[Coral-List] Vessel Monitoring Systems and MPA's

[Duncan MacRae]

Dear listers.

St Eustatius Marine Park and Coastal Zone Management (UK) are currently
writing a report on the impacts of anchoring within and just outside the
Marine Park. A filed study has been carried out into the impact of anchoring
by tankers using the oil storage facility on the island. The rapid
assessment survey concentrated on relative proportions of coral cover and
algae/rubble cover, and found that coral cover in the anchoring areas, and
more importantly some distance outside of the designated zones, was zero.
The recommendations of the report include the development and installation
of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to consolidate and improve the
effectiveness of the paper based monitoring already carried out by the
storage facility. It is hoped that such a system will enable the Marine
Park, Harbour Master and head pilots from the storage facility to monitor
traffic, prevent illegal anchoring on reefs and enforce the legislation that
exists.

We understand the principles behind VMS' and have looked into their use for
fisheries over large areas. For the report we want to show commitment to the
recommendations by providing a clear framework for the development of such a
system and pricing guidelines. Unfortunately this information does not
appear to be readily available through equipment distributors.

Does anyone have experience with the development and maintenance of a VMS on
a small scale and as and MPA management tool? If so, what are the main
stages of the development of a system, and how much did it cost?

Any information members have will be very gratefully received.

The report will be distributed to the key stakeholders and used as a
decision aiding document by the shipping directorate and St Eustatius Marine
Park Management. If you require any further clarification please do get in
touch. Forward any responses to Duncan MacRae at solutions at cozm.co.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Duncan R. MacRae

Director
Coastal Zone Management (UK)
Integrated Conservation Solutions

Blythe Cottage
22 Rosemundy
St. Agnes
Cornwall, UK.
TR5 0UD

Tel: ++ (0)1872 552 219
Mobile: ++(0)7958 230 076
E-mail: solutions at cozm.co.uk
Skype name: drmacrae
Website: www.cozm.co.uk

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