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The Kosrae Coral Reef Monitoring Project
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Kosrae's Sleeping Lady
The Kosrae Mooring Buoy and Reef Protection Project is a joint
effort of private participants and a government agency of the
island state of Kosrae (Federated States of Micronesia) to install and
maintain a mooring buoy system and to assess and monitor the health
and status of the island's fringing reef. Fifty-five Halas-type buoys
have been installed and
are currently used by dive operators and fisherman to avoid the necessity
of anchoring directly on reef structures. The buoys also provide permanent
sites at which an ongoing program of reef monitoring can be performed.
The Kosraean reef system is recognized as being one of the
most pristine in Micronesia. The relatively small population of
the island combined with an indigenous respect for the island's
natural resources has minimized the extent of reef degradation.
In the past, there have been few dive operators and a limited number
of tourist-related operations; relatively few divers have visited the
reefs.
In 1996, Continental Micronesia added Kosrae to its regular
flight schedule, a fact which has increased the number of visitors
to the island. At the same time, the United States, formerly the
territory's trustee, has continually reduced its level of monetary
support to the FSM. These developments make the potential for
expanded reliance on tourism and economic exploitation of
marine resources obvious. Both will bring increased
pressure on the reefs.
Working together, the Kosrean government, local dive and resort
operators, and international volunteers have successfully maintained
both the buoy system and a reef monitoring program since 1996.
Continued maintenance and information gathering will play a major role
in preserving and protecting this precious natural resource.
You can help our efforts to preserve the reefs by making a
donation of any amount. Since Oceanearth is a recognized 501(c)3
organization, depending on your individual tax situation,
your donation may be tax deductible. Your donation will help
defray the costs of underwater temperature monitoring devices
and mooring buoy equipment and supplies.
Questions? Please contact us directly with any questions you may
have. We are always eager to share our knowledge and research.
Thank you for your support!
KOSRAE VILLAGE ECOLODGE
AND
THE KOSRAE
REEF PROTECTION PROJECT
WIN THE
PADI PROJECT AWARE
2006
ENVIRONMENTAL
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD !!!
