Rapid Assessment Program A Rapid Marine Biodiversity Assessment of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) Editors Gerald R. Allen, Jeff P. Kinch, Sheila A. McKenna, and Pamela Seeto RAP Bulletin Biological Assessment of 29 Center for Applied Biodiversity Science (CABS) Conservation International Australian Institute of Marine Science Western Australian Museum The RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment is published by: Conservation International Center for Applied Biodiversity Science Department of Conservation Biology 1919 M St. NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 USA 202-912-1000 telephone 202-912-0773 fax www.conservation.org www.biodiversityscience.org Conservation International is a private, non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Editors: Edited by Gerald R. Allen, Jeff P. Kinch, Sheila A. McKenna, and Pamela Seeto Design/production: Kim Meek Maps: [Map 1, page 169] Mark Denil; all other maps by Albert Kambar RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment Series Editors: Terrestrial and AquaRAP: Leeanne E. Alonso and Jennifer McCullough Marine RAP: Sheila A. McKenna ISBN: 1-881173-68-2 © 2003 by Conservation International All rights reserved. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2002111693 The designations of geographical entities in this publication, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Conservation International or its supporting organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Any opinions expressed in the RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of CI. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment was formerly RAP Working Papers. Numbers 1–13 of this series were published under the previous title. Suggested citation: Allen, G. R., J. P. Kinch, S. A. McKenna, and P. Seeto. (Eds.). 2003. A Rapid Marine Biodiversity Assessment of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000). RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment 29. Conservation International, Washington, DC, USA. The Global Conservation Fund, United Nations Development Program, David & Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Henry Foundation generously supported publication of this report. Using New Leaf Opaque 60# smooth text paper (80% recycled/60% post-consumer waste), and bleached without the use of chlorine or chlorine compounds results in measurable environmental benefits1. For this report, using 1,404 pounds of post-consumer waste instead of virgin fiber saved… 5 Trees 457 Pounds of solid waste 502 Gallons of water 655 Kilowatt hours of electricity (equal to .8 months of electric power required by the average U.S. home) 830 Pounds of greenhouse gases (equal to 672 miles travelled in the average American car) 4 Pounds of Hazardous Air Pollutants, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Absorbable Organic Compounds combined 1 Cubic yard of landfill space Environmental benefits are calculated based on research done by the Environmental Defense Fund and the other members of the Paper Task Force who studied the environmental impacts of the paper industry. Contact the EDF for a copy of their report and the latest updates on their data. Trees saved calculation based on trees with a 10” diameter. Actual diameter of trees cut for pulp range from 6” up to very large, old growth trees. Home energy use equivalent provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Co., San Francisco. Landfill space saved based on American Paper Institute, Inc. publication, Paper Recycling and its Role in Solid Waste Management. 1 Table of Contents Participants ................................................................................ 4 Appendices............................................................................... 75 Organizational Profiles............................................................. 5 Appendix 1 ................................................................................ 76 Acknowledgments .................................................................... 6 Executive Summary .................................................................. 7 List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Douglas Fenner and Emre Turak Appendix 2 ................................................................................ 92 Data for calculating the Reef Condition Index Overview ................................................................................... 10 Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry Chapter 1 ................................................................................... 20 Appendix 3 ................................................................................ 93 Corals of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Douglas Fenner Percentage of various substrata for Milne Bay survey sites Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry Chapter 2 ................................................................................... 27 Condition of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry Chapter 3 ................................................................................... 39 Appendix 4 ................................................................................ 96 List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Fred E. Wells Molluscs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Fred E. Wells and Jeff P. Kinch Chapter 4 ................................................................................... 46 Reef Fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Gerald R. Allen Chapter 5 ................................................................................... 56 Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Mark Allen, Jeff Kinch, and Tim Werner Appendix 5 .............................................................................. 111 List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Gerald R. Allen Appendix 6 .............................................................................. 159 List of reef fish target species of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Mark Allen Appendix 7 .............................................................................. 164 List of fishes caught by Brooker islanders using various techniques Jeff P. Kinch Maps and Photos ................................................................... 169 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 3 Participants Gerald R. Allen, Ph. D. (Fishes) Conservation International 1919 M St., N.W., Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 USA Mailing address: 1 Dreyer Road Roleystone, WA 6111 Australia Fax: (618) 9397 6985 Email: tropical_reef@bigpond.com Mark Allen, B. Sc. (Reef fisheries) 1 Dreyer Road Roleystone, WA 6111 Australia Fax: (618) 9397 6985 Email: leucopogon@bigpond.com Douglas Fenner, Ph. D. (Reef corals) Australian Institute of Marine Sciences P.M.B. No. 3 Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia Email: d.fenner@aims.gov.au Edward Kibikibi (Community liaison) Conservation International (PNG) P.O. Box 106 Waigani, NCD Papua New Guinea Email: ci-png@conservation.org Jeff Kinch, BA Hons 1st Class (Anthropology) Conservation International (PNG) P.O. Box 804 Alotau, Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea Email: j.kinch@conservation.org 4 Rapid Assessment Program Tessa McGarry, B. Sc. (Reef ecology) Conservation Biology Group Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ United Kingdom Timothy Werner, M. Sc. (Reef ecology, conservation) Marine Biodiversity Program Director Center for Applied Biodiversity Science Conservation International 1919 M St., N.W., Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 USA Email: t.werner@conservation.org Pamela Seeto, Bsc Honours 1st Class (Marine Ecology) (Reef ecology) Regional Advisor–Western Pacific Program David and Lucile Packard Foundation P.O. Box 5911, Boroko, Papua New Guinea Email: pseeto@packard.org Roger Steene (Photographer) P.O. Box 188 Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia Emre Turak (Reef corals) Australian Institute of Marine Sciences P.M.B. No. 3 Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia Fred E. Wells, Ph. D. (Malacology) Department of Aquatic Zoology Western Australian Museum Francis Street Perth, WA 6000 Australia Email: wellsf@museum.wa.gov.au Organizational Profiles CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL Conservation International (CI) is an international, non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. CI acts on the belief that the Earth’s natural heritage must be maintained if future generations are to thrive spiritually, culturally, and economically. Our mission is to conserve biological diversity and the ecological processes that support life on earth and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. Conservation International 1919 M St., N.W., Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 USA (202) 912-1000 (telephone) (202) 912-0772 (fax) http://www.conservation.org Conservation International (PNG) P.O. Box 106 Waigani, NCD Papua New Guinea Email: ci-png@conservation.org AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE The mission of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is to generate the knowledge to support the sustainable use and protection of the marine environment through innovative, world-class scientific and technological research. It is an Australian Commonwealth Statutory Authority established by the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act of 1972 in recognition of a national need to manage Australia’s marine environment and marine resources. Australian Institute of Marine Science Cape Ferguson, Queensland PMB No 3, Townsville MC QLD 4810 (61-7) 4753-4444 (telephone) (61-7) 4772-5852 (fax) http://www.aims.gov.au Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 5 Organizational Profiles WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM The Western Australian Museum was established in 1891, and its initial collections were geological, ethnological and biological specimens. The 1960s and 1970s saw the addition of responsibility to develop and maintain the State’s anthropological, archaeological, maritime archaeological, and social and cultural history collections. The collections, currently numbering over two million specimens/arte/facts, are the primary focus of research by the Museum’s own staff and others. The aim is to advance knowledge on them and communicate it to the public through a variety of media, but particularly a program of exhibitions and publications. Western Australian Museum Francis Street Perth, WA 6000 Australia (61-8) 9427-2716 (telephone) (61-8) 9328-8686 http://www.museum.wa.gov.au 6 Rapid Assessment Program Acknowledgments The survey and report were funded by the CI Tropical Wilderness Protection Fund (now the Global Conservation Fund) and the United Nations Development Programme. We also acknowledge the generous support of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Henry Foundation. We are very appreciative of the support and guidance of CI-PNG and particularly Gaikovina Kula, Maureen Ewai, Pamela Seeto, Edward Kibikibi, Jeff Kinch, and David Mitchell. We also thank the former Milne Bay Governor, the Hon. Titus Philemon, and his helpful staff, especially his Provincial Administrator Hauo’fa Sailasa. We would especially like to express our appreciation to the people and residents of Milne Bay Province for their support and help during the survey. We are grateful to the agencies that helped make this survey possible, especially the Department of Environment and Conservation. We are indebted to Rob Vanderloos and the crew of the Chertan for providing a comfortable and efficient base of operations during the first half of the RAP. Wayne Thompson and the crew of Marlin 1 provided logistic support during the latter part of the survey. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 7 Executive Summary INTRODUCTION This report presents the results of a rapid field assessment of Milne Bay Province, which encompasses the extreme southeastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea and an extensive offshore area immediately eastward. It covers approximately 265,000 square kilometres, mostly situated in the Solomon Sea, an area heavily dotted with islands and shoals separating PNG from the neighboring Solomon Islands. The province includes three major mainland districts: a 130-km long stretch on the south coast extending between Samarai and Orangerie Bay, Milne Bay proper, and Goodenough Bay, lying immediately northward, and the adjacent southeastern part of Collingwood Bay. Major islands or island groups include the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Trobriand Islands, Woodlark Island, Egum Atoll, and the Louisiade Archipelago including Rossel Island, Sudest Island, Misima Island, Calvados Chain, Conflict Group, Engineer Group, Sideia Island, and Basilaki Island. In addition, there is a host of widely scattered smaller islands. The entire area is characterized by an extensive and complex system of submerged and emergent coral reefs. A previous Marine RAP was conducted at Milne Bay Province during October–November 1997. Survey locations included Milne Bay proper, East Cape area, D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Engineer Group, Conflict Group, Nuakata region, and the southern tier of islands including Samarai, Sideia, and Basilaki. Due to the successful outcome of the first survey, the Milne Bay Provincial Government invited CI to undertake an additional survey, with emphasis on sites that were not visited previously. Consequently, the focus of the 2000 RAP was Goodenough and Collingwood bays on the mainland, as well as selected offshore locations including the Amphlett Islands, D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Rossel Island, Sudest Island, and Calvados Chain in the Louisiade Archipelago. Overview of Marine RAP The goal of Marine RAP is to rapidly generate and disseminate information on coastal and near-shore shallow-water marine biodiversity for conservation purposes, with a particular focus on recommending priorities for conservation area establishment and management. Marine RAP deploys multi-disciplinary teams of marine scientists and coastal resource experts to determine the biodiversity significance and conservation opportunities of selected areas. Through underwater inventories generally lasting three weeks, Marine RAP surveys produce species lists that serve as indicators of overall biological richness, as well as recording several measurements to assess overall ecosystem health. During each survey, RAP supports parallel assessments of local human community needs and concerns, which become incorporated into the final recommendations. By comparing the results obtained from many surveys, Marine RAP is ultimately focused on ensuring that a representative sample of marine biodiversity is conserved within protected areas and through other conservation measures. 8 Rapid Assessment Program Executive Summary Milne Bay Province Milne Bay encompasses the most extensive coral reef area of any province in Papua New Guinea. These reefs are scattered over approximately 265,000 km2 of ocean. In spite of its considerable area, Milne Bay Province is one of the least populated provinces, with only 205,000 inhabitants. Although there are several large-scale development projects in the province, including mining and oil palm, most people earn their living primarily by subsistence farming, fishing, harvesting of sedentary marine resources, and the sale of products from these activities. The main challenge in Milne Bay is to improve the services and economic options for its people without sacrificing their cultural identity and unique biodiversity. bined with the results of the 1996 survey, the current molluscs total for Milne Bay Province is 954 species. • Reef Fishes: A total of 798 species were recorded. The overall reef fish fauna of Milne Bay resulting from the 1997 and 2000 RAP surveys consists of 1109 species, the highest for any area in the Melanesian region. At least one new species (Pomacentridae) was collected. • Reef Fisheries: Significant stocks of edible reef fishes were observed on most reefs, but holothurians and giant clams were often scarce, the result of intensive harvesting. Detailed information for Brooker Island in the Louisiade Archipelago indicates that many local communities are dependent on marine resources for food and income. • Reef Condition: Reefs were generally in good shape with significant amounts of live coral cover. Using CI’s Reef Condition Index, it was noted that nearly 50 percent of surveyed reefs were in good, excellent, or extraordinary condition. These are sites with the best combination of coral and fish diversity. They are also relatively free of damage and disease. In contrast, only eight percent of reefs were considered to be in poor condition, but these were mainly confined to sheltered bays with high levels of silting. The Milne Bay 2000 Survey The 2000 Marine RAP survey of Milne Bay Province assessed 57 sites over a 26-day period (30 May–24 June, 2001). General site areas were selected prior to the actual survey in order to maximize the diversity of habitats visited, thus facilitating a species list that incorporates maximum biodiversity. Due to logistic problems it was necessary to use a different live-aboard boat for each half of the survey. Because of the smaller size of the second vessel, it was necessary to reduce the size of the RAP team. Consequently, no data were taken for molluscs on this part of the survey. At each site, an underwater inventory was made of two or three faunal groups selected to serve as indicators of overall coral reef biodiversity: scleractinian corals, molluscs (except sites 29–57), and reef fishes. Additional observations were made on the environmental condition of each site, including evaluation of various threat parameters. Observations and data on reef fisheries were also gathered. The general survey area (see Map 1 on page 169) covered approximately 18,000 square kilometers, encompassing reefs of Goodenough and Collingwood bays on the PNG mainland, as well as Amphlett Islands, D’Entrecasteaux Islands, the Louisiade Archipelago, and isolated sites at Sideia, Basilaki, and Bently islands. Charter dive boats based at Alotau reached the 57 survey sites. SUMMARY OF RESULTS Most coral reefs in Milne Bay Province remain in good condition with relatively rich biodiversity. Notable results from the survey include: • Corals: A total of 418 species of scleractinian corals were recorded, which is more than half of the world’s species, indicating that Milne Bay Province is truly one of the globe’s richest areas for corals. Several potential new species were collected. • Molluscs: Although molluscs were not surveyed during the Louisiades portion of the RAP, a total of 643 species was recorded with a range of 34–119 per site. Com- CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS The coral reefs of Milne Bay Province play an integral role in sustaining coastal communities and represent an important component of PNG’s rich natural heritage. Until recently, this environment was under minimum stress, mainly due to the small human population of Milne Bay Province and its remoteness. However, there are increasing signs of habitat degradation, mainly due to land-based activities and overharvesting of sedentary marine resources. For these reasons, and because the province contains some of the best examples of relatively undisturbed reefs in the entire Coral Triangle region, it is vitally important that both government agencies and communities commit necessary resources to ensure that Milne Bay’s reefs are conserved for future generations. In order to achieve this aim we propose the following recommendations: 1. Evaluate and address threats to the marine environment from land-based activities. The effects of sedimentation on reefs from deforestation, agriculture, and mining are of some concern. Any emerging threats from land-based activities should be closely monitored and appropriate actions taken to mitigate any detrimental effects they may have on the marine environment. Watershed protection also needs to be a primary objective. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 9 Executive Summary 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10 Establish community-based marine conservation and resource management areas that result in sustainable fisheries management. There are numerous tools available to fisheries managers and conservation practioners to achieve this. One of the tools that could be considered by communities and agencies for Milne Bay Province is the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Currently there are no MPAs in Milne Bay Province. The ultimate success of any MPA is dependent upon the recognition of the biological, social, and economic issues relevant to the local communities and their subsequent incorporation into the selection and design process of MPA establishment. Conduct more scientific surveys to fill gaps in biological and habitat data. Further biological surveys and baseline data collection are required to prioritize more specific areas for MPA establishment. Milne Bay Province occupies a vast area, and several RAP surveys would be required to adequately cover all the important reef areas. Locations that remain unsurveyed include the Trobriand Islands, Woodlark Island, Egum Atoll, Misima Island, Sudest Island south Barrier reef, Bramble Haven, Long/Kossman reef, and the southern mainland coast. Continue collaboration with the National Fisheries Authority on rigorous stock assessments of commercially harvested species, and influence the formulation of species management plans. The over-harvesting of sea cucumbers, giant clam, and shellfish is a serious concern in Milne Bay Province. Rigorous stock assessments are necessary on a continual basis to gauge the current status of these resources and influence the development of appropriate management plans. Continue to link tourism benefits to the conservation of marine resources. To achieve the sustainable conservation of marine resources, the benefits from the dive industry should be shared with communities to provide incentives for conservation. Continue to develop and implement an environmental education and awareness program to impart conservation values to students and communities at all levels. An environmental education and awareness campaign is required to instill conservation values among students and communities in order to generate support for marine conservation efforts in Milne Bay Province. Continue participation in the annual PNG Coastal Cleanup campaign. This campaign was introduced in 1999 as a collaborative effort between CI and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). This activity increases public awareness of marine issues in PNG, in particular those pertaining to litter and waste (such as Rapid Assessment Program plastic bags), and the detrimental effects they are having on the marine environment and marine species. 8. Assist in the community mapping of resource ownership. Customary marine tenure gives control and ownership of most near-shore areas, including reefs, to communities. At present customary marine tenure is loosely defined in Milne Bay Province, and this issue needs to be resolved in order to achieve long-term conservation outcomes and avoid conflicts between communities as resources become scarce or as regulations of MPAs are enforced. 9. Strengthen capacity within the province for effective implementation of the marine conservation program. Milne Bay Province has very few staff and resources for conservation or the provision of other services. Strengthening the capacity of the Milne Bay Provincial Government is therefore necessary for it to confront the growing environmental pressures and implement an effective marine conservation program. 10. Enforce existing laws and propose options for surveillance of illegal foreign fishing vessels. Greater enforcement of regulations outlined by species management plans is required to address the ongoing problem of over-harvesting and to ensure the long-term viability of these fisheries. The national government also needs to investigate various options and make clear proposals for the surveillance of illegal foreign fishing vessels so that PNG does not continue to lose the economic and biological values of marine species. 11. Monitor the status of the current moratorium on the live reef fish trade. There is a current national moratorium on live reef fishing. However, trial licenses may be issued after a management plan for the trade is developed and the fishery is deemed viable. 12. Establish a long-term environmental monitoring program. Bi-annual surveys by marine biologists, students, and communities are recommended to monitor the status of reef environments and particular species and promote awareness and interest in their conservation. 13. Continue to promote inter-agency coordination and collaboration between relevant non-government and government institutions. Many institutions work in isolation from each other and do not benefit from shared experiences, lessons, expertise, and resources. Another recommendation is that the government commit to developing an integrated coastal management strategy that improves inter-agency coordination. Overview INTRODUCTION Conservation International has developed a highly targeted strategy to address and mitigate the degradation of the coastal and marine environments of Milne Bay Province. This strategy underlies a joint marine conservation project between the Milne Bay Provincial Government (MBPG), Conservation International (CI), the United Nations Development Project (UNDP), and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), with additional support from other important national institutions. Assessments of biological, socio-economic, and legislative issues were undertaken, beginning in 1997, partly under a Global Environment Facility (GEF) planning grant. This preliminary work has now resulted in further grants to facilitate the long-term marine conservation and resource management in Milne Bay Province. CI has played a crucial role in the formation of the Community-Based Coastal and Marine Conservation Program (CMCP). One of its main goals is to conserve a representative sample of globally significant marine biodiversity in Milne Bay by establishing a community-based resource management framework in partnership with all relevant stakeholders. Hopefully this will be achieved by fostering a positive attitude towards marine conservation and near-shore resource management at various governmental levels (including Province, Ward, local, and community). One of the key elements of this approach will be to establish a representative network of community-based marine conservation and sustainable near-shore resource management areas. In addition, an environmental education program and various conservation awareness activities are planned to help reinforce marine conservation values and develop resource management skills in both formal and informal educational settings. In August 2000, results from the current and previous marine RAP, in conjunction with socio-economic and other pertinent data, were presented at a participatory workshop to determine which areas in the province would be targeted by the project. Three zones were selected and are shown on Map 2 on page 170. Marine Management and Conservation Areas (MMCA) are indicated within each zone. A network of marine management and conservation sites will be established within these areas, which, due to social and economic factors, are favorable for the possible establishment of MPAs. The 1997 CI Marine RAP report was officially launched by the Governor of Milne Bay Province in conjunction with the stakeholder workshop. This event generated considerable national and local media interest and helped raise awareness of Milne Bay’s extraordinary marine environment. The report was also widely distributed throughout the province, resulting in greater appreciation and support of conservation efforts by resource owners and provincial policy-makers. In addition, CI’s environmental education program, in collaboration with the National Department of Education (NDOE), has developed a coral reef manual for teachers, which will be distributed for trials in Milne Bay Province primary schools. If successful, the manual will be used throughout PNG. In the past year, CI has assisted with the formation of a Milne Bay Province tourism working group, consisting of stakeholders from the private sector, communities, and the Tourism Bureau. In addition, CI facilitated a dive ecotourism workshop involving pertinent stakehold- Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 11 Overview ers. This resulted in the introduction of a user-fee system whereby scuba divers pay a small fee to landowners for use of their reefs. Local communities now have another tangible incentive for conserving their marine resources. To demonstrate CI’s long-term commitment to marine conservation in Milne Bay Province, the project has opened a field office in Alotau, the provincial capital. A brief summary of major project activities is described in Overview Table 1. Marine RAP There is an obvious need to identify areas of global importance for wildlife conservation and management. However, there is often a problem in obtaining the required data, considering that many of the more remote regions are inadequately surveyed. Scarcity of data, in the form of basic taxonomic inventories, is particularly true for tropical ecosystems. Hence, Conservation International has developed a technique for rapid biological assessment. The method essentially involves sending a team of taxonomic experts into the field for a brief period, often 2–4 weeks, in order to obtain an overview of the flora and fauna. Although most surveys to date have involved terrestrial systems, the method is equally applicable for marine and freshwater environments. One of the main differences in evaluating the conservation potential of terrestrial and tropical marine localities involves the emphasis placed on endemism. Terrestrial conservation initiatives are frequently correlated with a high incidence of endemic species at a particular locality or region. Granted, other aspects need to be addressed, but endemism is often considered as one of the most important criteria for assessing an area’s conservation worth. Indeed, it has become a universal measure for evaluating and comparing conservation “hot spots.” In contrast, coral reefs and other tropical marine ecosystems frequently exhibit relatively low levels of endemism. This is particularly true throughout the “coral triangle” (the area including northern Australia, the Malay-Indonesian Archipelago, Philippines, and western Melanesia), considered to be the world’s richest area for marine biodiversity. The considerable homogeneity found in tropical inshore communities is in large part due to the pelagic larval stage typical of most organisms. For example reef fish larvae are commonly pelagic for periods ranging from 9 to 100 days (Leis, 1991). A general lack of physical isolating barriers and numerous island “stepping stones” have facilitated the wide dispersal of larvae throughout the Indo-Pacific. The most important feature to assess in determining the conservation potential of a marine location devoid of significant endemism is overall species richness or biodiversity. Additional data relating to relative abundance are also important. Other factors requiring assessment are more subjective and depend largely on the observer. Obviously, extensive biological survey experience over a broad geographic range yields the best results. This enables the observer to recognize any unique assemblages within the community, unusually high numbers of normally rare taxa, or the presence of any unusual environmental features. Finally, any imminent Overview Table 1. Coastal and Marine Conservation Project (CMCP) activities to date (Seeto, 2001). 12 Activity Description 1. Rapid Assessment Programs Quickly catalogued the biodiversity in Milne Bay Province and created awareness at all levels on the state of the coral reefs. 2. Site Selection Workshop Involved all stakeholders to determine general areas/zones that would be targeted by the project. 3. Conservation Needs Assessment Filled critical gaps in biogeographical data and determined high biodiversity priority areas within Milne Bay Province. 4. Threats Assessment Outlined current and emergent threats to marine biodiversity in Milne Bay Province, their root causes, and strategies to address these threats. 5. Social Evaluation Study Filled critical gaps in socio-cultural data necessary for project design and ascertained community interest and capabilities to participate in conservation activities. 6. Stakeholder Participation Plan Guided the choice of conservation activities, design of interventions, and implementation processes. 7. Policy and Planning Needs Assessment Determined a toolbox of legislative options from which the best model can be selected specifically to suit the CMCP. 8. Sustainable Use Options Plan Identified all possible barriers to the success of the project and determined strategies to overcome these barriers. 9. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Determined a comprehensive set of performance indicators to monitor all aspects of the project and allow for appropriate changes to be made where necessary throughout the life of the project. Rapid Assessment Program Overview threats such as explosive fishing, use of cyanide, over-fishing, and nearby logging activities need to be considered. Reef corals, fishes, and molluscs are the primary biodiversity indicator groups used in Marine RAP surveys. Corals provide the major environmental framework for fishes and a host of other organisms. Without reef-building corals, there is limited biodiversity. This is dramatically demonstrated in areas consisting primarily of sand rubble, or mud. Fishes are an excellent survey group as they are the most obvious inhabitants of the reef and account for a large proportion of the reef ’s overall biomass. Furthermore, fishes depend on a huge variety of plants and invertebrates for their nutrition. Therefore, areas rich in fishes invariably have a wealth of plants and invertebrates. Molluscs represent the largest phylum in the marine environment, the group is relatively well known taxonomically, and they are ecologically and economically important. Mollusc diversity is exceedingly high in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in coral reef environments. Gosliner et al. (1996) estimated that approximately 60 percent of all marine invertebrate species in this extensive region are molluscs. Molluscs are particularly useful as a biodiversity indicator for ecosystems adjacent to reefs where corals are generally absent or scarce (e.g., mud, sand, and rubble bottoms). One of the recommendations of the 1997 Milne Bay RAP report was that additional surveys be conducted in view of the large area occupied by Milne Bay Province. The 2000 survey is a direct consequence of this recommendation. The two Milne Bay surveys to date are an integral part of CI’s coral reef survey program. It was decided at the Marine RAP Workshop in Townsville, Australia (May 1998), that survey activities should be focused on the “Coral Triangle,” because it is the world’s richest area for coral reef biodiversity and also its most threatened. Accordingly, CI has now completed five surveys over the past four years: (1) Milne Bay I in 1997 (Werner and Allen, 1998), (2) Calamianes Islands, Philippines in 1998 (Werner and Allen, 2001), (3) Togean and Banggai Islands, Indonesia in 1998 (Allen and McKenna, 2001), (4) Milne Bay II in 2000 (this report), and (5) Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia in 2001 (McKenna et al. 2002). Physical Environment Two seasons are experienced annually in Milne Bay Province. Dry southeasterly trade winds blow almost continuously between May and August, and the northwesterly, rainbearing monsoon prevails from December to March. The province is also affected by cyclones between November and April. These develop in western Melanesia and rarely extend further north than 13° south latitude, and hence only the most southeasterly areas of Papua New Guinea, chiefly the Milne Bay Islands, are affected (McAlpine, Keig and Falls, 1983; McGregor, 1990). Accordingly, extensive cyclone damage is occasionally experienced on barrier reefs of the Louisiade Archipelago. Milne Bay Province has moderately high temperatures with little seasonal variability, and the average annual rainfall ranges between 2,500 and 3000 mm (King and Ranck, 1980). In the Louisiade Archipelago, rainfall is generally heavier in January to May, with June to August being the driest months. At Nuakarta and the Engineer Group, the dry season extends from November to February. Misima Island recorded 3493.3 mm of rain over 256 days, and Brooker Island had 1468.5 mm over a 147day period from a one-year period from October 1998 to September 1999 (Kinch, 1999). Large-scale oceanic events such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence coastal marine environments, creating changes in current patterns and causing unseasonal droughts, especially in drier areas of Milne Bay Province such as the Calvados Chain. The 1997 RAP survey found that current patterns were highly complex and strongly localized. The strongest currents were encountered in reef passages and the channels between islands, and were noted on or near Catsarse Reef (site 6), northeastern Dark Hill Point (site 16), Keast Reef (site 19), Marx Reef (site 37), Swinger Opening (site 43), and Hudumuiwa Pass (site 47). Sea temperatures during the survey ranged from approximately 26o C to 30oC, with the northern section of Milne Bay experiencing warmer temperatures (ranging from 28oC to 30oC), and the southern section experiencing cooler temperatures (ranging from 26oC to 28oC). The highest temperatures were recorded at Fergusson Island, Amphletts Group, and Cape Vogel. The lowest temperatures were encountered in the western part of the Calvados Chain (sites 31–34). Human Environment Milne Bay Province has a total population of 205,000, about 75 percent of which live on offshore islands. Subsistence and artisenal activities such as fishing, harvesting of sedentary marine resources, hunting, and agriculture constitute the bulk of the rural economy, as well as remuneration and trade store income. Availability of continuous food resources is an issue facing all communities. Although population density for the whole province is low, the number of people per unit of arable land is relatively high, especially on small islands, resulting in a high dependence on coastal and marine resources (Kinch, 2001). Most societies in Milne Bay Province are matrilineal. At present, customary rights over sea areas and resources are poorly defined. Conflicts over fisheries resources and stricter enforcement of private fishing areas are consequences of the increasing value of marine products and the decline of certain stocks (Kinch, 2001). Although the complex nature of customary marine tenure can often create obstacles to conservation (e.g., the