1 Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000. Bangladesh
Abstract
While no formed coral reef exists, the subtidal zone of Narikel Jinjira island supports a total of 66 sceleratianian coral species, belonging to 22 genera, a number of which represent reef building species. The coral beds in Narikel Jinjira extends from the seaward margin of the intertidal to about 200600m offshore. Corals are found around most of the Island, but their abundance and cover is generally low. Coral covers various from 4-10% of the surface area. The density estimate of coral is 1.3 colonies/m2. Porites spp. are the most abundant group of coral, followed by Favites spp., Goniopora, spp., Cyphastrea spp., and Gontastrea spp. The coral resources are heavily exploited in Narikel Jinjira. It has been estimated that about 30,000 colonies are removed annually which is 24% of the existing coral population in the extractable areas. The coral community in Narikel Jinjira supports associated fish and invertebrate fauna characteristics of coral reef environment. There are at least 86 species of reef associated fish, 4 species of Zoanthids. 4 spp. of Echinoids, one species of Asteroids, one species of Holothuroid and 4 spp. of Crinoids have been identified from the coral beds of the island. Molluscs are the most abundant group of invertebrate found in the coral bed, 61 species of them have been identified. Siltation, fluctuations in salinity, cyclonic storms and tidal surges, over exploitation of resources have been identified as the potential threats to the resource degradation, Narikel Jinjira satisfies the requirements for category 11 (Marine Park) designation. A zoning plan has been proposed as a key tool for the management of Narikel Jinjira as a Marine Protected area. Local community based eco-tourism has been strongly suggested. It is strongly recommended that new scientific studies are planned for the island, since the unique and dynamic nature of the intertidal and subtidal rocky habitats offer excellent research opportunities.
1. Introduction
1.1. Location
In Bangladesh, corals are found only on the Narikel Jinjira (St. Martin's Island). Narikel Jinjira is a small island in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsular tip and forms the southern most tip of Bangladesh. It lies roughly between 20° 34'N - 20° 38.8'N and 92°18' - 92°20.8'E
1.2. Geology
In some recent literature's (UNEP/IUCN, 1988; Khan, 1985; Chowdhury et. al. 1992; Ahmed, 1995). The island has been classified as a coral island of biogenic nature. The assumption was probably made on the presence of coral communities on the island. However, according to Akhtar (1992), the base rock of Narikel Jinjira is of sedimentary in origin and consists of sand stones of tertiary age, mixed with shell deposits. The boulders found on the intertidal and subtidal zones are mostly sedimentary in origin and probably the continuation of base rock (Tomascik, 1997). Some spherical boulders, intermixed with dead corals colonies, (origin and probably the continuation of base rocks (Tomascik, 1997). Some spherical boulders, intermixed with dead corals colonies (boulders), are probably formed through accretion process (Alam and Hasan, 1997). According to Warrick et al. (1993) the island is located on the eastern flank of an anticline and probably the part of Arakan-Naga folded system and therefore the island may be regarded as a sedimentary continental island whose coastal environment supports diverse coral communities.
1.3. Physiography
The island is (dumbelt-shaped, about 7.8 km in length and few hundred to little about 1 km in width, the surface area is about 8 km2 at low tide and about 5 km at high tide. The island is located on a shallow continental shelf with a maximum depth of 25m. The maximum depth of coast of Narikel Jinjira is only 10m.
The main shoreline habitats are sandy beaches and dunes and scattered rocks and coral boulders. Some boulders are also found on the interior into the island. The shallow water marine habitats include, rocky and sandy intertidal, intertidal rockpools, off shore lagoons, rocky and sandy subtidal and offshore soft bottom habitats.
Due to differences in exposure, benthic habitats along with the east and west, coasts of the island support different benthic communities. However, the upper and middle intertidal habitats along both coasts generally support similar communities. A generalised zonation of the east coast benthic communities along an inshore to offshore gradient starting from the lower intertidal is as follows: 1) intertidal gastropod-algal community 2) Coral-algal community 3) mixed seagrass-algal community, 4) soft coral community and 5) soft bottom. The zonation on the west-coast is as follows: 1) gastropod algal community: 2) Coral-algal 3) algal community, and 4) soft bottom community.
