Biodiversity study in Rongelap, Marshall Islands, 2002
Citation
Pinca S, Beger M, Peterson E, Richards Z, Reeves E (2024). Biodiversity study in Rongelap, Marshall Islands, 2002. Southwestern Pacific Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) Node. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/eytdze accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-12.Description
This dataset comes from a project that was undertaken to assess the reef health, status, fisheries potential, conservation value and biodiversity on Rongelap Atoll. There is much interest from the local Government for the management of marine resources and the plans to re-inhabit the islands are imminent. The work carried out on the expedition in Rongelap was for the Rongelap Atoll Local Government (RALGov) to assess their marine resources, on which to base new eco-tourism and sport diving and fishing ventures.
The project team surveyed 12 sites around Rongelap Island from shore and a further 2 sites on other islands west of Rongelap Island. The results show that this area could be divided into 5 biogeographical zones, encompassing lagoon sites, outer reef sites and passes. The outer reef zone showed the highest coral cover and species richness. A high proportion of food fishes was also found in these zones, although a different suite of fish species was abundant and large inside the lagoon. High fish biomass, high percentages of coral cover and a total species number of 361 fishes and 170 corals indicated that the reefs around Rongelap Island are outstandingly pristine and healthy. Considering the small size of the area surveyed, it is exemplary that the reef supported more than two thirds of all fishes known from the Marshall Islands.
Sampling Description
Study Extent
Rongelap Atoll, Marshall Islands. For logistical reasons, the sites in Rongelap Atoll were limited to the main island of Rongelap-Rongelap (Rongelap main island) and to two sites at the south side of the atoll: on the ocean side of the islands of Arubaru and Eniroruuri. On Rongelap-Rongelap balance was given to sites located on the lagoon and the ocean side.Sampling
Coral and fish biodiversity: presence/absence and semi-qualitative abundance in timed swims (two fish experts).Method steps
- The survey methods were based on standard methodologies used in coral reef science (English et al., 1997, for ecological and monitoring surveys, Werner and Allen, 1998, for biodiversity assessments, Pinca, 2001, for the previous study in RMI), and Reef Check for the community monitoring (www.reefcheck.org). Surveys were depth stratified at deep (18 m), medium (12 m) and shallow (5 m) depth. Very shallow areas or lagoons were assessed only for coral and fish biodiversity. Data were entered in situ and analysed in Majuro.
Additional info
marine, harvested by iOBISTaxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
Bibliographic Citations
- Silvia Pinca and Maria Beger (eds.) 2002. Coral reef biodiversity community-based assessment and conservation planning in the Marshall Islands: Baseline surveys, capacity building and natural protection and management or coral reefs of the atoll of Rongelap. 159pp. -
Contacts
Silvia Pincaoriginator
position: Senior Fishery Scientist
Natural Resources Assessment Surveys (NRAS)
MH
Maria Beger
originator
position: Fish Ecologist and Marine Conservation Planning
The Ecology Centre and Commonwealth Facility for Applied Environmental Decision Analysis (AEDA) University of Queensland
St Lucia
QLD
AU
Eric Peterson
originator
position: Author
Natural Resources Assessment Surveys (NRAS)
MH
Zoe Richards
originator
position: Author
Natural Resources Assessment Surveys (NRAS)
MH
Emma Reeves
originator
position: Author
Natural Resources Assessment Surveys (NRAS)
MH
Maria Beger
metadata author
position: Fish Ecologist and Marine Conservation Planning
The Ecology Centre and Commonwealth Facility for Applied Environmental Decision Analysis (AEDA) University of Queensland
St Lucia
QLD
AU
Kevin Mackay
user
email: kevin.mackay@niwa.co.nz
Silvia Pinca
administrative point of contact
position: Senior Fishery Scientist
Natural Resources Assessment Surveys (NRAS)
MH