Status of the coral reefs around Chuuk Atoll, FSM

Abstract

Coral reef biodiversity and complexity is high on reefs in FSM and this diversity increase around the atoll. There are more than 300 species of corals comparing to 150 in Kosrae and 200 in Yap. More than 1,000 of fishes, 1,200 of shells and 70 species of algae.The coral coverage in Chuuk lagoon is indicative of high water quality however Destructive fishing activities, including the use of explosive taken from the wrecks have caused some local damage. Most of marine fish species recorded for the Chuuk are reef-associated. here are few data about export and fishery production, some market information about economical condition based on fisheries were variable according to season. Recently, in winter time, strong wave continued on the lagoon. Most of fishing prevailed along the atoll, but it impossible to close out of atoll.By primary development, the reef ecosystem have been damaging around Chuuk such as fishing, coastal development, and ship grounding. Sediment dredging on coastal area using road construction, infrastructure development have affected adjacent to the main populated islands. There were local sediment runoff events from Weno, and cutoff the mangrove forests in order to using firewood and waste dumping also affected the inshore coral reefs.