2. Environmental Conditions
2.1. Surface Water Temperature
The surface water temperature around Narikel Jinjira ranges between 18-31 C (DoZ, 1997, Tomasick, 1997) and thus lies within the optimal range (20-30 C) for both coral and coral reef development.
2.2. Salinity
The coastal water salinity of Narikel Jinjira, as measured on few occasions during drier seasons (DoZ, 1997; Tomasick, 1997), fluctuates between 26 to 35 ppt. It is expected that the level will drop further below this marginal value due to the increased freshwater discharge from Naaf River during rainy season (July-October). This level is therefore below the optimal range (32-36 ppt). However, some species may tolerate low salinity in some areas of the world (Tomascik, 1993).
2.3. Light/Turbidity
The turbidity of inshore water as measured by the sechi disk depth, ranges from 1.5m to 8.0m depending on the sea condition and tide cycle. This low light penetration is the consequence of many factors. In addition to silts coming with Naaf discharge, the combined action of wind generated waves, ocean swell and high velocity tidal current cause resuspension of bottom sediments (fine sand; silts and mud). A sechi depth of >7m is required for optimal growth of reef-building corals. Since corals are light-sensitive organisms, high turbidity coastal waters of Narikel Jinjira is the key environmental factor for impeding the development of coral reefs. However, some coral species may tolerate turbid waters of this magnitude (e.g. Porities).
2.4. Substrate
The shelf of Narikel Jinjira is covered by a layer of sedimentary boulders that vary greatly in size. While they provide a very suitable substrate for the settlement of coral larvae, as it evident by relatively high recruitment rates of juvenile corals, the boulders are very susceptible to disturbances (i.e. over turning, translocation, etc.) by heavy seas that are frequently generated by cyclonic storms and tidal surge. The growing corals on the boulders are thus damaged or destroyed during translocation and shifting of substrate boulders.
2.5. Tide
The tides affecting Narikel Jinjira are semi-diurnal (i.e. two high tide and two low tides per day). The mean tidal level at Shahpuri Island (about 9km north-east from Narikel Jinjira) in the Naaf estuary Is 1.874m. The mean low spring tide is 0.19m and mean high water spring tide is 3.56m. The highest astronomical tide is 4.lm (BIWTA, 1996). It is expected that somewhat similar tidal condition exists around Narikel Jinjira.
Based on the environmental data (i.e. surface seawater temperature, salinity and turbidity), it is concluded that natural environmental conditions around Narikel Jinjira are marginal for the development and survival of coral communities, and sub-optimal for the development of coral reefs. However, a year round environment monitoring programme is required to obtain a clear, picture of the environmental conditions. The rainy season is the critical bench-mark for environmental conditions.
3. Corals and Associated Resources
3.1. Fossil Corals
The fossil corals are mainly scattered among the boulders on the beach and on the land interior into the island. Some isolated massive coral blocks (measuring 1.5m x 0.65m x 1.1m) are found on the beaches and on the inter-tidal rock pools. However, percentage of corals boulders as eye estimated to be less than 2-311/o of the boulders (DoZ, 1997).
3.2. Live Corals
Corals are found around most of the island, except the northern part (Fig. 1) The rocky subtidal seaward margin of intertidal to about 200-600m offshore support coral communities. Corals are also found in the rock pools of lower intertidal. A total of 66 seleleratinian coral species, belonging to 22 genera and 10 families, has been recorded from Narikel Jinjira (Mahamud and Haider.1992; Khan 1985, Tomasick 1997, DoZ,1997). All families represent reef forming corals. Table. 1 provides the scientific names and relative abundance of the recorded species. The genera Porites, Favites, Goniopora, Cyphastrea and Goniastrea are most abundant. In terms of coral coverage, Porites is by far most important genus. In relative terms, almost all other coral genera, perhaps with the exception of Acropora, can be viewed as rare. The abundance of corals and their cover is low. The coral cover varies from 2-10% of the rocky substrate (DoZ,1997). Based on the quadrant transect survey, the density at some selected areas is about 1.3 colony/m2 (Tomascik, 1997).
