Rock Islands Southern Lagoon Management Plan 2012-2016.

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon Management Plan sets out strategies for the sustainable use and conservation of the natural, cultural and historical resources of the Rock Island Southern Lagoon. This Plan covers the period between 2012 and 2016. The key management goals of this plan are: (I) enhancement of biodiversity/natural system health, (II) improvement of subsistence and commercial fisheries, (III) preservation of cultural heritage and historical sites, (IV) enhancement of tourism, recreational and economic activities, and (V) improvement of the institutional capacity of Koror State Government.
The health of essential fish habitats and fish species will be maintained and increased by conducting surveys of valuable food fish in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, and strengthening fisheries management through fish surveys and monitoring of existing Marine Protected Areas. Biological baseline data will be developed, focusing on key terrestrial and marine species. The effectiveness of protected areas will be strengthened, by creating new Conservation Areas, and promoting the importance of protected areas to the community. Strategies will be developed to enhance the resilience of ecosystems to climate change, prevent the establishment of new marine or terrestrial invasive species, and reduce the distribution and area covered by existing invasive species. The overall fishing pressure will be decreased to ensure sustainable fisheries. The institutional capacity of Koror State Government will be developed to better manage and regulate fisheries. Subsistence and commercial fishing and other extractive activities will be guided by zones and associated regulations. Sustainable harvest guidelines for key species will be developed. Aquaculture within the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon will be carried out in accordance with Koror State Government aquaculture zones and regulations.
Koror State’s traditional and cultural connection to the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon’s stone work villages will be strengthened, and historic sites will be preserved. A program will be developed for protecting and rehabilitating cultural sites and features, including the creation of a State registry, and for the development of protocols and plans. At least three village sites that are in critical need of care or rehabilitation will be identified, and a plan for their rehabilitation will be developed. The traditional cheldebechel of Koror will be provided with the access to information on the importance of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon to Koror’s cultural heritage, and the value of the cultural sites. Tourism guidelines and regulations will be developed to ensure sustainable and low impact tourism. Traditional and cultural tours will be integrated into the tourism activities. Best management practices will be developed for the recreational use of local site. The development in and around Koror will be monitored to minimize degradation and pollution impacts.
The regulatory and legislative frameworks for management in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon will be reviewed and, where appropriate, improved. The capacity of Koror State Government will be enhanced to effectively carry out enforcement and surveillance activities. The Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement will continue to work closely with the community and key partners to ensure community involvement and commitment, and the effective implementation of this Management Plan. In order to better manage the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, links will be established with other management programs at the national, regional and international levels.