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Achang Reef Flat Preserve, Guam
Locator map
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Site map
Click on map for larger view
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| Site Overview |
General description of site:
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| Photo credit: James Byrne, Guam Bureau of Planning |
Site consists of large fringing reef with seagrass beds and several channels. Large channel bordering east side brings freshwater flow, supports estuarine and mangrove habitats. Extensive live coral coverage in central and western portions of reef crest, away from freshwater influence. The reef flat consists of an inner reef flat with depressions and holes, a moat area, and an outer reef flat. The fore reef slope is not as steep compared to the Piti Bomb Holes Preserve÷s fore reef slope on the leeward (westward) side of the island. Seagrasses are abundant on the inner reef flat and scattered on the middle reef flat. Mangroves are abundant near Manell Channel and Achang Bay. Coral ranges from scattered to abundant. Because of its location, the site is not heavily used by tourist but mostly by the local people.
Date of establishment: Implemented on May 16, 1997 (Guam Public Law 24-21), but full enforcement began on January 1, 2001.
Area (Km2): 4.85
Size of site (S <= 20Km2; M = 20 - 2000Km2; L >= 2000Km2): Small
Ecosystem type/main ecological features:
- Coral reef
- Seagrass beds
- Mangroves
- Small estuarine lagoon and channel
Description of special resources; important ecological features; reason for establishing a protected area:
- The mangroves and seagrass beds serve as a major nursery area for many juvenile marine animals including reef fishes in southern Guam.
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| Location Information |
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Geographic coordinates (lat/long): The eastern side boundary of the preserve extends 180 from Ajayan Channel while the western boundary extends 148° from Manell Channel. The seaward boundary of preserve extends to the 600 foot depth contour. The inland boundary extends in 10 meters from mean high tide mark or to the nearest public right-of-way, whichever comes first.
Nearest major city: Hagatna (Agana), Guam
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| Goals and Accomplishments |
Goals and objectives of MPA:
- To evaluate the effect on fish density and diversity caused by the creation of the marine preserve;
- To restore reef fish population abundance; and,
- To protect essential nursery areas
Site accomplishments to date:
- Currently, in progress/under evaluation
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| Site Management |
Management objective: No-take (but seasonal fishing is allowed for juvenile rabbitfish and scad mackerel).
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| Photo credit: James Byrne, Guam Bureau of Planning |
Type of management structure: Conventional
Challenges of site management:
- Weather
- Herbicides/pesticides
- Land management
- Development
- Enforcement laws (poaching within MPA)
- Storm run-off
- Sewage
- Human disturbance
- Sedimentation
- Fishing
Does a management plan exist? No
Summary of main aspects of management plan: N/A
Main stakeholders involved:
- Guam DAWR and other natural resources agencies
- general public and local community
- fishers
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Other Site Evaluations and Research
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Description of any other site evaluations to date: Visual surveys are currently being conducted within the site on various habitats on the fore reef slope and reef flat: 1) strip transects and 2) timed swim counts. Also visual census of reef fish populations and recruitment studies of key species.
Listing of current/recent research activities: Current research is being done by the Guam Department of Agriculture's Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) and the University of Guam Marine Laboratory (UOGML). Also there may be a study relating to possibly dredging the Achang Bay Marina. UOGML research programs listed at http://www.uog.edu/marinelab/tupper/index.html
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| Contact Information and Web Links |
Main Contact(s) Information:
Jay Gutiérrez
Biologist III, Government of Guam, Department of Agriculture
Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR)
192 Dairy Road
Mangilao, Guan 96923
Ph: (671) 735-3958; (671) 735-3986
Fax: (671) 734-6570
e-mail: jgut@ite.net
Mark Tupper
Assistant Professor
Coordinator, Marine Protected Areas Research Group
University of Guam Marine Laboratory
UOG Station, Mangilao, GU 96923
Ph: (617) 735-2185
Fax: (671) 734-6767
e-mail: mtupper@guam.uog.edu
Other Contact(s) Information:
Murray Rudd
Senior Economic Analyst, Fisheries & Oceans Maritime Region,
Policy & Economics Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Policy and Economics Branch
6th Floor Marine House, 175 Portland Street
P.O. Box 1035, Dartmouth
Nova Scotia, Canada B2Y 4T3
Ph: (902) 426-4825
Fax: (902) 426-6767
e-mail: RuddM@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Bob Richmond, Professor
University of Guam Marine Lab
UOG Station
Mangilao, GU 96923
Ph: (671) 735-2188
Gerry Davis
Director, Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources
192 Dairy Road
Mangilao, GU 96923
Ph: (671) 735-3986
Trina Leberer
Supervisory Fisheries Biologist
Division of Aquatic & Wildlife Resources
192 Dairy Road, Mangilao, GU 96923
Ph: (671) 735-3986
Link to pilot site Web page or related Web pages:
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