3.2. Coral Associated Fauna
3.3.1. Soft Coral (Order - Octocoralina)
The soft coral community on Narikel Jinjira is a unique feature of subtidal zone. The deep water soft coral belongs to 6 families, namely, Plexarudae, Aanthogoridae, Subergorgoniidae (gorgonians sea fans) and Malithaddae, Anthothetidae (small sea fans), Ellisellidae (sea whips). The species level identification is being done at the Department of Zoology, Dhaka University. The species number may go above 12. The soft corals collected from shallow subtidal included Sinularia, Lobophyton and Authelia (Tomasick, 1997; DoZ, 1997).
3.3.2. Other macro-invertebrates
The other macro-invertebrates were represented by 61 species of molluscs, 9 species echinoderms, 4 species zonathids and 4 species of Bryzoans (Tomascik, 1997, DoZ, 1997). By far the most abundant macro-invertebrates are the gastropod molluscs, notable of them are periwinkles, nerites, top shells, cowries, murex, and cone shells. There is high abundance of Conus striatus, C. textiles, C. geographus, Trochus niloticus and Tarbo marmoratus, two economically important gastropod throughout Indo-Pacific, are also present, but their population are depleted world-wide. A number of colourful nudibranchs (Mollusca, Opistobrachia) were recorded from the shallow subtidal rocky reefs. The four species found were Joruna funebris (Kentodordidae), Glossodoris atromarginata (Chromodorididae, and one unidentified species.
The diversity of macro-invertebrates is surprisingly low considering the abundance of algae and benthic detrital material. Only four species of sea urchins (Echinodermata, Ecinodea) namely Echinotrix diadem, E.calamahs, Echinometra mathaei, and Echinostrephus aciculatus are present in the rocky subtidal habitats on Narikel Jinjira (Tomascik, 1997). One species of sea star (Echinodermata, Asteroidea) belonging to genus Protoreasterwas collected. There are a number of brittle stars (Ophiruoidea) present, but these were not assessed since they are cryptic (i.e. live under the boulders) by nature. Only one sea cucumber (Holothuroidea) was found in the lower intertidal in the intertidal pools. The sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) occurs in very low numbers due to over exploitation. Bryozoans (Cheilostomata) are an abundant group of encrusting calcareous invertebrates. The main genera are Reteporellina, Tryphyllozoon, Scrupocellaha and Stylopoma. Another important group of antozoans in the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal are the zoanthids (Zoanthidae). The genus Palythoa dominates, and covers many large boulders. Other anthozoans observed in the subtidal were Nemanthus, (Nemanthidae), Telemactis sp. (Isophellidae) and Discosoma spp. (Dicosomtidae).
Figure 1: General distribution of coral beds on Narikel Jinjira
Table 1: Seleractinian reef-building corals (order Seleratetinia) of Narikel Jinjira (St. Martin's Island) (tentative list). Relative abundance categories based on visual observations during snorkelling: A- abundance, C- common, and R- rare, indicates need for taxonomic verification.
|
FAMILY |
GENUS AND SPECIES |
ABUNDANCE |
|
ASTROCOENIIDAE |
Stylocoeniella armata |
C |
|
ACRPORIDAE |
Montipora angulata* |
R |
|
|
Montipora hispida* |
R |
|
|
Montipora informis |
C |
|
|
Montipora spongodes |
A |
|
|
Montipora turtlensis* |
A |
|
|
Montipora verucosa |
R |
|
|
Acropora glauca |
A |
|
|
Acropora multiacuta* |
R |
|
|
Acropora vaughani* |
R |
|
|
Acrpora austera |
R |
|
|
Acrqora aculeus |
A |
|
|
Acropora rudis |
C |
|
|
Acropora latistella |
R |
|
PORITIDAE |
Porites lobata |
A |
|
|
Porites solida |
A |
|
|
Podtes lutea |
A |
|
|
Porites murrayensis* |
C |
|
|
Goniopora columna |
A |
|
|
Goniopora djiboutiensis |
A |
|
|
Goniopora stokesi |
A |
|
|
Goniopora stutchburyi |
A |
|
|
Goniopora tenuidens |
R |
|
SIDERASTREIDAE |