establishment of MPAs), once these obstacles are overcome then conservation efforts are more likely to be sustainable in the long-term (Seeto, 2001). Provincial government sources estimate that churches provide 65 percent of all rural services in Milne Bay Province, with churches and other non-governmental organizations administering approximately half of the schools in the province. There are currently 181 elementary schools, 176 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 13 Overview primary schools, seven secondary schools, and eight vocational schools. There are approximately 48 languages spoken in Milne Bay, with a literacy rate of 77 percent, second only to the National Capital District (Kinch, 2001). In 1994, Milne Bay was among the top five provinces with regards to malnutrition rates (Department of Health, 1996). Life expectancy is 52.6 yrs for males and 53.6 yrs for females. Infant mortality was estimated at 70 deaths per 10,000 births, and there has been no substantial improvement since 1980 (Hayes and Lasia, 1999). Malaria and pneumonia continue to be the most common causes of mortality; however perinatal death still remains the number one cause of mortality in the province (Kinch, 2001). SURVEY SITES AND METHODS General sites were selected by a pre-survey analysis that relied on literature reviews, nautical charts (particularly Australian marine navigation charts Aus 381, 382, 384, 519, 568, 629, and 630), and consultation with Rob Vanderloos and Wayne Thompson, owners and operators of the respective charter diving boats Chertan and Marlin 1. Detailed site selection was accomplished upon arrival at the general area, and was further influenced by weather and sea conditions. At each site, the Biological Team conducted underwater assessments that produced species lists for key coral reef indicator groups. General habitat information was also recorded; as was the extent of live coral cover at several depths. The main survey method consisted of direct underwater observations by diving scientists, who recorded species of corals, molluscs, and fishes. Visual transects were the main method for recording fishes and corals in contrast to molluscs, which relied primarily on collecting live animals and shells (most released or discarded after identification). Relatively few specimens were preserved for later study, and these were invariably species that were either too difficult to identify in the field or were undescribed. Further collecting details are provided in the chapters dealing with corals, molluscs, and fishes. Concurrently, the Reef Resources and Condition Team used a 50-m line transect placed on top of the reef to record substrate details and observations on key indicator species (for assessing fishing pressure) such as groupers and Napoleon Wrasse. Additional information about utilization of marine resources was obtained when and where possible through informal interviews with villagers. Survey activities were based aboard two live-aboard diving vessels, Chertan (sites 1–28), and Marlin 1 (sites 29–57). Both vessels were fully equipped for diving and provided vital logistic support in the form of air compressors, scuba tanks, crew assistance, and auxiliary dive boats. Details for individual sites are provided in the reef condition section (Technical Paper 5 in this report). Overview Table 2 provides a summary of sites. Their location is also indicated on Map 1 on page 169. Detailed results are given in the separate chapters for corals, molluscs, fishes, reef fisheries, reef condition, and com- Overview Table 2. Summary of survey sites for Marine RAP survey of Milne Bay Province. No. Date Location Coordinates 1 30/5/2000 Cobb’s Cliff, Jackdaw Channel 10°12.682’S, 150.53.067’E 2 30/5/2000 Bavras Reef, off Northwest Normanby Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands. 09°51.638’S, 150°46.167’E 3 31/5/2000 Sebulgomwa Point, Fergusson Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands. 09°43.357’S, 150°50.380’E 4 31/5/2000 Scrub Islet, off Sanaroa Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands 09°39.984’S, 150°59.892’E 5 31/5/2000 Sanaroa Passage, off Cape Doubtful, Fergusson Island 09°37.558’S, 150°56.551’E 6 1/6/2000 Catsarse Reef, Amphlett Group 09°20.939’S, 150°48.612’E 7 1/6/2000 Toiyana Island, Amphlett Group 09°18.909’S, 150°51.100’E 8 1/6/2000 Urasi Island, Amphlett Group 09°13.532’S, 150°52.383’E 9 2/6/2000 Patch reef west of Wamea Island, Amphlett Group 09°13.554’S, 150°47.930’E 10 2/6/2000 Rock islet near Noapoi Island, Amphlett Group 09°18.909’S, 150°51.100’E 11 2/6/2000 East side of Kwatota Island, Amphlett Group 09°18.639S, 150°51.100’E 12 3/6/2000 Northwest corner of Kwatota Island, Amphlett Group 09°17.210’S, 150°42.139’E 13 3/6/2000 Sunday Island, North of Cape Labillardiere, Fergusson Island 09°16.113’S, 150°30.205’E 14 4/6/2000 Off Mukawa Village, North of Cape Vogel 09°37.796’S, 149°58.572’E 15 5/6/2000 Northeast of Baiawa Village, South Collingwood Bay 09°35.150’S, 149°30.672’E 16 5/6/2000 Offshore patch reef Northeast of Dark Hill Point 09°33.880’S, 149°30.672’E continued 14 Rapid Assessment Program Overview Overview Table 2. Summary of survey sites for Marine RAP survey of Milne Bay Province. (continued) No. Date 17 5/6/2000 Location Sidney Islands 09°34.459’S, 149°48.855’E Coordinates 18 6/6/2000 Ipoteto Island, Kibirisi Point, Cape Vogel 09°38.077’S, 150°00.923’E 19 6/6/2000 Keast Reef, Ward Hunt Strait 09°34.478’S, 150°03.962’E 20 6/6/2000 South of Kibirisi Point, Cape Vogel 09°39.497’S, 150°01.266’E 21 7/6/2000 South of Ragrave Point, Cape Vogel 09°39.497’S, 150°03.737’E 22 7/6/2000 Sibiribiri Point, Cape Vogel 09°43.573’S, 150°03.197’E 23 7/6/2000 Tuasi Island, North Goodenough Bay 09°46.739’S, 149°53.545’E 24 8/6/2000 Pipra Bay, South Goodenough Bay 10°03.975’S, 149°57.220’E 25 8/6/2000 Guanaona Point, South Goodenough Bay 10°04.628’S, 150°03.245’E 26 8/6/2000 Bartle Bay, South Goodenough Bay 10°05.990’S, 150°09.401’E 27 9/6/2000 Kuvira Bay, South Goodenough Bay 10°10.541’S, 150°17.361’E 28 9/6/2000 Awaiama Bay 10°12.531’S, 150°31.907’E 29 12/6/2000 Gabugabutau Island, Conflict Group 10°43.500’S, 151°44.530’E 30 13/6/2000 Tawal Reef, Louisiade Archipelago 31 13/6/2000 Ululina Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago 32 14/6/2000 Bagaman Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago 11°07.312’S, 152°42.439’E 33 14/6/2000 Yaruman Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago 11°08.15’S, 152°47.95’E 34 14/6/2000 Abaga Gaheia Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago 11°09.36’S, 152°55.04’E 35 15/6/2000 Lagoon patch reef, West of Sabarl Island, Louisiade Archipelago 11°06.93’S, 152°03.25’E 36 15/6/2000 Wanim Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago 11°15.85’S, 153°05.58’E 37 16/6/2000 Marx Reef, North of Tagula (Sudest) Island 11°23.83’S, 153°26.36’E 38 16/6/2000 Passage Northwest of Mt. Ima, Tagula (Sudest) Island 11°26.20’S, 153°26.50’E 39 17/6/2000 Rossel Passage 11°20.38’S, 153°39.05’E 40 17/6/2000 West Point, Rossel Island 11°22.72’S, 153°58.19’E 41 18/6/2000 Patch reef North of Mboibi Point, Rossel Island 11°19.45’S, 154°00.26’E 42 18/6/2000 North side of Wola Island, Rossel Lagoon 11°18.10’S, 154°00.55’E 43 18/6/2000 Swinger Opening, Rossel Lagoon 11°16.53’S, 153°57.40’E 44 19/6/2000 Northwest side of outer barrier reef, Rossel Island 11°15.51’S, 153°40.99’E 45 19/6/2000 West tip of outer barrier reef, near Rossel Passage 11°18.76’S, 153°37.07’E 46 19/6/2000 Osasi Island, North Tagula (Sudest) Island 11°21.68’S, 153°19.75’E 47 20/6/2000 Hudumuiwa Pass, Louisiade Archipelago 11°15.63’S, 153°19.82’E 48 20/6/2000 Siwaiwa Island, Louisiade Archipelago 11°03.47’S, 152°56.37’E 49 21/6/2000 Kei Keia Reef, Louisiade Archipelago 11°06.36’S, 152°15.67’E 50 21/6/2000 Horrara Gowan Reef, Louisiade Archipelago 11°00.75’S, 152°18.55’E 51 22/6/2000 Panasia Island, Louisiade Archipelago 11°00.85’S, 152°19.92’E 52 22/6/2000 Pana Rai Rai Island, Louisiade Archipelago 11°14.38’S, 152°10.29’E 53 22/6/2000 Jomard Entrance, Pana Waipona Island, Louisiade Archipelago 11°15.31’S, 152°08.11’E 54 22/6/2000 Punawan Island, Bramble Haven 11°11.43’S, 152°01.54’E 55 23/6/2000 Bently Island, South Engineer Group 10°43.00’S, 151°13.22’E 56 23/6/2000 North Point, Basilaki Island 10°35.09’S, 151°01.68’E 57 24/6/2000 Negro Head, Sideia Island 10°31.85’S, 150°51.57’E 11°02.61’S, 152°21.28’E 11°04.67’S, 152°31.40’E Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 15 Overview munity use of marine resources, but the key findings of the survey are summarized here. Results Biological diversity The results of the RAP survey indicate that Milne Bay Province is inhabited by a diverse array of coral reef organisms. Totals for the three major indicator groups (Overview Table 3) surpassed those for previous RAPs in both Indonesia and the Philippines. Corals A total of 430 coral species were observed or collected, including more than half of the current world total of 794 zooxanthellate species. Approximately 75 species were found, which at the time of the survey had not been reported from Papua New Guinea in previous publications. Most of these, including about 20 new species, were subsequently described and illustrated by Veron (2000). However, at least 22 species from the current survey remain unreported in published literature. Also, numerous unusual growth forms, many of which may eventually represent additional new species, were noted. Underwater photographs and small samples of every new record and potential new species were obtained. The number of species per site ranged from 44–122. The best sites for overall coral diversity were Gabugabutau Island (Conflict Group), Negro Head (N. Sideia Island), near Siwaiwa Islet (Louisiades), and Keikaeia Reef (Louisiades). These same sites, in addition to North Point on Basilaki Island and Punawan Island at Bramble Haven, also rated highly from an aesthetic point of view (good diversity, pristine condition, extensive cover, and good visibility). Molluscs Data were obtained only for the first half of the survey, and therefore exclude the Louisiades, Basilaki, and Sidea. A total of 643 species was recorded with a range of 34–119 per site. Combined with the results of the 1996 survey, the total number of molluscs currently known from Milne Bay Province is 954 species. The most abundant species at each site were generally burrowing arcid bivalves, Pedum spondyloidaeum, Lithophaga sp., and Coralliophila neritoidea. Fishes A total of 798 species or approximately 72 percent of the known reef fish fauna of Milne Bay Province was recorded. The most speciose families included the Pomacentridae, Labridae, Gobiidae, Serranidae, Apogonidae, and Chaetodontidae. The number of species observed at each site ranged from 140 to 260 with an average of 195 species. The highest site diversity was generally found in the Cape Vogel area (207 species per site). The best individual sites were Scrub Islet, near Sanaroa Island, D’Entrecasteau Group (260 species), Mukawa Bay, Cape Vogel area (245), near Rossel Passage (238), and Gabugabutau Island, Conflict Group (235). The overall total reef fish fauna of Milne Bay resulting from the 1997 and 2000 RAP surveys is 1109 species. One new species belonging to the damselfish (Pomacentridae) genus Pomacentrus was collected and photographed. It has also been recorded at other locations in Papua New Guinea, as well as the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Reef fisheries Edible reef fishes were counted and estimates made of their size on a 30 m-wide path centred along a 100 m transect at two depths (approximately 8 and 16 m) per site. Counts of edible species at each site ranged from 13 to 42 species (average 29) for the deep transects and 14 to 44 (average 32) for the shallow transects. For both transects combined (i.e., the site total), number of species ranged from 28 to 56 (average 45). Numbers of individuals counted ranged from 62 to 3136 (average 435) for the deep transects and 80 to 2739 (average 375) for the shallow transects. For both transects combined, counts ranged from 142 to 5875 (average 801). A total of 209 species belonging to 27 families were recorded during the survey. Of these families the Caesionidae, Scaridae, Acanthuridae, Lutjanidae, Holocentridae, Serranidae, Nemipteridae, and Mullidae contained the majority of species. Particularly abundant were the caesonids or fusiliers (most notably Pterocaesio pisang and Caesio cuning). Of the non-caesionid fauna members of the surgeonfish genus Ctenochaetus (Acanthuridae) were the most commonly recorded species. Overview Table 3. Summary of Milne Bay fauna recorded during current and Giant clams and holothurians past RAP surveys. Clams and species of beche de mer were assessed at each site by swimming a random path, noting the general abundance and maximum concentration of the various target species. During the survey both clams and beche de mer species were generally seen in low numbers, believed to be a direct reflection of their harvesting for commercial purposes. Most of the clams seen were Tridacna crocea, a small species that Faunal group 16 The coral predator Drupella was present at every site, but in relatively low numbers. The best sites for molluscs were Scrub Islet (D’Entrecasteaux Islands), near Noapoi Island and Toiyan Island (Amphlett Group), Kuvira Bay (southern Goodenough Bay), and Sebulgomwa Point (Fergusson Island). No. families No. genera No. species Reef corals 19 77 430 Molluscs 111 290 945 Fishes 93 357 1109 Rapid Assessment Program Overview burrows into hard substratum and is not generally used for commercial purposes. Turtles Less than 15 turtles were sighted during the survey; however data from Kinch (1999) for Brooker Island in the West Calvados Chain indicate their abundance and important role in sustaining local livelihoods. The peak nesting period, when turtles and their eggs are harvested, is between November and March, which coincides with the time when very little food is produced in local gardens. In one recorded nesting season between October 1998 and June 1999, Brooker people harvested a total of 149 green turtles and 50 hawksbill turtles, as well as eggs from 604 nests belonging to these two species, from 26 different sites, usually small islands (Kinch, 1999). Sharks Aside from the Reef Whitetip (Triaenodon obesus), sharks were generally absent from most sites with notable exceptions at two locations on the outer reef (sites 44 and 45) surrounding Rossel Island, where the Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus ambyrhynchos) was common. A large Silvertip Shark (C. albimarginatus) was also sighted at one of these same sites. In addition, a 2-meter long Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri) was seen near Wamea Island in the Amphlett Group. Reef Condition Several parameters were used to evaluate reef condition, including the percentage of live coral cover, and damage caused by bleaching, coral predators, pathogens, cyclones, anchors, nets, pollution, freshwater runoff, and siltation. In addition, both subsistence and commercial reef fishing acitivity were evaluated for each site. This information was combined with the fish and coral diversity results to formulate a relative rating (Reef Condition Index) for each site. Several of the more notable findings are briefly summarized in the following paragraphs. Coral cover —Percentage cover of live hard corals ranged from 13 to 85 percent with a usual average between 30 and 50 percent. The highest coral cover was recorded at Urasi Island, Amplett Group (85 percent for shallow transect) and Swinger Opening, Rossel Island (76 percent for shallow transect). The richest coral cover was generally recorded on the shallow (8 meter depth) transects. Coral Bleaching —Coral bleaching was present at every site in Collingwood and Goodenough bays, the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, and Amphlett Islands, with extensive bleaching in the Jackdaw Channel area near East Cape. Damage at other sites was not serious and appeared to be very recent (see also Davis, et al., 1997). The worst affected areas included the vicinity of Noapoi Island (Amphlett Group), Mukawa Bay (Cape Vogel area), and reefs in the southern portion of Collingwood Bay. Bleaching was rarely observed in the Louisiades and negligible in extent. There was a definite correlation between warm sea temperatures and the occurrence of bleaching. The average water temperature in the northern areas affected by bleaching was 28oC compared to 26–27oC for the non-bleached Louisiades. Coral pathogens and predators—The coral-feeding mollusc Drupella was noted at most sites, but damage was not serious. Coral disease was also prevalent at many sites, but never in threatening amounts, although the worst affected area was the Amphlett Islands. Crown-of-thorns starfish, another coralfeeding species, was extremely rare. Fewer than five animals were observed during the entire survey. Cyclone damage—Wave damage was periodically noted, but was most severe at two sites in the Louisiades: Tawal Reef near Cormorant Channel and Wanim Island, Calvados Chain. Siltation—Coastal fringing reefs were invariably affected by well-above-average levels of silt, the result of terrestrial runoff. The worst affected areas were the southern edge of Goodenough Bay, around the islands of the Calvados Chain, Tagula Island, and Rossel Island. The RAP survey was conducted during the peak of the southeasterly season, a time of strong winds and rough seas. Also, this time of year coincides with the beginning of the gardening season where villagers are cutting and burning new gardens. This may have contributed to soil runoff at some of the reef sites. Underwater visibility ranged between 3 and 25 m, with an average value of only 10 m. The best visibility and least siltation were generally encountered at outer reef and passage sites. Eutrophication—Extensive damage was observed on a patch reef in Rossel Lagoon at the mouth of Yonga Bay. The reef was almost entirely smothered by various algae, including large amounts of Padina. This damage was possibly caused by freshwater discharge. Fishing pressure —Fishing activity was judged to be very light at most locations judging from the abundance of large fishes and lack of fishers, although the weather was poor during much of the survey. CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS The results of this Marine RAP survey serve to enhance the findings of the 1997 survey that identified Milne Bay Province as a top marine conservation priority (Conservation International, 1998). This major coral reef “wilderness area” is unique in the Indo-Pacific and represents one of the few last remaining marine ecosystems not yet devastated by the severe environmental threats experienced in the rest of the Coral Triangle. Conservation of Milne Bay’s globally significant marine biodiversity will depend upon pro-active, communityorientated preventative measures to address the current and potential threats in the province. Some specific recommendations are as follows: 1. Evaluate and address threats to the marine environment from land-based activities. While Milne Bay Province is heavily dependent on the marine environment economically and culturally, terrestrial impacts on this environ- Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 17 Overview ment must also be addressed to ensure its protection. The effects of sedimentation on reefs from deforestation, agriculture, and mining are of some concern. Any emerging threats from land-based activities should be closely monitored and appropriate actions taken to mitigate any detrimental effects they may have on the marine environment. Watershed protection also needs to be a primary objective of provincial land-use plans. 2. Establish community-based marine conservation and resource management areas that result in sustainable fisheries management. There are numerous tools available to fisheries managers and conservation practioners to achieve this. One that could be considered by communities and agencies for Milne Bay Province is the establishment of MPAs. Currently there are no MPAs in Milne Bay Province. The ultimate success of any MPA is dependent upon the recognition of the biological, social, and economic issues relevant to the local communities and their subsequent incorporation into the selection and design process of MPA establishment. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are effective tools for the conservation and management of marine resources. 3. Conduct more scientific surveys to fill gaps in biological and habitat data. Further biological surveys and baseline data collection is required to prioritize more specific areas for MPA establishment. Milne Bay Province occupies a vast area, and several RAP surveys would be required to adequately cover all the important reef areas. Locations that remain unsurveyed include the Trobriand Islands, Woodlark Island, Egum Atoll, Misima Island, Sudest Island south Barrier reef, Bramble Haven, Long/Kossman reef, and the southern mainland coast. Surveys on the remaining populations of sea turtles, sharks, dugongs, and other marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are also needed in order to implement effective and appropriate management plans for their conservation. 4. 5. 18 Continue collaboration with the National Fisheries Authority on rigorous stock assessments of commercially harvested species, and influence the formulation of species management plans. The over-harvesting of sea cucumbers, giant clam, and shellfish is a serious concern in Milne Bay Province. Rigorous stock assessments are necessary to gauge the current status of these resources and influence the development of appropriate management plans. The development of management plans for other species at risk of commercial extinction should also be encouraged. Continue to link tourism benefits to the conservation of marine resources. The dive tourism industry in Milne Bay has enormous potential for growth, and the number of live-a-board dive boats in the province has grown dramatically in the last decade. To achieve the sustainable Rapid Assessment Program conservation of marine resources, the benefits from the dive industry should be shared with the communities to provide incentives for conservation. Dive operators should also be encouraged to spend time in the villages and provide tourists with the option of cultural tours and other land-based activities. 6. Continue to develop and implement an environmental education and awareness program to impart conservation values to students and communities at all levels. An environmental education and awareness campaign is required to instill conservation values among students and communities in order to generate support for marine conservation efforts in Milne Bay Province. At a formal level, the PNG school curriculum does not adequately cover marine biology and conservation, or fisheries issues. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of appropriate environmental education materials and teaching aides. At an informal level, communities, church groups, women’s groups, and youth groups need to be made aware of the status of their marine environment, how their activities affect marine resources, and how threats to these resources can be addressed and mitigated. 7. Continue participation in the annual PNG Coastal Cleanup campaign. This campaign was introduced in 1999 as a collaborative effort between CI and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). This activity increases public awareness of marine issues in PNG, in particular those pertaining to litter and waste (such as plastic bags), and the detrimental effects they are having on the marine environment and marine species. 8. Assist in the community mapping of resource ownership. Customary marine tenure gives control and ownership of most near-shore areas, including reefs, to clans. At present customary marine tenure is loosely defined in Milne Bay Province, and this issue needs to be resolved in order to achieve long-term conservation outcomes and avoid conflicts between clans as resources become scarce or as regulations of MPAs are enforced. 9. Strengthen capacity within the province for effective implementation of the marine conservation program. The Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Locallevel Governments (1997) is responsible for the devolution of power from the central government to the provincial and local-level governments. However, the province has very few staff and resources for conservation or the provision of other services. Strengthening the capacity of the Milne Bay Provincial Government is therefore necessary for it to confront the growing environmental pressures and implement an effective marine conservation program. 10. Enforce existing laws and propose options for surveillance of illegal foreign fishing vessels. Greater enforce- Overview ment of regulations outlined by species management plans is required to address the ongoing problem of over-harvesting and to ensure the long-term viability of these fisheries. The national government also needs to investigate various options and make clear proposals for the surveillance of illegal foreign fishing vessels so that PNG does not continue to lose the economic and biological values of marine species, and an effective monitoring and enforcement system must be developed and implemented to protect these globally endangered species. 11. Monitor the status of the current moratorium on the live reef fish trade. During the 1997 marine RAP, CI discovered the only known cyanide fishing operation in Milne Bay, which resulted in the subsequent shut down of this live reef fish operation. There is a current national moratorium on live reef fishing. However, trial licenses may be issued after a management plan for the trade is developed and the fishery is deemed viable. 12. Establish a long-term environmental monitoring program. Bi-annual surveys by marine biologists, students, and communities are recommended to monitor the status of reef environments and particular species, and promote awareness and interest in their conservation. Data collected will be useful at a local, national, and global level to monitor the effects on the marine environment from both anthropogenic and natural activities. 13. Continue to promote inter-agency coordination and collaboration between relevant non-government and government institutions. Collaboration and cooperation between all relevant agencies (non-government, government, and private) is recommended to ensure that all marine conservation issues and problems are adequately addressed. Many institutions work in isolation from each other and do not benefit from shared experiences, lessons, expertise, and resources. Another recommendation is that the government commit to developing an integrated coastal management strategy that improves inter-agency coordination. REFERENCES Allen, G. R. and S. A. McKenna (eds.). 2001. A rapid marine biodiversity assessment of the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Davies, J. M., R. P. Dunne, and B. E. Brown. 1997. Coral bleaching and elevated seawater temperature in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, 1996. Marine and Freshwater Research 48(6): 513–516. Gosliner, T. M., D. W. Behrens, and G. C. Williams. 1996. Coral reef animals of the Indo-Pacific. Monterey, California: Sea Challengers. Hayes, G. and M. Lasia. 1999. The Population of Milne Bay Province: An Overview of the Demographic Situation and its Implications for Development Planning. Unpublished paper prepared for workshop on Population Projections for Development Planning, 1999. Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Kinch, J. P. 1999. Economics and Environment in Island Melanesia: A General Overview of Resource Use and Livelihoods on Brooker Island in the Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Unpublished Report for Conservation International, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Kinch, J. P. 2001. A social evaluation study. Unpublished report for the United Nations Milne Bay CommunityBased Coastal and Marine Conservation Program, PNG/ 99/G41, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. King, D. and S. Ranck (eds.). 1980. Papua New Guinea atlas. Geography Department, University of Papua New Guinea. Leis, J. M. 1991. The pelagic stage of reef fishes: The larval biology of coral reef fishes. In: Sale, P.F. (ed.). The ecology of fishes on coral reefs. San Diego, California: Academic Press. Pp. 183–230. McAlpine, J., Keig, G. and Falls, R. 1983. Climate of Papua New Guinea. Canberra: Australian National University Press. McGregor, G. 1990. Possible Consequence of Climate Warming in Papua New Guinea with Implications for the Tropical South West Pacific Area. In Pernetta, J. and Hughes, P. (eds.). Implications of Expected Climatic Changes in the South Pacific Regions: An Overview. Pp: 25–40. UNEP Regional Seas Report and Studies, No. 128. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Project. McKenna, S. A., G. R. Allen, and S. Suryadi (eds.). 2002. A rapid marine biodiversity assessment of the Raja Ampat Islands, Papua Province, Indonesia. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Seeto, P. 2001. Establishing community-based Marine Protected Areas in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Unpublished paper presented to the Tenth Pacific Science Inter-Congress Symposium on Locally Managed Marine Protected Areas. Guam, June 2001. Veron, J. E. N. 2000. Corals of the World. Volumes 1–3. Townsville: Australian Institute of Marine Science. Werner, T. B. and G. R. Allen (eds.). 1998. A rapid biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. RAP Working Papers 11. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Werner, T. B. and G. R. Allen (eds.). 2001. A rapid marine biodiversity assessment of the Calamianes Islands, Palawan Province, Philippines. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment 17. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 19 Chapter 1 Corals of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Douglas Fenner SUMMARY • A list of corals was compiled for 57 sites, including 16 sites on the mainland in the Milne Bay area, 5 sites in the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, 7 sites in the Amphlett Island Group, 26 sites in the Louisiade/Conflict Islands, and 3 sites in the vicinity of the Engineer Group and Basilaki-Sideia islands. • Milne Bay Province has a very diverse coral fauna. A total of 418 scleractinan corals were observed or collected during the present survey, which compares favorably with the total numbers from the Philippines (411) and Indonesia (427) in recently published reports. • A total of 494 species of stony coral are known from Papua New Guinea, including previous reports. This clearly places it within the area of the highest coral diversity in the world (“Coral Triangle”) along with the Philippines and Indonesia. • Acropora, Montipora, and Porites were dominant genera on Milne Bay reefs, with 94, 44, and 27 species respectively. INTRODUCTION The principle aims of the coral survey were to provide an inventory of coral species and assess various parameters such as coral species richness, coral cover, and presence of rare species. In addition to mainstream reef corals, the survey includes species growing on sand or other soft sediments within and around reefs. The primary group of corals is the zooxanthellate scleractinian corals, which are those containing single-cell algae and which contribute to reef building. Also included are a small number of zooxanthellate non-scleractinian corals that also produce large skeletons contributing to the reef matrix (e.g., Heliopora, Tubipora, and Millepora), several azooxanthellate scleractinian corals (Tubastrea, Dendrophyllia, and Rhizopsammia), and a few azooxanthellate non-scleractinian corals (Distichopora and Stylaster). All produce calcium carbonate skeletons, which contribute to reef building. METHODS Corals were surveyed during about 60 hours of scuba diving by D. Fenner at 57 sites to a maximum depth of 42 m. A list of coral species was recorded at each site. The basic method consisted of underwater observations, usually during a single, 70-minute dive at each site. The name of each identified species was indicated on a plastic sheet on which species names were preprinted. A direct descent was made in most cases to the base of the reef, to or beyond the deepest coral visible. The bulk of the dive consisted of a slow ascent along a zigzag path to the 20 Rapid Assessment Program Corals of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea shallowest point of the reef or until further swimming was not possible. Sample areas of all habitats encountered were surveyed, including sandy areas, walls, overhangs, slopes, and shallow reef. Areas typically hosting few or no corals, such as seagrass beds and mangroves, were not surveyed. It is estimated that about 50–60 percent of the corals at an individual site can be recorded with this method, due mainly to the time restriction. For example, on this particular RAP survey the author was assisted by E. Turak, who also recorded coral species at sites 1–28 as part of an independent ecological assessment. The combined Fenner-Turak lists generally contained about 50 percent more species per site. Only species recorded by the author are included in the present analysis in order to maintain consistency with past RAP reports. However, the combined Fenner-Turak species lists for sites 1–28 are incorporated in Appendix 1. Many corals can be confidently identified to species level while diving, but others require microscopic examination of skeletal features. References used to aid the identification process included Best & Suharsono, 1991; Boschma, 1959; Cairns & Zibrowius, 1997; Claereboudt, M., 1990; Dai, 1989; Dai & Lin, 1992; Dineson, 1980; Hodgson, 1985; Hodgson & Ross, 1981; Hoeksema, 1989; Hoeksema & Best, 1991; Hoeksema & Best, 1992; Moll & Best, 1984; Nemenzo, 1986; Nishihira and Veron, 1995; Ogawa & Takamashi, 1993, 1995; Randall & Cheng, 1984: Sheppard & Sheppard, 1991; Veron, 1985, 1990, 2000; Veron & Pichon, 1976, 1980, 1982; Veron, Pichon & Wijman-Best, 1977; Wallace, 1994, 1997a, 1999; and Wallace & Wolstenholme, 1998. Corals that could not be readily identified in the field were photographed by D. Fenner (Nikonos V with closeup kit and strobe flash unit), and representative samples (1–3 specimens) of the colonies were collected and labeled for later identification using the taxonomic references cited above. Problematical corals were compared with types and other specimens housed at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. The list of corals recorded from Milne Bay is still incomplete, due to the time restriction of the survey, the highly patchy distribution of corals, and the difficulty of identifying some species under water. Corals are sufficiently difficult to identify that there are significant differences between leading experts for some identifications. RESULTS A total of at least 418 species and 71 genera scleractinian stony corals were recorded during the survey (Appendix 1). Nearly all species were illustrated in Veron (2000). The number of species recorded at each site is presented in Table 1.1. The richest sites for coral diversity are presented in Table 1.2. In addition, Appendix 1 contains the complete list of species, including sites where they were recorded. The three sites (55–57) at Bently, Basilaki, and Sideia islands had the highest average number of species per site, followed by the Louisade Archipelago-Conflict Group, mainland, Amphlett Islands, and the D’Entrecasteaux Islands (Table 1.3). Table 1.1. Number of species observed at each site. Site Species Site Species Site Species 1 70 20 86 39 106 2 58 21 71 40 55 3 79 22 97 41 44 4 78 23 64 42 81 5 61 24 67 43 106 6 59 25 97 44 70 7 57 26 90 45 57 8 63 27 104 46 92 9 64 28 74 47 53 10 51 29 122 48 114 11 91 30 79 49 109 12 91 31 78 50 85 13 56 32 96 51 63 14 72 33 96 52 69 15 80 34 94 53 91 16 84 35 99 54 107 17 80 36 91 55 103 18 100 37 93 56 88 19 87 38 88 57 121 Table 1.2. Sites with the highest diversity. Site no. Location 29 Gabagabutau Island, Conflict Group 122 57 Negro Head, Sideia Island 121 48 Siwaiwa Island, Lousiade Archipelago 114 49 Keikaeia Reef, Lousiade Archipelago 109 54 Punawan Island, Bramble Haven 107 43 Swinger Opening, Rossel Lagoon 106 39 Rossel Passage 106 27 Kuvira Bay, South Goodenough Bay 104 55 Bently Island, South Engineer Group 103 18 Ipoeto Island, Kibirisi Point, Cape Vogel 100 No. spp. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 21 Chapter 1 An analysis by habitat (Table 1.4) indicates that outer reefs and passages had the greatest number of species, followed by fringing, lagoon, and platform reefs. General faunal composition The coral fauna consists mainly of zooxanthellate (algae-containing, reef-building) Scleractinian corals, with 97 percent of the species in this group. In addition there were six azooxanthellate (lacking algae) scleractinians and 12 corals that were non-scleractinians (helioporids, clavulariids, milleporids, and stylasterids). The most speciose genera are listed in Table 1.5. These 11 genera account for about 63 percent of the total observed species. The order of the most speciose genera is typical of Western Pacific reefs (Table 1.6), with a few minor differences. Acropora, Montipora, and Porites are invariably the three most speciose, but for other genera there is generally more variation in the order depending on locality. Species were added to the overall list at a slow but relatively steady rate after about 15 sites, indicating that sufficient sites were surveyed (Figure 1.1). Table 1.5. Most speciose genera recorded for Milne Bay sites. Genus Zoogeographic affinities of the coral fauna The reef corals of Milne Bay Province, and Papua New Guinea in general, belong to the overall Indo-Pacific faunal province. A few species span the entire range of the IndoPacific, but most have more limited distributions. Papua New Guinea is situated within the central area of greatest global marine biodiversity, referred to as the Coral Triangle. The highest coral diversity appears to occupy an area enclos- Table 1.3. Species richness by geographic area within Milne Bay Province. Area ing the Philippines and central Indonesia, as well as northern and eastern New Guinea. Areas of lower diversity include eastern Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, southern New Guinea, and the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan. The work of Hoeksema (1992) supports the inclusion of northern New Guinea in the richest area, but that of Best et al. (1989) indicates that coral diversity declines in western Indonesia, which should probably be excluded from the central area of diversity. Coral diversity declines in all directions from the Coral Triangle, with about 80 species in the Izu Islands near Tokyo, 65 species at Lord Howe Island (off southeastern Australia), 45 species at Hawaii, and about 20 species on the Pacific coast of Panama. Species attenuation is significantly less to the west in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, although this area is still insufficiently studied to provide accurate figures. No. sites Avg. spp. Southern islands (sites 55–57) 3 104 Louisiades/Conflict Group 26 86 Mainland 16 83 Amphlett Islands 7 68 D’Entrecasteaux Islands 5 66 No. species % Acropora 94 22 Montipora 44 10 Porites 27 6 Fungia 16 4 Favia 15 4 Acanthastrea 14 3 Goniopora 13 3 Pavona 12 3 Leptoseris 12 3 Favites 10 2 Astreopora 10 2 Table 1.4. Species richness by major habitat types. Reef type 22 No. sites Avg. spp. Outer reef or passage 16 91 Fringing 24 82 Lagoon 11 79 Isolated platform 6 69 Rapid Assessment Program Figure. 