The selection and management of coral reef preserves

Abstract

The value of coral reefs has been established on the basis of their high diversity, valuable resources, and recreational and aesthetic amenities. Coral reef ecosystems are being destroyed by a plethora of events including coastal development, overfishing, and the exploitation of biological products. The selection of coral reef preserves can be made on the basis of location, size, optimal yield and linkage. Areas to be considered can be assessed by biological, economic and sociological research. The economic value of each preserve can be estimated. User conflicts can be identified and a series of priorities can be established. Alternative sites can be compared using a powerful decisionmaking process (multi-attribute utility analysis). The selected preserves can be treated as a multiple-use resource and can be divided into user habitats for total preservation, exploitation, recreation, and research and education. Permits and fees, research, monitoring, enforcement, and public information and awareness play an important role in the success of the establishment of coral reef preserves.