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IOC/SC-WESTPAC-X/13.6 2 May 2015 English only

INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION

(of UNESCO)

Tenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-X)

Phuket, Thailand, 12-15 May 2015

PROGRESS REPORT (MAY 2012-MAY 2015)

ON

MARINE AND COASTAL BIODIVERSITY AND ITS CONSERVATION IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC (WESTPAC-MCBC)

In accordance with Terms of Reference of IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific, the report is provided to facilitate the consideration by the Sub-Commission on the progress made on the WESTPAC Project: Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and its Management in the Western Pacific.

The Sub-Commission is invited to discuss about the progress made over the last intersessional period, provide directives and advice on its future development, and further identify resources and national commitments to its implementation in the region.

IOC/SC-WESTPAC-X/13.6 page 1

I. Project

1. Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and its Conservation in the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-MCBC) II. Project Objectives and Expected Outputs/Outcomes

1. To understand and provide the scientific basis for biodiversity management by articulating the state of the science with respect to current and emerging stressors.

2. To establish the effective management plan and monitoring programs for marine biodiversity among WESTPAC country members.

3. To encourage research collaboration and to exchange knowledge among WESTPAC countries

III. Project Leader (Chairperson) and Project Steering Group

Chairperson: Dr. Suchana Chavanich Coordinator: Dr. Charoen Nitithamyong China: Dr. Put O Ang, Jr, Dr. Xuelei Zhang Indonesia: Dr. Mujizat Kawaroe Japan: Dr. Toshio Furota, Dr. Makoto Omori, Dr. Shuhei NIshida Korea: Dr. Yoon Lee, Dr. Heung-Sik Park, Dr. Youn-Ho Lee Malaysia: Dr. Zulfigar Yasin, Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai Philippines: Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez, Dr. Benjamin Vellajo, Jr. Singapore: Dr. Chou Loke Ming, Dr. Beverly Goh, Dr. Lik Tong Tan Thailand: Mr. Niphon Phonsuwan, Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dr. Somchai Bussarawit Vietnam: Dr. Vo Si Tuan

IV. Terms of Reference of the Project Steering Group

2. The project has terms of references as following:

1. Composition

3. The Project Steering Committee shall consist of all member states of WESTPAC who are interested in participating. Once the Project Leader of each program is selected by IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific, he/she shall serve as the Chairperson of this Steering Group. Each country, through its IOC National Focal Point shall designate one or two members with a marine ecology expertise in one of the three programs. The Group is encourages to conduct the work through correspondence, and they shall meet once a year through a WESTPAC conference/meeting. The current Project Steering Committee is listed below.

Chairperson: Dr. Suchana Chavanich Coordinator: Dr. Charoen Nitithamyong China: Dr. Put O Ang, Jr, Dr. Xuelei Zhang Indonesia: Dr. Mujizat Kawaroe Japan: Dr. Toshio Furota, Dr. Makoto Omori, Dr. Shuhei NIshida Korea: Dr. Yoon Lee, Dr. Heung-Sik Park, Dr. Youn-Ho Lee Malaysia: Dr. Zulfigar Yasin, Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai Philippines: Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez, Dr. Benjamin Vellajo, Jr. Singapore: Dr. Chou Loke Ming, Dr. Beverly Goh, Dr. Lik Tong Tan Thailand: Mr. Niphon Phonsuwan, Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dr. Somchai Bussarawit Vietnam: Dr. Vo Si Tuan


4. In addition, other member countries of WESTPAC will be contacted to have a complete representative list from each WESTPAC country.

2. Functions

5. Project on coastal marine biodiversity and conservation in the Western Pacific will work

on 3 areas:

1. Biodiversity and taxonomy of marine organisms

6. The project will emphasize on reviewing and identifying taxonomical groups, which need to have more studies. At present, taxonomy is becoming more important as scientists struggle to identify species in order to understand the subtle relationships and complex reactions of ecosystems threatened by human pursuits. The study of taxonomy provides a solid foundation for the research needed for the conservation of marine life.

2. Effect of disturbance and current stressors on biodiversity

7. The project will review and determine regional concerns on disturbance and current stressor on marine biodiversity as disturbance is a major factor contributing to the declining of biodiversity in marine ecosystems that can lead to the species extinction. The examples of disturbance and current stressors concerned among WESTPAC region include introduction of non-native organisms, climate change, rising of temperature, and anthropogenic factors.

3. Restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems

8. Due to rapid declining of biodiversity in marine ecosystems, restoration and rehabilitation

are needed. In this subproject, several techniques of restoration and rehabilitation of marine ecosystems will be identified and evaluated to promote efficient and cost effective implementation on restoration.

9. Overall, the Group will carry out the following functions:

1. Review the regional concerns on ocean ecosystems in the areas of 1) biodiversity and taxonomy, 2) disturbance and current stressors, and 3) restoration and rehabilitation, and identify projects needed for each program.

2. Promote efficient and cost effective implementation of the WESTPAC project and prepare recommendations on this implementation to the IOC Sub-Commission.