1.1. Rate of accumulation of coral species recorded during the RAP survey. Corals of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Table 1.6. Genera with the greatest number of species for various western Pacific locations from either previous or present RAP surveys. Percentage of fauna Eastern Australia Western Australia Philippines Japan Calamianes Islands Togean-Banggai Islands Milne Bay Acropora 19 18 17 19 13 16 22 Montipora 9 10 10 9 7 5 10 Porites 5 4 6 6 3 3 6 Favia 4 4 4 4 3 2 4 Goniopora 4 4 3 4 1 1 3 Fungia 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 Pavona 2 3 3 3 4 2 3 Leptoseris 2 2 2 3 4 2 3 Cycloseris 3 2 3 2 1 1 1 Psammocora 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 Genus Corals are habitat-builders and appear to have less nichespecialization than some other groups. They are primarily autotrophic, relying on the products of the photosynthesis of their symbiotic algae, supplemented by plankton caught by filter-feeding and suspension feeding. Most require hard substrate for attachment, but a few grow well on soft substrates. Many corals are found in a relatively wide range of conditions. However, others have restricted habitat requirements with regards to depth, degree of protection from waves and current, exposure to light, and bottom type. The majority of corals have a pelagic larval stage, with a minimum of a few days of pelagic development for broadcast spawners (most species), and larval settling competency lasting for at least a few weeks. A minority of species release brooded larvae that range from immediate settlement to a long pelagic dispersal period. The main distribution patterns for the Milne Bay Area corals are presented in Table 1.7. Most species have broad distributions that extend well beyond Papua New Guinea, both west and east, and usually also north and south. The remaining species have more limited distributions. Porites flavus Veron, 2000 is the only coral species presently known only from Milne Bay Province, although several other potential new endemics are currently being investigated (Veron, pers. comm.). Species of special interest Several corals recorded during the survey deserve special attention. Two recently discovered species, Acropora plumosa Wallace & Wolstenholme, 1998 and Acropora cylindrica Veron and Fenner, in Veron 2000, were found at many sites. The latter has a single corallite at the end of a thick round branch. In addition, many colonies were found with several corallites at the end of branches, and appeared to be intermediate between the A. cylindrica and A. palifera, Table 1.7. Distribution patterns of Milne Bay corals. Distribution Spp. % Extend (usually widely) east & west from PNG 362 85 Restricted to the Coral Triangle 25 6 Extend west, also north and/or south 27 6 Extend west, beyond Coral Triangle 7 1.6 Extend south only 2 0.5 Endemic to PNG 1 0.5 a widespread and common species. Porites rugosa Fenner and Veron, in Veron 2000, previously known from one site off eastern Sulawesi, Indonesia, was relatively common, being recorded at 20 sites during the present survey. One of the striking features of the fauna was the large number of Porites, Montipora, and Acropora species that are potentially undescribed. Although the total number of previously described Montipora that were identified was typical of Coral Triangle areas, most were found at very few sites. Approximately 75 species were found, which at the time of the survey had not been reported from Papua New Guinea in previous publications (e.g., Veron, 1993; Table 16). Most of these, including about 20 new species, were subsequently described and illustrated by Veron (2000). However, at least 22 species from the current survey remain unreported in published literature (Table 1.8). Two coral colonies were found that were exceptionally large for their species. Colonies of Tubastraea micranthus Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 23 Chapter 1 Table 1.8. New records for Papua New Guinea observed, photographed, or collected during the RAP survey. Pocillopora ankeli Cycloseris colini Pocillopora elegans Pectinia aylini Montipora cactus Acanthastrea subechinata Montipora florida Lobophyllia serratus Acropora elegans Symphyllia hassi Acropora sekiseinsis Platygyra acuta Acropora seriata Cyphastrea japonica Porites cumulatus Rhizopsammia verrilli Porites negrosensis Millepora intricata Coscinaraea monile Distichopora nitida Pavona frondifera Distichopora violacea about 2 m tall were found at site 39. In additon, a massive 3 m-diameter colony of Turbinaria stellata was seen at site 7. Sites of special interest A few sites had unusual coral communities of special interest. Perhaps the most outstanding were the following sheltered sites, where the deep reef community consisted of fields of large foliose corals: site 7 (Toiyana Island, Amphlett Islands), site 8 (Urasi Island, Amphlett Islands), site 9 (Patch reef west of Wamer Island, Amphlett Islands), and site 41 (patch reef north of Mboibi Point, Rossel Island). Several species, typically forming a cluster of colonies with large plates growning upward at an angle and arranged in whorls, were represented at each of these sites. Pachyseris speciosa was the most common species involved, but others included Pachyseris foliosa, Galaxea astreata, Galaxea paucisepta, Echinophyllia taylorae, and an undetermined Goniopora. Echinophyllia taylorae is usually an encrusting species or forms massive colonies. Moreover, plate-forming colonies of the two Galaxea species are not well known. Acropora pichoni, a rare table-like species, was also present in one of these communities. Site 36 (Wanim Island, East Calvados Chain, Louisade Archipelago) had a very barren slope, but abundant healthy coral in very shallow water (about 1 m depth or less). An additional three sites were noteworthy due to their outstanding visual appeal: 48 (Siwaiwa Is., Louisade Archipelago), 54 (Punawan Island, Bramble Haven), and 56 (North Point, Basilaki Island). SUMMARY The coral fauna of Papua New Guinea is undoubtedly one of the richest in the world. The only other countries with comparable diversity are the Philippines and Indonesia. 24 Rapid Assessment Program The three combined countries form the heart of the Coral Triangle, containing the world’s richest coral reefs. The total scleractinian species (418) documented during the present survey compares favorably with published totals from the Philippines (411 species; Veron and Hodgson, 1989) and Indonesia (427 species; Tomascik, 1997 and Wallace, 1998). However, the coral fauna of both these countries has not been completely documented, and additional species will surely be added. The present species total greatly surpasses that of previous RAP surveys at the Togean-Banggai Islands of Indonesia (301 species) and Calamianes Islands in the Philippines (308), adding further support for Papua New Guinea’s importance in the “Coral Triangle.” An average of 82 species per site was recorded during the present survey compared with 92.5 species for the Calaminaes and 69.7 species per site in the Togean-Banggai Islands. There were 57 sites in the current survey, 37 sites in the Calamianes, and 47 sites in the Togean-Banggai Islands. Comparing the number of species after 37 sites (the highest common denominator for the three surveys), Milne Bay had 299 species, the Calamines had 304 species, and the Togean-Banggai Islands had 291 species. These data indicate that the sites in Milne Bay were very similar to those in the Philippines and Indonesia for species richness. Including the present report, at least 481 species of Scleractinia (and a total of 494 species of all stony corals) have been reported from Papua New Guinea. A total count of 498 scleractinians are expected to occur there according to Veron’s (2000) distribution maps. Although some species that Veron indicated as occuring at Papua New Guinea are based on projected range extrapolations rather than actual records. In spite of the high diversity documented in the Coral Triangle to date, there is still a need for further study, and no localized area such as Milne Bay Province has been studied comprehensively. REFERENCES Best, M. B. and B. W. Hoeksema. 1987. New observations on Scleractinian corals from Indonesia: 1. Free-living species belonging to the Faviina. Zoologische Mededelingen 61: 387–403. Best, M. B. and Suharsono. 1991. New observations on Scleractinian corals from Indonesia: 3. Species belonging to the Merulinidae with new records of Merulina and Boninastrea. Zoologische Mededelingen 65: 333–342. Best, M., B. W. Hoeksema, W. Moka, H. Moll, Suharsono, and I. Nyoman Sutarna. 1989. Recent scleractinian coral species collected during the Snellius-II Expedition in eastern Indonesia. Netherlands Journal of Sea Research 23: 107–115. Boschma, H. 1959. Revision of the Indo-Pacific species of the genus Distichopora. Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde 29: 121–171. Corals of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Claereboudt, M. 1990. Galaxea paucisepta nom. nov. (for G. pauciradiata), rediscovery and redescription of a poorly known scleractinian species (Oculinidae). Galaxea. 9: 1–8. Claereboudt, M. and J. Bouillon. 1987. Coral associations, distribution and diversity on Laing Island reef (Papua New Guinea). Indo-Malayan Zoology 4: 11–25. Dai, C-F. 1989. Scleractinia of Taiwan. I. Families Astrocoeniidae and Pocilloporiidae. Acta Oceanographica Taiwan 22: 83–101. Dai, C-F. and C-H. Lin. 1992. Scleractinia of Taiwan III. Family Agariciidae. Acta Oceanographica Taiwan 28: 80–101. Dineson, Z. D. 1980. A revision of the coral genus Leptoseris (Scleractinia: Fungiina: Agariciidae). Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 20: 181–235. Hodgson, G. and M. A. Ross. 1981. Unreported scleractinian corals from the Philippines. Proceedings of the Fourth International Coral Reef Symposium 2: 171–175. Hoeksema, B. W. 1989. Taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of mushroom corals (Scleractinia: Fungiidae). Zoologische Verhandelingen 254: 1–295. Hoeksema, B. W. 1992. The position of northern New Guinea in the center of marine benthic diversity: a reef coral perspective. Proceedings of the Seventh International Coral Reef Symposium 2: 710–717. Hoeksema, B. W. and M. B. Best. 1991. New observations on scleractinian corals from Indonesia: 2. Sipunculanassociated species belonging to the genera Heterocyathus and Heteropsammia. Zoologische Mededelingen 65: 221–245. Hoeksema, B. and C-F. Dai. 1992. Scleractinia of Taiwan. II. Family Fungiidae (including a new species). Bulletin of the Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica. 30: 201–226. Moll, H. and M. B. Best. 1984. New scleractinian corals (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) from the Spermonde Archipelago, south Sulawesi, Indonesia. Zoologische Mededelingen 58: 47–58. Nemenzo, F., Sr. 1986. Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna: Corals. Manila: Natural Resources Management Center and the University of the Philippines. Nishihira, M. 1991. Field Guide to Hermatypic Corals of Japan. Tokyo: Tokai University Press. Nishihira, M. and J. E. N. Veron. 1995. Corals of Japan. Tokyo: Kaiyusha Publishers. Ogawa, K. and K. Takamashi. 1993. A revision of Japanese ahermatypic corals around the coastal region with guide to identification- I. Genus Tubastraea. Nankiseibutu: Nanki Biological Society 35: 95–109 (in Japanese). Ogawa, K. and K. Takamashi. 1995. A revision of Japanese ahermatypic corals around the coastal region with guide to identification- II. Genus Dendrophyllia. Nankiseibutu: Nanki Biological Society 37: 15–33. (in Japanese) Randall, R. H. and Y-M. Cheng. 1984. Recent corals of Taiwan. Part III. Shallow water Hydrozoan Corals. Acta Oceanographica Taiwan 22: 35–99. Sheppard, C. R. C. 1998. Corals of the Indian Ocean. CD-ROM. Stockholm: Sida. Sheppard, C. R. C. and A. L. S. Sheppard. 1991. Corals and coral communities of Arabia. Fauna Saudi Arabia 12: 3–170. Veron J. E. N. 2000. Corals of the World. Vol. 1-3. Australian Institute of Marine Science. Veron, J. E. N. 1985. New scleractinia from Australian reefs. Records of the Western Australian Museum 12: 147–183. Veron, J. E. N. 1986. Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Univ. Hawaii Press, Honolulu. Veron, J. E. N. 1990. New scleractinia from Japan and other Indo-West Pacific countries. Galaxea 9: 95–173. Veron, J. E. N. 1993. A Biogeographic Database of Hermatypic Corals. Australian Institutue of Marine Science Monograph 10: 1–433. Veron, J. E. N. 1995. Corals in Space and Time. The Biogeography and Evolution of the Scleractinia. Sydney, Australia: University of New South Wales Press. Veron, J. E. N. 1998. Corals of the Milne Bay Region of Papua New Guinea. In: Werner, T. A. and G. R. Allen (eds). A rapid biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Washington DC: Conservation International. Pp. 26–34. Veron, J. E. N. and G. Hodgson. 1989. Annotated checklist of the hermatypic corals of the Philippines. Pacific Science 43: 234–287. Veron, J. E. N. and M. Pichon. 1976. Scleractinia of Eastern Australia. I. Families Thamnasteriidae, Astrocoeniidae, Pocilloporidae. Australian Institute of Marine Science Monograph Series 1: 1–86. Veron, J. E. N. and M. Pichon. 1980. Scleractinia of Eastern Australia. III. Families Agariciidae, Siderastreidae, Fungiidae, Oculilnidae, Merulinidae, Mussidae, Pectiniidae, Caryophyllidae, Dendrophyllidae. Australian Institute of Marine Science Monograph Series 4: 1–422. Veron, J. E. N. and M. Pichon. 1982. Scleractinia of Eastern Australia. IV. Family Poritidae. Australian Institute of Marine Science Monograph Series 5: 1–210. Veron, J. E. N., M. Pichon, and M. Wijsman-Best. 1977. Scleractinia of Eastern Australia. II. Families Faviidae, Trachyphyllidae. Australian Institute of Marine Science Monograph Series 3: 1–233. Veron, J. E. N. and C. Wallace. 1984. Scleractinia of Eastern Australia. V. Family Acroporidae. Australian Institute of Marine Science Monograph Series 6: 1–485. Wallace, C. C. 1994. New species and a new species-group of the coral genus Acropora (Scleractinia: Astrocoeniina: Acroporidae) from Indo-Pacific locations. Invert. Taxonomy. 8: 961–88. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 25 Chapter 1 Wallace, C. C. 1997a. New species of the coral genus Acropora and new records of recently described species from Indonesia. Zool. J. Linn. Soc. 120: 27–50. Wallace, C. C. 1997b. The Indo-Pacific centre of coral diversity re-examined at species level. Proceedings of the Eighth International Coral Reef Symposium 1: 365–370. Wallace, C. C. 1999a. The Togian Islands: coral reefs with a unique coral fauna and an hypothesized Tethys Sea signature. Coral Reefs 18: 162. Wallace, C. C. 1999b. Staghorn corals of the world, a revision of the genus Acropora. Collingwood, Australia: CSIRO. Wallace, C. C. and C.F. Dai. 1997. Scleractinia of Taiwan (IV): Review of the coral genus Acropora from Taiwan. Zoological Studies 36: 288–324. Wallace, C. C. and J. Wolstenholme. 1998. Revision of the coral genus Acropora in Indonesia. Zool. J. Linn. Soc. 123: 199–384. 26 Rapid Assessment Program Chapter 2 Condition of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry SUMMARY • Reef condition is a term pertaining to the general “health” of a particular site as determined by assessment of key variables including natural and human-induced environmental damage and general biodiversity as defined by major indicator groups (corals and fishes). • Reef condition was assessed at 57 sites in Milne Bay Province, including southern Collingwood Bay, Goodenough Bay, Amphlett Islands, and the Louisiade Archipelago. • A Reef Condition Index (RCI) value was calculated for each site. Essentially it is a semiquantitative measure and is derived from three components: coral diversity, fish diversity, and relative damage from human and natural causes. The latter category also incorporates the percentage of live coral cover. • The hypothetical maximum RCI for a pristine reef is 300. RCI values are useful for interpreting reef condition and comparing sites. Depending on their RCI, sites can be classified as extraordinary, excellent, good, moderate, poor, and very poor. The frequency of Milne Bay sites was as follows: extraordinary (6), excellent (12), good (10), moderate (21), poor (8), and very poor (0). • The highest RCI value (258.82) was recorded for Gabugabutau Island in the Conflict Group. Major geographic areas with the highest mean RCIs include Basilaki-Sidea (239.55), Conflict-Louisiade Archipelago groups (206.58), and the Cape Vogel area (203.07). • The mean RCI value for surveyed areas of Milne Bay Province (199.16) was significantly greater than the value (179.87) obtained for the Togean-Banggai Islands of Indonesia. • Coral bleaching was recorded at every site in Milne Bay north of 10°30’ South latitude, and was conspicuously absent at southern sites, including the vast Louisiade Archipelago. The discrepancy is apparently correlated with sea temperatures, which averaged 28.27° and 26.70° for northern and southern areas respectively. • Although widespread in southern Collingwood Bay, Goodenough Bay, the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, and Amphlett Islands, coral bleaching was not serious, except for one site near East Cape. • Minor damage due to coral pathogens and the coral-feeding mollusc Drupella was also confined mainly to northern reefs. Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), another well-documented predator of scleractinian corals, was rarely seen. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 27 Chapter 2 INTRODUCTION Coral reefs are the most important marine environment in Milne Bay Province. Although there is no precise information on the area occupied, reefs are well developed throughout the province. The extensive but narrow fringing reefs along much of the coastal mainland and islands are among the most obvious structures. Major island groups include the Trobriands, D’Entrecasteauxs, Louisiades, Woodlark and the cluster immediately southeast of Milne Bay proper, including Sariba, Sideia, and Basilaki. There are also many smaller groups such as the Luscany, Amphlett, Egum, Marshall Bennett, Laseinie, Engineer, Conflict, and Bonvouloir. In addition, there is a legion of small reefs and shoals. The northernmost section of the province, lying west of the Trobriands and north of the D’Entrecasteaux Group, is dotted with literally hundreds of such reefs. The very existence of most Milne Bay islanders is inextricably linked to its bountiful coral reef heritage. Reef resources not only provide food and a means of earning cash (sometimes the only means), they also have strong cultural significance and provide a beautiful home landscape. It is therefore vitally important to assess and monitor the condition or “health” of reefs, and provide guidelines for their conservation and management. Hence, Marine RAP surveys also assess live coral cover and various threats, past or present, that may exert deleterious effects on this fragile ecosystem. This information is combined with biodiversity data from each site to give an approximate indication of reef condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS Definition of reef condition Reef condition is used here as a term that reflects the general “health” of a particular site as determined by an assessment of variables that include environmental damage due to natural and human causes and general biodiversity as defined by key indicator groups (corals and fishes). It also takes into account amounts of live scleractinian coral cover. Reef Condition Index (RCI) RAP surveys provide an excellent vehicle for rapid documentation of biodiversity of previously unstudied sites. They also afford an opportunity to issue a “report card” on the status or general condition of each reef site. However, this task is problematical. The main challenge is to devise a rating system that is not overly complex and accurately reflects the true situation, thus providing a useful tool for comparing all sites for a particular RAP or for comparing sites in different regions. CI’s Reef Condition Index (RCI) has evolved by trial and error, and although not yet perfected, shows promise of meeting these goals. The present method was trialed during the Togean-Banggai RAP in 1998, and data is now available for 104 sites, including those from the current 28 Rapid Assessment Program survey. Basically, it consists of three components: fish diversity, coral diversity, and condition factors. Fish diversity component—Total species observed at each site. A hypothetical maximum value of 280 species is utilized to achieve equal weighting. Therefore, the species total from each site is adjusted for equal weighting by multiplying the number of species by 100 and dividing the result by 280. Coral diversity component—Total species observed at each site. A hypothetical maximum value of 130 species is utilized to achieve equal weighting. The species total from each site is adjusted for equal weighting by multiplying the number of species by 100 and dividing the result by 130. Reef condition component—This is the most complex part of the RCI formula, and it is therefore instructive to give an example of the data taken from an actual site (site 1): Parameter 1 2 3 4 1. Explosive/cyanide damage X 2. Net damage X 3. Anchor damage X 4. Cyclone damage X 5. Pollution/eutrophication X 6. Coral bleaching X 7. Coral pathogens/predators X 8. Freshwater runoff X 9. Siltation X 10. Fishing pressure 11. Coral cover X X Bonus/Penalty Points -20 -10 +10 +20 Totals -20 -20 +30 +100 Each of the10 threat parameters and the coral cover category (11) are assigned various bonus or penalty points, utilizing a 4-tier system that reflects relative environmental damage: 1. excessive damage (-20 points), 2. moderate damage (-10 points), 3. light damage (+ 10 points), 4. no damage (+ 20 points). Coral cover is rated according to percentage of live hard coral as determined by 100 m line transects (see below): 1. < 26%, 2. 26–50%, 3. 51–75%, 4. 76–100%. In the example shown here the resultant point total is 90. The maximum possible value of 220 (pristine reef with all parameters rated as category 4) is used to achieve equal weighting. The points total for each site is adjusted for equal weighting by multiplying it by 100 and dividing the result by 220. Therefore, for this example the adjusted figure is 40.9. Calculation of Reef Condition Index—The sum of the adjusted total for each of the three main components described above. Each component contributes one third of the RCI, with a maximum score of 100 for each. Therefore, the top RCI for a totally pristine reef with maximum fish and coral diversity would be 300. Of course, this situation probably does not exist. Condition of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province Interpretation of RCI values—The interpretative value of RCI will increase with each passing RAP. Thus far the complete data set contains 104 sites, 47 from the TogeanBanggai Islands and 57 from Milne Bay Province. Table 1 provides a general guide to interpretation, based on the data accumulated thus far. Table 2.1. Interpretation of RCI values based on 104 sites. General reef condition RCI value Percentage of sites >243 4.81 Excellent 214–242 6.73 Good 198–213 28.84 170–197 34.61 141–169 23.08 Extraordinary Moderate Poor Very poor <140 1.92 Coral cover Data were collected at each site with the use of scuba-diving equipment. The main objective was to record the percentage of live scleractinian coral and other major substrates, including dead coral, rubble, sand, soft corals, sponges, and algae. A 100-m measuring tape was used for substrate assessment in two separate depth zones at most sites, usually 8 and 16 m. However on several occasions there was insufficient depth, and only one transect was done. Substrate type was recorded at 1 m intervals along the tape measure, resulting in direct percentages of the various bottom types for each zone. For the purpose of calculating RCI, the average percentage of coral cover was used if more than one transect per site was involved. INDIVIDUAL SITE DESCRIPTIONS 1. Cobb’s Cliff, Jackdaw Channel Time: 0930 hours, dive duration 100 minutes; depth range 3–40 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 28oC; slight current; slight turbidity; site description: sheltered lagoon type reef with steep slope to deep water with coral growth to depth of about 20 m then mainly sand bottom; dead coral, rubble, and sponge dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Porites spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 19% at 6–8 m, 16% at 16–17 m; average hard coral cover 17.5%; light eutrophication, coral pathogens, and siltation; moderate coral bleaching and fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing and trade. RCI = 151.90. 2. Bavras Reef, off NW Normanby Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands Time: 1530 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 4–40 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 28oC; slight current; slight turbidity; site description: moderately exposed lagoon type reef with gentle and then vertical slope to deep water; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 77% at 16–17 m (only one transect done); average hard coral cover 77%; light coral bleaching and fishing pressure; no clams recorded; important site for subsistence and small-scale commercial fishing. RCI = 196.60 3. Sebulgomwa Point, Fergusson Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands Time: 0845 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–40 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with seagrass and sand patches and gentle slope to deep water with isolated coral heads at approximately 15 m; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth; hard coral cover = 40% at 5–7 m (only one transect done); average hard coral cover 40%; light eutrophication, coral bleaching, siltation, fishing pressure, and predation by Drupella; important site for subsistence fishing and trade. RCI = 187.56 4. Scrub Islet, off Sanaroa Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands Time: 1239 hours, dive duration 67 minutes; depth range 1–30 m; visibility approximately 5–10 m; temperature 28oC; slight current; severe turbidity; site description: sheltered fringing reef with steep slope to deep water with coral growth to depth of about 20 m then mainly sand bottom; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 57% at 7–9 m, 52% at 17–18 m; average hard coral cover 54.5%; moderate siltation; important site for commercial clam fishing but giant clams nearly all fished out. RCI = 233.91. 5. Sanaroa Passage, off Cape Doubtful, Fergusson Island Time: 1542 hours, dive duration 90 minutes; depth range 5–35 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 29oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: moderately exposed lagoon type reef with steep slope to deep water; hard coral and soft coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 56% at 16–18 m (only one transect done); average hard coral cover 56%; moderate fishing pressure and light predation by Drupella; important site for subsistence fishing and trade. RCI = 193.48. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 29 Chapter 2 6. Catsarse Reef, Amphlett Group Time: 0840 hours, dive duration 64 minutes; depth range 3–45 m; visibility approximately 10–15 m; temperature 28oC; strong current; site description: moderately exposed lagoon type reef with steep slope to deep water and large areas of coral rubble; hard coral, rubble, and soft coral dominant substrata; dominant soft coral taxa was Nepthea spp. at 0–8 m depth and Sarcophyton spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 43% at 4–6 m, 30% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover 36.5%; light coral bleaching, coral pathogens (white band disease), fishing pressure, and predation by Drupella; important site for subsistence fishing and trade. RCI = 198.11. 7. Toiyana Island, Amphlett Group Time: 1134 hours, dive duration 76 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 20 m; temperature 29oC; no current; site description: exposed fringing reef with moderate slope to deep water and sand channels parallel to slope; sand, hard coral and sponge dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Favites spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 32% at 7–9 m, 28% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 30%; light eutrophication, coral pathogens (white band disease), predation by Drupella, and siltation. RCI = 158.17. 8. Urasi Island, Amphlett Group Time: 1542 hours, dive duration 75 minutes; depth range 1–30 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 28oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: exposed fringing reef with moderate and then steep slope to deep water; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Favites spp. at 0–8 m depth and Pocillopora spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 85% at 6–8 m, 59% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 72%; light eutrophication, coral pathogens (white band disease), coral bleaching, and predation by Drupella; moderate siltation and fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing, trade, and beche-de-mer harvesting. RCI = 170.51. 9. Patch Reef west of Wamea Island, Amphlett Group Time: 0750 hours, dive duration 74 minutes; depth range 5–40 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: exposed patch reef with moderately steep slope to deep water; hard coral, soft coral, and rubble dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Pocillopora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 34% at 8–10 m, 43% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 38.5%; light cyclone damage, fishing pressure, and siltation; important site for beche-de-mer harvesting. RCI = 191.24. 10. Rock Islet near Noapoi Island, Amphlett Group Time: 1021 hours, dive duration 71 minutes; depth range 1–40 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 28oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: exposed fringing 30 Rapid Assessment Program reef with steep slope to deep water and sand gullies parallel to slope; hard coral, sand, and rubble dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Favites spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 49% at 6–8 m, 46% at 16–17 m; average hard coral cover 47.5%; predation by Drupella and light eutrophication; moderate siltation and fishing pressure; important site for beche-de-mer harvesting. RCI = 164.59. 11. East side of Kwatota Island, Amphlett Group Time: 1448 hours, dive duration 72 minutes; depth range 1–40 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 28–29oC; slight current; slight turbidity; site description: sheltered fringing reef of small island with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Favites spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 52% at 7–8 m, 60% at 16–17 m; average hard coral cover 56%; light coral pathogens and siltation; moderate fishing pressure; important site for clam harvesting. RCI = 209.87. 12. NW corner of Kwatota Island, Amphlett Group Time: 0901 hours, dive duration 73 minutes; depth range 1–40 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: moderately exposed fringing reef with gentle to moderate slope to deep water with sandy patches interspersed with coral bommies in the shallows and sand gullies on the slope; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 61% at 8–9 m, 56% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover 58.5%; light coral pathogens, fishing pressure, and predation by Drupella and Acanthaster planci (one individual observed). RCI = 233.51. 13. Sunday Island, north of Cape Labillardiere, Fergusson Island Time: 1238 hours, dive duration 75 minutes; depth range 3–40 m; visibility approximately 7–10 m; temperature 29oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: exposed fringing reef with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 65% at 5–6 m, 68% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 66.5%; light eutrophication, coral bleaching, fishing pressure, and predation by Drupella; moderate coral pathogens and siltation; important site for subsistence fishing, trade, and harvesting of clams and beche-de-mer. RCI = 161.85. 14. Off Mukawa Village, north of Cape Vogel Time: 1059 hours, dive duration 80 minutes; depth range 3–25 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 29oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with gentle slope to deeper water and patches of reef interspersed with sandy areas; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Porites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 39% at 6–8 m (only one transect done); average hard coral cover 39%; predation by Drupella and light siltation; moderate eutrophication, coral Condition of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province bleaching, and fishing pressure; important site for local fishermen. RCI = 179.25. 15. NE of Baiawa Village, southern Collingwood Bay Time: 0750 hours, dive duration 65 minutes; depth range 3–30 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 29oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with gentle slope to deep water; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Favites spp. at 0–8 m depth and Agariciidae at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 47% at 6–7 m, 43% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 45%; light eutrophication; moderate fishing pressure; heavy siltation; many giant clams and various holothurian species present; very important site for local and commercial fishing. RCI = 180.82. 16. Offshore patch reef NE of Dark Hill Point, southern Collingwood Bay Time: 1129 hours, dive duration 70 minutes; depth range 3–35 m; visibility approximately 20 m; temperature 29oC; strong current; site description: moderately exposed lagoon type reef with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral, rubble, and soft coral dominant substrata; dominant hard coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Fungiidae at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 52% at 7–9 m, 44% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 48%; very light predation by Drupella; light to moderate coral bleaching; moderate fishing pressure; important site for beche-de-mer harvesting. RCI = 178.35. 17. Sidney Islands, southern Collingwood Bay Time: 1420 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 3–35 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 28o ; no current; site description: moderately exposed lagoon type reef with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral and sponge dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 66% at 7–9 m, 35% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 50.5%; light eutrophication, coral bleaching, coral pathogens, and fishing pressure; important site for beche-de-mer harvesting; one Acanthaster planci observed. RCI = 202.03. 18. Ipoteto Island, Kibirisi Point, Cape Vogel Time: 0745 hours, dive duration 68 minutes; depth range 2–35 m; visibility approximately 25 m; temperature 28o; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with steep slope to deep water and sand gullies parallel to slope; hard coral, soft coral, and sponge dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 48% at 7–9 m, 33% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 40.5%; light siltation; heavy fishing pressure. RCI = 206.99. 19. Keast Reef, Ward Hunt Strait Time: 1150 hours, dive duration 65 minutes; depth range 4–50 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 28oC; strong current; site description: exposed lagoon type reef with very steep slope to deep water greater than 80 m; hard coral and rubble dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 70% at 7–8 m, 57% at 16–17 m; average hard coral cover 63.5%; light net damage; moderate fishing pressure; important site for subsistence and commercial fishing. RCI = 218.48. 20. South of Kibirisi Point, Cape Vogel Time: 1505 hours, dive duration 69 minutes; depth range 2–51 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 28oC; no current; moderate turbidity; site description: sheltered fringing reef with very steep slope to deep water and many sandy/rubble areas on slope; hard coral, sponge, and rubble dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Porites spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 42% at 7–8 m, 32% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 37%; light eutrophication and siltation; important site for subsistence fishing and trade. RCI = 204.69. 21. South of Ragrave Point, Cape Vogel Time: 0820 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–20 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 28oC; no current; moderate turbidity; site description: sheltered (on inside) lagoon/barrier type reef with gentle slope to a depth of 14 m and then mainly sand bottom; slope interspersed with large coral bommies; hard coral and sand dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth; hard coral cover = 30% at 5–7 m (only one transect done); average hard coral cover 30%; light fishing pressure; important site for beche-de-mer harvesting. RCI = 202.50. 22. Sibiribiri Point, Cape Vogel Time: 1035 hours, dive duration 62 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 29–30oC; slight current and wave action; site description: sheltered fringing reef with moderate and then very steep slope to deep water greater than 40 m; hard coral, sponge, and sand dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Porites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 37% at 6–8 m, 38% at 17–19 m; average hard coral cover 37.5%; light coral bleaching and moderate fishing pressure; holothurians observed at this site. RCI = 220.65. 23. Tuasi Island, northern Goodenough Bay Time: 1425 hours, dive duration 70 minutes; depth range 1–28 m; visibility approximately 3 m; temperature 28–29oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with gentle slope to deep water with isolated coral bommies and extensive areas of sand; sponge and hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Favites spp. at 0–8 m depth and Agariciidae at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 24% at 8–9 m, 3% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 13.5%; light Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 31 Chapter 2 fishing pressure; heavy siltation; important site for beche-demer harvesting. RCI = 149.23. 24. Pipra Bay, southern Goodenough Bay Time: 0839 hours, dive duration 85 minutes; depth range 0–40 m; visibility approximately 13 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with vertical slope to deep water and sand and rubble gullies parallel to slope; hard coral and sponge dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Favites spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 54% at 8–9 m, 35% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 44.5%; light coral bleaching and freshwater run-off; moderate fishing pressure; heavy siltation. RCI = 159.99. 