Two days were spent discussing the latest reef monitoring techniques, followed by 5 days on board the Department of Marine and Coastal Resource's (DMCR) MR/V Chakratong Tongyai. Dives were made in Ao Ton Sai and Laem Tong, on day 3 data was collected. Participants came from three neighbouring countries and surveys were successfully completed in Laem Tong.
Day 1
Hamsa Chansang the co-ordinator of CORDIO in the Andaman sea introduces the rationale of CORDIO and the objectives of the organisation regarding the collaborative efforts of reef monitoring organisations from various locations. In attendance were representatives from:
Center for Marine Fishery Research, Sya Kuala University, Indonesia.
Phuket Marine Biological Center, Thailand
Center for Biodiversity of Peninsular Thailand.
Prince of Songkhla University, Thailand.
Phuket Rajabhat University, Thailand.
WWF International Thailand Programme.
Phi Phi Dive Camp, Thailand.
Phang-nga Ecotourism Training Center, Thailand.
The various organisations were presented with the techniques to be used for the large-scale survey and monitoring of coral reefs.
Day 2
Presentations were made by Nalinee Thongtham and Ukkrit Satapoomin; topics included macro invertebrate monitoring and fish visual census techniques. The groups were invited to participate in ‘dry run’ practice surveys.
Day 3
The groups join the RV Charkrathong Tongyai for the remainder of the workshop.
The group made practice dives, and concluded the day with discussion of field data practices.
Day 4
The RV Charkrathong Tongyai moored in Laem Tong (For a map see the pdf version) and divers prepared for ‘live’ coral reef monitoring.
Day 5 & 6
Groups were assigned specific monitoring tasks. All groups performed all tasks to ensure sufficient replication of data for statistical analysis.
Among the tasks were:
Fish Visual Census – for accurate assessment of coral reef fish by species. (For all results see pdf version)
Invertebrate Belt Transect – By species breakdown of invertebrates.
Manta Tow – for a broad scale overview of percentage coral cover over a large area.
Line Intersect Transect – for detailed analysis of the substrate composition.
Video transects were also made by PMBC staff for further comparison and discussion.
The groups reviewed their data and produced final results.
Day 7
With the success of the workshop the RV Charkrathong Tongyai sailed back to Phuket via Maiton where it moored briefly for the last day of diving. Andrew Hewett was safety officer and dive leader for the relocation of some large restoration materials.
Conclusions:
Results produced from the workshop were extremely encouraging. A large amount of knowledge concerning coral reef monitoring techniques was shared. It was also a good forum for discussing the level of involvement each country’s respective governments with regards to coral reef management. (photos)
Download diary by participant - including survey results (pdf) (txt)
Full report by PMBC (pdf) (txt)
Thanks to:
The PMBC for hosting this workshop, all of their staff for their expertise and hospitality, The DMCR, CORDIO, Sida, the captain and crew of RV Charkrathong Tongyai for their professionalism and kind assistance.
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