Patrol Updates from Raja Ampat’s Marine Park Authority Mid to End of July, 2020 Updated by: Allan Fredrik Ramandey* & Nikka Gunadharma**
Hello everyone, we hope that this update finds you all safe and well.
For some reasons, there has been delay regarding reports from some of the MPAs in Raja Ampat towards the end of July. This is mostly due to the lack of telecommunication infrastructure within the area where the posts are located; this is why we cannot inform you, our readers, with the actual patrol count for July, yet.
Hopefully we can update you with the actual patrol count conducted by the Raja Ampat’s Marine Park Authority*** through our upcoming update, which would be for early to mid-August, 2020.
Despite the delay, here are some highlights from mid to end of July 2020 that we have received up until the 05th of August, 2020, in a chronological order:
1. Asia and Ayau Islands MPA
The patrol team – or Jaga Laut – from Asia and Ayau Islands MPA conducted a patrol on the 16th of July, 2020, with a designated route of areas surrounding Ayau Besar Islands–areas surrounding Ayau Kecil Islands– Kapal Karam–Karui Beba–Sau Ingkeres.
During the patrol, Jaga Laut encountered a total of four local boats, with one of them manned by children; no violations were found. Resources Use Monitoring (RUM) data were taken from all, and socialization regarding the importance of conservation efforts were conducted for the all-children boat.
Children were given information regarding Asia and Ayau Islands MPA and the importance of conservation efforts by rangers from Asia and Ayau Islands MPA. (Photo by: BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat/2020).
2. West Waigeo Islands Marine Reserve
Wayag Monitoring Post’s rangers conducted a patrol on the 17th of July, 2020. The route they chose was In Island–Urani Island––Bag Island, during which the patrol encountered two fishermen from the nearby, Salio Village: no violations were found and RUM data were taken.
One of the two fishermen encountered by rangers from West Waigeo Island Marine Reserve; one of the rangers was taking notes for Resources Use Monitoring (RUM) data. (Photo by: BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat/2020).
3. Asia and Ayau Islands MPA
On the 21st of July, 2020, Jaga Laut from Asia and Ayau Islands MPA conducted a patrol with a route of Araref Island–Karui Beba Island–Kapal Karam 1–Karui Pur-pur Island–Kapal Karam 2–Sau Ingkeres Island.
During the patrol that covered a distance of 52.93 km, the rangers encountered two local fishermen within the Sasi and Traditional Utilization Sub-zone; no violations were found, and RUM data were taken from both fishermen.
One of the fishermen encountered by the ranger patrol on the 21st of July, 2020; both were fishing within the allowed zone. (Photo by: BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat/2020).
4. Dampier Strait MPA
On the 22nd of July 2020, Jaga Laut from Dampier Strait’s Yenadwak Post – one of the two posts in Dampier Strait MPA – conducted a patrol with a route of Yenbekaki Cape–Makoi Cape–Taporyewen Cape–Yenanas Cape–Solol Village.
Rangers encountered two fishing boats from Sorong, with one of them was fishing within the Food Security and Tourism Sub-zone – a no take zone – while the other was within the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Sub-zone: both admitted that they were from Sorong.
An explanation regarding Raja Ampat’s MPA Network and its zoning rules were given to both, and RUM data were taken as well. The rangers directed the fishing boat within the no take zone to sail out of the mentioned Sub-zone.
Fishermen from Sorong encountered by Dampier Strait MPA’s Jaga Laut within the no take zone as they were about to leave the mentioned zone. (Photo by: BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat/2020).
5. Mayalibit Bay MPA
On the 24th of July 2020, Mayalibit Bay’s rangers conducted a joint patrol with three personnel from the Indonesian Army Force, and one personnel from the Raja Ampat Regency. The joint patrol decided to take on “Route 01”, which refers to part of area of the MPA located outside of the bay, on this occasion.
The patrol team encountered one local fishermen with a traditional rowboat within the Sasi and Traditional Utilization Sub-zone: no violations were found, and RUM data was taken.
Two personnel of the ranger taking RUM data from one fishermen encountered by the joint patrol in Mayalibit Bay MPA. (Photo by: BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat/2020).
6. Mayalibit Bay MPA
Taking in “Route 01”, rangers from Mayalibit Bay MPA conducted a patrol on the 28th of July, 2020. Jaga Laut encountered two fishing boats within the Food Security and Tourism Sub-zone.
Rangers provided the fishermen with information regarding Raja Ampat’s MPA Network and zoning rules applied, and taking notes for RUM data prior releasing them to sail out of the mentioned Sub-zone.
Rangers explained the Raja Ampat’s MPA Network and its zoning system, then RUM data was taken from one of the fishermen encountered within the no take zone: he was happy to oblige and sail out of the zone. (Photo by: BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat/2020).
7. West Waigeo Islands Marine Reserve
On the 29th of July, 2020, Jaga Laut from Wayag Monitoring Post conducted a patrol focusing on the area of Core Zone; Sayang Island and Piay Island. Rangers did not find any fishing activities nor suspicious activity. However, they encountered a couple of turtles mating on their way back to the monitoring post: GPS point was taken.
Mating turtles encountered by the rangers during a patrol in West Waigeo Islands Marine Reserve on the 29th of July, 2020. (Photo by: BLUD UPTD Pengelolaan KKP Kepulauan Raja Ampat/2020).
So, these are the highlights and patrol count that we can provide for July 2020 until the 05th of August, 2020. As mentioned earlier, there has been delay from the monitoring posts, so the table above does not reflect the actual number of patrols for this month.
Hopefully, we will receive the rest of the reports for July from some of the MPAs’ monitoring posts sometime next week, so we can provide you with an update regarding July’s patrol in our next update; which is early to mid-August 2020.
We sincerely hope that you will find these updates informative. We really appreciate all your supports; stay healthy and stay happy, everyone!
* Allan Fredrik Ramandey–Data and Information Staff for Raja Ampat’s Marine Park Authority
** Nikka Gunadharma–Raja Ampat Communication and Outreach Coordinator for Conservation International Indonesia
*** The official name for Raja Ampat’s Marine Park Authority is Badan Layanan Umum Daerah Unit Pelaksana Teknis Daerah (BLUD UPTD) Pengelolaan Kawasan Konservasi Perairan (KKP) Kepulauan Raja Ampat.
