Analysis on the Natural Resources and Management Strategies of the Dongsha Atoll National Park

Project Duration	2011-12-31 ~ 2012-12-30
Research Title	Assessment of Natural Resources and Management Strategies of Dongsha Atoll National Park
Contracted Organization	National Taiwan University
Principal Investigator	Dai Chang-Feng
Project Participants	Chin Chi-Hsiang, Tsai Ming-Hsien, Cheng An-Yi, Liu Shang-Yin, Yang Ching-Na, Chang Feng-Ting, Chang Shuo-Wen
Keywords	Dongsha Atoll, marine protected area, marine conservation strategy, ecological hotspot, indicator species
Abstract	1. Background This project reviewed past research findings of Dongsha Atoll National Park, investigated the current marine ecological conditions, and examined international case studies of coral reef marine protected area (MPA) management. The study evaluated the appropriateness of current zoning and management strategies, assessed the suitability of opening the area to ecotourism, and proposed future conservation research and management strategies. 2. Results Long-term survey results indicate that the terrestrial ecosystem of Dongsha Island is a remote, small, human-dominated island ecosystem characterized by biological imbalance, vulnerability, and high turnover rates. The marine ecosystem is a typical coral atoll system, with spatial variation in coral, fish, and large invertebrate distributions. Historical data on coral cover, fish species richness, and abundance show a gradual ecological recovery trend within the lagoon area. To assess current reef conditions, four survey expeditions covering 23 stations were conducted, including 7 outer reef stations and 16 lagoon stations. Outer reef stations exhibited high coral cover, with average live coral cover exceeding 80%. Lagoon stations showed greater spatial variation (10.5%–71.5%). No mass coral bleaching events were observed during the survey period, although occasional crown-of-thorns starfish were recorded. Most stations met the criteria for healthy coral reefs; however, densities of economically valuable indicator fish and invertebrate species remained low, suggesting continued fishing pressure in the atoll waters. Since its establishment five years prior to this study, Dongsha Atoll National Park has implemented management based on its existing zoning framework without significant resource-use conflicts. Both terrestrial and marine ecosystems have shown gradual improvement, indicating that current zoning is generally appropriate, though minor adjustments may enhance management efficiency. Given the ecological recovery trend, particularly in marine resources, the area meets basic conditions for controlled marine recreation. However, due to limited transportation, accommodation, and infrastructure on Dongsha Island, it is recommended that initial tourism development focus on live-aboard vessel-based activities. Land-based tourism and island accommodation could be considered once facilities are adequately developed. 3. Major Recommendations Drawing upon international coral reef MPA management models and strategies from five national marine protected areas, this project recommends that Dongsha Atoll National Park establish a long-term vision with a 25-year strategic framework, supported by phased five-year short- and mid-term goals. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to support adaptive management and achieve marine ecosystem conservation and restoration objectives. Based on cumulative research findings and current ecological conditions, long-term management should focus on: - Restoration of original landscapes - Permanent protection and maintenance of ecosystem health and biodiversity - Promotion of marine scientific research - Expansion of marine environmental education Specific recommendations are provided for terrestrial conservation and restoration, marine conservation and restoration, development of an international marine research station, promotion of marine environmental education, coral reef conservation strategies under climate change, and related management initiatives.