25. Guanaona Point, southern Goodenough Bay Time: 1112 hours, dive duration 70 minutes; depth range 1–38 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with vertical slope to deep water and with sand/rubble patches interspersed on slope; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Agariciidae at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 57% at 7–9 m, 51% at 17–18 m; average hard coral cover 54%; moderate fishing pressure; heavy siltation. RCI = 196.11. 26. Bartle Bay, southern Goodenough Bay Time: 1435 hours, dive duration 67 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 7 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with moderate slope to deep water with scattered coral bommies and large gullies of muddy sand; sand, hard coral, and sponge dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Favites spp. at 0–8 m depth and Acropora spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 36% at 7–8 m, 24% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 30%; light eutrophication and coral beaching; moderate freshwater run-off and fishing pressure; heavy siltation. RCI = 178.19. 27. Kuvira Bay, southern Goodenough Bay Time: 1223 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 7 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Porites spp. at 0–8 m depth and Acropora spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 77% at 7–8 m, 30% at 16–17 m; average hard coral cover 53.5%; moderate coral bleaching; heavy freshwater run-off and siltation; important site for subsistence fishing. RCI = 179.58. 28. Awaiama Bay, southern Goodenough Bay Time: 1701 hours, dive duration 67 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 28–29oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with gentle slope to deep water with small scattered sandy patches and large areas of rubble; hard coral dominant substrata; 32 Rapid Assessment Program dominant coral taxa was Acropora spp. at 0–8 m depth and Tubastraea spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 72% at 7–9 m, 71% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 71.5%; light eutrophication, freshwater run-off and siltation; moderate coral bleaching. RCI = 176.73. 29. Gabugabutau Island, Conflict Group Time: 1152 hours, dive duration 63 minutes; depth range 1–46 m; visibility approximately 25 m; temperature 27oC; slight current; site description: exposed outer reef with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral and soft coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Porites spp. at 0–8 m depth with mixed taxa at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 54% at 7–9 m, 54% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 54%; light fishing pressure and very light siltation and predation by Drupella; important site for local fishermen especially for harvesting turtles. RCI = 258.82. 30. Tawal Reef, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1136 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 2–50 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 27oC; no current; site description: exposed barrier type reef with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral and rubble dominant substrata; dominant taxa was soft coral species at 0–8 m depth; hard coral cover = 34% at 6–8 m, 39% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover 36.5%; light fishing pressure; heavy cyclone damage; very important site for subsistence fishing and trade. RCI = 206.49. 31. Ululina Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1527 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–38 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 27oC; no current; site description: moderately exposed lagoon type reef with moderate slope to deep water and wide sand gullies parallel to slope; sand, hard coral, and rubble dominant substrata; dominant taxa was soft coral species at 0–8 m depth and Stylaster spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 22% at 7–9 m, 22% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover 22%; light siltation and fishing pressure; Indo-pacific coral species that have not previously been found in PNG were recorded at this site; white-tip and black-tip reef sharks seen; important site for subsistence fishing. RCI = 204.51. 32. Bagaman Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 0942 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 2–30 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 27oC; slight current; severe turbidity; site description: sheltered fringing reef within Calvados lagoon with gentle slope to deep water with large and small coral rock boulders interspersed with sandy and coral patches; hard coral, sand, and rubble dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 38% at 7–8 m, 47% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 42.5%; light fishing pressure; moderate siltation; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 209.12. Condition of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province 33. Yaruman Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1244 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–28 m; visibility approximately 5–7 m; temperature 27oC; slight current from two directions; severe turbidity; site description: moderately exposed fringing reef within lagoon with moderate slope to deep water and coral bommies interspersed between large areas of sand and rubble; hard coral and rubble dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Porites spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 33% at 7–8 m, 46% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 39.5%; light fishing net and line damage and fishing pressure; moderate cyclone damage and siltation; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 184.20. 34. Abaga Gaheia Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1554 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 7 m; temperature 27oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: sheltered fringing reef with gentle slope to deep water with large areas of sand interspersed with coral bommies; hard coral, sand, and sponge dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 53% at 6–8 m, 32% at 14–16 m; average hard coral cover 42.5%; light eutrophication and fishing pressure; moderate siltation; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 190.17. 35. Lagoon patch reef west of Sabari Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1032 hours, dive duration 65 minutes; depth range 1–30 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: sheltered patch reef within lagoon with very shallow reef flat and very steep slopes to deep water and then mainly sand bottom; large patches of coral rubble and small sand gullies on slopes; hard coral, sand, and rubble dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was soft corals at 0–8 m depth; hard coral cover = 48% at 7–8 m, 30% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 39%; light siltation; moderate cyclone damage; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 214.48. 36. Wanim Island, Calvados Chain, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1400 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–30 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 27oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef of small island with moderate slope to deep water and extensive areas of rubble; hard coral dominant substrata; dominant coral taxa was Porites spp. at 0–8 m depth and mainly rubble at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 20% at 7–8 m, 27% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 23.5%; moderate siltation; severe cyclone damage; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources; two Acanthaster planci observed. RCI = 172.69. 37. Marx Reef, north of Tagula (Sudest) Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1101 hours, dive duration 75 minutes; depth range 2–44 m; visibility approximately 20 m; temperature 28oC; very strong current over reef top; site description: moderately exposed patch reef with very steep slope to deep water and shallow sand channels leading into the reef lagoon; hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 67% at 6–7 m, 53% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover 60%; light siltation and fishing pressure; important site for beche-de-mer, Trochus spp. and subsistence fishing; several grey reef sharks and one spotted eagle ray seen. RCI = 231.12. 38. Passage northwest of Mt. Ima, Tagula (Sudest) Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1418 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–40 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 27oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: sheltered patch reef with vertical slope to deep water and with silty sand gullies on slope; sand and hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 29% at 6–8 m, 25% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 27%; severe siltation; important site for subsistence fishing. 39. Rossel Passage, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 0952 hours, dive duration 70 minutes; depth range 2–45 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 27oC; moderate current; site description: exposed barrier type reef around small patch reef in channel, with moderate slope to deep water and wide sand channels with coral bommies and areas of hard rock substrate; hard coral and sand dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 56% at 5–7 m, 43% at 15–17 m; average hard coral cover 49.5%; light fishing pressure; site remote so not used much by local fishermen. RCI = 252.45. 40. West Point, Rossel Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1455 hours, dive duration 45 minutes; depth range 1–28 m; visibility approximately 3 m; temperature 27oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: moderately exposed patch reef with gentle slope to deep water with sand and scattered coral bommies in the shallows, followed by rock and then mainly sandy bottom; algae and hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 33% at 6–7 m (only one transect done); light fishing pressure; severe siltation; important site for subsistence fishing. RCI = 163.03. 41. Patch reef north of Mboibi Point, Rossel Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 0811 hours, dive duration 61 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 27oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: sheltered patch reef with very steep slope to deep water with coral growth to depth of about 30 m then mainly sand bottom; also patches of course sand composed of broken shell fragments on slope; algae (Halimeda), rubble, and hard coral dominant substrata; Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 33 Chapter 2 hard coral cover = 22% at 6–7 m, 13% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover 17.5%; light fishing pressure; moderate cyclone damage and siltation; severe eutrophication; important site for subsistence fishing. RCI = 143.29. 42. North side of Wola Island, Rossel lagoon, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1035 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–28 m; visibility approximately 5 m; temperature 27oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with gentle slope to deep water with sand and coral bommies in the shallows and wide sand gullies on the slope; sand and hard coral dominant substrata; dominant hard coral taxa was Porites spp. at 0–8 m depth and Pavona spp. at 9–20 m depth; hard coral cover = 41% at 7–8 m, 25% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 17.5%; severe eutrophication and siltation; important site for subsistence fishing. RCI = 173.93. 43. Swinger Opening, Rossel Lagoon, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1403 hours, dive duration 56 minutes; depth range 1–25 m; visibility approximately 20 m; temperature 28oC; strong current; site description: exposed barrier reef with steep slope to deep water; hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 76% at 7–9 m, 36% at 17–18 m; average hard coral cover 55.5%; light coral bleaching; reef not easily accessible to local fishermen; black-tip and white-tip reef sharks seen. RCI = 243.71. 44. Northwest side of outer barrier reef, Rossel Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 0843 hours, dive duration 57 minutes; depth range 2–42 m; visibility approximately 20 m; temperature 28oC; slight current; site description: exposed barrier type reef with vertical slope to deep water with caves, gullies, and passages through to the lagoon; algae (Halimeda) dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 7% at 14–16 m (only one transect done); severe eutrophication; several white-tip and grey reef sharks seen. RCI = 217.81. 45. West tip of outer barrier reef, near Rossel Passage, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1130 hours, dive duration 74 minutes; depth range 2–43 m; visibility approximately 20 m; temperature 28oC; slight current; site description: exposed barrier type reef with gentle slope to deep water and with sand channels parallel to reef; rubble, algae, and hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 24% at 8–9 m, 15% at 14–16 m; average hard coral cover 19.5%; light coral bleaching. RCI = 206.12. 46. Osasi Island, northern Tagula (Sudest) Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1608 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 2–25 m; visibility approximately 3–5 m; temperature 27oC; no current; severe turbidity; site description: sheltered lagoon type reef with moderate slope to deep water and then sand, and with sandy areas interspersed with large coral bommies 34 Rapid Assessment Program in the shallows; hard coral and soft coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 52% at 6–7 m, 37% at 14–15 m; average hard coral cover 44.5%; severe siltation; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 191.29. 47. Hudumuiwa Pass, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 0811 hours, dive duration 60 minutes; depth range 1–25 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 28oC; strong current through passage; site description: exposed barrier type reef with gentle slope down to deep water and sand, then slopes back up, forming a wide u-shaped passage in the middle; sandy substrate with small broken rock fragments and occasional small coral bommies on top of one side of the passage, while the other side has coral reef; sand, hard coral, and sponge are the dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 52% at 4–6 m, 14% at 14–16 m; average hard coral cover 33%; light predation by Drupella; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources; green turtle and banded sea snake seen, also grey reef and white-tip sharks present. RCI = 164.05. 48. Siwaiwa Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1344 hours, dive duration 71 minutes; depth range 3–20 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 28oC; no current; site description: sheltered lagoon type reef with moderate and then gentle slope to deep water with sand channels horizontal to slope; soft coral and hard coral dominant substrata; dominant taxa was the hard coral, Porites spp. and soft corals at 0–8 m depth; hard coral cover = 25% at 6–8 m, 42% at 13–14 m; average hard coral cover 33.5%; light fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 244.51. 49. Kei Keia Reef, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1135 hours, dive duration 49 minutes; depth range 3–45 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 27o ; no current; site description: exposed barrier type reef with moderate slope to deep water with wide sand channels parallel to slope; sand and hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 28% at 6–8 m, 19% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 23.5%; important site for subsistence fishing, diving for commercially valuable resources, and trade. RCI = 235.71. 50. Horrara Gowan Reef, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1428 hours, dive duration 66 minutes; depth range 3–40 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 27oC; no current; site description: exposed barrier type reef with gentle slope to deep water with scattered coral bommies in the shallows and then vast areas of rubble overgrown with coralline algae on the slope; rubble, hard coral, and sand dominant substrata; dominant soft coral taxa was Dendronepthya spp. at 0–8 m and 9–20 m depths; hard coral cover = 13% at 7–9 m, 33% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover Condition of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province 23%; light fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing, diving for commercially valuable resources, and trade. RCI = 215.46 of 5–40 m; hard coral and rubble dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 55% at 7–8 m, 32% at 14–16 m; average hard coral cover 43.5%; light fishing pressure; important site for subsistence and commercial fishing. RCI = 219.98. 51. Panasia Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 0708 hours, dive duration 43 minutes; depth range 1–25 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 26oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with gentle slope to deep water and with sandy substrate and coral bommies on the slope; sand and hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 35% at 7–8 m, 26% at 14–16 m; average hard coral cover 30.5%; light fishing pressure; moderate siltation; important site for subsistence fishing, diving for commercially valuable resources and trade. RCI = 184.45. 56. North Point, Basilaki Island 52. Pana Rai Rai Island, Louisiade Archipelago 57. Negro Head, Sideia Island Time: 1051 hours, dive duration 75 minutes; depth range 2–40 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 26oC; moderate current; site description: exposed barrier type reef with vertical slope to deep water; hard coral and soft coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 55% at 6–8 m, 27% at 15–16 m; average hard coral cover 41%; light fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 201.68. Time: 1053 hours, dive duration 61 minutes; depth range 1–31 m; visibility approximately 10 m; temperature 26oC; no current; site description: sheltered fringing reef with very steep slope to deep water with caves and sand/rubble patches on slope; hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 67% at 7–8 m, 48% at 14–15 m; average hard coral cover 57.5%; light siltation and fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing; green turtle and grey reef shark seen. RCI = 253.31. Time: 1453 hours, dive duration 56 minutes; depth range 1–35 m; visibility approximately 12–15 m; temperature 27oC; no current; slight turbidity; site description: sheltered fringing reef with moderate slope to deep water; hard coral and sand dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 70% at 7–9 m, 30% at 16–17 m; average hard coral cover 50%; light siltation and fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing. RCI = 225.79. 53. Jomard Entrance, Pana Waipona Island, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1300 hours, dive duration 47 minutes; depth range 1–42 m; visibility approximately 20 m; temperature 26oC; no current; site description: exposed fringing reef with very steep slope to deep water with caves and gullies leading to reef flat; soft coral and hard coral dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 48% at 7–8 m, 34% at 16–18 m; average hard coral cover 41%; light fishing pressure; important site for subsistence fishing and diving for commercially valuable resources. RCI = 222.53. 54. Punawan Island, Bramble Haven, Louisiade Archipelago Time: 1556 hours, dive duration 48 minutes; depth range 2–25 m; visibility approximately 10–15 m; temperature 26oC; no current; site description: moderately exposed fringing/lagoon type reef with gentle slope to deep water with sand and coral bommies in the shallows and coral ridges running horizontally across the slope; hard coral and sand dominant substrata; hard coral cover = 52% at 7–8 m, 45% at 13–15 m; average hard coral cover 48.5%; light fishing pressure; important site for beche-de-mer and Trochus spp. harvesting; also temporary settlement for fishermen from Brooker Island for beche-de-mer processing. RCI = 244.48. RESULTS Reef condition Data used for determining Reef Condition Index is presented in Appendix 3. The hypothetical maximum RCI, as explained previously, is 300. During the current survey, values ranged between 143.49 and 258.82. The top 10 sites for reef condition are presented in Table 2.2. These are sites that have the best combination of coral and fish diversity, as well as being relatively free of damage and disease. Table 2.3 provides a frequency distribution of relative condition categories (see Methods section above for explanation). Coral cover Data for coral cover and other main substrate types are presented in Appendix 4. Percentage cover of live hard corals ranged from 13–85%, generally with an average between 30–50%. The highest coral cover was recorded at Urasi Island, Amphlett Group (85% for shallow transect) and Swinger Opening, Rossel Island (76% for shallow transect). The richest coral cover was generally recorded on the shallow (8 meter depth) transects. Coral bleaching 55. Bently Island, southern Engineer Group Time: 1121 hours, dive duration 50 minutes; depth range 5–35 m; visibility approximately 15 m; temperature 26–27oC; no current; site description: moderately exposed fringing reef, sloping at angle of about 50° between depths Coral bleaching was present at every site (1–28) in Collingwood and Goodenough bays, the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, and Amphlett Islands. The most severe bleaching was at Jackdaw Channel near East Cape (site 1). Damage at most other sites was not serious. In most cases it appeared to Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 35 Chapter 2 Table 2.2. Top 10 sites for general reef condition. Site No. Location Fish species Coral species Condition points RCI 29 Gabugabutau Island, Conflict Group 235 121 180 258.82 57 Negro Head, Sideia Island 209 120 190 253.31 39 Rossel Passage 224 106 200 252.45 54 Puawan Island, Bramble Haven 225 107 180 244.48 43 Swinger Opening, Rossel Island 225 106 180 243.71 4 Sanaroa Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands 260 77 180 233.91 12 Kwatota Island, Amphlett Island 216 91 190 233.51 37 Marx Reef, Tagula Island 205 93 190 231.12 56 North Point, Basilaki Island 203 87 190 225.79 53 Jomard Entrance, Louisiade Archipelago 198 91 180 222.53 Cyclone damage Table 2.3. Distribution of relative condition categories based on RCI values. Relative condition Wave damage was periodically noted, but was most severe at two sites in the Louisiades: Tawal Reef near Cormorant Channel (site 30) and Wanim Island, Calvados Chain (site 36). No. sites Percentage of sites Extraordinary 6 10.52 Siltation Excellent 12 21.05 Good 10 17.54 Moderate 21 36.84 Poor 8 14.03 Very Poor 0 0.00 Coastal fringing reefs were invariably affected by well above average levels of silt, the result of terrestrial runoff. The worst-affected areas were the southern edge of Goodenough Bay (sites 24–28), around the islands of the Calvados Chain (sites 31–34, 36, 51), Tagula Island (sites 38, 46), and Rossel Island (sites 40–42). The fact that our survey was conducted during the rainy season no doubt resulted in higher than usual amounts of siltation and lower than average underwater visibility. Additionally, the survey coincided with the beginning of gardening activity where the villagers are cutting and burning new gardens. This may have potentially contributed to sedimentation at some of the study sites. Visibility ranged between 3–25 m, with an average value of about 10 m. The best visibility and least siltation was generally encountered at outer reef and passage sites. be very recent, having occurred within days, or at most 2–3 weeks, of our visit (see Davis, et al., 1997). The worst affected areas included the vicinity of Noapoi Island, Amphlett Group (site 10), Mukawa Bay, Cape Vogel area (site 14), and reefs in the southern portion of Collingwood Bay (sites 15–17). Bleaching was rarely observed during the remainder of the survey (sites 29–57) and negligible in extent. There was a definite correlation between warm sea temperatures and the occurrence of bleaching. The average water temperature in the areas affected by bleaching was 28.4° C compared to 27.0° C for non-bleached areas. Coral pathogens and predators The coral-feeding mollusc Drupella was noted at most sites, but damage was not serious. Coral disease was also prevalent at many sites, with the worst affected area being the Amphlett Islands. Crown-of-thorns starfish, another coralfeeding species, was extremely rare. Less than five animals were observed during the entire survey. Eutrophication Extensive damage was observed on a patch reef in Rossel Lagoon at the mouth of Yonga Bay (site 41). The reef was almost entirely smothered by various algae, including large amounts of Padina. Extensive algae on reefs can be indicative of nutrient input or lack of herbivores. Judging by the fish data, it is plausible the cause may be eutrophication. DISCUSSION Reef condition In general Milne Bay’s reefs are in very good shape, particularly when compared to other parts of the Coral Triangle. Figure 1 compares the mean RCI for the current survey with 36 Rapid Assessment Program Condition of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province that of the Togean-Banggai Islands, off eastern Sulawesi, Indonesia (1998 RAP). An unpaired t-test revealed the mean for Milne Bay (199.32 ± 3.76) to be significantly greater than that recorded for the Togean-Banggai Islands (179.87 ± 4.02) at a 5% level of significance (Prob. [2-tail]: 0.0006, df: 102). The superior reef condition of Milne Bay compared to previously surveyed areas in Indonesia and the Philippines probably is a result of its lower population density. Moreover, destructive fishing methods, notoriously rampant in Indonesia and the Philippines, have been rarely used in Milne Bay Province. Dynamite fishing in particular has severely impacted the reef environment in these countries. Fortunately, this type of fishing is not common, although there are periodic reports of its use, mainly in other parts of PNG (mostly in the Port Moresby area). The use of cyanide is another destructive fishing method that is commonly used in Indonesia and the Philippines, especially to catch large groupers and Napoleon Wrasse. This method was briefly introduced to Milne Bay Province about four years ago, but Figure 2.1. Comparison of mean RCI values for Togean and Milne Bay RAP surveys. Table 2.4. Mean RCI values recorded for major areas within Milne Bay Province (2000 survey). Major area No. sites Mean RCI Conflict Group-Louisiade Archipelago 26 206.58 Cape Vogel area 6 203.07 Amphlett Islands 7 187.98 Goodenough Bay and East Cape region 7 169.82 Basilaki-Sideia Islands 2 South Collingwood Bay 3 D’Entrecasteaux Islands 5 the government summarily shut down the foreign company involved when the use of cyanide was discovered. Table 2.4 presents a comparison of mean RCI values for the major geographical areas within Milne Bay Province as determined by the 2000 survey. The highest mean value was recorded for the two sites on northern Basilaki and Sideia Islands. Additional survey effort in this general area would be desirable to confirm its apparent richness. It is certainly not possible to draw conclusions on the basis of only two sites. Otherwise, the most impressive area for reef condition was the combined Louisiade Archipelago-Conflict Group. However, this result is influenced by the preponderance of outer reef sites, which characteristically show high RCI values (Table 2.5). Bleaching Coral bleaching is a term used for the sudden loss of symbiotic zooxanthellae harbored by live soft and hard corals. It aptly describes the first symptom—the loss of symbiotic algae (zooanthellae) that live within the tissue of corals and other marine invertebrates. Not only are these single-celled plants responsible for the coral’s normal color—usually shades of green, yellow, gray, and brown—but they also provide a valuable source of nutrients—primarily sugars that are “leaked” directly into the tissue of the host corals. Scientists have been aware of the bleaching phenomenon for the past two decades and have now accumulated a wealth of data. In the 1980s it was first noted that global episodes of bleaching were correlated with strong El Niño events— pronounced shifting of oceanic water masses that directly affect our weather patterns. One of the effects of the strong El Niño is a 1–2° increase in tropical water temperatures. Researchers now believe that elevated temperature during the El Niño events is the primary factor responsible for triggering coral bleaching (Hoegh-Guldberg, 1999). Research by Dr. Ove Hoegh-Guildberg and the staff of the Coral Reef Research Institute at the University of Sydney, Australia, reveals that tropical sea temperatures have increased by almost 1°C over the past 100 years and are now increasing at the alarming rate of 1–2° per century. Reefbuilding corals are now living perilously close to their upper limit of tolerance to potentially lethal temperatures. When the upper limit is exceeded, which often happens as a result of strong El Niño, the symbiotic algae become vulnerable to Table 2.5. Mean RCI values for major habitats in Milne Bay Province. Major habitat type No. sites Mean RCI Outer reefs and passages 16 222.15 239.55 Isolated platform reefs 6 196.04 187.07 Fringing reefs 24 194.90 194.68 Lagoon reefs and patches 10 183.56 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 37 Chapter 2 damage by light, which cause them to be expelled from the coral tissue, resulting in bleaching. Increased sea temperatures have only had adverse affects since about 1980, when El Niño-boosted temperatures began to exceed the thermal tolerance of corals and their symbiotic algae. Over the past 20 years this critical upper limit (about 29–30°C at most locations) has been exceeded on numerous occasions, culminating in the devastating mass bleaching event of 1998. Projections for the future based on highly accurate models of global climate dramatically depict a scenario of wholesale mortality of the world’s coral reefs. Bleaching events are projected to increase in frequency until they become yearly events by the year 2050. Projections indicate that lethal temperatures will be regularly exceeded by normal seasonal changes in water temperature in just 20–40 years from now. So what can be done to stem this disturbing trend? This is a complex question that has no simple answer, but one obvious measure is to stem the tide of greenhouse gas emissions. Industrial and motor vehicle pollution and uncontrolled burning of forests are among the major factors contributing to global warming. Somehow, a cooperative program, involving all nations, rich and poor, must be undertaken to curb this trend before it’s too late. Otherwise, we may be witnessing the beginning of the end of coral reefs on the grand scale they now occupy. Milne Bay reefs appear to have been variably effected by recent bleaching activity (see Davis, et al., 1997). During the current survey it was consistently observed in northern areas (sites 1–28), and conspicuously absent from southern sites (29–30). Fortunately, in nearly every case where bleaching was noted, the damage was light, often involving sections of larger coral formations. The bleaching was usually recent, and there was good possibility of recovery. The only exception was the Jackdaw Channel area (site 1) where huge sections of the reef were dead, apparently the result of a bleaching episode within the past year. As stated above, bleaching is a major threat to every coral reef area. The correlation between temperature and bleaching would indicate that northern sections of Milne Bay Province are more vulnerable than southern sections, where sea temperatures are cooler. For example, the average temperature for the combined 1997–2000 surveys for sites north of latitude 10°30’ North was 28.27°C (N = 63) compared to 26.70 (n = 47) for sites south of this latitude. Unusually cool temperatures between 22–25°C were recorded during 1997 at sites in the vicinity of Samarai Island and along the southern shores of Sideia and Basilaki Islands. Cool temperatures in this region were possibly the result of upwelling. Terrestrial runoff and siltation Runoff and consequent siltation from adjacent areas subjected to deforestation could also pose a threat to Milne Bay’s coral reef environment. Analysis of the magnitude of this threat is beyond the scope of the present Marine RAP, but the implication of unregulated logging on the province’s 38 Rapid Assessment Program coral reefs needs to be considered when planning or implementing a reef conservation and management program. CONCLUSIONS Milne Bay’s reefs are in remarkably good condition, especially compared to other areas in the Coral Triangle, most notably Indonesia and the Philippines. But there is a danger of becoming complacent and failing to ensure that reefs are properly conserved for the use and enjoyment of future generations. It is vitally important to install effective management plans and conservation guidelines now, while reefs are still healthy and thriving. One only has to look immediately westward of PNG to appreciate the dire consequences of failure to properly manage coral reef resources. REFERENCE Davies, J. M., R. P. Dunne, and B. E. Brown. 1997. Coral bleaching and elevated seawater temperature in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, 1996. Marine and Freshwater Research 48(6): 513–516. Hoegh-Guldberg, O. 1999. Climate change, coral bleaching, and the future of the world’s coral reefs. Marine and Freshwater Research 50: 839–866. Chapter 3 Molluscs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Fred E. Wells and Jeff P. Kinch SUMMARY • This report presents information on the molluscs collected at 28 sites surveyed in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, from 29 May to 10 June 2000. As many habitats as possible were examined at each site to develop as comprehensive a species list of the molluscs present in the limited time available. • A total of 643 species of molluscs were collected: 482 gastropods, 155 bivalves, 2 scaphopods, 2 cephalopods, and 2 chitons. • Diversity was high, and consistent with molluscan diversity recorded on other surveys in the coral triangle, which were undertaken for similar numbers of collecting days. • Combined with the results of a similar Marine RAP survey undertaken in October– November 1997, 945 species of molluscs have been recorded in Milne Bay Province. • The number of species collected per site ranged from 34 to 119, with a mean of 74.0 ± 4.4. Higher diversity was recorded at sites with more variable habitat types. • A number of species were widespread, occurring at 15 or more sites. Several (Coralliophila neritoidea, Drupella cornus, D. ochrostoma, Pyrene turturina, Tridacna squamosa, Turbo petholatus and Tectus pyramis) live on or in close association with the coral, and others (Pedum spondyloidaeum, Lithophaga sp., Arca avellana, and Tridacna crocea) actually burrow into the coral. Rhinoclavis asper lives in sandy areas between the corals. Most species (78%) occurred at five or fewer sites. • The most abundant species at each site were generally burrowing arcid bivalves, Pedum spondyloidaeum, Lithophaga sp., and Coralliophila neritoidea. Tridacna crocea was abundant at several of the sites. • The 16 sites along the mainland coastline of Papua New Guinea had a mean of 66.0 ± 5.1 species per site. Diversity was higher (83.0 ± 14.6) at the four sites in the D’Entrecasteaux Islands. The highest diversity was 85.3 ± 7.9 in the Amphlett Islands. With the considerable range in number of species collected at each site, none of the three areas differed significantly from the mean of 74.0 ± 4.4 for all sites examined on the survey. • Distribution patterns were determined for 258 species (belonging to well-documented groups): 207 species are widespread in the Indo-West Pacific, and 51 species are widespread in the Western Pacific. None of the species whose range was determined is endemic to Papua New Guinea. