super good role model. He brought books from England to read to them and alternates with other volunteers teaching Jasmine and Fern math. He even has a collection of cartoons that he’ll play at night so we’ve watched The Jungle Book a lot recently.
A strong work ethic is another awesome quality to have and this counts for a lot on Koh Seh. This guy is so focused when we work on government proposals and island reef surveys. Speaking of strong, he always looks super chill when he is unloading the heavy dive tanks off the boat.
Sorry, I got a bit carried away, to answer to answer the question it would have to be Henry Wingfield.
Life on the island is an interesting mixture between extremely busy and extremely relaxing. There are always loads of people working on various amazing projects around the island, which is incredible because you get to learn new information from very passionate people. Projects include seahorse tagging, coral bleaching mapping, waste management development, gardening, report writing, and even planning a children’s play about the affects of trawling!
It’s good to be in a place where people care so much about protecting the marine ecosystem. I, personally, have come with five other students from University of Exeter and Falmouth and our project is surveying the impacts of trawling on the seagrass beds and bivalve populations. We are also working to complete a short documentary about the impacts of trawling on the Kep people.
We have interviewed Paul (MCC founder), Amick and Delph (second in command staff leaders), as well as the marine police on the island to help gain perspective. MCC also coordinated our dives at Koh Pou and arranged interviews with the fishers there. We are going to combine all the information we have learned from the interviews and data collection to gain a complete understanding of trawling.
MCC also has a partnership with the Royal University of Agriculture and three of those students came to spend two weeks living on the island; helping us translate documents into Khmer and learning how to snorkel.
Our goal, along with MCC’s, is to help others learn and give tools to teach people for the future and increase understanding overall. It has been an interesting experience and learning curve living on the island for weeks doing everything together: working, eating, rooming etc. Island dynamics require that issues be quickly resolved and asking for guidance as soon as you need it.
With more time, I would have wanted to get more involved with the projects of MCC like seahorse surveys and the play. It is good to know the other work we could have done while here, and know if I return I would still be busy with continuing their research. If only we had more time!
A snippet of MCC:
There are many opportunities for a variety of different activities including diving, underwater surveys, and other projects at Marine Conservation Cambodia. Everyday there are large amounts of work that gets done on the island itself, for example, recycling, beach cleanups, and organizing the dive shed.
It is unnecessary to pack 22 t-shirts. When it rains, it is very easy to do your laundry with rainwater in bins or you can take your laundry to the mainland for $1 a kilo. Other necessities would be a rash guard or two because you will spend lots of time diving and snorkeling!
I came with absolutely no diving experience. Within two days of my arrival, I was being taught how to dive, with little tricks about the area we were in. They provided the diving equipment and learning materials, but many people brought their own as well. We had a couple of volunteers who got ear infections from constant diving and they helped with creating a fishing community demographic census.
I brought malaria medication, but did not end up using it for more than a few days because there is a very small threat on the island. Everyone takes care to cover freshwater all the time and to keep an eye on puddles after the rain. I brought a biodegradable insect repellent and borrowed some other volunteer’s deet after the big rainstorms. Also a basic first aid kit would be good with Band-Aids, Neosporin and an ear rinse. The kids will find any excuse to use your Band-Aids if they are patterned, so keep that in mind.
It is very easy to leave the island and explore. Volunteers can either go back to the mainland for the weekend or stay on the island; the boat leaves Fridays and Sundays. Volunteers will often go to Kampot (the nearest city) for weekend adventures or to pick up supplies that are harder to find.
MCC is, in my opinion, truly a family. Not only does Paul and his family live on the island, the volunteers and staff have to work together on most duties to keep things running smoothly. We had a weekly dishes cart and helped make food on weekends in order to give Sao a break. The children love to learn and you can put them to work crushing cans or painting buoys in exchange for reading them a story or coloring with them. Often we would go swimming because of the heat, and the dogs would join, which is just as much fun as it sounds.
Follow the Link Below to see the Trailer for the new documentary currently being made on MCC’s Fight against Illegal And Destructive Trawling and Fishing.
Barang Teaser for World Oceans Day from TINY on Vimeo.
