The Seychelles Experience Sylvanna Antha, Marine Research and Monitoring, Seychelles National Parks Authority, P O Box 1240, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles
Introduction There are more than 25 Protected Areas in Seychelles, 14 of which are MPAs. Designation is under the National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act (CAP 141), the Fisheries Act (CAP 82) and the Protected Area Act (CAP 185). MPAs are being and have been affected by climate change. However, in some instances, there is little data to explain whether those changes can be solely attributed to climate change or whether there are other reasons for these changes. Fig 2: Map of Seychelles MPAs
Climate Trends Climatological record dates back to the1880s. Climate generally influenced by the ocean, through : monsoonal wind shifts, changes in the position and intensity of the South Indian Ocean anti-cyclone seasonal migration and change in the intensity of the intertropical troughs ocean currents, as well as sea surface temperature patterns in the equatorial Indian Ocean. Variability in climate has been observed over the past 100 years, but a lack of data makes it difficult to properly understand the implication of this variability.
Impacts of climate change Rising Sea Surface Temperature Observations on the main island of Mahe, has shown two maxima and two minima, linked with the changes in the monsoonal winds and the equatorial ocean currents. Extreme minimum and maximum temperatures impact on fisheries and coral reefs. Minimum to 24.9 C in 2005 - maximum to 30.1 C in April 2001 Climate Research Unit data - upward trend in sea surface temperature
Fig. 3: SST at Seychelles International Airport (Source: National Climate Strategy, Payet, 2009) Fig. 4: Area Time Series CRU in Seychelles (Source: National Climate Strategy, Payet, 2009)
Sea Level Rise Estimated sea level rise is at a rate of 0.5 ±0.5mm/yr for Seychelles [ through usage of tidal gauge data combined with Topex/Poseidon satellite altimetry data] When compared to the global mean sea level rise (1961-2003) of 1.8 ±0.5mm/yr these results fall below global average, but are not low enough to mini-mize the risks involved, especially to coasts and MPAs. Fig. 5: Time Series of Monthly mean sea level at Pointe Larue, Seychelles. (Source: Hawaii Sea Level Monitoring Centre)
Coral Bleaching Coral Bleaching In tropical marine ecosystems, the best known ecological impact is that of coral bleaching, where SST anomalies lead to corals expelling their symbiotic algae, therefore exposing their white skeleton. This leads to coral mortality. Following the mass coral bleaching event in 1998, the interaction of the Indian Ocean Dipole, with the El Nino in 1998 led to severe bleaching and mortality, where in Seychelles coral mortality around the inner granitics reaching 90%. These mortalities include those within Seychelles MPAs. Fig. 6: Bleaching coral (Source:csc-studentweb.lr.edu)
Other impacts include cyclones and related effects, such as increased rainfall and swells that lead to erosion of coastal areas, as well as related coastal floodings. Fig. 7: Coastal erosion around Seychelles beaches(source: Port-Louis & Zialor, 2008)
Approaches to Observing current and future impact Strengthening National Services, directly involved with data collection and impact assessments (e.g. NMS and CESD). Strengthening technical and institutional capacities to mainstream the effect of climate change into national policies and developing guidelines for Seychelles, including fisheries sectors and coastal zone sector. Programmes/projects to look at impact of coral bleaching e.g. the Aldabra Marine Programme (AMP) the Seychelles Marine Ecosystem Management Programme (SEYMEMP). Fig. 9: Coral Reef Monitoring (source: Earthwatch., 2008)
Seychelles Ocean Temperature Network (SOTN) The Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) set up the SOTN four years ago, in collaboration with Marine NGOs and the Seychelles National Parks Authority. Temperature loggers have been set up both within and outside of MPAs The aim was to: Follow changes in the SST variation Share ocean temperature data Interprete variations to indicate changes in SST and link those changes to impacts. Fig. 8: Homepage of SOTN website (source: Robinson et al., 2009)
Measures to address, mitigate and adapt to Impacts Inclusion of policies and strategies for dealing with Climate change impacts, within the Environment Management Plan for Seychelles (EMPS), the Seychelles National Communication (SNC). Institutional changes required to mainstream climate change into national programmes still being developed. Measures taken at national level deal with impacts on land and to agriculture, livelihoods, land use management, transportation, water supplies, health and sanitation. Research to look at adaptation of fisheries to climate change (but so far only the SOTN and coral reef projects within certain MPAs have been implemented). No major focus on mitigation within MPAs, or on using mitigation in other areas mentioned, e.g. through ecosystem-based management, to benefit MPAs.
Lessons Learnt Ensure that implementation of actions are at all levels and institutions take part - government, local communities, media, donor organisations and private sectors. Little can be done without all stakeholders involved. Government actions and interventions need to be more effective and incountry capacity to tackle climate change needs to be improved. Strategies used have shown that Seychelles have inadequate resources to implement climate change adaptation and therefore, has a strong need for outside influences in climate change adaptation and mitigation programmes. Main capacity issues include research and monitoring, developing framework to empower stakeholders at all level of society and building capacity in government. There are opportunities to mainstream climate change issues into national policies to minimize impact of climate change through concerted and proactive action at all levels of society.
Initiatives and Projects Shoals of Capricorn Programmes Quantitative and qualitative observations of the status of pre and post-bleaching reef assemblages at the Aride Island Reserve and the Ile Cocos Marine Protected Area. Ile Cocos had 100% loss by 2000. The study also looked at rate of recovery and makes recommendations for effective protection and management. Rapid Assessment of the reef and lagoon of the Silhouette Marine National Park allowed observation of coral cover within the Park after the coral bleaching event. It also makes suggestions for further marine monitoring programmes. A study of the reefs in the granitic islands of Seychelles covered at least four of the MPAs. It was to assess the status of the reefs after bleaching in 1998. The study makes recommendations for re-assessing management of MPAs, to protect larger areas. Survey of coral community at Aldabra MPA following the mass bleaching event, as part of long term monitoring effort to measure reef recovery and make recommendations for improved management.
Conclusion The Seychelles National Climate Change Strategy is a working document that needs to be updated and revised periodically, in order to respond to new challenges and opportunities. It offer scope for inclusion of Marine Protected Areas within the document. Even with little focus on MPAs it is recognized that coral reefs and associated habitats are vital for long-term sustainability of marine resources and tourism. Fulfilled through maintaining MPAs and ensuring that there is proper management as well as increasing projects/programmes, plus capacity building, that target specific impacts from climate change.
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