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 39 Chapter 3 • The history of the giant clam fishery in Milne Bay Province is briefly discussed. The fishery is closed at present. Recommendations made by Munro (1989) and Kinch (in press a and b) should be closely examined before any proposals are made to reopen the fishery. INTRODUCTION In October–November 1997 Conservation International (CI) conducted a Marine Rapid Assessment (RAP) survey of coral reefs in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. The goal of the expedition was to develop information on the biodiversity of three key animal groups—corals, fish, and molluscs—for use in assessing the importance of the reefs for conservation purposes. Goals, methodology, and results of the expedition are described in Allen et al. (1998); Wells (1998) described the molluscs. Following the success of the initial survey, additional surveys were conducted in the Calamianes Islands, Philippines, and the Togean and Banggai Islands, Indonesia. Molluscs were described by Wells (2000 and 2001). The original expedition to Milne Bay Province confirmed the view of CI that coral reefs in Milne Bay Province of PNG have a high species diversity of the target groups selected for survey. In addition, they are largely undisturbed by adverse direct human activities such as overfishing, cyanide fishing, dynamiting and also indirect practices such as land clearing, which increases turbidity, pollution, use of antifoulants, etc. Plans for conserving Milne Bay Province’s marine resources and environments are proceeding rapidly, and the Marine RAP team was asked to return to Milne Bay Province in May 2000 to examine areas not visited on the first survey. In addition to their importance for conservation purposes, the Marine RAP surveys provide an increasing dataset on biodiversity of the three target groups on reefs in the IndoWest Pacific. This complements work done in a variety of areas of the eastern Indian Ocean by the Western Australian Museum. or as dead shells, as the former occupants of dead shells would have been living at the site. Site 13 was an isolated coral atoll with an intertidal rock platform exposed by low tide. This site was examined by collecting in the exposed intertidal habitats and collecting beach drift. This collecting approach allows the rapid assessment of the diversity of a wide variety of mollusc species. However, it is not complete. For example, no attempt was made to break open the corals to search for boring species, such as Lithophaga. Nor were micro molluscs sampled. However, as one person undertook the sampling of molluscs on the CI Marine RAPs, and many of those of the Western Australian Museum (WAM), there is a good indication of relative diversity of molluscs collected on the expeditions to various areas. A variety of standard shell books and field guides were available for reference during the expedition. Most species were identified according to these texts, which included: Cernohorsky (1972); Springsteen and Leobrera (1986); Lamprell and Whitehead (1992); Brunckhorst (1993); Colin and Arneson (1995); Gosliner et al. (1996); Lamprell and Healy (1998); and Wells and Bryce (2000). Specimens of small species were retained in plastic vials or bags and the tissue removed with bleach. These were taken to the WAM where they were identified using the reference collections of the Museum and specialist texts and papers on particular groups. Representatives of these species were deposited in the WAM. A set of reference materials of a number of the small species was also deposited in the National Museum of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Despite the short time period available for mollusc sampling (a total of 11 collecting days), a diverse molluscan fauna was collected (Table 3.1). This consisted of a total of 643 species representing five molluscan classes: 482 gastropods, 155 bivalves, 2 scaphopods, 2 cephalopods, and 2 chitons (Table 3.1). METHODS Molluscs were assessed during the survey from 29 May to 10 June 2000, with a total of 28 sites being examined. All sites, except site 13, were surveyed by scuba diving. Each site was examined by starting at depths of 20–40 m and working up the reef slope. Most of the time was spent in shallow (< 6 m) water, as the greatest diversity of molluscs occurs in this region, and the shallow depth maximizes diving time. To obtain as many species as possible, all habitats encountered at each site were examined for molluscs: living coral, the upper and lower surfaces of dead coral, shallow and deep sandy habitats, and intertidal habitats. For the same reason, no differentiation was made between species collected alive 40 Rapid Assessment Program Table 3.1. Number of families, genera, and species of molluscs collected during the survey. Class Families Genera Species Gastropoda 74 200 482 Bivalvia 30 92 155 Scaphopoda 2 2 2 Cephalopoda 2 2 2 Acanthopleura Total 2 2 2 110 298 643 Molluscs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea The survey compares favourably with the previous Marine RAP Surveys, where a range of 541 to 651 species was collected (Table 3.2). In particular, the present Milne Bay survey recorded 636 species, approximately 100 more than the survey of the Togean and Banggai Islands in Indonesia; both surveys were for 11 collecting days. The second Milne Bay survey collected approximately the same number of species as the 1997 RAP survey of Milne Bay and the survey of the Calamianes Islands, Philippines, both of which were for significantly longer periods of time. The present Milne Bay survey also compares favourably with similar collections that have been made in Western Australia and nearby areas by the WAM. Diversity recorded during the second Milne Bay survey was higher than all except one of the WAM surveys, the 655 species collected in the Muiron Islands and eastern Exmouth Gulf. The Muiron Islands expedition (12 days) was for a similar length of time as the 2000 Milne Bay survey, but had two mollusc collectors. In addition, the Muiron Island survey examined not only molluscs in the coral reefs of the Muiron Islands, but also the extensive shallow mudflats and mangrove communities of the eastern portion of Exmouth Gulf. The second Milne Bay survey confirmed the high diversity of molluscs recorded on the previous 1997 CI survey. Combined, the two expeditions recorded a total of 945 species of marine molluscs. It should be emphasized that further collecting would undoubtedly reveal additional coral reef species. Additionally, habitats such as mangroves and mudflats have not yet been surveyed in Milne Bay Province. Table 3.3 shows the total number of molluscs collected at each site varied from 34 to 119, with a mean of 74.0 ± 4.4 (S.E.). The fewest species were collected on vertical coral faces on isolated patch reefs (sites 2 and 9, with 48 and 55 species respectively) or on undersea cliffs (sites 14, 16, 24, and 25 with 58, 34, 41, and 53 species respectively). These sites lacked habitat diversity, and had few areas of high mollusc diversity. In particular, there was no sand available and few dead coral slabs to turn over and examine for molluscs. Site 23, at Mosquito Island, had the requisite habitat diversity. Unfortunately, due to the time of year that the survey was conducted, the sea was rough and the boat was unable to anchor. For this reason, the dive was restricted to one hour, and only 58 species were collected. Site 28 was visited late on the final collecting day of the expedition. Only an hour of Table 3.2. Numbers of mollusc species collected during previous Marine RAP surveys undertaken by Conservation International and similar surveys by the Western Australian Museum. Location Collecting days Mollusc species Reference Milne Bay, PNG 11 643 Present survey Togian-Banggai Islands, Indonesia 11 541 Wells, in press a Calamian Group, Philippines 16 651 Wells, 2001 Milne Bay, PNG 19 638 Wells, 1998 20 380 on survey; total known fauna of 610 species Abbott, 1950; Maes, 1967; Wells, 1994 12 plus accumulated data 313 on survey; approx. 520 total Iredale, 1917; Wells and Slack-Smith, 1988; Wells et al., 1990 Ashmore Reef 12 433 Wells, 1993; Willan, 1993 Cartier Island 7 381 Wells, 1993 Hibernia Reef 6 294 Willan, 1993 8 279 Wilson, 1985; Wells and Slack-Smith, 1986 Rowley Shoals 7 260 Wells and Slack-Smith, 1986 Montebello Islands 19 633 Preston, 1914; Wells et al., 2000 Muiron Islands and Exmouth Gulf 12 655 Slack-Smith and Bryce, 1995 Bernier and Dorre Islands, Shark Bay 12 425 Slack-Smith and Bryce, 1996 Accumulated data 492 Wells and Bryce, 1997 Accumulated data 384 Shepherd, 1984 Marine RAP Surveys Western Australian Museum Surveys Cocos (Keeling) Islands Christmas Island (Indian Ocean) Scott/Seringapatam Reef Abrolhos Islands Other surveys Chagos Islands Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 41 Chapter 3 collecting could be done before darkness prevented further activity. Shallow and intertidal habitats, which were available at the site, could not be examined at all. The sites with the greatest diversity of molluscs (Table 3.4) were those with the greatest habitat diversity. In particular these sites had shallow sand in addition to subtidal corals and intertidal rocks. Shallow sand is important both because of the species which live within it and because dead shells accumulate there from adjacent coral habitats. Table 3.3. Total number of mollusc species collected at each site. No. species Site No. species Site No. species 1 90 11 99 21 84 2 48 12 94 22 74 3 100 13 71 23 58 4 113 14 58 24 41 5 71 15 64 25 53 6 70 16 34 26 59 7 112 17 50 27 119 8 67 18 81 28 58 9 55 19 69 Mean 74.0 ± 4.4 10 114 20 65 Site As indicated above, a total of 28 sites were examined during the survey. Most species (494 or 78%) were collected at five sites or less; very few species were widespread. In fact, only 14 of the 523 species were collected at 15 or more sites (Table 3.5). These species can be used to characterize the dominant species on the reef. Several species (Coralliophila neritoidea, Drupella cornus, D. ochrostoma, Pyrene turturina, Tridacna squamosa, Turbo petholatus, and Tectus pyramis) live on or in close association with the coral, and others (Pedum spondyloidaeum, Lithophaga sp., Arca avellana, and Tridacna crocea) actually burrow into the coral. Rhinoclavis asper lives in sandy areas between the corals. The fact that these species were each found at 15 or more sites does not mean that they were all abundant, as many of the records are based on one or a few dead shells found at the site. The most abundant species at each site were generally burrowing arcid bivalves, Pedum spondyloidaeum, Lithophaga sp., and Coralliophila neritoidea. Tridacna crocea was abundant at several of the sites. The sites were divided into three geographical areas (Table 3.6). Most sites (16) were along the mainland coastline of Papua New Guinea. These sites had a mean of 66.0 ± 5.1 species per site. Diversity was higher (83.0 ± 14.6) at the four sites in the D’Entrecasteaux Islands. The highest diversity was 85.3 ± 7.9 in the Amphlett Islands. With the considerable range in number of species collected at each site, none of the three areas differed significantly from the mean of 74.0 ± 4.4 for all sites examined during the survey. The molluscs collected on the survey were separated into groups based on their biogeographic distributions (Table 3.7). As the ranges of many species are poorly known, only those groups that have been examined by recent revisions Table 3.4. Ten richest sites for mollusc diversity. 42 Site Location No. species 27 Scrub Islet, off Sanaroa Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands 119 10 Rock Islet near Noapoi Island, Amphlett Group 114 4 Kuvira Bay, South Goodenough Bay 113 7 Toiyana Island, Amphlett Group 112 3 Sebulgomwa Point, Fergusson Island, D’Entrecasteaux Islands 100 11 East side of Kwatota Island, Amphlett Group 99 12 Northwest corner of Kwatota Island, Amphlett Group 94 1 Cobb’s Cliff, Jackdaw Channel 90 18 Ipoteto Island, Kibirisi Point, Cape Vogel 81 21 South of Ragrave Point, Cape Vogel 84 Rapid Assessment Program Table 3.5. Most widespread species of molluscs. Species Class No. sites Coralliophila neritoidea Gastropoda 25 Pyrene turturina Gastropoda 24 Bivalvia 23 Drupella cornus Gastropoda 21 Rhinoclavis asper Gastropoda 20 Bivalvia 19 Turbo petholatus Gastropoda 18 Tectus pyramis Gastropoda 18 Cypraea lynx Bivalvia 18 Lithophaga sp. Bivalvia 18 Arca avellana Bivalvia 18 Tridacna crocea Bivalvia 17 Drupella ochrostoma Gastropoda 15 Conus miles Gastropoda 15 Pedum spondyloidaeum Tridacna squamosa Molluscs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Table 3.6. Geographical distribution of molluscs in the three regions covered by the survey of Milne Bay Province. Geographic area Sites No. of species Min. Max. Mean ± 1 S.E. 1, 14–28 33 119 66.0 ± 5.1 D’Entrecasteuax Islands 2–5 48 113 83.0 ± 14.6 Amphlett Islands 6–13 48 101 85.3 ± 7.9 Overall 1–28 34 119 74.0 ± 4.4 Mainland Table 3.7. Geographical distribution of selected species of molluscs collected during Milne Bay Province survey. Geographic area No. species Percentage Indo-West Pacific 207 80 Western Pacific 51 20 Endemic to Papua New Guinea and the Coral Sea 0 0 258 100 Total were included. The great majority of species studied (207 of 258) are widespread throughout the Indo-West Pacific. Fiftyone species are widespread in the Western Pacific Ocean. None of the species studied is endemic to the Papua New Guinea. A number of commercially important mollusc species occurred widely at the sites surveyed. Five species of the spider shell genus Lambis were recorded, with L. millepeda occurring at 11 sites. Six species of giant clams (Tridacna) were recorded. The most widespread were T. squamosa (19 sites) and T. crocea (17 sites). However, most of these species were recorded on the basis of one or a few individuals per site, and in some cases the records were based on dead shells. There was a pile of approximately 12 T. squamosa and Hippopus hippopus in the shallows that had been obviously eaten by people. There were also isolated individuals of both species around the island. Giant clams are a major fishery group in the Pacific Ocean. The large size of individual animals, their shallow water habitat, and their longevity means the species can be rapidly fished out in local areas. This has happened in many parts of the Pacific Ocean. Commercial fisheries for giant clams developed in Milne Bay Province in the wake of the reduction of illegal fishing by Taiwanese vessels and in response to sustained demand. Poaching reached a prolonged peak from 1967 to 1981 (Kinch, 1999). It declined after 1981 because of depleted stocks, strong international pressure, and increased surveillance. The Milne Bay Fisheries Authority (MBFA), established in 1979 (Munro, 1989), began export of giant clams from the province in 1983 (Lokani and Ada, 1998). A ban on the purchase and export of wild-caught giant clam meat was later placed in May 1988 but lifted in May 1995. During the ban, some regeneration of giant clam stocks occurred, which provided an incentive for a local fishing company to commence harvesting and exports. This ban was put back in place in 2000 when it was found that a local fishing company was infringing on its licensing arrangements (Kinch, 2001 and in press). Chesher carried out the first stock abundances estimated for tridacnid species in 1980 in the southeast of Milne Bay Province. He stated that prior to commercial harvesting, this area contained an estimated overall density of 39/ha for all species of giant clams (Chesher, 1980). In 1996, a stock assessment by the South Pacific Commission (SPC) and the PNG National Fisheries Authority (NFA) was carried out in the Engineer and Conflict Groups of islands, an area further northeast than that surveyed by Chesher. Sixty-three sites were surveyed in this area. From extrapolation of these data it was suggested by Ledua et al. (1996) that approximately 98 percent of the stock of Tridacna gigas throughout Milne Bay Province had been wiped out since the opening of the Milne Bay Fishing Authority in the early 1980s, with overall stock density of all species estimated to be down by 82.35 percent of the original population. The overall density of all species was estimated to be only 0.5/ha (Ledua et al., 1996). Given the importance of giant clams to the people of Milne Bay Province, and following the results of the 2000 RAP and previous stock assessment attempts, a more thorough and comprehensive assessment of Tridacnid stocks was required. The Australian-based Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organization (CSIRO), the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), and CI conducted a sedentary resources stock assessment, which included giant clams, during the months of October and November 2001, with 1126 sites surveyed throughout Milne Bay Province. Tridacna gigas abundances ranged from 0 to 1.32/ha across the Province with a mean density of 0.82/ha. Throughout the Province, mean densities for the other species were Tridacna maxima at 1.79/ha, T. derasa at 0.34/ha, T. squamosa at 1.37/ha, T. crocea at 14.85/ha, and Hippopus hippopus at 0.41/ha. The species harvested for commercial use had a mean density of 4.32/ha (Kinch, 2002). The results from the CSIRO/ NFA/CI stock assessment indicated clearly that stock levels are very low and have been heavily depleted across Milne Bay Province. From January to the end of September 1999, a local fishing company purchased 697 kg of giant clam muscles— mostly Tridacna gigas and T. derasa—from Brooker Islanders (Table 8). During this period, the local fishing company was purchasing two sizes of giant clam muscle based on weight. A kilogram of specimens, each weighing under 400 g, earned 6 kina (US$ 1.6), and a kilogram of specimens weighing Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 43 Chapter 3 more than 400 g fetched 10 kina (US$ 2.7). Total purchases from January to September were broken down into 551 kg (or 1970 clams) of specimens under 400 g earning 3306 kina (US$ 915), and 146 kg (or 170 clams) earning 1460 kina (US$ 404) (Kinch, 1999). Of this volume, almost a third of the T. gigas were not full-grown adults. In order to ensure the sustainability of all marine resources including giant clams in Milne Bay Province, effective management strategies must be implemented. Several approaches to assist the recovery of overfished tridacnid populations have been proposed. These include the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), concentrating the remaining adult clams so that their reproduction can be facilitated by their closer proximity, and seeding cultured giant clams of sufficient size or in sufficient numbers and releasing these into the field to produce adult populations (Kinch, 2001; in press). The imposition of a ban on further commercial fishing or strict harvesting quotas over a single short season, coupled with the size restrictions, could also offer prospects for management. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to warmly acknowledge the support of the other participants in the cruise for their help in collecting specimens, exchanging ideas, and providing an enjoyable time. In addition, we very much appreciate the assistance provided by Mrs. Glad Hansen and Mr. Hugh Morrison of the Western Australian Museum in identifying material brought back to the Museum. REFERENCES Abbott, R. T. 1950. Molluscan fauna of the Cocos-Keeling Islands. Bulletin of the Raffles Museum 22: 68–98. Allen, G. R. and S. A. McKenna (eds.). 2002. A RAP Biodiversity Assessment of the Coral Reefs of the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Brunckhorst, D. J. 1993. The Systematics and Phylogeny of Phyllidiid Nudibranchs (Doridoidea). Records of the Australian Museum, Supplement 16: 1–107. Cernohorsky, W. O. 1972. Marine Shells of the Pacific. Volume 2. Sydney, Australia: Pacific Publications. Chesher, R. 1980. Stock Assessment: Commercial Invertebrates of Milne Bay reefs. Unpublished report, Fisheries Division, Dept of Primary Industries (Papua New Guinea). Colin, P. L. and C. Arneson. 1995. Tropical Pacific Invertebrates. Beverley Hills, California: The Coral Reef Research Foundation and Coral Reef Press. 44 Rapid Assessment Program Gosliner, T. M., D. W. Behrens, and G. C. Williams. 1996. Coral Reef Animals of the Indo-Pacific. Monterey, California: Sea Challengers. Iredale, T. 1917. On some new species of marine molluscs from Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. Proceedings of the Malacological Society of London 12: 331–334. Kinch, J. P. 1999. Economics and Environment in Island Melanesia: A General Overview of Resource use and Livelihoods on Brooker Island in the Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Unpublished report for Conservation International-Papua New Guinea by the Department of Anthropology, University of Queensland, Australia. Kinch, J. 2001. Clam Harvesting, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Conservation in Milne Bay Province. SPC Fisheries Newsletter. 99: 24–36. Kinch, J. 2002. Giant Clams: Their Status and Trade in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Traffic Bulletin 19(2): 67–75. Lamprell, K. and J. M. Healy. 1998. Bivalves of Australia. Volume 2. Leiden, The Netherlands: Backhuys Publishers. Lamprell, K. and T. Whitehead. 1992. Bivalves of Australia. Volume 1. Bathurst, Australia: Crawford House Press. Ledua, E., S. Matoto, R. Lokani, and L. Pomat. 1996. Giant clam resource assessment in Milne Bay Province. Unpublished report prepared by the South Pacific Commission and the National Fisheries Authority (Papua New Guinea). Lucas, J. 1994. The biology, exploitation and mariculture of giant clams (Tridacnidae). Reviews in Fisheries Science 2(3): 181–223. Maes, V. O. 1967. The littoral marine molluscs of CocosKeeling Islands (Indian Ocean). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia 119: 93–217. Munro, J. 1989. Development of a giant clam management strategy for Milne Bay Province. Unpublished report, Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources (Papua New Guinea). Preston, H. B. 1914. Description of new species of land and marine shells from the Montebello Islands, Western Australia. Proceedings of the Malacological Society of London 11: 13–18. Sheppard, A. L. S. 1984. The molluscan fauna of Chagos (Indian Ocean) and an analysis of its broad distribution patterns. Coral Reefs 3: 43–50. Slack-Smith, S. M. and C. W. Bryce. 1995. Molluscs. In: Hutchins, J. B., S. M. Slack-Smith, L. M. Marsh, D. S. Jones, C. W. Bryce, M. A. Hewitt, and A. Hill (eds.) Marine biological survey of Bernier and Dorre Islands, Shark Bay. Unpublished report, Western Australian Museum and Department of Conservation and Land Management. Pp. 57–81. Slack-Smith, S. M. and C. W. Bryce. 1996. Molluscs. In: Hutchins, J.B., S. M. Slack-Smith, C. W. Bryce, S. M. Morrison, and M. A. Hewitt. 1996. Marine biological Molluscs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea survey of the Muiron Islands and the eastern shore of Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Unpublished report, Western Australian Museum and Department of Conservation and Land Management. Pp. 64–100. Springsteen, F. J. and F. M. 1986. Shells of the Philippines. Manila: Carfel Seashell Museum. Wells, F. E. 1993. Part IV. Molluscs. In: Berry, P.F. (ed.). Faunal Survey of Ashmore Reef, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 44: 25–44. Wells, F. E. 1994. Marine Molluscs of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Atoll Research Bulletin 410: 1–22. Wells, F. E. 1998. Marine Molluscs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. In: Werner, T. and G. R. Allen (eds.). A rapid biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. RAP Working Papers Number 11. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Pp. 35–38. Wells, F. E. 2000. Molluscs of the Calamianes Islands, Palawan Province, Philippines. In: Werner, T. B. and G. R. Allen (eds.). A Rapid Marine Biodiversity Assessment of the Calamianes Islands, Palawan Province, Philippines. Bulletin of the Rapid Assessment Program 17. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Wells, F. E. 2001. Molluscs of the Gulf of Tomini, Sulawesi, Indonesia. In: Allen G. R., and S. A. McKenna (eds.). A Rapid Biodiversity Assessment of the Coral Reefs of the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Wells, F. E. In press. Centres of biodiversity and endemism of shallow water marine molluscs in the tropical IndoWest Pacific. Proc. Ninth International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali. Wells, F. E. and C. W. Bryce. 1997. A preliminary checklist of the marine macromolluscs of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. In: Wells, F. E. (ed). Proceedings of the seventh international marine biological workshop: The marine flora and fauna of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. Perth: Western Australian Museum. Pp. 362–384. Wells, F. E. and C. W. Bryce. 2000. Seashells of Western Australia. Perth: Western Australian Museum. Wells, F. E., C. W. Bryce, J. E. Clarke, and G. M. Hansen. 1990. Christmas Shells: The Marine Molluscs of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). Christmas Island Natural History Association. Wells, F. E. and S. M. Slack-Smith. 1986. Part IV. Molluscs. In: Berry, P.F. (ed.). Faunal survey of the Rowley Shoals and Scott Reef, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 25: 41–58. Wells, F. E. and S. M. Slack-Smith. 1988. Part V. Molluscs. In: Berry, P.F. (ed). Faunal survey of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). Unpublished report, Australian National Parks and Wildlife Authority. Pp. 36–48. Wells, F. E., S. M. Slack-Smith, and C. W. Bryce. 2000. Molluscs of the Montebello Islands. In: Berry, P.F. and F. E. Wells (eds.). Survey of the marine fauna of the Montebello Islands, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 59. Pp. 29–46. Willan, R. C. 1993. Molluscs. In: Russell, B.C. and J. R. Hanley. The marine biological resources and heritage values of Cartier and Hibernia Reefs, Timor Sea. Unpublished report for Northern Territory Museum, Darwin. Wilson, B. R. 1985. Notes on a brief visit to Seringapatam Atoll, North West Shelf, Australia. Atoll Research Bulletin 292: 83–100. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 45 Chapter 4 Reef Fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Gerald R. Allen SUMMARY 46 Rapid Assessment Program • A list of fishes was compiled for 57 sites, mainly in the following sections of Milne Bay Province: Collingwood Bay, Goodenough Bay, Amphlett Islands, and Louisiade Archipelago. The survey involved 75 hours of scuba diving to a maximum depth of 51 m. • Milne Bay Province has one of the world’s richest reef and shore fish faunas, consisting of approximately 1,109 species of which 798 (72%) were observed or collected during the present survey. The total includes 67 species, not recorded during the previous (1997) Marine RAP. • A formula for predicting the total reef fish fauna based on the number of species in six key indicator families indicates that at least 1,300 species can be expected to occur in Milne Bay Province. • Gobies (Gobiidae), wrasses (Labridae), and damselfishes (Pomacentridae) are the dominant families in Milne Bay Province in terms of number of species (124, 108, and 100 respectively) and number of individuals observed. • Species numbers at visually sampled sites ranged from 140 to 260, with an average of 195. The average for 110 sites surveyed during 1997 and 2000 is 192. • Fish diversity of Milne Bay Province greatly surpasses that of other areas in the Coral Triangle previously surveyed as of June 2000 by CI. It dominates (19 of 21 sites) the list of top fish sites for combined RAP surveys in Indonesia (Togean-Banggai), Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. • Two hundred or more species per site is considered the benchmark for an excellent fish count. This figure was achieved at 42% of Milne Bay sites compared to 19% of sites in the Togean-Banggai Islands, Indonesia, and 10.5% at the Calamianes Islands, Philippines. • The Nuakata region and Conflict Group were the richest areas for reef fishes. Their dominance reflects a high percentage of outer-reef dropoffs, which consistently harbor a high number of fishes. • Outer reefs and passages contain the highest fish diversity, with an average of 213 species per site. Other major habitats include fringing reefs (192 per site), isolated platform reefs (191 per site), and lagoon reefs (178 per site). • The following species are known thus far only from reefs of Milne Bay Province: Chrysiptera cymatilis (Pomacentridae), Cirrhilabrus pylei (Labridae), Novaculichthys n. sp. (Labri- Reef Fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea dae), Ecsenius taeniatus (Blenniidae), and Trichonotus halstead (Tichonotidae). However, future collecting in adjacent provinces will probably expand their ranges. • Areas with the highest concentration of fish diversity and consequent high conservation and management potential include: the Nuakata area (1997 survey), Conflict Group, Cape Vogel area, and Bramble Haven. INTRODUCTION The principal aim of the fish survey was to provide a comprehensive inventory of the reef species inhabiting Milne Bay Province and their associated habitats. This segment of the fauna includes fishes living on or near coral reefs down to the limit of safe sport diving or approximately 50 m depth. It therefore excludes deepwater fishes, offshore pelagic species such as flyingfishes, tunas, and billfishes, and purely estuarine species. The results of this survey facilitate a comparison of the faunal richness of Milne Bay Province with other parts of Papua New Guinea and adjoining regions. However, the list of fishes presented below is still incomplete, due to the rapid nature of the survey and the cryptic nature of many small reef species. Nevertheless, a basic knowledge of the cryptic component of the fauna in other areas and an extrapolation method that utilizes key “index” families can be used to predict Milne Bay’s overall species total. The visual survey was supplemented with eight small collections procured with the use of the ichthyocide rotenone and several specimens selectively collected with a rubber-sling propelled multi-prong spear. The purpose of the rotenone collections was to flush out small crevice and subsand-dwelling fishes (for example eels and tiny gobies) that are rarely recorded with visual techniques. The present report also includes a comprehensive list of reef fishes of Milne Bay Province based on the 1997 and 2000 CI surveys. It was supplemented by records received from Bob Halstead, former owner and operator of the divecharter boat Telita, and Dr. John Randall, former curator of the Bishop Museum, Honolulu. Additionally, Rudie Kuiter, a highly competent Australian colleague who has authored several major fish books dealing with the Australasian region, contributed a number of records. RESULTS The total reef fish fauna of Milne Bay Province reported herein consists of 1,109 species. A total of 798 species belonging to 262 genera and 69 families were recorded during the present survey. In combination with the species reported by Allen (1998), the Milne Bay totals are now boosted to 1,109 species, 357 genera, and 93 families (Appendix 4). Most of the species were illustrated by Allen (1991 and 1993), Myers (1989), Kuiter (1992), and Randall et al. (1990). General faunal composition METHODS The fish portion of this survey involved 75 hours of scuba diving by G. Allen to a maximum depth of 51 m. A list of fishes was compiled for 57 sites. The basic method consisted of underwater observations made, in most cases, during a single, 60–90 minute dive at each site. The name of each species seen was written on a plastic sheet attached to a clipboard. The technique usually involved a rapid descent to 10–51 m, then a slow, meandering path was traversed on the ascent back to the shallows. The majority of time was spent in the 2–12 m depth zone, which consistently harbors the largest number of species. Each visual transect included a representative sample of all available bottom types and habitat situations, for example rocky intertidal, reef flat, steep drop-offs, caves (utilizing a flashlight if necessary), rubble, and sand patches. Only the names of fishes for which identification was absolutely certain were recorded. However, very few (less than about two percent) could not be identified to species. This high level of recognition is based on more than 25 years of underwater fish observation experience in the Indo-Pacific and an intimate knowledge of the reef fishes of this vast region as a result of laboratory and field studies. The fish fauna of Milne Bay Province consists mainly of species associated with coral reefs. The most abundant families in terms of number of species are gobies (Gobiidae), wrasses (Labridae), damselfishes (Pomacentridae), cardinalfishes (Apogonidae), groupers (Serranidae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), blennies (Blenniidae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), snappers (Lutjanidae), and parrotfishes (Scaridae). These 10 families collectively account for 58.7 percent of the total reef fauna (Fig. 4.1). Figure 4.1. Ten largest families of Milne Bay. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 47 Chapter 4 The relative abundance of Milne Bay Province fish families is similar to other reef areas in the Indo-Pacific, although the ranking of individual families is variable as shown in Table 4.1. Even though the Gobiidae was the leading family, it was not adequately collected, due to the small size and cryptic habits of many species. Similarly, the moray eel family Muraenidae is consistently among the most speciose groups at other localities, and is no doubt abundant in Milne Bay Province. However, they are best sampled with rotenone due to their cryptic habits. indicated in Table 4.2. Totals ranged from 140 to 260, with an average of 195 species per site. Table 4.2. Number of species observed at each site. Site Habitats and fish diversity Milne Bay Province has a rich marine ichthyofauna in comparison with other coral reef areas in the Indo-Pacific region. It is mainly composed of widely distributed elements that are recruited as postlarvae, after a variable pelagic stage. The total species present at a particular locality is ultimately dependent on the availability of food and shelter and the diversity of substrata. Coral and rocky reefs exposed to periodic strong currents are by far the richest habitat in terms of fish diversity. These areas provide an abundance of shelter for fishes of all sizes, and the currents are vital for supporting numerous planktivores, the smallest of which provide food for larger predators. Silty bays (often relatively rich for corals), mangroves, seagrass beds, and pure sand-rubble areas are consistently the poorest areas for fish diversity. The highest number of fish species were usually recorded at sites incorporating the following features: (1) predominantly coral or rock reef substratum, (2) relatively clear water, (3) periodic strong currents, and (4) presence of additional habitats (sand-rubble, seagrass, mangroves, etc.) in close proximity (i.e., within easy swimming distance of the primary coral reef habitat). The number of species found at each site is Species Site Species Site Species 1 160 20 197 39 224 2 171 21 185 40 162 3 179 22 218 41 141 4 260 23 140 42 198 5 194 24 168 43 225 6 224 25 162 44 230 7 195 26 216 45 238 8 189 27 177 46 172 9 194 28 170 47 167 10 211 29 235 48 210 11 188 30 232 49 211 12 216 31 201 50 206 13 182 32 190 51 192 14 245 33 169 52 187 15 194 34 154 53 198 16 153 35 224 54 225 17 177 36 173 55 165 18 186 37 205 56 203 19 208 38 191 57 209 Table 4.1. Family ranking in terms of number of species for various localities in the Indo-Pacific region. Data for Kimbe Bay, New Britain, is from Allen and Munday (1994, unpublished), for Flores from Allen and Kuiter (1994, unpublished), for Komodo from Allen (1995, unpublished), for the Chagos Archipelago from Winterbottom et al. (1989), and for the Marshall Islands from Randall and Randall (1987). Milne Bay Province Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea Flores, Indonesia Komodo, Indonesia Chagos Archipelago Marshall Islands Gobiidae 1st 2nd 1st 3rd 1st 1st Labridae 2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd Pomacentridae 3rd 1st 3rd 1st 3rd 4th Apogonidae 4th 5th 4th 4th 6th 8th Serranidae 5th 4th 5th 5th 4th 3rd Chaetodontidae 6th 6th 7th 6th 11th 8th Blenniidae 6th 8th 6th 8th 9th 6th Acanthuridae 8th 7th 8th 7th 8th 7th Lutjanidae 9th 9th 9th 9th 7th 18th Scaridae 10th 10th 10th 10th 12th 10th Family 48 Rapid Assessment Program Reef Fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Richest sites for fishes The 11 most speciose sites for fishes are indicated in Table 4.3. The average total for all sites (195) was remarkably high compared to other previously surveyed areas in the Coral Triangle (see discussion), lending support to the claim that Milne Bay Province is among the best areas for reef fishes in the entire Indo-Pacific region. The statistics are even more impressive if the results of the 1997 and 2000 surveys are combined (Table 4.4). Table 4.5 presents a reef fish fauna comparison of major geographical areas surveyed within Milne Bay Province during both the 1997 and 2000 surveys. The highest average number of species (220) was recorded for the Conflict Group and the area centered on Nuakata Island (including Hardman Island). The lowest value was recorded for the D’Entrecasteaux Islands. Table 4.4. Richest sites based on 1997 and 2000 surveys. Asterisk (*) indicates 1997 survey. Site Location Total fish spp. 20* Boirama Island 270 12* East Irai Island 268 48* Wahoo Reef 245 4 Scub Islet, Sanaroa Island 260 14 Mukawa, Cape Vogel 245 50* Boia-boia Waga Island 243 13* West Irai Island 241 45 West Barrier Reef, Rossel Island 238 Coral Fish Diversity Index (CFDI) 21* Nuakata Island 237 Allen (1998) devised a convenient method for assessing and comparing overall reef fish diversity. The technique essentially involves an inventory of six key families: Chaetodontidae, Pomacanthidae, Pomacentridae, Labridae, Scaridae, and Acanthuridae. The number of species in these families is totalled to obtain the Coral Fish Diversity Index (CFDI) for a single dive site, relatively restricted geographic areas (e.g., Milne Bay Province) or countries and large regions (e.g., Papua New Guinea or Great Barrier Reef ). CFDI values can be used to make a reasonably accurate estimate of the total coral reef fish fauna of a particular locality by means of regression formulas. The latter were obtained after analysis of 35 Indo-Pacific locations for which reliable, comprehensive species lists exist. The data were first divided into two groups: those from relatively restricted localities (surrounding seas encompassing less than 2,000 km2) and those from much larger areas (surrounding seas encompass- 46* Kathy’s Corner, East Cape 236 29 Gabugabutau Island, Conflict Group 235 19* Hardman Island 234 30 Tawal Reef, Louisiade Archipelago 232 44 Northwest Barrier Reef, Rossel Island 230 43 Swinger Opening, Rossel Island 225 54 Punawan Island, Bramble Haven 225 6 Catsarse Reef, Amphlett Islands 224 35 Sabari Island, Louisiade Archipelago 224 39 Rossel Passage 224 Table 4.5. Average number of fish species per site recorded for major areas within Milne Bay Province during the 1997 and 2000 surveys. Table 4.3. Ten richest fish sites during the 2000 survey. Site 4 Area Year No. sites Average no. species Location Total fish spp. Conflict Group 1997/2000 8 222 Scub Islet, Sanaroa Island 260 Nuakata Region 1997 8 220 2000 6 207 14 Mukawa, Cape Vogel 245 Cape Vogel area 45 West Barrier Reef, Rossel 238 Amphlett Islands 2000 7 202 29 Gabugabutau Island, Conflict Group 235 1997/2000 6 198 30 Tawal Reef, Louisiade Archipelago 232 Laseinie-Engineer Group 44 Northwest Barrier Reef, Rossel Island 230 Louisiade Archipelago 2000 25 197 43 Swinger Opening, Rossel Island 225 1997/2000 14 193 54 Punawan Island, Bramble Haven 225 Goodenough Bay and East Cape region 6 Catsarse Reef, Amphlett Islands. 224 China Strait to Basilaki Island 1997/2000 9 175 35 Sabari Island, Louisiade Archipelago 224 South Collingwood Bay 2000 3 175 39 Rossel Passage 224 D’Entrecasteaux Islands 1997/2000 22 173 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 49 Chapter 4 ing more than 50,000 km2). Simple regression analysis revealed a highly significant difference (P = 0.0001) between these two groups. Therefore, the data were separated and subjected to additional analysis. The Macintosh program Statview was used to perform simple linear regression analyses on each data set in order to determine a predictor formula, using CFDI as the predictor variable (x) for estimating the independent variable (y) or total coral reef fish fauna. The resultant formulae were obtained: (1). total fauna of areas with surrounding seas encompassing more than 50,000 km2 = 4.234(CFDI) - 114.446 (d.f = 15; R2 = 0.964; P = 0.0001); (2). total fauna of areas with surrounding seas encompassing less than 2,000 km2 = 3.39 (CFDI) - 20.595 (d.f = 18; R2 = 0.96; P = 0.0001). The CFDI regression formula is particularly useful for large regions, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, where reliable totals are lacking. Moreover, the CFDI predictor value can be used to gauge the thoroughness of a particu- Table 4.6. Coral fish diversity index (CFDI) values for restricted localities, number of coral reef fish species as determined by surveys to date, and estimated numbers using the CFDI regression formula (refer to text for details). 