Please follow the link to listen to a 30min Podcast from the students of The Liger Learning institute, speaking with MCC and talking about marine conservation issues in Cambodia. Link here
56 minutes into a seahorse survey, and no seahorses. How unfair that such beautifully impressive creatures are also so agonisingly elusive! I take a glance to my left to see my buddy painstakingly scanning the seagrass bed beneath us… with just four short minutes left to survey, I can tell he’s as anxious as I am to catch a glimpse of this almost mystically dragon-like fish. We’re told in our survey training that seahorses are the masters of camouflage; effortlessly vanishing into their surroundings, but all of a sudden it seems backward, and almost every strand of seagrass deceptively appears as a seahorse. Damn. I stop for a moment and hover underwater, concentrating hard on my surroundings to properly observe the life around me. A couple of wasp-fish lie motionless and hidden in the dense seagrass, a small chocolate-drop sea star lurks next to them in wait of food, to my right three shimmering fusilier fish dart after one another, and there… finally! A seahorse. Strikingly yellow, this is undoubtedly the most impressive I’ve sighted during my six weeks on the island so far, and I can’t help but smile as I signal to my buddy to come over for a look. I can tell that the two of us could be captivated by the golden female for hours. The skilful way the body sways back-and-forth in the swell while its curled tail holds fast to the seagrass is almost hypnotically mesmerising. After allowing the seahorse to accept our presence as unthreatening, I carefully take a few measurements and photos, identifying its species as H. kuda, before the two of us surface for a ceremonial fist bump – survey success!
Hi, I’m Chloe Hatton and I’m staying on the beautifully remote island of Koh Seh and working with MCC for a total of three months. After being accepted to study BSc Marine Biology in the UK next year, I decided to look for some hands-on, practical experience in the field of marine conservation. MCC’s studies into seahorses really intrigued me – particularly the aspects relating to the human and environmental interface in Cambodia and using them as an indicator species for the health of local ecosystems – and here I am! The waters surrounding Kep Archipelago have been decimated by damaging methods of overfishing in the last decades, and the seahorse is a key species that can be monitored to follow recovery in the area with environmental protection brought through MCC’s work. Now half way through my time here, I couldn’t be more pleased with my decision to fly half way around the world to join the (albeit mildly dysfunctional) family of volunteers and staff! Each day I learn something new, laugh at something new and go to bed exhausted!
The Hippocampus. kuda like my buddy and I found is a smooth bodied seahorse, and one of eight species that the volunteers at MCC learn to identify. The studying begins with presentations from the project’s very own seahorse expert, volunteer coordinator and ‘surfer dude’, Amick. From there, each volunteer receives an iSeahorse Toolkit document to revise from before a small test, ensuring all have a good knowledge of seahorses and substrates before beginning surveys. In addition to this, longer-term volunteers can choose to study fish, substrate or invertebrate ID in depth to assist with reef surveys – something which I’m currently attempting! Information collected on seahorse surveys is added to a database daily, where it can be scrutinised by any volunteers senseless enough to enjoy statistical analysis, and conclusions can be drawn about changes in the population in the waters around Koh Seh.
Aside from collecting data in surveys, MCC also offers the opportunity to be involved with all kinds of projects; Mangrove cultivating, patrolling for illegal trawlers, coral planting, seagrass mapping, aquaculture schemes and even involvement in writing proposals for marine protected areas. In fact, one of the most ground-breaking investigations into underwater seahorse tagging is centred at MCC. Monthly dives take place in which seahorses are safely injected with a polymer dye to form four small coloured marks to identify the individual. When the tagged seahorses are sighted in future, it is then possible to ascertain data regarding the pattern of its movement, growth rate, and any other changes to the individual. Watching the tagging process has been one of my personal highlights whilst on the island and something I will never forget as the most interesting investigation technique I’ve witnessed.
Although the island is a hub of activity each day and everyone is dedicated to the work going on, there’s no shortage of time for play! From volleyball matches to late nights relaxing in hammocks and morning meditation to stargazing, Koh Seh has something for everyone and is impossible not to fall in love with.
MCC is a small organisation operating on so many fronts to fight for conservation, so working here as a volunteer can really give you the feeling of making a difference.
The best part? It all starts with a seahorse.