Key-attributes in improving Gili Matra MRP management

Gili Matra Marine Recreational Park (MRP) is a marine protected area in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia with 2.954 ha and established in 2009 by the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Affairs Decree Number 67/MEN/2009.... [ view full abstract ]

Gili Matra Marine Recreational Park (MRP) is a marine protected area in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia with 2.954 ha and established in 2009 by the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Affairs Decree Number 67/MEN/2009. To evaluate the effectiveness of Gili Matra MRP, we examined the coral reef ecosystem and socio-economic attributes from 2012, 2016 and 2017. In general, fish biomass and hard coral cover decreased by more than 10% in 2016 compared with 2012. In contrast, based on the asset ownership, there was an improvement in lifestyle score in 2017 and 2012. The average score of wellbeing in 2017 was higher when compared to 2012. The level of respondents’ knowledge associated with management rules was quite high. Fisher respondents are aware of fishing rules that prohibited non-selective/destructive fishing gear. Meanwhile the visitor respondents were unfamiliar with zoning system. These results indicate that anthropogenic factors and natural factors by global warming was the most likely causing ecosystem degradation in Gili Matra.  This study conducted to improve the management of Gili Matra MRP, including managing the existence of herbivore fish, building coordination with local governments to reduce waste disposal, limiting number of visitors, applying entry fee and promoting conservation awareness to the visitors.