Psammocora hatmeana* |
R |
|
|
Psammocora profundacella |
A |
|
|
Coscinaraea columna |
A |
|
|
Psedosiderastrea tayami |
A |
|
AGARICIIDAE |
Pavona decussata |
R |
|
OCULINIDAE |
Galaxea astreata |
C |
|
|
Galaxea fascicularis |
C |
|
MUSSIDAE |
Acanthastrea echinata* |
R |
|
|
Acanthastrea hillae* |
R |
|
FAVIIDAE |
Favites abdita |
A |
|
|
Favites halicora |
A |
|
|
Pauttes flexuosa |
C |
|
|
Favitessp. 1 |
R |
|
|
Pavites sp. 2 |
R |
|
|
Gonioastrea aspera |
A |
|
|
Gonioastrea edwardsi |
A |
|
|
Goniostrea palauensis* |
R |
|
|
Goniostrea pendulus* |
R |
|
|
Goniostrea retiformes |
C |
|
|
Platygyra daedalea |
A |
|
|
Platygyra pini |
C |
|
|
Ptatygyra stnensis |
R |
|
|
Leptastrea purpurea |
C |
|
|
Leptastrea pruinosa* |
R |
|
|
Leptastrea transversa |
A |
|
|
Cyphastrea serallia |
A |
|
|
Cyphastrea chalcidicum |
A |
|
|
Cyphastrea sp. |
R |
|
|
Monastrea curta |
R |
|
|
Monastrea magnistellata |
R |
|
|
Favia favus |
R |
|
|
Favia pallida |
R |
|
|
Favia speciosa |
R |
|
MERULINIDAE |
Hydnophora exesa |
A |
|
|
Hydnophora micoconos |
A |
|
|
Hydnophora pilosa |
C |
|
DENDROPHYLLIDAE |
Turbinira frondens |
R |
|
|
Turbinira peltata |
R |
|
|
Turbinira reniformis |
R |
|
|
Turbinira stellulata |
R |
|
|
Dendrophyllia sp. |
C |
3.3.3. Fish
Although as many as 240 fish species were recorded from the catch landed on Narikel Jinjira, (DOZ, 1997), only 86 of them are coral reef associated (Tomascik, 1997; DOZ, 1997). It may be mentioned that some reef associated fish were not represented in the catches but were observed during scuba diving. The most abundant reef associated herbivore are the damsel fish (Pomacentrids), parrot fish (Scaridae), surgeon fish (Acanthuridae). The important predators are groupers (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae) and emperors (Lethrinidae). Qnly 5 species of butterfly fish were recorded from the island. There is only one species of angel fish. It is expected that if proper survey is carried out the number of coral associated fish may exceed 100.
Figure 2: Main Coral collecting areas on Narikel Jinjira
4. Resources Exploitation
4.1. Coral Extraction
The main threat to future viability of coral communities comes from direct extraction of corals colonies. Coral collection activities started in 50's but until recently extraction was at low level.
Coral collection is done by using about 18 small manual boats. It was estimated that the weight of harvest ranges from 40-100 kg/day/boat or about 20-40kg/day/person (DoZ, 1997). It has also been estimated that about 30,000 coral colonies are collected annually and current extraction activities remove about 24% of the existing population from the extractable areas.
Fig.2 shows the areas where coral collections are currently being made. Earlier, only Acrpora spp. were sought after. These are being becoming relatively rare. Now-a-days, 4 kinds of corals are mainly collected. These are locally called, pataphu (Acropora spp.), gachphul (Acropora spp.), shaibal (Favites spp.) and mog (Goniastrea sp.). At present there are 8 middle men engaged in coral trading. It was gathered that coral worth about Tk.4 lakhs are traded annually (DoZ. 1997).
4.2. Shell Extraction:
Of all the marine habitats on the island, the lower intertidal is most heavily exploited. Shell extraction is the main activity. Few families in the island are fully dependant on shell collection. Earlier only the larger shells were collected, but now, with tile introduction of diversified use of shell smaller species are also collected. Unavailability of shell has lead to the collection of live molluscs.
4.3. Fish
Fishing in inshore waters over the boulder reefs is done only by 24 boats using weighted gill nets. Gill nets are also set by other fishermen and non-fishermen. It seems that fisheries resources over the coral beds are over-exploited.