50 Locality CFDI No. reef fishes Estimated reef fishes Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea 337 1109 1313 Maumere Bay, Flores, Indonesia 333 1111 1107 Togean and Banggai Islands, Indonesia 308 819 1023 Komodo Islands, Indonesia 280 722 928 Madang, Papua New Guinea 257 787 850 Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea 254 687 840 Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia 249 624 823 Capricorn Group, Great Barrier Reef 232 803 765 Ashmore/Cartier Reefs, Timor Sea 225 669 742 Kashiwa-Jima Island, Japan 224 768 738 Scott/Seringapatam Reefs, Western Australia 220 593 725 Samoa Islands, Polynesia 211 852 694 Chesterfield Islands, Coral Sea 210 699 691 Sangalakki Island, Kalimantan, Indonesia 201 461 660 Bodgaya Islands, Sabah, Malaysia 197 516 647 Pulau Weh, Sumatra, Indonesia 196 533 644 Izu Islands, Japan 190 464 623 Christmas Island, Indian Ocean 185 560 606 Sipadan Island, Sabah, Malaysia 184 492 603 Rowley Shoals, Western Australia 176 505 576 Cocos-Keeling Atoll, Indian Ocean 167 528 545 North-West Cape, Western Australia 164 527 535 Tunku Abdul Rahman Is., Sabah, Malaysia 139 357 450 Lord Howe Island, Australia 139 395 450 Monte Bello Islands, W. Australia 119 447 382 Bintan Island, Indonesia 97 304 308 Kimberley Coast, Western Australia 89 367 281 Cassini Island, Western Australia 78 249 243 Johnston Island, Central Pacific 78 227 243 Midway Atoll 77 250 240 Rapa, Polynesia 77 209 240 Norfolk Island, Australia 72 220 223 Rapid Assessment Program Reef Fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea lar short-term survey that is either currently in progress or already completed. For example, the CFDI for Milne Bay Province now stands at 337, and the appropriate regression formula (4.234 x 337 – 114.446) predicts an approximate total of 1,312 species, indicating that approximately 200 more species can be expected to occur in the province. On a much larger scale the CFDI can be used to estimate the reef fish fauna of the entire Indo-West Pacific region, a frequent subject of conjecture. This method estimates a faunal total of 3,764 species, a figure that compares favorably with the approximately 3,950 total proposed by Springer (1982). Moreover, Springer’s figure covers shore fishes rather than reef fishes and thus include species not always associated with reefs (e.g., estuarine fishes). The total CFDI for Milne Bay Province is 337 with the following components: Labridae (108), Pomacentridae (100), Chaetodontidae (42), Acanthuridae (34), Scaridae (28), and Pomacanthidae (25). This is the highest total for a restricted location thus far recorded in the Indo-Pacific, surpassing the previous figure of 333 for the Maumere Bay region of Flores, Indonesia. Table 4.6 presents a ranking of Indo-Pacific areas that have been surveyed to date based on CFDI values. It also includes the number of reef fishes thus far recorded for each area, as well as the total fauna predicted by the CFDI regression formula. Using CFDI values to compare more extensive regions, it can be seen from Table 4.7 that Papua New Guinea possesses the world’s fourth richest reef fish fauna after Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. The number of actual species present in the Philippines remains problematical, but will no doubt exceed the total for Australia, which is the only country in the Coral Triangle region that has been adequately surveyed. Zoogeographic affinities of Milne Bay Province fish fauna Papua New Guinea belongs to the overall Indo-West Pacific faunal community. Its reef fishes are very similar to those inhabiting other areas within this vast region, stretching eastward from East Africa and the Red Sea to the islands of Micronesia and Polynesia. Although most families and many genera and species are consistently present across the region, the species composition varies greatly according to locality. Milne Bay Province is an integral part of the Indo-Australian region, the richest faunal province on the globe in terms Table 4.7. Coral fish diversity index (CFDI) for regions or countries with figures for total reef and shore fish fauna (if known), and estimated fauna from CFDI regression formula. Locality CFDI No. reef fishes Estimated Indonesia 507 2060 2032 Australia (tropical) 401 1714 1584 Philippines 387 ? 1525 Papua New Guinea 362 1494 1419 South Japanese Archipelago 348 1315 1359 Great Barrier Reef, Australia 343 1325 1338 Taiwan 319 1172 1237 Micronesia 315 1170 1220 New Caledonia 300 1097 1156 Sabah, Malaysia 274 840 1046 Northwest Shelf, Western Australia 273 932 1042 Mariana Islands 222 848 826 Marshall Islands 221 795 822 Ogasawara Islands, Japan 212 745 784 French Polynesia 205 730 754 Maldive Islands 219 894 813 Seychelles 188 765 682 Society Islands 160 560 563 Tuamotu Islands 144 389 496 Hawaiian Islands 121 435 398 Marquesas Islands 90 331 267 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 51 Chapter 4 of biodiversity. The nucleus of this region, or Coral Triangle, is composed of Indonesia, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Species richness generally declines with increased distance from the coral Triangle. The damselfish family Pomacentridae provides an excellent, typical, example of the attenuation phenomenon. Indonesia has the world’s highest total with 138 species, with the following totals recorded for other areas: Papua New Guinea/Papua Province (109), Northern Australia (95), Western Thailand (60), Fiji Islands (60), Maldives (43), Red Sea (34), Society Islands (30), and Hawaiian Islands (15). Most of the fishes occurring in Milne Bay Province have relatively widespread distributions within the Indo-Pacific region. Nearly all coral reef fishes have a pelagic larval stage of variable duration, depending on the species. Therefore, the dispersal capabilities and length of larval life of a given species are usually reflected in the geographic distribution. Allen (1998) indicated that the largest zoogeographic category of Milne Bay fishes, containing about 30 percent of all species, includes widespread Indo-west and central Pacific forms, typically ranging from East Africa to Fiji or Samoa. Approximately 24 percent of the fauna ranges widely in the Indo-far western Pacific, and 18 percent are mainly western Pacific forms. The remaining species have more restricted distributions within the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, five species have worldwide distributions, occurring in all tropical seas. Only five species are presently known only from Milne Bay Province: Chrysiptera cymatilis (Pomacentridae), Cirrhilabrus pylei (Labridae), Novaculichthys n. sp. (Labridae), Ecsenius taeniatus (Blenniidae), and Trichonotus halstead (Trichonotidae). However, future collecting will most likely expand their ranges to at least encompass neighboring provinces. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Although a few segments of the marine biota, such as holothurians and giant clams, show signs of exploitation, most of the ichtyofauna is in excellent shape. Many parts of this vast province appear to be in pristine or near-pristine condition. It is therefore worthwhile to make comparison with more heavily exploited areas to the west where CI has conducted marine RAP surveys, prior to this one. Table 4.8 presents the average number of species per site, the number of sites where more than 200 species were observed, and the greatest number seen at a single site for all Marine RAP surveys to date. The pristine nature of Milne Bay reef environments compared to other parts of the Coral Triangle is clearly evident from these statistics. A total of 200 or more species is generally considered the benchmark for an excellent fish count at a given site. This figure was obtained at 42 percent of Milne Bay sites, over twice as many times as its nearest rival, the Togean-Banggai Islands. Milne Bay’s dominance is further demonstrated in Tables 4.9 and 4.10. Table 4.9 ranks the top sites for fishes for the 52 Rapid Assessment Program Table 4.8. Comparison of site data for Marine RAP surveys 1997–2000. Location No. sites Average spp./site No. 200+ sites Most spp. one site Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea 110 192 46 (42%) 270 Togean/Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia 47 173 9 (19%) 266 Calamianes Islands, Philippines 21 158 4 (10.5%) 208 Weh Island, Sumatra, Indonesia 38 138 0 186 five Indo-Pacific Marine RAPs between 1997–2000. Of the top 21 sites, 19 were located in Milne Bay Province. Intra-provincial versus habitat variation It was shown in the results section (see Table 4.5) that the Conflict Group and Nuakata region were the richest areas for reef fishes. Their dominance probably reflects a high percentage of outer-reef dropoffs. Exposed outer slopes consistently harbor a high number of species, although fringing reefs, which also feature a seaward slope component, are also comparatively rich. Ironically, both the highest and lowest species totals for a single site during the 2000 survey were from fringing reefs. This discrepancy underlines the importance of relative exposure. Highly sheltered fringing reefs with poor circulation and consequent siltation generally harbour fewer fishes than reefs exposed to oceanic surf and periodic strong currents. Table 4.10 shows the correlation between species diversity and major habitats sampled during the 2000 survey. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, exposed outer reef slopes are the richest areas for fishes. This habitat was typical on the seaward edge of the Conflict Group and Louisiade Archipelago. Fringing reefs abound in Milne Bay Province, being the dominant reef type along the coastal mainland and around larger islands such as those found at the D’Entrecasteaux Group. Isolated platform reefs are also plentiful and typically rise steeply from deep water, either breaking the surface (at least at low tide) or form subtidal platforms. Keast Reef (site 19) was the best example of this type of structure encountered during the 2000 survey. Lagoon reefs supported the lowest fish diversity. This habitat was prevalent in the Louisiades Archipelago. It includes reefs surrounding individual islands of the Calvados Chain, which lie inside the huge lagoon formed by the outer barrier of the Louisiades. However, it could be argued they are actually fringing reefs. Reef Fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Table 4.9. The 21 most speciose sites for Marine RAP surveys 1997–2000. (Total of 216 sites). Rank Location 1 Boirama Island, Milne Bay Province Total fish spp. 270 2 East Irai Island, Milne Bay Province 268 3 Dondola Island, Togean Islands 266 4 Scub Islet, Sanaroa Island, Milne Bay Province. 260 5 Wahoo Reef, East Cape, Milne Bay Province 245 5 Mukawa, Cape Vogel, Milne Bay Province 245 7 Boia-boia Waga Island, East Cape, Milne Bay Province 243 8 West Irai Island, Conflict Group, Milne Bay Province 241 9 West barrier reef, Rossel Island, Milne Bay Province 238 10 Kathy’s Corner, East Cape, Milne Bay Province 236 11 Gabugabutau, Conflicts, Milne Bay Province 235 12 Hardman Island, Laseinie Islands, Milne Bay Province 234 13 Tawal Reef, Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province 232 14 North tip of Unauna Island, Togean Islands 230 15 Swinger Opening, Rossel Island, Milne Bay Province 225 15 Punawan Island, Bramble Haven, Milne Bay Province 225 17 Southeast Butchart Island, Engineer Islands, Milne Bay Province 227 18 Catsarse Reef, Amphlett Islands, Milne Bay Province 224 18 Sabari Island, Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province 224 18 Rossel Passage, Milne Bay Province 224 20 Muniara Island, Conflict Group, Milne Bay Province 222 Table 4.10. Correlation between habitat type and average number of species per site. Major habitat type No. sites Avg. no. spp./site Outer reefs and passages 16 213 Fringing reefs 24 192 Isolated platform reefs 6 191 Lagoon reefs and patches 10 178 Rare or unusual species Milne Bay Province is rapidly gaining the distinction of being the best-documented area of Papua New Guinea, and consequently it is extremely difficult to find new reef fishes. When I first dived in the Madang area in northern Papua New Guinea during 1972 there was a bonanza of undescribed taxa, even in relatively shallow depths. I have subsequently made numerous collecting trips to Papua New Guinea, invariably finding additional new species. Many of these were sent to specialist colleagues for further study, but approximately 50 species were described by either Dr. Jack Randall (formerly of the Bishop Museum, Hawaii) or myself. Only one new species was collected during the survey. It belongs to the damselfish (Pomacentridae), and was previously identified as Pomacentrus smithi, a species believed to be distributed in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines (Allen, 1991). However, striking color differences are apparent between the Papua New Guinea fish and those seen on recent RAP surveys at Sulawesi and the Philippines. Photographs and a series of specimens were obtained during the Milne Bay RAP. Preliminary investigations reveal that two morphologically distinct species are represented. Compared to the Indonesian fish, the Milne Bay fish is distinguished by a yellow nape region, which has a pale gray nape. In addition, the Milne Bay fish has longer dorsal-fin spines and a deeper caudal-fin base. Pomacentrus smithi was originally described from the Philippines; therefore this name is applicable to the Indonesian and Philippines populations. The Milne Bay fish represents a new species. Specimens collected on past expeditions reveal that it also occurs at Madang, Manus Island, New Britain, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 53 Chapter 4 An unusual color variant of the pygmy angelfish Centropyge bispinosa was collected on outer reefs at the northwestern corner of the West Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago. Unlike the normal C. bispinosa, which have numerous, narrow blue bars on a reddish orange background, the Louisiade variants are characterized by a uniform whitish body or have faint brown spotting. This variation appears to be correlated with deeper water and was mainly confined to depths below about 15 m, down to at least 45 m. Normal C. bispinosa were found in less than 15 m, and a few “hybrid” specimens with an intermediate pattern were seen in the transition zone. Both normal fish and variants were very common, with hundreds of the deep-water fish being observed over mainly rubble bottoms. Normal-colored fish were observed in deep water at other outer reef sites in the Louisiade Archipelago, as well as other parts of Milne Bay Province. Remarkable color variation was also noted in the damselfish Acanthochromis polyacantha, which until recently was believed to be the only member of this large (about 345 species) family to have non-pelagic larvae. Like most damselfishes, the parents guard the eggs, but instead of undergoing a pelagic stage at hatching, the young remain under their protection. Allen (1999) described two additional species in a new genus Altrichthys, which exhibits an identical life cycle. Acanthochromis polyacantha is monotypic, and over much of its range (especially the Philippines-Indonesian portion) exhibits a basic dark-brown color pattern. However, in the Australia-New Guinea region it shows a wide range of variation from almost entirely white to uniform dark brown, with other populations exhibiting variable amounts of these colors. Although many subtle variations occur in Acanthochromis of Milne Bay Province, the two basic patterns are uniform dark brown and dark brown except for a white tail. A basic dark-brown pattern (often with narrow pale margins on the rear dorsal, anal, and caudal fins) is characteristic over the remainder of its range, which encompasses much of Indonesia and the Philippines. The dark fish was most common in Milne Bay Province, appearing at 43 sites, whereas the white-tailed variety was seen at only nine sites. In addition a uniform light gray variety was seen at sites 56 and 57. The detailed distribution of the two main types (dark tails and white tails) was fascinating. In some cases, for example between the Amphlett Islands (dark tail) and Sunday Island (white tail), the two varieties are separated by only 20 km. The white tails of Marx Reef (site 37) were separated from the dark tails of Rossel Passage (site 39) by a similar distance. Fish at the eastern end of Rossel lagoon had white tails, whereas those at the western end possessed dark tails. Detailed genetic studies of the New Guinean and Australian populations will probably reveal that numerous species are involved because the lack of a pelagic dispersal stage precludes the possibility of cross breeding between adjacent populations separated by deep oceanic water. 54 Rapid Assessment Program Conservation recommendations based on fish diversity If reef fish diversity were the sole criteria for selecting priority areas for conservation purposes the areas listed below would certainly qualify. These recommendations are based on both the 1997 and 2000 surveys. Nuakata area—This area centered on Nuakata Island contains numerous shoals or platform reefs. Most of these rise from deep water and come to within a few meters of the surface. They have exposed, steep seaward slopes and support a rich diversity of corals and fishes. The main island of Nuakata also supports a diverse fish assemblage, reflecting its habitat diversity, which includes mangroves, sheltered bays with fringing reefs, and more exposed seaward slopes. The small adjacent island of Boirama was the site of the highest fish count for all Marine RAPs to date (Table 4.8) and the second highest for all sites recorded by G. Allen over the past 30 years. Conflict Group—This classic atoll is located midway between the Engineer Group and the Louisiade Archipelago. It supports the highest number of fishes per site of all areas surveyed to date in Milne Bay Province. The richest areas are on the outer, seaward slope of the small islets that encircle the central lagoon. The lagoon habitat, although not as diverse, contains an interesting fish community with a number of elements not seen on outer reefs. Cape Vogel area—This region, marking the boundary between Collingwood and Goodenough bays, contains remarkable fish diversity in spite of occupying a relatively small area (roughly 100 km2). There are rich fringing reefs, mangrove shores, an extensive deep-water lagoon (between Ragrave and Sibiribiri points), and a small but very rich platform reef (Keast Reef ). In addition, Kumbio Bay at the southern edge of Cape Vogel offers a highly sheltered fringing reef, which drops steeply from shore. West Calvados Chain and Bramble Haven—Although we did not adequately survey this area due to adverse weather conditions, it holds promise as a very diverse location for fishes due to a good mix of habitats. It features small barrier reef islands, superb outer reef dropoffs, and abundant lagoon patch reefs. The lagoon reefs around Panasia (site 51) were very good for fishes. The single site (54) at Bramble Haven was one of the best for corals and fishes. REFERENCES Allen, G. R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mentor, Ohio: Aquarium Systems. Allen, G. R. 1993. Reef Fishes of New Guinea. Madang, Papua New Guinea: Christensen Research Institute. Allen, G. R. 1998. Reef and shore fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. In: Werner, T. B. and G. R. Allen (eds.). A rapid biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. RAP Working Papers 11, Washington, DC: Conservation International. Pp. 39–49, 67–107. Reef Fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Eschmeyer, R. N. (ed.). 1998. Catalog of Fishes, Vol. I–III. San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences. Kuiter, R. H. 1992. Tropical Reef Fishes of the Western Pacific - Indonesia and Adjacent Waters. Jakarta: Percetakan PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama. Myers, R. F. 1989. Micronesian reef fishes. Guam: Coral Graphics. Randall, J. E., G. R. Allen, and R. C. Steene. 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Bathurst, Australia: Crawford House Press. Randall, J. E. and H. A. Randall. 1987. Annotated checklist of fishes of Enewetak Atoll and Other Marshall Islands. In: Devaney, D. M., E. S. Reese, B. L. Burch, and P. Helfrich (eds.). Vol 2. The natural history of Enewetak Atoll. Oak Ridge, Tennessee: Office of Scientific and Technological Information U.S. Dept. of Energy. Pp. 289–324. Springer, V. G. 1982. Pacific plate biogeography with special reference to shorefishes. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 367: 1–182. Winterbottom, R., A. R. Emery, and E. Holm. 1989. An annotated checklist of the fishes of the Chagos Archipelago, Central Indian Ocean. Royal Ontario Museum Life Sciences Contributions 145: 1–226. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 55 Chapter 5 Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Mark Allen, Jeff Kinch, and Tim Werner SUMMARY 56 Rapid Assessment Program • Preliminary stock abundance estimates for coral reef fishes, clams (Tridacnidae), and beche-de-mer (Holothuridae) were undertaken in Milne Bay Province, southeastern Papua New Guinea. • A total of 209 species of fish, representing 69 genera and 27 families, were classified as target edible fishes. Fusiliers of the family Caesionidae were particularly abundant. • Counts of target fish species for individual sites ranged between 27 and 56 (mean = 44.7 ± 1.21). Population counts of target fishes at each site ranged between 142 and 5,875 (mean = 801.4 ± 141.91). • The vast majority of target fishes had an average size of less than 30 cm, with progressively greater numbers observed in decreasing size classes. • The mean “site total” biomass estimate of target fishes is considerably higher in Milne Bay than at other surveyed areas within the “coral triangle,” such as the Togean and Banggai Islands (Indonesia) and the Calamianes Islands (Philippines). • The coral reefs of Milne Bay Province are fished relatively lightly by both commercial and artisanal sectors. Destructive fishing methods (e.g., dynamite and cyanide) have not been used in the area for 5 years, and reefs were in good to excellent condition at most sites. • A total of 15 species of Holothuridae (sea cucumbers), representing four genera, were recorded from 53 sites. The most commonly observed and most abundant species were Bohadschia argus, Pearsonothuria graeffei, and Thelenota anax. • The number of holothurian species recorded at each site ranged between 0 and 7 (mean = 2.6 ± 0.27). The number of individual holothurians recorded at each site ranged between 0 and 28 (mean = 6.0 ± 0.90). • A total of six species of Tridacnidae (giant clams), representing two genera, were recorded from 39 sites. The most commonly observed and most abundant species were Tridacna maxima, T. squamosa, and T. crocea. • The number of tridacnid species recorded at each site ranged between 0 and 4 (mean = 2.0 ± 0.16). The number of individual tridacnids recorded at each site ranged between 0 and 49 (mean = 9.4 ± 1.79). Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea • Stocks of Holothuridae and Tridacnidae seemed lower than might be expected, suggesting extensive harvesting. From these results a more thorough stock assessment involving CSIRO/NFA/CI was carried out. • A summary of the utilization of living marine resources on Brooker Island, a remote community in the West Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago, is presented. The most intensively utilized fishery resources are beche-de-mer (Holothuridae), trochus, crayfish, fishes, and clams (Tridacnidae). During the period of January-September 1999, a total of 56,649.81 kina was earned through the sale of marine resources. • Current and past exploitation of living marine resources in Milne Bay Province as shown particularly on Brooker Island, threaten the maintenance of commercially and biologically viable populations of target species. A more thorough stock assessment was carried out during October and November, 2001, as a collaborative effort between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), and Conservation International (CI). The results of this survey are discussed below for Holothuridae and Tridacnidae. A summary of the results of a socio-cultural study undertaken by J. Kinch (a former anthropology PhD student from the University of Queensland who is now employed by CI) of a community on Brooker Island in the Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago (Kinch, 1999) is also included and discussed below. The results of his research into marine resource utilization at the community level (gathered during 15 months in the field) represent an invaluable supplement to the RAP data and illustrate the kinds of human drivers of reef species exploitation in Milne Bay. METHODS INTRODUCTION Milne Bay Province is dominated geographically by its marine environment, encompassing an estimated maritime area of 110,000 km2 (Werner and Allen, 1998), a shoreline of 2,120 km, and over 600 islands, atolls, and offshore reefs (Omeri, 1991). Approximately 13,000 km2 of coral reefs or about 32 percent of Papua New Guinea’s total reef area (Munro, 1989) lies within the provincial boundary. The bulk of Milne Bay Province’s human inhabitants are situated near the seashore, both on the islands and the mainland. The sea and its resources play a vital role in the economy, livelihood, and customs of these people. Local communities are dependent on marine resources as a major source of nutrition and income. The impact exerted on the marine environment, through the harvesting of these resources, is likely to increase in the future given the burgeoning population of the province and the increasing need and desire for cash. To ensure the sustainability of marine resources in Milne Bay Province, effective management strategies must be implemented. However, scientific data assessing the stocks of animals that are currently being exploited must be collected first. Previous stock assessments are now dated and have been limited to specific reef systems (see Chesher, 1980; Lindholm, 1978; Ledua et al., 1996) and based on export figures (Lokani and Ada, 1998) or inadequate sample numbers. While these previous surveys provided some indicative abundance levels, species composition, and limited distribution data, they were not able to produce population parameter estimates useful for designing robust management strategies (see Kinch, 2002a; Skewes et al., 2002). Marine RAP surveys are aimed to provide a snapshot of fishing pressures in selected areas of the Province, which can suggest priorities for more detailed assessments. The RAP survey area was located off the extreme southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea in Milne Bay Province. Fifty-seven sites were surveyed including localities in the D’Entrecasteaux and Amphlett islands, coastal areas of Collingwood and Goodenough bays, and in the Louisiade Archipelago. Coral reef fishes Data were collected visually while scuba diving and recorded with pencil on waterproof plastic paper. The visual census methodology outlined by Dartnall and Jones (1986) was employed with some modifications. The method entailed the placement of a tape measure (100 m in length) along the reef substrate by an assistant to the diver recording the census data. The recorder then moved slowly along the transect making observations for a distance of 10 m on either side of the tape, forming a survey area of approximately 2,000 m2 per transect. The time spent on each transect ranged from 20 to 35 minutes. Data were collected for two transects at most sites: a deep one between 14 and 20 m and a shallow one at less than eight meters depth. Only one transect was completed for six of the sites due to either a lack of water depth, adverse local conditions, equipment malfunction, or medical problems with the divers. Numbers of individuals and average length were recorded for every target species (see definition below) observed. Data for numbers of individuals were obtained by actual count except when fish occurred in large schools, in which case rough estimates were made to the nearest 50–100 fish. Average lengths were estimated to the nearest five centimeters. These data were used to calculate fish biomass (expressed in ton/km2) following the methods of Sparre and Venema (1992). Average length was converted into weight using the cubic law: Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 57 Chapter 5 Weight = 0.05(Length)3 (weight in grams and length in centimeters) Target species Target species are defined as edible fishes that live on or near coral reefs (La Tanda, 1998). It should be noted that fishers in Milne Bay Province do not currently exploit some of the target species that were recorded during the RAP. Nonetheless, these species were included in order to facilitate a meaningful comparison between the results of the present study and those of previous RAP surveys in other areas. The use of various field guides including Allen (1997), Allen and Swainston (1992), Lieske and Myers (1994), and Randall, Allen, and Steene (1990) aided the identification of target species. Limitations of the study The RAP took place during the month of June, a time of year characterized by strong winds and rough seas in Papua New Guinea’s coastal zone, the severity of which usually forces local fishers to suspend fishing activities until conditions improve. In addition, the bad weather reduced the number of available survey sites, as intervening traveling times were much slower than anticipated. Underwater visibility was also affected by the poor weather. In many lagoon areas visibility was reduced to less than 10 m. This made the visual census difficult, and may have contributed to a reduction in the accuracy of the quantitative data gathered. The cryptic habits of some target species (e.g., holocentrids and some serranids) undoubtedly had the same effect. Some small initial-phase (ip) scarids (parrotfishes) could not be identified to species level with any certainty and were recorded simply as “ip scarid spp.” Also, it was difficult to distinguish between some of the species belonging to the genus Ctenochaetus (Acanthuridae), so they were recorded as “Ctenochaetus spp.” The species total recorded for each site could therefore be reduced by 1–3 species as identification was to only genus level. Also, note that data were recorded for only 50 (out of a possible 57) sites due to medical problems suffered by the fisheries consultant (MA), who could not dive for the last four days of the RAP. Identifications were made using a combination of Gosliner et al. (1996), Colin and Arneson (1995), Allen and Steene (1994), and Conand (1998). All entirely black holothurians other than Holothuria atra were not identified to species, due to the limitation of available references. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Coral reef fishes A total of 209 target species, representing 69 genera and 27 families, were recorded (Appendix 6). Just over half of this total belonged to the families Serranidae, Acanthuridae, Scaridae, Lutjanidae, and Holocentridae. The most commonly observed target species (percentage of occurrence in parentheses) were Ctenochaetus spp. (100%), Scarus niger (98%), Monotaxis grandoculus (96%), Chlorurus bleekeri (90%), Cheilinus fasciatus (88%), Scarus flavipectoralis (86%), Naso lituratus (80%), Acanthurus pyroferus (78%), and Parupeneus barberinus (78%). Appendix 6 lists the percentage of occurrences for all target species. Caesionids, or fusiliers, were the most abundant fishes at most sites. Indeed, they comprised nearly 65 percent of the total “target” fish count (Fig. 5.1). Other prominent families contributing to the total count were Acanthuridae, Scaridae, Lutjanidae, and Carangidae. The most abundant species included Pterocaesio pisang, Caesio cuning, and P. digramma (Table 5.1). Families that had less than five species observed over the course of the survey (i.e., those labeled as “others*” in Figs. 5.1 and 5.2) contributed the largest proportion of “target” fish biomass (Fig. 5.2), but only 1.8 percent of the total fish count (Fig. 5.1). This is simply a reflection of the larger average size (and thus biomass) of many species included in this group (e.g., sharks, rays, mackerels, barracudas). Holothurians and tridacnids Species diversity and abundance of commercial-sized holothurians (as defined for each species by The National Management Plan for Beche-de-mer Fisheries) and all tridacnids were recorded for each site. Size estimates of tridacnids were also recorded. Densities were reported when greater than 1 individual/m2. At each site, one or two divers descended to the base of the reef, usually in about 30 m or less, and then swam gradually up the reef slope to the surface, making observations mostly in the 0–15 meter depth range during an average dive time of 50 minutes. Most time was spent in shallower water as this is where these organisms are usually more abundant as well as being more accessible to local fishers. 58 Rapid Assessment Program Figure 5.1. Composition of total target fish count partitioned by family, Milne Bay RAP 2000. Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Table 5.1. Summary table of coral reef fish stock assessment. Transect 1 (14–20m) Site 1 Transect 2 (< 8m) Site total No. target species Approx. fish count No. target species Approx. fish count No. target species Approx. fish count 36 204 38 490 55 694 Pterocaesio pisang (28.82%) Most abundant species (% of total fish count) 2 40 807 ----- ----- 40 807 Caesio cuning (37.17%) 3 ----- ----- 30 208 30 208 Pterocaesio pisang (48.08%) 4 33 449 33 655 48 1,104 Pterocaesio pisang (54.35%) 5 33 1,392 ----- ----- 33 1,392 Pterocaesio pisang (43.10%) 6 42 1,733 32 1,714 55 3,447 Gymnocaesio gymnopterus (58.02%) 7 31 270 27 135 42 405 Caesio caerulaurea (22.22%) 8 26 162 36 116 48 278 Pterocaesio digramma (17.99%) 9 42 247 37 1,301 55 1,548 10 30 233 33 440 48 673 Pterocaesio pisang (52.01%) 11 20 171 35 267 40 438 Pterocaesio pisang (45.66%) 12 33 462 38 225 48 687 Pterocaesio pisang (46.58%) Gymnocaesio gymnopterus (25.84%) 13 32 184 34 283 46 467 Caesio cuning (51.39%) 14 ----- ----- 25 150 25 150 Ctenochaetus spp. (28.00%) 15 28 208 25 151 43 359 Caesio cuning (33.43%) 16 32 219 42 237 52 456 Caesio cuning (18.42%) 17 34 288 32 269 47 557 Caesio cuning (39.50%) 18 16 342 36 392 42 734 Pterocaesio pisang (40.87%) 19 13 253 26 214 32 467 Pterocaesio pisang (51.39%) 20 29 226 26 390 36 616 Pterocaesio pisang (55.19%) 21 ----- ----- 23 80 23 80 Ctenochaetus spp. (23.75%) 22 30 243 38 153 49 396 Caesio cuning (24.75%) 23 18 150 30 162 35 312 Pterocaesio pisang (35.26%) 24 21 145 17 181 29 326 Pterocaesio pisang (39.88%) 25 29 243 35 246 42 489 Caesio cuning (21.68%) 26 18 62 22 80 28 142 Ctenochaetus spp. (21.13%) 27 20 86 35 179 40 265 Caesio lunaris (22.64%) 28 37 605 35 510 50 1,115 Caesio cuning (31.39%) 29 31 486 37 131 49 617 Pterocaesio trilineata (40.52%) 30 28 263 40 328 48 591 Pterocaesio digramma (27.07%) 31 21 118 33 218 39 336 Ctenochaetus spp. (21.49%) 32 36 460 31 245 45 705 Pterocaesio digramma (26.24%) 33 39 512 32 193 50 705 Pterocaesio pisang (42.55%) 34 34 249 37 389 53 638 Pterocaesio digramma (18.81%) 35 33 175 30 133 48 308 Pterocaesio digramma (19.48%) 36 34 399 39 308 53 707 Caesio cuning (38.19%) 37 39 582 42 554 54 1,136 Pterocaesio pisang (33.45%) 38 21 186 32 160 39 346 Plotosus lineatus (23.12%) continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 59 Chapter 5 Table 5.1. Summary table of coral reef fish stock assessment (continued). Transect 1 (14–20m) Transect 2 (< 8m) Site total Site No. target species Approx. fish count No. target species Approx. fish count No. target species Approx. fish count 39 26 141 44 333 52 474 Pterocaesio pisang (25.32%) 40 ----- ----- 27 138 27 138 Plotosus lineatus (36.23%) 41 22 125 20 349 30 474 Amblygaster sirm (31.65%) 42 21 514 33 558 41 1,072 Pterocaesio pisang (46.64%) 43 32 280 38 198 46 478 44 35 3,136 43 2,739 53 5,875 45 40 174 43 214 56 388 Ctenochaetus spp. (15.21%) 46 30 721 32 613 47 1,334 Pterocaesio pisang (63.72%) 47 29 247 42 385 55 632 Unidentified IP Scarids (23.73%) 48 17 418 21 327 30 745 Pterocaesio tile (53.69%) 49 22 1,029 19 81 35 1,110 Pterocaesio pisang (45.05%) 50 25 424 14 190 33 614 Lutjanus kasmira (48.86%) n 46 46 48 48 44* 44* Minimum 13 62 14 80 27 142 Maximum 42 3,136 44 2,739 56 5,875 1. Pterocaesio pisang (19 sites) Average 29.09 435.28 32.27 375.25 44.68 801.36 2. Caesio cuning (9 sites) Stand. Err. 1.10 76.81 1.05 65.48 1.21 141.91 3. Pterocaesio digramma (5 sites) Most abundant species (% of total fish count) Pterocaesio digramma (23.01%) Gymnocaesio gymnopterus (59.57%) Ranking of most abundant species * n for the site totals is 44 as sites where only one transect was surveyed have been ignored. Summary of data for sites (Table 5.1) Figure 5.2. Composition of total target fish biomass partitioned by family, Milne Bay RAP 2000. Counts of target species ranged from 13 to 42 (mean = 29.1 ± 1.10) on deep transects and from 14 to 44 (mean = 32.3 ± 1.05) on shallow transects. An unpaired student’s t-test revealed a significant difference between the mean values at a 5 percent level of significance (Prob. (2-tail): 0.039, df: 92). The target species count for both transects combined (i.e., the site total) ranged from 27 to 56 (mean = 44.7 ± 1.21). Numbers of individual target fish counted ranged from 62 to 3,136 (mean = 435.3 ± 76.81) on deep transects and from 80 to 2,739 (mean = 375.2 ± 65.48) on shallow transects with no significant difference between depths (unpaired t-test: t = 0.552, p > 0.05, df: 92). Fish counts for both transects combined ranged from 142 to 5,875 (mean = 801.4 ± 141.91). On average the majority of observed target fishes were less than 30 cm in length, with progressively greater numbers recorded in decreasing size classes (Fig. 5.3). Fish belonging to the larger size classes were typically not abundant. Intra-provincial comparison of coral reef fishes data Sites were grouped by geographic area and habitat type (Table 5.2), to elucidate any trends in the data (Table 5.3). A few trends may be evident, however a lack of repetition 60 Rapid Assessment Program Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea within some of the geographic and habitat groups precluded the use of statistics to test for differences in their mean values. Nonetheless, the platform/patch reef and outer reef/passage sites appear to have a larger target fish count compared to the fringing and lagoonal reef sites (Table 5.4). This apparent trend may be at least partly attributable to the fact that artisanal fishers have limited access to platform and outer reefs compared to fringing and lagoonal reefs that are more sheltered and closer to villages. Comparison of Milne Bay Province with other areas The mean “site total” estimate of target fish biomass is considerably higher for Milne Bay Province than for both the Togean-Banggai Islands of Indonesia, and the Calamianes Islands of the Philippines (Fig. 5.4). This is a strong reflection of the relatively pristine condition of coral reefs throughout Milne Bay Province, and also highlights the disparity that exists in levels of exploitation of reef fish stocks in different regions throughout the “coral triangle.” Coral reefs of Milne Bay Province are fished relatively lightly by both the commercial and artisanal sectors, as compared with the generally more exploited reefs of Indonesia and the Philippines. Human population density, and consequent artisanal fishing pressure, in Milne Bay Province is substantially lower than other areas where RAP surveys have taken place (G. Allen, pers. comm.), which helps to explain the higher reef fish biomass encountered here. Additionally, destructive fishing methods (e.g., dynamite, cyanide) have not been used in Milne Bay Province for five years. In the other places where RAP surveys have taken place, such practices are considerably more common. Conclusions from coral reef fishes data Coral reefs of Milne Bay Province support a rich diversity and abundance of fishes. Reefs were in good to excellent condition at most sites (chapter 2, this report), with little evidence of negative environmental impact by humans. Figure 5.3. Number of target fish belonging to different size classes at an average site*, Milne Bay RAP 2000 (*excluding sites where only one transect was surveyed). Table 5.2. Geographic and habitat groupings used for data (fisheries data were not available for all sites). Geographic area groups 1, 14–28 2. D’Entrecasteaux Islands 2–5, 13 3. Amphlett Islands 6–12 4. Louisiade Arch./Conflict Group 29–54 5. South-east Islands 55–57 1. Fringing reef 2. Platform/patch reef 3. Outer (barrier) reef or passage 4. Lagoonal reef and present CI RAP surveys (sources: * La Tanda, 1998; ^ Ingles, 1998). Sites 1. North Coast Habitat type groups Figure 5.4. Comparison of mean “site total” biomass of target fishes for past Table 5.3. Summary of target fish data grouped by geographic area. Geographic group n North Coast No. target species Approx. fish count 14 41.4 (± 2.3) 494.9 (± 65.0) D’Entrecasteaux Is. 2 47.0 (± 1.0) 785.5 (± 318.5) Amphlett Is. 7 48.0 (± 2.2) 1068.0 (± 426.8) Louisiade Arch./ Conflict Group 21 45.5 (± 1.8) 918.3 (± 255.3) Sites 1, 3, 4, 7–8, 10–15, 17–18, 20, 22–28, 55–57 2, 5, 6, 9, 16, 19 29–30, 35, 37–39, 43–45, 47–50, 52–54 21, 31–34, 36, 40–42, 46, 51 Mean values for “site total” (± standard error) Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 61 Chapter 5 Table 5.4. Summary of target fish data grouped by habitat type. Habitat type group n Fringing reef Mean values for “site total” (± standard error) No. target species Approx. fish count 19 42.9 (± 1.6) 529.3 (± 60.3) Platform/patch reef 4 48.5 (± 5.5) 1479.5 (± 704.1) Outer (barrier) reef or passage 13 46.0 (± 2.5) 1024.2 (± 410.5) Lagoonal reef 8 44.8 (± 2.8) 746.4 (± 112.7) Moreover, Milne Bay Province compares very favorably with other areas that Conservation International has assessed in recent years. Milne Bay Province has excellent potential for sustainable marine based eco-tourism, particularly diving. This industry is definitely compatible with artisanal and commercial fisheries at current operating levels. Certainly one of the more appealing aspects of the marine environment in Milne Bay Province is the general absence of destructive fishing methods that plague the more populated areas of Southeast Asia such as Indonesia and the Philippines. Efforts should be made to reinforce the value of sustainable fisheries management among the artisanal fishing sector of Milne Bay Province, and to ensure that destructive fishing methods do not become a temptation in the future. Holothurians and Tridacnids Holothuridae (beche-de-mer) During 2002, 19 species of holothurians, most of which were of low economic value, were fished commercially from Milne Bay waters (Kinch, 2002a). The beche-de-mer fishery in Milne Bay Province is changing from a low-volume, high-value trade to a high-volume, low-value one. During the 2000 RAP survey, a total of 15 species representing five genera were recorded from 53 sites (Table 5.5). The most commonly observed species (percentage of occurrence in parentheses) were Bohadschia argus (43.40%), Pearsonothuria graeffei (39.62%), Thelenota anax (30.19%), Holothuria atra (24.53%), and Stichopus variegatus (24.53%). The most abundant species were Thelenota anax, Bohadschia argus, and Pearsonothuria graeffei, whose combined numbers comprised roughly half of the total count (Table 5.5). The number of holothurian species recorded at a site ranged between 0 and 7 (mean = 2.6 ± 0.27). The number of individual holothurians recorded at a site ranged between 0 and 28 (mean = 6.0 ± 0.90). These animals were most frequently observed on sandy or rubble-covered slopes, and very occasionally among live coral. At most sites the density of holothurians was sparse (< 1 individual/m2), but occa- 62 Rapid Assessment Program sional isolated patches with higher population densities (up to 6 individuals/m2) were encountered. The depth distribution of holothurians was fairly even, however, a slightly higher number was recorded from depths between 5 and 9 m (Fig. 5.5). Holothurians are typically most abundant in shallower water (0-10 m depth), but our data do not entirely support this trend. These results possibly point to the impact that local beche-de-mer fishers are having on stocks in shallow water. Fishers generally collect these animals from depths of less than 15–25 m, as diving methods are limited to breath holding, although some illegal use of scuba and hookah equipment has been reported (see Kinch, 2002a). Another fishing technique involving the use of hooks attached to lead weights is sometimes employed to harvest beche-de-mer from deeper water. Intra-provincial comparison of holothurian data Site surveys for holothurian data were not replicated sufficiently within geographical groupings to conform with standards of statistical validity. However, counts of individual holothurians appeared to be higher at sites located in the South-east Islands (Table 5.6). Also, species diversity of holothurians appeared to be greater on fringing and platform reefs than on outer and lagoonal reef types (Table 5.7). The RAP survey stock estimates indicated some depletion of the commercial holothurians, especially the higher value species. These results provided an impetus for a more detailed assessment of the marine resources of Milne Bay Province that was undertaken during October and November, 2001, as a collaborative effort between CSIRO, NAF, and CI. The specific objectives of the stock assessment were to determine habitat condition and the state of holothurian and other benthic resources (e.g., clams) by surveying 1,126 sites within Milne Bay Province. Abundance, distribution, size frequency, and biological data were gathered and used to calculate stock size estimates for the area with sufficient precision to be useful for formulating sustainable management strategies for each of the commercially important holothurian species. The ultimate objective was to recommend and implement these management strategies for the sustainable exploitation of beche-de-mer in Milne Bay Province (CSIRO, 2001; Kinch, 2002a; Kinch et al., 2001a; Skewes et al., 2002). The mean density for all commercial species was 21.24/ha. Mean density for high-value species was 5.22/ha. Individual species had mean densities as follows: Holothuria nobilis at 0.18/ha, H. scabra at 0.00/ha, H. fuscogilva at 0.42/ha, H. edulis at 2.15/ha, H. atra at 9.81/ha, H. fuscopunctata at 0.04/ha, B. argus at 1.33/ha, B. vitiensis at 0.99/ha, Pearsonothuria graeffei at 0.37/ha, Stichopus chloronotus at 3.81/ha, S. variegatus at 0.09/ha, Thelenota ananas at 0.47/ha, T. anax at 0.63/ha, Actinopyga miliaris at 0.12/ha, A. lecanora at 0.02/ha, and A. mauritiana at 0.12/ha (Skewes et al., 2002; Kinch, 2002a). Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Table 5.5. List of holothurian species recorded from Milne Bay Province (2000). No. sites where present Percent occurrence Total number of individuals recorded Percent of total count Bohadschia argus 23 43.40% 49 15.31% Bohadschia vitiensis 4 7.55% 5 1.56% Holothuria atra 13 24.53% 31 9.69% Holothuria edulis 11 20.75% 24 7.50% Holothuria fuscogilva 9 16.98% 14 4.38% Holothuria fuscopunctata 7 13.21% 17 5.31% Species Holothuria nobilis 3 5.66% 4 1.25% Pearsonothuria graeffei 21 39.62% 40 12.50% Stichopus chloronotus 3 5.66% 4 1.25% Stichopus horrens 1 1.89% 1 0.31% Stichopus variegatus 13 24.53% 19 5.94% Stichopus spp. 1 1.89% 1 0.31% Thelenota ananas 10 18.87% 22 6.88% Thelenota anax 16 30.19% 70 21.88% Thelenota rubralineata 5 9.43% 19 5.94% Total 320 100.00% Table 5.6. Summary of holothurian data for geographic area groups. Geographic group n Mean values for “site total” (± standard error) No. species Holothurian count Table 5.7. Summary of holothurian data for habitat type. Habitat type group n Mean values for “site total” (± standard error) No. species Holothurian count North Coast 14 3.1 (± 0.63) 7.5 (± 2.08) Fringing reef 21 3.5 (± 0.49) 8.3 (± 1.67) D’Entrecasteaux Is. 4 3.5 (± 1.50) 5.2 (± 2.17) Platform/patch reef 5 3.0 (± 1.05) 5.8 (± 1.39) 16 1.6 (± 0.36) 4.3 (± 1.73) 11 2.5 (± 0.39) 4.5 (± 1.07) Amphlett Is. 6 3.2 (± 0.75) 7.5 (± 2.42) Louisiade Arch./ Conflict Group Outer (barrier) reef or passage 26 1.9 (± 0.29) 4.3(± 1.14) Lagoonal reef 3 4.3 (± 0.88) 12.3 (± 4.63) South-east Islands Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 63 Chapter 5 Figure 5.5. Counts of holothurians at different depth ranges, Milne Bay RAP 2000. Results from the CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment show that holothurian stocks within Milne Bay Province are facing serious decline. The current Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 140 metric tonnes is above the estimated maximum sustainable yield of 108 metric tones (Skewes et al., 2002). H. scabra was not observed during the survey, H. nobilis was also found in very low numbers, and H. fuscogilva and T. ananas were showing signs of harvesting pressure. It has been recommended that the fisheries for H. scabra and H. nobilis be closed or have species specific TACs. Given the recent history of TAC levels being exceeded in Milne Bay Province, the catch should be monitored carefully and TAC strictly enforced. Individual local level government catch limits, the enforcement of current minimum size limits, and education of fishers to return undersize animals alive, are other mechanisms that need to be considered for the sustainable management of the Milne Bay fishery (Skewes et al., 2002). Further work is still required if Milne Bay Province holothurian fishery is to remain viable. There have been neither surveys during the closed fishing season nor prior to its opening as a means of assessing inter-annual changes in stock variability. Based on current information from the CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment, there is definite evidence of over-fishing in certain areas of Milne Bay Province, and the TAC now requires review. The CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment allows for repeated-measures sample strategies that could allow for a very efficient fishery independent monitoring program to modify the TAC as necessary and monitor population trends (see CSIRO, 2001). It is also important to establish sustainable management systems with supporting policy incentives to ensure that commercially valuable species do not become extinct. Steps now need to be undertaken to limit the effort exerted on the stocks as a loss of income and depletion of future stocks through the indiscriminate collection and subsequent rejection of undersized holothurians will cause dire social problems. Management strategies that could be tested include having TACs set at the local level government (LLG), and for 64 Rapid Assessment Program certain species with low abundances it maybe necessary to implement specific closures by setting species specific TACs. Resources need to be allocated for awareness and capacity building at the village level for management of these valuable resources. These would include extension and training materials on processing and appropriate harvesting methods; village awareness of over-fishing on resource sustainability; and the possible incorporation of traditional closed seasons or areas (the best means of policing closed areas may be through village involvement) and limited entry. Effective monitoring is necessary to prevent over-exploitation and depletion of holothurian resources. Further study is required on models of resource extraction. There is a need to continue stock assessments; monitor active fisheries and recovery rates; apply proper enforcement of data recording; and provide empowerment and support for fisheries inspectors and monitoring of overseas markets. Finally, the potential for hatchery and re-seeding programs should be investigated. Undoubtedly, there are major requirements for immediate reform in order to establish a sustainable fishery and improve upon this important industry. Tridacnidae (clams) A total of six species representing two genera were recorded from 39 sites (Table 5.8). The most commonly observed species (percentage of occurrence in all sites in parentheses) were Tridacna maxima (69.23%), T. squamosa (56.41%), and T. crocea (41.03%). The same three species were also the most numerous, combining to make up over 90 percent of the total count. The most abundant tridacnid species were also the smallest in size (Table 5.8). The fact that the medium-to-large species made up such a small percentage of the overall count suggests that local fishers are having an impact on their numbers. However, smaller clams are actually more highly prized by the local people as they are considered better eating. Moreover, the trend is obviously a feature of the ecology of these animals, with the smaller species being naturally more abundant. The number of tridacnid species recorded at each site ranged between 0 and 4 (mean = 2.0 ± 0.16). The number of individuals recorded at each site ranged between 0 and 49 (mean = 9.4 ± 1.79). Densities were low at most sites (i.e., less than 1 individual/m2), but occasionally isolated patches with higher densities (up to 9 individuals/m2) were encountered. The vast majority of tridacnids were recorded at depths between 0 and 9 m (Fig. 5.6). Intra-provincial comparison of tridacnid data Despite the fact that low repetition rendered statistical analysis impractical, there appears to be a greater mean count of tridacnids at sites in the Louisiades/Conflict geographic group (Table 5.9). Lack of replication also limited the statistical comparisons of tridacnid data between the various habitat type treatments. The platform/patch reef group, for example, was not represented (Table 5.10). Our data suggest that tridacnid Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Table 5.8. List of tridacnid species recorded during the RAP survey. No. sites where present Percent Occurrence Total number of individuals recorded Percent of total count Average length (cm) Tridacna crocea 16 41.03% 108 29.43% 6.6 (± 0.37) Tridacna derasa 3 7.69% 8 2.18% 50.3 (± 5.01) Tridacna gigas 7 17.95% 13 3.54% 81.8 (± 7.43) Tridacna maxima 27 69.23% 182 49.59% 13.9 (± 0.81) Tridacna squamosa 22 56.41% 52 14.17% 20.9 (± 2.11) Hippopus hippopus 4 10.26% 4 1.09% 30.5 (± 8.63) Total 367 100.00% Species Table 5.9. Summary of tridacnid data for geographic area groups. Geographic group n Mean values for “site total” (± standard error) No. species Tridacnid count North Coast 5 2.6 (± 0.24) 7.6 (± 1.91) D’Entrecasteaux Is. 2 2.5 (± 1.50) 4.0 (± 2.00) Amphlett Is. 4 1.5 (± 0.29) 1.8 (± 0.48) Louisiade Arch./ Conflict Group 25 1.8 (± 0.20) 11.6 (± 2.64) South-east Islands 3 3.0 (± 0.58) 8.00 (± 3.21) Figure 5.6. Counts of tridacnids at different depth ranges, Milne Bay RAP 2000. counts may be higher than observed on lagoonal reefs (Table 5.10). The first stock abundances estimated for tridacnid species were carried out in 1980 by Chesher in the southeast of the province. He stated that prior to commercial harvesting, unfished areas of southern Milne Bay Province contained an overall density of 39/ha for all species of giant clams (Chesher, 1980). In 1996, a stock assessment by the South Pacific Commission (SPC) and the NFA was carried out in the Engineer and Conflict Groups of islands. Throughout the survey area Hippopus hippopus was the most abundant at 20.1/ha, followed by Tridacna maxima at 17.9/ha, T. crocea at 11.9/ha, T. squamosa at 5.8/ha, T. derasa at 5.3/ha, T. gigas at 0.4/ha, and Hippopus porcellanus at 0.3/ha. From extrapolation of these data it was suggested by Ledua et al. (1996) that approximately 98 percent of the stock of Tridacna gigas throughout the province had been wiped out since the early 1980s, with overall stock density of all species estimated to be down by 82.35 percent of the original population. The overall density of all species was estimated to be only 0.5/ha (Ledua et al., 1996). Given the importance of giant clams to the people of Milne Bay Province, and following the results of the 2000 RAP, a more thorough and comprehensive assessment of tridacnid stocks was required. The CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment referred to previously in this chapter also included an appraisal of giant clam stocks. Abundances of Tridacna gigas ranged from 0 to1.32/ha throughout the Province with a mean density of 0.82/ha. Mean densities for the other species were Tridacna maxima at 1.79/ha, T. derasa at 0.34/ha, T. squamosa at 1.37/ha, T. crocea at 14.85/ha, and Hippopus hippopus at 0.41/ha. The species harvested for commercial use had a mean density of 4.32/ha (Kinch, 2002c). The results from the CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment are consistent with other reports that indicate that stock levels are very low and have been heavily depleted across Milne Bay Province. In order to ensure the sustainability of all marine resources in Milne Bay Province, effective management strategies must Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 65 Chapter 5 Table 5.10. Summary of tridacnid data for habitat type. Habitat type group n Mean values for “site total” (± standard error) No. species Tridacnid count Fringing reef 14 2.4 (± 0.27) 5.5 (± 1.17) Platform/patch reef 0 ----- ----- Outer (barrier) reef or passage 15 1.7 (± 0.27) 9.0 (± 2.40) Lagoonal reef 8 2.0 (± 0.33) 17.1 (± 6.66) be implemented. Several approaches to assist the recovery of overfished tridacnid populations have been proposed. These include establishing Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA), concentrating the remaining adult clams so that their reproduction can be facilitated by their closer proximity; and seeding cultured giant clams of sufficient size or in sufficient numbers and releasing these into the field to produce adult populations (Kinch, 2001b and 2002c). The imposition of either a ban on further commercial fishing or strict harvesting quotas, such as a single annual short harvesting season, could also offer prospects for management. Conclusions from holothurians and tridacnids data Milne Bay Province is the largest producer of holothurians in PNG, and previously the only province exporting tridacnid products. The income derived by coastal communities, particularly from the sale of holothurians in Milne Bay Province has increased dramatically throughout the 1990s and communities are currently landing large amounts. The increase in production of holothurians can be attributed to the decline in copra prices, the effects of drought in previous years, increased fishing for holothurians in remote locations, a decline in the value of other marine resources, and the establishment of new markets for previously low-value or non-commercial species. Subsequently, the diversity of holothurians is now being altered in some areas due to this intensified and extensive exploitation. This represents a threat to community livelihood strategies, the fishery itself, and the overall biodiversity of Milne Bay Province’s reef ecosystems. Tridacnid exports and commercial exploitation have now been stopped under a ruling of the Department of Environment and Conservation (see Kinch, 2001b and 2002c). As suggested by the RAP survey and substantiated by the CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment, stocks of holothurians and tridacnids are lower than normal. Consequently, fisheries need to adopt sustainable models of development if they are to provide maximum long-term yields. Besides contributing to the overall protection of Milne Bay Province’s unique and valuable marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries will 66 Rapid Assessment Program allow villagers to maintain and even increase their incomes, thus making them less likely to migrate to urban areas in search of better employment. Sustainable management systems that are supported by strategic policy incentives need to be established soon to ensure that commercially valuable species do not become extinct. Marine Resource Utilization on Brooker Island Brooker Island is located in the West Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago. It is home to a small island community numbering just over 400 people, and the population is increasing at roughly 4.3 percent annually. The community at Brooker is largely dependent on the marine environment as they only produce approximately 50 percent of their own subsistence requirements from agriculture. They are thus avid sailors and major marine resource exploiters (Kinch, 1999; 2001a). The ocean and its resources are critically important to these people (and indeed those throughout coastal PNG). Their livelihood and entire way of life is dependent on the exploitation of the marine environment. In order to maintain long-term, sustainable use of these resources, exploitation pressure must be regulated in such a way as to allow the environment to maintain its stability and regenerative capacity. This is becoming increasingly difficult for many communities throughout PNG, including Brooker. The people of Brooker Island utilize approximately 5,000 km of sea territory (a proportion of this territory was under dispute with another island community) for the procurement of marine resources, and this area encompasses an extensive and diverse marine environment. From July 1998 to June 1999, the Brooker Community earned 67,000 kina from the sale of various marine resources, and this accounted for approximately 90 percent of all income. Of this 67,000 kina, beche-de-mer contributed 49.3 percent to the total; trochus, 19 percent; crayfish, 13.1 percent; fish, 10.8 percent; giant clams, 6.7 percent; and the remainder from shark fin and black lip pearl oyster (Kinch, 1999, 2001a). An account of the utilization of resources follows, separated into sections according to the type of animal exploited (turtles, sharks, beche-de-mer, giant clams and other shells, fishes and crayfishes). Turtles Marine turtles are heavily utilized as a food source, for trading, and to a limited extent for sale in local markets. Turtles found in Brooker waters include the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), of which the hawksbill and green are the most heavily utilized. The turtle season begins approximately in October and ends in April. This corresponds with a time of year when very little food is available from local gardens. During the 1998–99 nesting season, a total of 149 green turtles and 50 hawksbill turtles were harvested. Turtle eggs are also highly prized as a food source, and eggs from a total of 604 nests Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea belonging to these two species were gathered from 26 different nesting sites during the season. Locals generally concur that turtle numbers have been fluctuating during the past few years. The El Niño climatic phenomenon has been implicated in this fluctuation, due to the regulating effect it has on seagrass nutrients and subsequent nutritional status and life history of turtles (Lanyon et al., 1989). Turtle poaching is a problem in some areas, and there have been reported cases of the slaughter of turtles that are left to rot without the meat being consumed or taken to market (Kinch, 1999, 2001a). The Milne Bay Provincial Government has, in the past, broadcasted a turtle awareness program on local radio stations. Education programs such as this are important if marine turtles are to be successfully conserved in the region. CI has developed materials to assist in education and awareness (Kinch, 2002b) and is currently developing a turtle watch and monitoring program with the Environment Protection Agency in Australia and the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (Kinch, 2002d). Local residents of Milne Bay Province must become more active in protecting and maintaining turtle habitats. A detailed study of marine turtle populations and seasonal abundance in Milne Bay Province is needed to accurately assess the status of these animals here an important role in maintaining rural social stability by providing income-earning opportunities in remote locations where opportunities are limited. From 5 January to 1 May 1999, J. Kinch (in prep.) recorded 121 trips where fishers from Brooker Island were targeting giant clams, holothurians and crayfish in the Long/Kosmann Reef area surrounding Nagobi and Nabaina Islands, and the Bramble Haven Group. These trips were divided into three sub-types depending on use of vessels and main targeted species. These include: • Trip type 1: Fishers harvesting holothurians as the main target species, with giant clams taken opportunistically. Fishers operating from sailing canoes. There was a total of 39 trips recorded in this category with an average dive time of 6.8 hrs/trip. The combined total duration for trips of this type was 265.2 hrs. • Trip type 2: Fishers harvesting lobster and giant clam as the main target species to sell to a local fishing company, with holothurians collected opportunistically. Fishers operating from sailing canoes. There were a total of 37 trips recorded in this category with an average dive time of 10.4 hrs/trip. The combined total duration for trips of this type was 384.1 hrs. • Trip type 3: Fishers harvesting lobster and giant clam as the main target species, with holothurians collected opportunistically. Using dugout and outrigger canoes, fishers were launched from and picked up by a local fishing vessel. There was a total of 45 trips recorded in this category with an average dive time of 3.9 hrs/trip. The combined total duration for trips of this type was 174.1 hrs. Sharks During the period of September 1998 to October 1999, sharks comprised a minor part of the overall fish harvest on Brooker Island. Two specialist hunters were active at this time on the island. During a recorded two-month period (June–July 1999), one of these hunters caught a total of 39 sharks. This catch included black-tip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), lemon sharks (Negaprion acutidens), white-tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), gray reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), hammerheads (Sphyrna spp.), and various other unidentified sharks. Beche-de-mer (holothurians) Beche-de-mer is a valuable coastal fishery in PNG and is exclusively export orientated. The beche-de-mer artisanal fishery involves coastal and island communities of fishermen, buyers who buy the processed holothurian products from the fishermen, and exporters (both licensed and illegal) who export the processed holothurians to the international market. Most exporters and buyers are based in Alotau and use diesel powered boats to visit the villages on purchasing trips. Milne Bay Province has seen a rise in the contribution it makes to the total PNG exports. In the early to mid-1990s this percentage fluctuated between 10 and 15 percent, but has seen an exponential growth, supplying just under half in 2001 (Kinch, 2002a). The large increase in beche-demer production resulted from circumstances common to all coastal areas in the province, including the consequences of drought, the decline in copra prices, and decreasing value of other marine species harvested by villagers. The fishery plays Major fishing camps were set up at Nabaina Island in the west and Nagobi Island in the east Long/Kosmann Reef area. Enivala Island in the Bramble Haven was the major base camp. Due to declining availability and increasing commercial value of marine resources, the frequency of territorial disputes has increased between different clans and villages over exactly who has the right to fish in this area (see Kinch, 2000). Fishers from other areas are now manipulating clan and kin ties to gain access to these waters where remaining stocks are still to be found, adding pressure to what holothurian stocks are present (Kinch, 2002a). Harvesting is done either by hand-collection or free diving. A typical dive day starts early in the morning with boats leaving for harvesting areas and outer reefs. Fishers utilize accumulated knowledge and skill about the local territory; especially important are the tides and associated wind-current relationships, which help to define access and availability of species. With favorable weather conditions, clear sky, calm sea, and non-turbid water, holothurians can be collected in water up to 25 m in depth (Kinch, 2002a). Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 67 Chapter 5 At each fishing site, fishers (this may include women, who either actively harvest or act as spotters) enter the water. If the water is shallow enough, fishers wade across the reef collecting them. If in slightly deeper water, they dive down and lance them with a lengthened spear. If the water is deeper, a small harpoon embedded in a lead weight is dropped. The small harpoon punctures the holothurian, which is then retrieved and brought to the surface. Boats are typically out on the water for most of the day, but actual dive time averages between 3 and 4 hours. Upon returning to the island base camp, processing of the bechede-mer commences while the women prepare the evening meal. At least one man watches over the drying racks to ensure that the beche-de-mer is dried and smoked properly. Dinghies are now beginning to take the place of sailing canoes. The increase in dinghy use represents an increase in household income due to the value of beche-de-mer and the need to range further to locate fresh stocks. It also enables fishers to harvest faster and operate over greater distances. On Brooker Island in late 1999 (Kinch, 1999), there was only one dinghy; in early 2002 there were 22 dinghies in use (Kinch, 2002a). Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) values are listed below for individual trip types by day and by species (Table 5.11 and Figure 5.7). Trip type 1 generally had the highest CPUE, not an unexpected result considering that holothurians were the main target species. During the 2001 CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment, the mean density for all commercial species across Milne Bay Province was 21.24/ha, with high value species having a mean density of 5.22/ha (Skewes et al., 2002; Kinch, 2002a). For the areas of Long/Kosmann Reef and Bramble Haven the mean density for commercial holothurians from this stock assessment were as follows: • Long/Kosmann Reef west area had a mean density of 18.64/ha on the reef edge (20 sites surveyed) covering an area of 3,421.11 ha; and 22.06/ha on the reef top (51 sites surveyed) covering an area of 10,091.22 ha. • Long/Kosmann Reef east area had a mean density of 13.54/ha on the reef edge (24 sites surveyed) covering an area of 1,968.64 ha; and 25.74/ha on the reef top (34 sites surveyed) covering an area of 6,888.61 ha. • Bramble Haven area had a mean density of 6.94/ha on the reef edge (18 sites surveyed) covering an area of 1,036.13 ha; and 12.50/ha on the reef top (21 sites surveyed) covering an area of 4,457.94 ha (Kinch, in prep). Overall, the mean densities for holothurians are comparable to those of other parts of Milne Bay Province, though this area was noted during the CSIRO/NFA/CI stock assessment to have been affected by heavy fishing pressure, and the CPUE rates reflect this. Also, low-value species now dominate the catch. Table 5.11. Summary of holothurian harvest by Brooker Islanders for different day trip types, Jan.–May ‘99. CPUE = Catch Per Unit Effort.* Trip Type 1 Species Scientific Name No. harvested CPUE Amberfish Thelenota anax 103 0.1 - - - - Black teatfish Holothuria nobilis 133 0.2 225 0.1 43 0.2 Blackfish Actinopyga miliaris 20 <0.05 10 <0.05 3 <0.05 Brown sandfish Bohadschia vitiensis 2 <0.05 25 <0.05 4 <0.05 Curryfish Stichopus variegatus 97 0.1 - - - - Elephant trunkfish Holothuria fucsopunctata 148 0.2 - - - - Greenfish Stichopus chloronotus 164 0.3 47 <0.05 - - Lollyfish Holothuria atra 257 0.3 438 <0.02 - - Prickly redfish Thelenota ananas 214 0.2 66 <0.05 30 <0.05 Stonefish Actinopyga lecanora - - 5 <0.05 - - Surf redfish Actinopyga mauritiana 6 <0.05 - - - - Tigerfish Bohadschia argus 186 0.4 104 <0.05 - - White teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva 156 0.2 3 <0.05 16 <0.05 Rapid Assessment Program No. harvested Trip Type 3 Common Name *CPUE = number of individual animals caught per person per hour by trip type. 68 Trip Type 2 CPUE No. harvested CPUE Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Figure 5.7. CPUE for holothurian species harvested by Brooker Islanders for different day trip types, Jan.–May ‘99. See Table 5.11 for scientific names. Giant clams (Tridacna) and other shells The commercial giant clam fishery developed in Milne Bay Province in the wake of the reduction of illegal fishing by Taiwanese vessels and in response to sustained demand. The Milne Bay Fisheries Authority (MBFA), established in 1979 (Munro, 1989), began the export of giant clams from the province in 1983 (Lokani and Ada, 1998). A ban on the purchase and export of wild-caught giant clam meat was later imposed in May 1988 but lifted in May 1995. The ban allowed for some regeneration of giant clam stocks, thus providing an incentive for a local fishing company to commence harvesting and exports. This ban was reimposed in 2000 when it was found that a local fishing company was infringing on its licensing arrangements (Kinch, 2001b and 2002c). Fishing methods for giant clams are simple, owing to the shallow distribution, conspicuous appearance, and sedentary habits of these bivalves. Small clams are collected opportunistically during reef-gleaning activities and non target-specific fishing, while larger specimens are collected by free diving. The flesh is excised from the shell by slipping a knife or sharpened wooden stick along its inner surface to cut one end of the adductor muscle. Giant clams located in deeper water are hauled to the surface using ropes and chains. The mantle and muscle are then removed and the shell is dropped back into the sea. Previously, a local fishing company aided village divers in harvesting giant clams by towing canoes to harvesting sites and winching specimens to the surface from their boats. Giant clams are susceptible to fishing pressure, and once populations are reduced below certain undefined levels, stocks will become non-sustaining. Depending on factors such as prevailing currents and isolation of reefs, the reestablishment of stocks may take hundreds of years (Munro, 1993). Fishing pressure on clam populations in traditional fishing areas was suggested to be at maximum levels by some observers, and this has been confirmed by the CSIRO/NFA/ CI stock assessment. From January to the end of September 1999, a local fishing company purchased 697 kg of giant clam muscles (mostly Tridacna gigas and T. derasa) from Brooker Islanders. During this period, a local fishing company was purchasing two sizes of giant clam muscle based on weight. Tridacnid specimens weighing less than 400 g fetched a price of 6 kina, and those weighing more than 400 g fetched a price of 10 kina. A total of 551 kg (or 1,970 clams) of clams weighing less than 400 g were sold between January and September 1999, earning 3,306 kina. During the same period, 146 kg (or 170 clams) of clams weighing more than 400 g were sold, earning 1,460 kina (Kinch, 1999). Of this volume, almost a third of the T. gigas sold were not full-grown adults. A more detailed survey from 5 January to 1 May 1999 was conducted by J. Kinch (Kinch, in prep.). During this period 121 trips were recorded where fishers from Brooker Island were targeting giant clams, holothurians, and crayfish in the Long/Kosmann Reef area surrounding Nagobi and Nabaina Islands, and the Bramble Haven Group (see above for details). Catches of other commercial and utilitarian shells were also recorded throughout this period, and the CPUE rates are provided for each species for three different day trip types (Table 5.12 and Figure 5.8). The most commonly harvested clam during the first part of 1999 were species of the genus Hippopus, which made up the bulk of the clams in the unidentified category. These clams are not for commercial sale, but are utilized for subsistence and in trade. Trochus shells are a commercially valuable resource; the lustrous nacre is used in the manufacture of items such as buttons. Brooker Islanders collect these shells for sale either to trade-store owners in the village, or directly to exporters. The flesh of the trochus shell is also frequently consumed. The black-lip oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) is another mollusc collected for commercial and subsistence purposes. The shell Charonia tritonis is collected for sale to passing yachts or as a trumpet once a hole is made near the spiral point. Shell species that are mostly consumed in households include the commercially harvested species of shells, and noncommercial shells such as cockles, abalone, oysters, Lambis spp., Trochus maculatus, Turbo spp. including Turbo cinereus, Haliotis spp., Cypraea caputserpentis, Cypraea arabica, Cypraea testudinaria, Cerithium nodulosum, and Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 69 Chapter 5 Table 5.12. Summary of shellfish harvest by Brooker Islanders for different day trip types, Jan.– May ‘99. CPUE = Catch Per Unit Effort.* Species Trip Type 1 Trip Type 2 Trip Type 3 No. harvested CPUE No. harvested CPUE No. harvested CPUE Pinctada margaritifera 9 0.018 81 0.042 18 0.078 Clam H. hippopus 78 0.071 99 0.092 14 0.037 Clam T. derasa 64 0.073 10 0.008 85 0.310 Clam T. gigas 9 0.011 2 <0.002 39 0.159 Clam T. squamosa - 0.003 3 <0.002 3 0.007 Clam Unidentified - 0 781 0.489 4 0.019 Shell C. tritonis - 0 5 0.002 1 0.003 Shell Lambis spp. - 0 2 <0.002 2 0.004 14 0.043 169 0.148 5 0.014 Trochus spp. *CPUE = number of individual animals caught per person per hour by trip type. Strombus luhuanus (Kinch, 1999). Of these, S. luhuanus is a major subsistence food. Shells of this species are processed and threaded onto stems of coconut fronds and are a predominant trade item, with hundreds or thousands collected per session. Women and girls are the predominant collectors, but men help occasionally. Fishes Figure 5.8. CPUE for shellfish species harvested by Brooker Islanders for different day trip types, Jan.–May ‘99. 