3. Ensure effective interaction and communication among WESTPAC country members and with WESTPAC and IOC Intergovernmental Panel.

V. Activities Carried out and/or to be Carried Out During the Last Intersessional

Period (May 2012 – December 2014) 1. Conducting IOC/WESTPAC Workshop on Coral Reef Restoration

Techniques in the Western Pacific Region

10. During September 21-23, 2012, the workshop on Coral Reef Restoration Techniques in the Western Pacific Region was organized in the collaboration and co-sponsorship with Japan Fund in Trust, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (Thailand), JSPS Acore-Comsea Program, and Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. A total of 43 participants from 10 countries: China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the workshop. Two journalists from Thai newspapers also attended.


Figure 1. Group photo of participants

11. The workshop aimed to summarize the coral reef restoration techniques that have been

used or experimented in each country in the WESTPAC region. In addition, a regional network on coral reef restoration was established to identify the best practice and promote those techniques among WESTPAC member countries towards the sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystem. Various presentations on the current status of coral reef restoration and rehabilitation techniques were presented and discussed during the 3-day workshop. In addition, a field trip to coral reef restoration areas in 2 locations in Chonburi Province was organized.

12. The workshop time schedule is below.

First day: Presentations from each country on the current status of coral reef restoration in the Western Pacific

Second day: Field trip to two coral farming sites at Chonburi Province Third day: Round table discussion on a regional report on coral reef restoration in

the WESTPAC region

Figure 2. Left: participants on a boat going to a coral farm, Right: Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez explained about

coral traansplantation using fragmentation

Figure 3. Participants visiting a coral hatchery at Sameasan Island. This hatchery is used for propagating

corals by using sexual reproduction technique.


13. With the collaboration among experts who attended this workshop, a summary report of current status on coral reef restoration and rehabilitation in each country is planned.

2. Conducting International Training Course on Sustainable Use and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems: Taxonomy of Soft Corals

14. The workshop was therefore to be organized during September 24-26, 2013 in

collaboration with Thai National Commission for UNESCO, Phuket Marine Biological Center, Japan Funds in Trust, and Chulalongkorn University aiming to instruct the current classification of soft corals and diagnose specific classification problems and to instruct the methods of field collection and specimen collection. In addition, the workshop allowed to strengthen the conservation and research network among the Southeast Asian and the Western Pacific countries and to establish a future agenda for a collaborative effort. This workshop was particular emphasized on the soft coral genera Sinularia and Sarcophyton. A total of 33 participants from 8 countries were attended. Those countries included Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Resource persons from Israel and Singapore were also invited to the workshop.

Figure 4. Group photo of participants at the beginning of the workshop.

15. During the 3-day workshop, various lectures related to taxonomy, biology, and bioactive compounds of soft coals were presented. In addition, the participants had hands on experiences on identification of soft corals. The workshop time schedule is below.

First day: Presentations from each country on overall soft coral research in each country, particular genera Sinularia and Sarcophyton Overviews of biology of octocorals

Second day: Taxonomy of octocorals and genera Sinularia and Sarcophyton Third day: Taxonomy of genera Sinularia and Sarcophyton

Bioactive compound of soft corals Conclusions


Figure 5. Participants working on the samples.

Figure 6. Dr. Yehuda Benayahu helping with octocoral identification.

16. At the end of workshop, several samples of Sinularia and Sarcophyton from the Southeast Asia region were identified and reconfirmed for the genus and/or species names by the resource persons. Outputs of the workshop were as following:

1. Increase knowledge on the octocoral biology and ecology 2. Increase knowledge on the identification of octocorals particular genera Sinularia

and Sarcophyton 3. Promote the research collaborations between countries inside and outside the

Western Pacific region

Figure 7. Some soft coral specimens from Phuket Marine Biological Center.

17. Since few information related to octocorals in the region is available, all participants

agree that more workshops related to taxonomy and biology of soft corals are needed in each country member for conservation and sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystems.

3. Organizing Editing Team Meeting: A Summary of Coral Reef Restoration in the Western Pacific Region

18. The editing team meeting was organized during December 17-18, 2013 to summarize all

techniques available for coral reef restoration in the Western Pacific Region. In addition, the editing team had planned to work, discuss, and finalize on:

1. Draft pamphlet on coral restoration techniques in the Western Pacific region 2. Possible scientific review paper on coral restoration techniques in Southeast

Asia/ or East and Southeast Asia


3. Possible for a special book in Springer on coral restoration techniques in the Western Pacific region

19. A total of 8 participants were attended for editing team meeting. The participants

included the representatives from Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The meeting consisted of 2 days. During the meeting, 3 topics mentioned above were discussed.

20. At the end of the meeting, the pamphlet of coral restoration techniques was drafted, and the details of the information/data needed for a scientific review paper on coral restoration techniques were finalized. Later, this pamphlet was published in April 2014.

Figure 8. Group photo of participants at the editing team meeting.