Sea cucumber (Holothuria) and seagrass on the lower intertidal are also heavily exploited.
5. Potential Threats to Coral and Associated Resources
The following are the key environmental (natural and anthropogenic) concerns in Narikel Jinjira which pose threats to environment and resource degradation. A summary of the potential threats is also provided in Table 2 with their relative contribution to environment and resource degradation.
5.1. Anthropogenic Threats
· Overexploitation of renewable marine and coastal resources (e.g. rocky reef fisheries, coral and shell extraction, removal of coastal vegetation)· Large scale removal of key-stone species from intertidal subtidal habitats (I.e. corals, cucumbers and molluscs).
· Destructive fishing practices, mainly the use of rock weighted gill nets over the inshore boulder reefs.
· Increased water turbidity and sedimentation from agricultural practices, deforestation and urbanisation,
· Waste disposal, particularly fish offals from large number of fish dry farms.
· Tourists activities (e.g. collection of sample specimens other destructive activities)
5.2. Natural Threats
· Cyclonic storms and tidal surge probably cause serious damage to coral communities by shifting and overturning substrate boulders.· Silts coming with Naaf discharge causing turbidity problems on the east coast of the island. Resuspension of sediments also help to increase water turbidity and directly impeding the coral develpoment and survival.
· Increased discharge of freshwater flood water fro Naaf River during rainy season causes salinity to fall to a suboptimal level.
Table 2 Major threats to enviromnent and coral & associated resources.
|
Anthropogenic Threats |
Relative Threat Level |
|
Coastal erosion |
4 |
|
Turbidity and sedimentation |
5 |
|
Coral extraction |
5 |
|
Shell extraction |
5 |
|
Intertidal boulder removal |
5 |
|
Coral use for construction and lime |
1 |
|
Destructive fishing techniques |
3 |
|
Tourism activities |
5 |
|
Domestic pollution |
3 |
|
Agricultural polluttion |
5 |
|
Oil pollution from boats |
3 |
|
Boat anchoring |
2 |
|
Fish processing |
3 |
|
Boat building |
2 |
|
Overfishing |
5 |
|
Natural Threats |
|
|
Cyclones and storms |
5 |
|
Sedimentation and resuspension |
5 |
|
Freshwater flooding |
5 |
|
Earthquakes |
1 |
|
Source: Tomascik, 1997. Threat level 0 (low) to 5 (high) |
6. Management Efforts for Narikel Jinjira Coral Resources
Past planning activities on Narikel Jinjira have proceeded without much government involvement concerns regarding the Narikel Jinjira coral resources first came as one of the NCS (National Conservation Strategy) recommendation. NCS recommendation for Narikel Jinjira is as follows: "Declaration of St. Martin's Island (Narikel Jinjira) and the Jinjira coral reef a Protected Area and development of a management plan".
The Ministry of Environment and Forest is executing the conservation programme through establishment of NCS implementation Project 1. IUCN Bangladesh is providing the technical assistance. At the initial stage, collection of baseline information and preparation of resource inventories were made through the implementation of Survey of Fauna, Survey of Flora and Base Map Preparation Projects. At this stage various universities and research institutes of the country became involved with the survey programme. A coral reef management specialist was also hired with view to develop a Management Action Plan for the sustainable management of coral resources.
Unfortunately, the government planning included single sector approach and has contributed to particularly troublesome developments. It is imperative that the management plan should be formulated to allow for inter-government co-ordination and co-operation.
For the sustainable development and management of coral resources on Narikel Jinjira, the Marine Protected Area concept has been proposed with a suggestion for the establishment of a Marine Park.
Table 3: Conservation value of selected coastal and marine areas on Narikel Jinjira
|
Criteria |
Area 1 |
Area 2 |
Area 3 |
Area 4 |
Area 5 |
Area 6 |
Area 7 |
|
Naturalness |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Habitat diversity |
3 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
Unique habitats |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Coral diversity |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Coral cover |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Fish diversity |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Coral damage |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Scientific value |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total score |
3 |
6 |
13 |
20 |
15 |
6 |
14 |
Naturalness indicates the extent to which the area has been protected from, or not been subjected to human-induced damage (0= low; l= medium; 2= high). Habitat diversity is the sum of the following habitats present; beach; dune; rocky intertidal; coral associations; seagrass; lagoons; mangrove; soft coral habitat; offshore rock reefs (o= absent; 1= present). Unique habitats: presence of habitats not found elsewhere on the island: Area 3 has a large intertidal sandy lagoon; Area 4 has subtidal rocky reefs where Acropora is present in relatively high numbers; Area 5 has a turtle nesting habitat; Area7 on the high energy coast of the island has a bettered Coral diversity (qualitative assessment): 0=low; 1= medium; 2=high. Coral cover (qualitative assessment): 0= low; 1= medium; 2=high. Fish diversity (qualitative assessment) 0= low; 1= medium; 2=high. Coral damage (qualitative assessment):0= high l= low. Scientific value (qualitative assessment) reflects potential research possibilities biological, ecological, taxonomical, environmental and geological): 0= low; l= high. "Conservation value calculated as the percentage of the total score (=20)"
Source: Tomascik, 1997
Narikel Jinjira has got unique geographical features and diverse habitats and many of which is still undisturbed. The island support diverse coral communities which are not seen elsewhere in the country. The island also contains a number of rare (e.g. cone shells) and endangered (e.g. Lepidochetys otivacen) species in Bangladesh. The Island is also used as nesting ground by three marine endangered turtle species. Quantitative analysis of criteria, used by IUCN (1994) to determine whether an area is suitable candidate for a protected area status, suggest that Narikel Jinjira satisfies the requirements for category 11 (Marine Park) designation. Table 3 shows conservation values of selected coastal and marine areas on the island. A zoning plan is proposed as a key tool for the management of Narikel Jinjira as marine protected area. The proposed plan identifies a range of purposes for the protected area description and provides a clear rational for the zoning plan (Table 4). The zoning system consists of 1) General use zone; 2) Buffer zones; 3) Coral appreciation area, 4) Coral reserve 5) Coral Sanctuary (Fig. 4). Various community based programmes are suggested in the Proposed Action Plan to include the local community in the conservation process.
Table 4 Management objectives of protected area categories following IUCN recommendation (IUCN,1994)
|
Management Objectives |
Protected Area Categories |
||||||
|
Ia |
Ib |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
|
|
Preservation of Biodiversity |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Maintenance of Environmental Services |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Wildness Protection |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
|
Sustainable Use of Resources |
0 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Scientific Research |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Education |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Tourism and Recreation |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
Maintenance of cultural/traditional attributes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Protection of specific natural/cultural features |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
Protected Area Categories: Ia- Strict Nature Reserve/Wilderness Area, protected area managed mainly for science or wilderness protection, Ib- Wilderness Area protected area managed mainly for wilderness protection. II- National Monument, protected area managed mainly for conservation of specific natural features. III - Habitat/Species Management Area, protected area managed mainly for conservation through management intervention V- Protected Landscape, protected area managed mainly for landscape/seascape conservation and recreation. VI- Managed Resources Protected Area, protected managed mainly for the sustainable use of natural ecosystems. Key: 1 - Primary objective; 2 - Secondary objective; Potentially applicable objective:- not applicable.
Source: Tomascik, 1997
Ecotourism
Narikel Jinjira lacks the main criteria to be considered as a potential international destination for SCUBA diving. However, coral viewing using glass-bottom boat has been suggested. Development of small scale community based ecotourism, to satisfy national demand for new travel destinations, is a viable option on Narikel Jinjira that needs to be promoted. Development of community based ecotourism will not only benefit local conservation efforts through community participation but will also expose tourists to new experiences. Table 5 provides a preliminary assessment of seven areas on Narikel Jinjira in terms of their potential ecotourism value. Based on the ecotourism potential analysis, it has been suggested by Tomasick (1997) that areas 3,5, and 7 are to be considered as the target areas for ecotourism development (Fig 4). The choice of areas for ecotourism development is supported by the analysis of conservation value these areas (Table 3). Due to high score of Area 4 in the conservation potential analysis, it has been suggested to designate this area as a "coral refuge."
The proposed Action Plan for the management of the island provides a set of environmental guidelines for future tourism and agricultural development. The guidelines identify the links between various environmental impacts and functional and structural integrity of the coral communities on the island.