4. Conducting IOC/WESTPAC Workshop on Coastal Marine Biodiversity and

Conservation in conjunction with the 9th IOC/WESTPAC International Scientific Symposium during April 22-25, 2014 in Nha Trang, Vietnam

21. More than 30 participants were attended in this workshop (14 steering committee, 1

NOWPAP, 6 invited persons, and >10 guests). The participants included the representatives from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Figure 9. Group photo of steering committee at the workshop.

22. The purposes of the workshop were:

1. To review past and current activities that have been done through the

IOC/WESTPAC Project on Coastal Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. 2. To discuss future activities for IOC/WESTPAC Project on Coastal Marine

Biodiversity and Conservation. 3. To review the list of steering committee


4. To give an opportunity for steering committee to present their research work related to marine biodiversity in an international conference for visibility of the IOC/WESTPAC Project on Coastal Marine Biodiversity and Conservation.

23. The meeting consisted of 4 days. During the meeting, 2 activities were divided. The first

was the workshop for the steering committee and the second was attending the 9th IOC/WESTPAC International Scientific Symposium in session 5: Status, trends of marine biodiversity and productivity (including marine endangered species, invasive species, etc.) and related sessions as session chairs and/or oral and poster presenters. The details of the workshop are below.

First day: Presentation papers in the session 5 and related sessions and/or served as session chairs in the main WESTPAC scientific symposium

Second day: Presentation papers in the session 5 and related sessions and/or served as session chairs in the main WESTPAC scientific symposium

Third day: Presentation papers in the session 5 and related sessions and/or served as session chairs in the main WESTPAC scientific symposium Round table discussion between steering committee based on the meeting agenda

Fourth day: Excursion

Figure 10. Dr. Shushei Nishida serving as a session chair 5: Status, trends of marine biodiversity.

Figure 11. Participants who attended the session 5: Status, trends of marine biodiversity.

Figure 12. Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai and Dr. Voranop Viyakarn presenting the posters in the session 5:

Status, trends of marine biodiversity.


5. Publications of the Pamphlet of Coral Restoration Techniques in the Western Pacific Region

24. The pamphlet of coral restoration techniques in the Western Pacific Region was

published in April 2014. This booklet attempted to provide a general review on coral restoration techniques available in the region. A total of 15 scientists from 5 countries contributed in writing. The pamphlet has now been distributed widely both within and outside the Western Pacific region.

Figure 13. Pamphlet of coral restoration techniques in the Western Pacific Region.

6. Disseminating the outcomes of the research results and activities of the

IOC/WESTPAC Project Coastal Marine Biodiversity and Conservation in the Western Pacific at the 3rd World Conference on Marine Biodiversity in Qingdao, China during October 12-16, 2014

25. Dr. Suchana Chavanich was invited as a plenary speaker at the 3rd World Conference

on Marine Biodiversity in Qingdao, China. Thus, the results and activities related to marine non-indigenous species and marine biodiversity from IOC/WESTPAC Project on Coastal Marine Biodiversity and Conservation in the Western Pacific were disseminated through her talk. During the conference, discussion related to collaborations between the WESPTAC Project on Marine Biodiversity and Conservation and other scientists in other regions was also initiated. Moreover, the brochure of the WESTPAC Project on Marine Biodiversity and Conservation was distributed.

Figure 14. Dr. Sucahna Chavanich presenting at the the 3rd World Conference on Marine Biodiversity.


Figure 15. IOC/WESTPAC Project on Coastal Marine Biodiversity and Conservation brochure.

VI. Problems Encountered and Actions to be Considered by the 10th Intergovernmental Session, tentatively scheduled for May 12-15, 2015, Phuket, Thailand

26. None

IOC/SC-WESTPAC-X/13.6 page 10 VII. Workplan and Budget for May 2015 – May 2017

Project/Programme

Funding Required

Remark Activities Objectives

Expected outputs/outcomes

Date and place

IOC

Other sources (i.e. from national

or international)

Project Coastal Marine Biodiversity

and its Management

1. Workshop: updating a list of marine non-indigenous species in the WESTPAC region

1. To summarize a list of marine non-indigenous species in the WESTPAC region

2. To increase public awareness on the impact of marine NIS

Report/scientific paper

January-February

2015

18K USD from Japan

Fund in Trust

2. Workshop: updating techniques for coral restoration in the WESTPAC region

1. To summarize all coral restoration techniques available within the Western Pacific region and outside the regions

2. To promote those techniques among WESTPAC member countries

Report/scientific paper

January-February

2015

18K USD from Japan

Fund in Trust

3. Preparing 2 books related to list of marine non-indigenous species and coral restoration techniques

1. To disseminate the synthesis data on marine NIS in the WESTPAC region through scientific communities

2. To disseminate the synthesis data on coral restoration techniques through scientific communities

Books December 2015

From book publishers

4. Collaborating with IOC/WESTPAC office on IOC/WESTPAC ocean acidification project

1. To help in monitoring the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems in the WESTPAC region with emphasis on biological aspects

Methods for monitoring ocean acidification for biological part

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