Table 5: Ecotourism value of seven selected coastal and marine areas of Narikel Jinjira
|
Criteria |
Area 1 |
Area 2 |
Area 3 |
Area 4 |
Area 5 |
Area 6 |
Area 7 |
|
Aesthetics |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Naturalness |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Safety |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Local sensitivity |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Accessibility |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Fishing activity |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total score |
2 |
4 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
9 |
|
Tourism Value |
20 |
40 |
70 |
70 |
60 |
40 |
90 |
Notes: Aesthetic criteria used: high coral cover, abundance, large coral size, presence of fish, water quality, good swimming area (0= low, 1= medium, 2= high). Naturalness criteria: the extent to which the area has been protected from, or not been subjected to human-induced damage (0=low; 1 = medium; 2= high). Safety criteria little or no wave action, protection from swells, slow currents, no chance of entanglement in fishing tiers, no boat traffic, safe entry for swimmers (0=low; 1= medium; 2= high safety factor). Local sensitivity relates to attitudes of local inhabitants to western style water recreation (i.e. use of bathing suits): 0= high; 1= low, Accessibility criteria! distance from port of entry, distance from guest houses, easy of entry for divers or skin divers (i.e. use of snorkel only) from boats, case of access from beaches, cast of entry for glass bottom boat operators (0= low; 1= medium; 2= high). Fishing and other extractive activities: based on distance to villages, relative fishing activity observed in the areas (0= high; 1= low). Ecotourism value calculated as a percentage of the maximum potential score (= 10). Source: Tomascik, 1997
Figure 3: Proposed zoning plan for national park on Narikel Jinjira
7. Research Needs
The unique and dynamic nature of the jntertidal and subtidal rocky habitats offers excellent research opportunities. The following research areas may be considered:
· Physico-chemical characteristics of water and other environmental aspects.
· Taxonomic studies of fish.
· Biology of some important molluscs species and other macro-invertebrates.
· Interaction studies of macro-invertebrates algae and other organisms.
It is strongly felt that a small field laboratory should be established to facilitate research.
8. References
Ahmed, M (1995)., An overview on the coral reef ecosystem of Bangladesh, Bangladesh J. Environ. Sci. Vol 1:67-73
Akhtar, A. (1992). Palynology of Girujan clay, St. Martin's Island, Cox's Bazar District, Bangladesh. Records of Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Vol.7, Part 2: 1-24.
Alam, M. and Hasan, M.Q. (1997). The origin of so-called beach rockof St. Martin Island of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, Oriental Geographer.
BIWTA (1996). Bangladesh Tide Tabless, 1996. Department of Hydrography, Bangladesh Inland water Transport Authority, Dhaka.
Chowdhury, S. Q., Haq. F.A.T.M. and Hassan, K. 1992). Coastal geomorphology of St. Marin's Island Oriental Geographer 36(2): 30-44.
DoZ (Department of Zoology (1997). Survey of Fauna, Draft Final Report, National Conservation Strategy Implementation Project 1 Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of Bangladesh 225 pp.
Khan. M.A.R. (1985). St. Martin's a vanishing coral island of Bangladesh. Tigerpaper 12(4).
Mahmood, N. and Haider, S.M.B. (1992). A preliminary study of corals of St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong.
Tomascik, T. (1993). Coral Reef Ecosystems., Environmental Mannagement Guidelines. EMDI Environmental Reports, 35. SRES Halifax. 79 pp.
Tomascik, T.(1997). Management Plan for Resources of Narikel Jinjira (St. Martin's Island) Final Report, National Conservation Strategy Implementation Project -1 Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of Bangladesh 125 pp.
UNEP/IUCN (1988). Coral Reefs of the World. Volurne2: Iridian Ocean, Red Sea and Gulf. UNEP Regional Seas and Bibliographies. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, U.K./UNEP, Nairobi. Kenya. pp389.
Warrick, R.A. Bhuiya, A:H., Mitchell, W.M., Murthy, T.S. and Rashed, K.B.S,(1993). Sea level changes in the Bay of Bengal. Briefing Document No. 2. BLIP, C.E.A.R.S. and UEA Norwich, 24pp.