70 Rapid Assessment Program Brooker Islanders utilize fishes, both as a food source and as a commercial resource for income. Of the 7,786.4 kg of fishes caught from July 1998–September 1999, 5,703.6 kg (or roughly 75%) were purchased by buyers on the island of Misima, at a total value of just over 10,000 kina. Fishing techniques employed by the locals include trolling, hand lining, netting, and spearing. Most of the annual fish catch comes from net fishing (Figure 5.9). A wide variety of species are caught for consumption on Brooker Island, and of these, the ox-eye scad (Selar boops) is the most commonly consumed. Other frequently consumed fishes are listed below (Table 5.13). Fish consumption is seasonally dependent. For example, in the months of June and July, the silver spinefoot or “vivilal” (Siganus sp.) makes up a greater portion of the fish consumption as it is abundantly netted at this time. Also, fish consumption is proportionally higher among groups who are camping on islands during expeditions than in the village. It should be noted that some species (e.g., Selar boops) that contribute heavily to the diet were not recorded in the coral reef fisheries survey during the RAP. This is due to habitat preferences and behavioral patterns exhibited by such species. They do not commonly frequent coral reef habitats and are mainly nocturnally active. Living Coral Reef Resources of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Table 5.13. Most commonly consumed fishes on Brooker Island (source: J. Kinch PhD field notes). Misima name Scientific name Misima name Scientific name Atuni Selar boops Kitun Siganidae (rabbitfishes) Tupatupa Carangidae (trevallies) Anuwal/Kanivala Sphyraenidae (barracudas) Waloya/Pilihul Mugilidae (mullets) Kingfish Seriola spp. Tuna Scombridae (tunas) Tokeli Lethrinidae (emperors) Yalyal Grammatorcynos bilineatus Kabela Acanthurus auranticavus Yesimoli Naso tuberosus Ahiat Lethrinus erythracanthus Vivilal Siganus sp. Yabwau Lutjanus gibbus Buhmanawi Lethrinus olivaceus Mwananuya Serranidae (groupers/cods) Suwa Elegatis bipinnulatus Labeta Lethrinus nebulosus Malawi Acanthurus dussumieri Crayfish The crayfish species currently being harvested include the double-spined ornate lobster (Panulirus penicillatus), the spiny lobster (P. ornatus), the painted coral lobster (P. versicolor), and the long-legged spiny lobster (P. longipes). The first two species are the most commonly exploited. Brooker Islanders capture crayfish by spearing them while free diving on the reef slope and crest. Collections are sometimes made at night with the aid of underwater torches (flashlights). A total of 7,105 crayfish were harvested by Brooker Islanders during the recorded period of January 1998–September 1999. A local fishing company purchased the entire amount at a total value of 11,372 kina. From 5 January to 1 May 1999, 121 trips were recorded where fishers from Brooker Island were targeting giant clams, holothurians, and crayfish in the Long/Kosmann Reef area surrounding Nagobi and Nabaina Islands, and the Bramble Haven Group (see above for details). The CPUE for trip type 1 was 0/hr (5 crayfish caught); trip type 2 was 0.3/hr (661 crayfish caught); and trip type 3 was 2.0/hr (407 crayfish caught) (Kinch, in prep.). Figure 5.9. Contribution of different fishing techniques to overall fish catch weight on Brooker Island (Sept.’98–Oct.’99). Source: Kinch, 1999. Commercial value of marine resources The importance of marine resources to communities in Milne Bay province cannot be overstated. Between the months of January and September 1999, a total of 56,649 kina was earned through the sale of marine resources. Of the various types of marine organisms that are commercially exploited, the beche-de-mer fishery is by far the most important. The sale of trochus, crayfish, fishes, and clams also contribute significantly to the income on Brooker (Table 5.14). CONCLUSIONS Conservation of biological marine resources is an issue that, until recently, has not been of major concern to remote island and coastal communities across PNG. Given the vastness of the marine territory, coupled with low human population densities, this is understandable. However, population growth and rising resource value has changed the situation to the point where conservation and sustainable resource management is now a major concern. Remote communities, such as that on Brooker Island, are now exploiting significant quantities of marine resources, often in ways that seem unsustainable. For example, there Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 71 Chapter 5 Table 5.14. Income (rounded to nearest kina) on Brooker Island from the sale of marine resources, January–September 1999 (source: J. Kinch field notes and commercial buyers). Month Jan. Feb. Fishes Bechede-mer Trochus Blacklip Shark-fin Crayfish Clam >400 g Clam <400 g Total - 639 2,437 56 52 2,364 411 65 6,024 - 7,277 2,526 210 - - - - 10,013 March 21 834 - - - 2,920 681 310 4,766 April 55 9,735 1,013 - 151 2,252 1,983 925 16,114 May 859 5,106 499 71 - 20 18 45 6,618 June 4,009 196 - - - 256 6 20 4,487 July 1,539 2,109 707 162 113 356 204 95 5,285 195 554 890 - - - - - 1,639 Sept. 1,192 14 382 - - 112 3 - 1,703 Total 7,870 26,464 8,454 499 316 8,280 3,306 1,460 56,649 August is a tendency to over-fish certain species simply because a local buyer is available on site or market prices are high. This represents a potentially serious risk to the species that are harvested. Sedentary species such as clams, trochus, and holothurians are particularly threatened with over-exploitation. A community survey of Brooker peoples’ perception of the status of their marine resources indicated that several traditional fishing areas are generally believed to be depleted in holothurians, trochus, blacklip, and clams. Even more alarming is the fact that most households admitted at the time of the community survey to not following or being aware of government restrictions on resource harvesting. Strict policing of government-imposed restrictions is an impossibility given the remoteness of communities. Community workshops aimed at increasing awareness of resource management issues among the artisanal sector have taken place recently, and these appear to be the most effective solution. However, even though there is growing awareness of resource depletion and management needs among these communities, this does not necessarily equate to implementation. Similar to the situation in western societies, the requirement to earn money is a force that often outweighs the desire for conservation and proper management of resources. Conservation International is now counteracting this through it’s Community Engagement Program which generates awareness of resource decline through education, and assists communities in making management plans for sustainable harvesting and the development of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs). It is encouraging that the recent community survey on Brooker revealed an interest in the idea of rotating access to fishing areas as a means of conserving resources (see Kinch, 2001a). Throughout Milne Bay Province the practice of closing reefs or fishing grounds has been carried out for a certain length of time following a death. After a period 72 Rapid Assessment Program of several months to several years the area is reopened and people can access that area for harvesting purposes again. People are thus well aware of the benefits of such reef closure in resource regeneration, and this practice therefore possibly offers the most culturally appropriate way to introduce community managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This practice can also be applied for other reasons, as a recent example from Skelton Island in the Engineer Group shows. The village there had decided to apply this traditional practice of closure to allow the numbers of beche-de-mer and trochus to replenish so money could be made available for a new church building (Kinch, 2002e). The current study and other programs being undertaken by Conservation International in Milne Bay Province are an important first step in the conservation and management of the region’s biodiversity. Further biological study and monitoring of marine resources is needed to ensure that exploitation by the artisanal and commercial fishing sectors occurs in a sustainable manner. 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Giant Clams: Their Status and Trade in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Traffic Bulletin. 19 (2): 67–75. Kinch, J. 2002d. The Development of a Monitoring Program for the Management and Sustainable Use of Sea Turtle Resources in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. A Proposal prepared for the South Pacific Regional Environment Program, Apia, Western Samoa. Pp: 39. Kinch, J. 2002e. The Role of Traditional Reef Closure for Conservation, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. In: WWF: Mainstreaming Nature Conservation in the South Pacific: The NGO Experience. Pp: 11–12. Suva: World Wild Fund for Nature-South Pacific. Kinch, J. 2001a. Social Feasibility Study for the Milne Bay Community-Based Coastal and Marine Conservation Program. Unpublished report to the United Nations Milne Bay Community-Based Coastal and Marine Conservation Program, PNG/99/G41, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Kinch, J. 2001b. Clam Harvesting, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Conservation in Milne Bay Province. SPC Fisheries Newsletter 99:24–36. Kinch, J. 2000. Brooker Island Versus Ware Island: A Report on the Ongoing Dispute over the Nabaina and Nagobi Islands and the Long/Kosmann Reefs; Milne Bay Province. Unpublished Report to the Administrator’s Office, Milne Bay Provincial Government, Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Kinch, J. 1999. Economics and Environment in Island Melanesia: A General Overview of Resource Use and Livelihoods on Brooker Island in the Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Unpublished report prepared for Conservation International, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Kinch, J., D. Mitchell, and P. Seeto. 2001. Information Paper for Milne Bay Province Wide Stock Assessment and Biogeographical Survey. Unpublished report prepared for Conservation International, Washington DC. La Tanda. In press. Coral reef fish stock assessment in the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. In: G.R. Allen and S. A. McKenna, (eds.). A Rapid Biodiversity Assessment of the Coral Reefs of the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment. Washington, DC: Conservation International. Lanyon, J., C. Limpus, and H. Marsh. 1989. Dugongs and Turtles: Grazers in the Seagrass System. In: A. Larkum, A. McComb, and S. Shepherd (eds.). Biology of Seagrasses. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Pp. 610–634. Ledua, E., S. Matoto, P. Lokani, and L. Pomat. 1996. Giant Clam Resource Assessment in Milne Bay Province. Unpublished report for South Pacific Commission and the National Fisheries Authority (Papua New Guinea). Lieske, E. and R. Myers. 1994. Coral Reef Fishes – IndoPacific & Caribbean. London: Harper Collins. Lokani, P. and K. Ada. 1998. Milne Bay Province: Product Exports – 1997. Unpublished report for National Fisheries Authority (Papua New Guinea). Munro, J. 1989. Development of a Giant Clam Management Strategy for Milne Bay Province. Unpublished report for Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Papua New Guinea. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 73 Chapter 5 Omeri, N. 1991. Fisheries and Marine Policy for Milne Bay Province. Unpublished report for Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Papua New Guinea. Randall, J. E., G. R. Allen, and R. C. Steene. 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Bathurst, Australia: Crawford House Press. Skewes, T., Kinch, J., Polon, P., Dennis, D., Seeto, P., Taranto, T., Lokani, P., Wassenberg, T., Koutsoukos, A, Sarke, J. 2002. Research for the Sustainable Use of Beche-de-mer Resources in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. CSIRO Division of Marine Research Final Report, Cleveland Australia. Sparre, P. and S. Venema. 1992. Introduction to tropical fish stock assessment. Part 1. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper 306. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, Rome. Werner, T. B. and G. R. Allen (eds.). 1998. A rapid biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. RAP Working Papers 11, Washington, DC: Conservation International. 74 Rapid Assessment Program Appendices Appendix 1 ................................................................................ 76 Appendix 6 .............................................................................. 159 Douglas Fenner and Emre Turak Mark Allen Appendix 2 ................................................................................ 92 Appendix 7 .............................................................................. 164 List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Data for calculating the Reef Condition Index Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry List of reef fish target species of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea List of fishes caught by Brooker islanders using various techniques Jeff P. Kinch Appendix 3 ................................................................................ 93 Percentage of various substrata for Milne Bay survey sites Maps and Photos ................................................................... 169 Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry Appendix 4 ................................................................................ 96 List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Fred E. Wells Appendix 5 .............................................................................. 111 List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Gerald R. Allen Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 75 Appendix 1 List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Douglas Fenner and Emre Turak Sites 1–28 include observations of both D. Fenner and E. Turak. Summary of top coral diversity sites are presented in the map following the table. Species Site records Family Astrocoeniidae Stylocoeniella armata (Ehrenberg, 1834) 4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 37, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 57 Stylocoeniella guentheri (Basset-Smith, 1890) 1, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 23, 27, 28, 31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 43, 46, 48, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57 Family Pocilloporidae Madracis kirbyi Veron & Pichon, 1976 27 Palauastrea ramosa Yabe and Sugiyama, 1941 2, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 37, 38, 39, 50, 51 Pocillopora ankeli Scheer and Pillai, 1974 8, 15 Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57 Pocillopora danae Verrill, 1864 5, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 35, 38, 48, 49, 52, 53 Pocillopora elegans Dana, 1846 37 Pocillopora eydouxi Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 33, 34, 39, 43, 44, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Pocillopora meandrina Dana, 1846 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 32, 39, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53 Pocillopora verrucosa Ellis & Solander, 1786 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Pocillopora woodjonesi Vaughan, 1918 6, 18 Seriatopora aculeata Quelch, 1886 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 30, 39, 53 Seriatopora caliendrum Ehrenberg, 1834 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 32, 41, 48, 57 Seriatopora hystrix Dana, 1864 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57 Seriatopora dendritica Veron, 2000 1, 3, 4, 5, 11, 33, 51 Seriatopora sp. 1 continued 76 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Species Site records Stylophora subseriata (Ehrenberg, 1834) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Stylophora pistillata (Esper, 1797) 5, 6, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18, 29, 43, 44, 47, 48, 52, 53, 54 Stylophora sp. 1 4, 5, 6, 9, 15, 17, 18 Family Acroporidae Acropora abrolhosensis Veron 1985 11 Acropora abrotanoides Lamarck, 1816 8, 16, 17, 18, 43, 44, 48 Acropora aculeus (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57 Acropora acuminata (Verrill, 1864) 1, 3, 4, 10, 14 Acropora anthocercis (Brook, 1893) 4, 5, 19, 27 Acropora aspera (Dana, 1846) 15 Acropora austera (Dana, 1846) 3, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 43, 48, 54, 56 Acropora cf. awi Wallace and Wolstenholme, 1998 18, 19 Acropora batunai Wallace, 1997 26, 28 Acropora bruggemanni (Brook, 1893) 30, 54 Acropora carduus (Dana, 1846) 3, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 25, 26, 27, 28, 40, 48, 54, 56 Acropora caroliniana Nemenzo, 1976 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 46, 51, 54, 56 Acropora cerealis (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Acropora clathrata (Brook, 1891) 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37, 39, 43, 47, 48, 49, 53, 54, 55, 56 Acropora cylindrica Veron & Fenner, 2000 2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 35, 36, 38, 41, 46, 49, 50, 56 Acropora crateriformis (Gardiner, 1898) 8 Acropora cuneata (Dana, 1846) 4, 12, 15, 17, 21, 25, 36, 48, 55 Acropora cytherea (Dana, 1846) 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 16, 18, 25, 32, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 48 Acropora dendrum (Bassett-Smith, 1890) 34, 36, 46, 56 Acropora cf. desalwii Wallace, 1994 28 Acropora digitifera (Dana, 1846) 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 36, 39, 41, 43, 44, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57 Acropora divaricata (Dana, 1846) 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 39, 43, 55 Acropora echinata (Dana, 1846) 3, 6, 7, 8, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 39, 43, 55 Acropora elegans Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860 2, 25 Acropora elseyi (Brook, 1892) 3, 7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, 50, 54, 56 Acropora florida (Dana, 1846) 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 36, 39, 43, 47, 48, 54, 55, 56 Acropora formosa (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 56, 57 Acropora gemmifera (Brook, 1892) 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29, 33, 36, 39, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 52, 54, 55, 57 Acropora cf. glauca (Brook, 1893) 19 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 77 Appendix 1 Species Site records Acropora grandis (Brook, 1892) 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 42, 46, 48, 51, 54, 56, 57 Acropora granulosa (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, , 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 43, 49, 54 Acropora horrida (Dana, 1846) 3, 5, 16, 18, 20, 34, 39, 54, 56 Acropora humilis (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57 Acropora hyacinthus (Dana, 1846) 4, 15-19, 22-23, 25-29, 31, 34-40, 42-44, 46, 49-50, 52, 54-57 Acropora jacquelineae Wallace, 1994 1, 3, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 38 Acropora latistella (Brook, 1892) 5, 6, 16, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 43, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 52, 55, 57 Acropora listeri (Brook, 1893) 14 Acropora lokani Wallace, 1994 7, 15, 17, 20, 22, 25, 32, 38, 39, 40, 42, 46, 51, 57 Acropora longicyathus (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860) 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 35, 36, 38, 40, 48, 51, 54, 56, 57 Acropora loripes (Brook, 1892) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 39, 40, 43, 46, 48, 50, 54, 57 Acropora lutkeni Crossland, 1952 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18 Acropora microclados (Ehrenberg, 1834) 4, 5, 6, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 27, 28, 29, 38, 39 Acropora microphthalma (Verrill, 1859) 4, 5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16 Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Acropora monticulosa (Brüggemann, 1879) 7, 8, 15, 17, 18, 25, 43, 44, 48, 49, 52, 53 Acropora multiacuta Nemenzo, 1967 10, 11, 21, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 45, 46, 57 Acropora nana (Studer, 1878) 8, 18, 21, 44, 52, 53 Acropora nasuta (Dana, 1846) 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 53, 54, 57 Acropora nobilis (Dana, 1846) 6, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 42, 47 Acropora palifera (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Acropora paniculata Verrill, 1902 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 23, 24, 28 Acropora pichoni Wallace, 1999 41, 42, 57 Acropora plumosa Wallace and Wolstenholme, 1998 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 46, 48, 56 Acropora pulchra (Brook, 1891) 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 21, 36 Acropora rambleri (Bassett-Smith, 1890) Acropora robusta (Dana, 1846) 8, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 27, 29, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 52 Acropora rosaria (Dana, 1846) 21, 22 Acropora samoensis (Brook, 1891) 14, 20, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 55, 56, 57 Acropora sarmentosa (Brook, 1892) 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 54, 55, 57 Acropora secale (Studer, 1878) 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 48, 49, 52, 53, 55 continued 78 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Species Site records Acropora sekiseiensis Veron, 1990 24 Acropora selago (Studer, 1878) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 29, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 42, 46, 51, 54, 56, 57 Acropora seriata Ehrenberg, 1834 17 Acropora spathulata (Brook, 1891) 7, 26, 27, 29, 35, 36, 39, 42, 47, 48, 50, 54 Acropora speciosa (Quelch, 1886) 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Acropora spicifera (Dana, 1846) 18, 19 Acropora striata (Verrill, 1866) 16, 18, 19 Acropora subglabra (Brook, 1891) 2, 16, 17, 22, 25, 26, 27, 33, 56, 57 Acropora subulata (Dana, 1846) 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 23, 24, 27, 28 Acropora tenella (Brook, 1892) 41, 57 Acropora tenuis (Dana, 1846) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 57 Acropora valenciennesi (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1860) 3, 5, 6, 16, 18, 19, 20, 28, 31, 32, 34, 37, 38, 39, 43, 48, 54, 56, 57 Acropora valida (Dana, 1846) 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 28, 31, 44, 47, 48, 49, 52, 55 Acropora vaughani Wells, 1954 3, 17, 28, 29, 48, 53, 54, 56 Acropora verweyi Veron and Wallace, 1984 7, 11 Acropora yongei Veron and Wallace, 1984 11, 16, 17, 19, 25, 53 Acropora sp.1 1, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26 Anacropora forbesi Ridley, 1884 2, 7, 11, 20, 22, 28, 56 Anacropora matthai Pillai, 1973 2, 12, 20, 22, 26, 43, 56, 57 Anacropora puertogalerae Nemenzo, 1964 1, 10 Anacropora reticulata Veron and Wallace, 1984 1, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 26, 46, 56, 57 Anacropora sp. 1 14, 16, 25 Astreopora cuculata Lamberts, 1980 3, 5, 11, 15, 18, 19, 20 Astreopora expansa Brüggemann, 1877 7, 11, 15 Astreopora gracilis Bernard, 1896 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 29, 55 Astreopora incrustans Bernard, 1896 21, 23, 24 Astreopora listeri Bernard, 1896 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 34, 37, 38, 39, 45, 51 Astreopora myriophthalma (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54, 55, 57 Astreopora ocellata Bernard, 1896 11 Astreopora randalli Lamberts, 1980 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 57 Astreopora suggesta Wells, 1954 1, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 34, 37, 38, 39, 42, 50, 53 Montipora aequituberculata Bernard, 1897 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 48 Montipora angulata (Lamarck, 1816) 8 Montipora cactus Bernard, 1897 11, 12, 21, 26 Montipora caliculata (Dana, 1846) 10, 15, 17, 20 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 79 Appendix 1 Species Site records Montipora capitata Dana, 1846 8, 11, 12, 18, 19, 22, 26, 28, 37, 45, 48, 49 Montipora capricornis Veron, 1985 2 Montipora cebuensis Nemenzo, 1976 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 15, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33, 48 Montipora confusa Nemenzo, 1967 4, 5, 6, 13, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 32, 37, 38, 43, 48, 49, 54, 55 Montipora corbettensis Veron and Wallace, 1984 19, 43, 48, 55 Montipora crassituberculata Bernard, 1897 22 Montipora danae Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851 7, 10, 12, 14, 19, 20, 22, 27 Montipora delicatula Veron, 2000 7, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 57 Montipora efflorescens Bernard, 1897 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 23, 25 Montipora florida Nemenzo, 1967 7, 8, 13 Montipora floweri Wells, 1954 17 Montipora foliosa (Pallas, 1766) 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 20, 28, 32, 55, 56 Montipora foveolata (Dana, 1846) 4, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 31, 35, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 51, 54 Montipora grisea Bernard, 1897 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25 Montipora hispida (Dana, 1846) 1, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 25, 26, 27, 2811, 29, 36, 38, 44, 48, 56 Montipora hodgsoni Veron, 2000 2, 8, 27 Montipora hoffmeisteri Wells, 1954 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 19, 25, 27 Montipora incrassata (Dana, 1846) 2, 11 Montipora informis Bernard, 1897 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33, 35, 36, 51 Montipora mactanensis Nemenzo, 1979 1, 6, 7, 8, 28 Montipora millepora Crossland, 1952 2, 4, 5, 11, 17, 19, 21, 22, 27 Montipora mollis Bernard, 1897 1, 14, 15, 16, 18, 31, 48 Montipora monasteriata (Forsskål, 1775) 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 28 Montipora niugini Veron, 2000 8, 27 Montipora nodosa (Dana, 1846) 1 Montipora palawanensis Veron, 2000 14, 18, 42, 54 Montipora peltiformis Bernard, 1897 8, 35 Montipora spongodes Bernard, 1897 27 Montipora spumosa (Lamarck, 1816) 11, 14, 21, 51 Montipora stellata Bernard, 1897 11, 26, 27, 38, 57 Montipora tuberculosa (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 33, 34 Montipora turgescens Bernard, 1897 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 26, 27 Montipora turtlensis Veron and Wallace, 1984 17, 18 Montipora undata Bernard, 1897 23, 25, 28 Montipora venosa (Ehrenberg, 1834) 1, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 17, 21, 47 Montipora verrucosa (Lamarck, 1816) 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 30, 31, 34, 38, 45, 54, 55 Montipora sp. 1 10, 13 Family Poritidae Alveopora catalai Wells, 1968 7, 11, 13, 27, 46, 56 Alveopora fenestrata Lamarck, 1816 3, 12 Alveopora spongiosa Dana, 1846 1, 5, 17, 18 Alveopora tizardi Bassett-Smith, 1890 15, 16, 18, 30, 38, 48, 49, 53 continued 80 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Species Site records Goniopora columna Dana, 1846 9, 10, 11, 15, 21, 22, 23, 25, 29, 40, 51 Goniopora djiboutiensis Vaughan, 1907 8, 15 Goniopora fruticosa Saville-Kent, 1893 7, 8, 13, 18, 20, 42, 46 Goniopora lobata Edwards & Haime, 1860 1, 4, 7, 11, 12, 22, 26, 27 Goniopora minor Crossland, 1952 3, 4, 11, 14, 17, 22, 23, 27 Goniopora palmensis Veron and Pichon, 1982 15, 16, 22, 24 Goniopora pandoraensis Veron and Pichon, 1982 11, 25, 26 Goniopora somaliensis Vaughan, 1907 7 Goniopora stokesi Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851 7, 8 Goniopora stuchburyi Wells, 1955 1, 2, 8, 14, 15, 17, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28 Goniopora tenuidens (Quelch, 1886) 3, 19, 21, 23, 49, 55 Goniopora sp.1 4, 5, 9 Porites annae Crossland, 1952 3, 11, 15, 28 Porites attenuata Nemenzo, 1955 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 28, 29, 30, 31, 35, 48, 49, 53, 54, 57 Porites cumulatus Nemenzo, 1955 13, 22, 28, 36, 40, 42 Porites cylindrica Dana, 1846 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 46, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Porites heronensis Veron, 1985 15 Porites horizontalata Hoffmeister, 1925 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 35, 38 Porites latistellata Quelch, 1886 23 Porites lichen Dana, 1846 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 40, 45, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55 Porites lobata Dana, 1846 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Porites lutea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1860 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 30, 33, 36, 37, 39, 42, 45, 46, 48, 49, 55 Porites mayeri Vaughan, 1918 10, 13, 20, 24 Porites monticulosa Dana, 1846 2, 22, 23, 24, 25, 38 Porites murrayensis Vaughan, 1918 8, 27 Porites nigrescens Dana, 1846 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 38, 40, 45 Porites negrosensis Veron, 1990 9, 10 Porites rugosa Fenner & Veron, 2000 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 37, 40, 43, 48, 49, 50, 54, 57 Porites rus (Forsskål, 1775) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 35, 36, 37, 38, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Porites solida (Forsskål 1775) 3, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, 27 Porites vaughani Crossland, 1952 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 29, 37, 45 Porites flavus Veron, 2000 3, 4, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22 Porites sp.1 1, 4, 17, 19, 25 Porites sp.2 10, 12 Family Siderasteidae Coscinaraea columna (Dana, 1846) 1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 Coscinaraea exesa (Dana, 1846) 10, 11 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 81 Appendix 1 Species Site records Coscinaraea monile (Forsskål, 1775) 8, 10, 12, 13, 41, 42, 57 Coscinaraea wellsi Veron and Pichon, 1980 1, 3, 16, 17, 18, , 27, 37, 52 Coscinaraea sp.1 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 28, 34, 57 Psammocora contigua (Esper, 1797) 1, 3, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 26, 271, 3, 11, 15, 25, 26, 27, 29, 32, 35, 36, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 51, 57 Psammocora digitata Milne Edwards and Haime, 1851 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 36, 40, 42, 46, 48, 54, 55, 56, 57 Psammocora explanulata van der Horst, 1922 1, 27, 49 Psammocora haimeana Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851 1, 3, 4, 10, 12, 14, 19 Psammocora neirstraszi van der Horst, 1921 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 37, 44, 48, 49, 52, 53, 57 Psammocora obtusangulata (Lamarck, 1816) 22 Psammocora profundacella Gardiner, 1898 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, 37, 39, 42, 44, 49, 53, 57 Psammocora superficialis Gardiner, 1898 9, 23, 25, 27, 28, 42 Psammocora vaughani Yabe & Sugiyama, 1936 41 Pseudosiderastrea tayami Yabe & Sugiyama, 1935 12 Family Agariciidae Coeloseris mayeri Vaughan, 1918 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57 Gardineroseris planulata (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54, 55 Leptoseris explanata Yabe & Sugiyama, 1941 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35, 37, 42, 44, 46, 49, 52, 56, 57 Leptoseris foliosa Dinesen, 1980 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 27, 28 Leptoseris gardineri Horst, 1921 13, 41, 56, 57 Leptoseris hawaiiensis Vaughan, 1907 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 35, 37, 41, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57 Leptoseris incrustans (Quelch, 1886) 2, 53 Leptoseris mycetoseroides Wells, 1954 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57 Leptoseris papyracea (Dana, 1846) 2, 25, 27 Leptoseris scabra Vaughan, 1907 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 35, 37, 38, 49, 50, 52, 53 Leptoseris striata Fenner & Veron 2000 46, 53 Leptoseris cf. tubulifera Vaughan, 1907 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24 Leptoseris yabei (Pillai & Scheer, 1976) 1, 5, 18, 20, 22, 26, 29, 32, 34, 37, 38, 39, 43, 50, 54 Leptoseris sp.1 16 Pachyseris foliosa Veron, 1990 8, 11, 23, 41, 42, 46 Pachyseris gemmae Nemenzo, 1955 4, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 22, 26, 28, 36, 56 Pachyseris sp.1 1 Pachyseris rugosa (Lamarck, 1801) 2, 3, 4, 11, 13, 14, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 46, 48, 50, 57 Pachyseris speciosa (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 continued 82 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Species Site records Pavona bipartita Nemenzo, 1980 2, 16, 18, 30, 50, 52, 53, 57 Pavona cactus (Forsskål, 1775) 2, 3, 11, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 38, 42, 46, 48, 56, 57 Pavona clavus (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 17, 24, 38, 39, 48, 54, 55, 56, 57 Pavona decussata (Dana, 1846) 1, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, 54, 55, 57 Pavona duerdeni Vaughan, 1907 3, 4, 6, 17, 28, 31, 39, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54 , 55 Pavona explanulata (Lamarck, 1816) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 49, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57 Pavona frondifera (Lamarck, 1816) 15 Pavona minuta Wells, 1954 15, 18, 22, , 29, 37, 38, 44, 52, 54 Pavona varians Verrill, 1864 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57 Pavona venosa (Ehrenberg, 1834) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 33, 38, 39, 43, 53, 54, 57 Pavona sp.1 11, 14, 21, 24 Pavona sp.2 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27 Family Fungiidae Cantharellus jebbi Hoeksema, 1993 1, 3, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 25, 37, 39, 49, 56 Cantharellus nuomeae Hoeksema & Best, 1984 2 Cantharellus sp.1 24 Ctenactis albitentaculata Hoeksema, 1989 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 36, 38, 43, 45, 54, 55, 56, 57 Ctenactis crassa (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33, 36, 42, 46, 55 Ctenactis echinata (Pallas, 1766) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 50, 54, 55, 57 Cycloseris colini Veron, 2000 15 Cycloseris costulata Ortmann, 1889 18, 27, 34 Cycloseris sinensis Milne Edwards and Haime, 1851 15, 57 Cycloseris somervillei (Gardiner, 1909) 2, 3, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 28 Cycloseris vaughani (Boschma, 1923) 3, 27 Fungia concinna Verrill, 1864 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 48, 49, 50, 54, 55 Fungia danai (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851) 11, 12, 25 Fungia fralinae Nemenzo, 1955 57 Fungia fungites (Linnaeus, 1758) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 43, 44, 48, 49, 55, 56 Fungia granulosa Klunzinger, 1879 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 42, 50, 53, 55 Fungia horrida Dana, 1846 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 39, 49, 50, 54 Fungia klunzingeri Doderlein, 1901 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 36, 46, 57 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 83 Appendix 1 Species Site records Fungia moluccensis van der Horst, 1919 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 15, 23, 24, 26, 27, 41, 57 Fungia paumotensis Stutchbury, 1833 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57 Fungia repanda Dana, 1846 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 35, 36, 42, 46, 49, 53, 54, 55, 57 Fungia scabra Döderlein, 1901 10 Fungia scruposa Klunzinger, 1879 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 32, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 57 Fungia scutaria Lamarck, 1801 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19, 29, 33, 39, 43, 53, 55, 57 Fungia spinifer Claereboudt and Hoeksema, 1987 11, 12, 13, 48 Fungia sp.1 15 Halomitra clavator Hoeksema, 1989 17, 23, 57 Halomitra pileus (Linnaeus, 1758) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 43, 46, 48, 49, 50, 54, 55, 56, 57 Heliofungia actiniformis Quoy and Gaimard, 1833 7, 10, 12, 15, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 36, 43, 54, 56, 57 Herpolitha limax (Esper, 1797) 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 34, 35, 36, 41, 43, 46, 48, 50, 54, 56, 57 Herpolitha weberi Boschma, 1925 1, 2, 11, 14, 15, 22, 24, 57 Lithophyllon mokai Hoeksema, 1989 19, 23, 26 Podabacia crustacea (Pallas, 1766) 3, 6, 10, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 51, 54 Podabacia motuporensis Veron, 1990 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57 Polyphyllia talpina (Lamarck, 1801) 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 34, 40, 41, 46, 50, 55, 57 Sandalolitha dentata (Quelch, 1886) 1, 6, 9, 18, 19, 23, 29, 35, 37, 43, 48, 50, 53, 54 Sandalolitha robusta Quelch, 1886 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 42, 43, 46, 48, 55, 56, 57 Zoopilus echinatus Dana, 1846 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35, 37, 43, 57 Family Oculinidae Galaxea horrescens (Dana, 1846) 3, 7, 10, 11, 13, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 31, 35, 38, 40, 48, 51 Galaxea astreata (Lamarck, 1816) 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 34, 35, 36, 38, 42, 44, 45, 51, 52, 54 Galaxea fasicularis (Linnaeus, 1767) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 281, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 43, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Galaxea paucisepta Claereboudt, 1990 7, 15 Galaxea acrhelia Veron, 2000 13, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 Galaxea longisepta Fenner & Veron, 2000 1, 2, 4, 20, 22, 24, 25, 28, 57 Family Pectiniidae Echinophyllia aspera (Ellis & Solander, 1786) 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 36, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 49, 53, 55, 56 Echinophyllia echinata (Saville-Kent, 1871) 6, 7, 8, 12, 15, 16, 19, 22, 26, 27, 29, 36, 37, 57 Echinophyllia echinoporoides Veron and Pichon, 1979 4, 9, 24, 26, 28 Echinophyllia orpheensis Veron & Pichon, 1979 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 24, 36, 41, 42, 51 continued 84 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Species Site records Echinophyllia patula (Hodgson and Ross, 1982) 1, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 37, 38, 39, 43, 49, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57 Echinophyllia cf. taylorae (Veron, 2000) 7, 8, 11, 16, 28, 56 Mycedium elephantotus (Pallas, 1766) 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 43, 44, 45, 48, 49 Mycedium robokaki Moll and Best, 1984 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 35, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, 49, 54 Mycedium mancaoi Nemenzo, 1979 20, 21, 22, 25 Oxypora crassispinosa Nemenzo, 1979 1, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 37, 39, 55 Oxypora glabra Nemenzo, 1959 1, 5, 9, 11, 13, 18, 19, 22, 25, 27, 28, 35 Oxypora lacera (Verrill, 1864) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 39, 42, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57 Pectinia alcicornis (Saville-Kent, 1871) 1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 27, 34, 35, 38, 50, 51 Pectinia elongata Rehberg, 1892 21, 29, 51 Pectinia lactuca (Pallas, 1766) 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 37, 39, 42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Pectinia paeonia (Dana, 1846) 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, , 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 49, 51, 54, 57 Pectinia cf. maxima (Moll and Best, 1984) 10, 12 Pectinia aylini (Wells, 1935) 1, 11, 14, 23, 27 Family Mussidae Micromussa amakusensis (Veron, 1990) 1, 7, 8, 26 Acanthastrea echinata (Dana, 1846) 1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55, 57 Acanthastrea hemprichii (Ehrenberg, 1834) 1, 10 Acanthastrea hillae Wells, 1955 11 Acanthastrea rotundaflora Chevalier, 1975 8, 10, 11 Acanthastrea brevis Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849 15, 36, 43, 45, 48, 49 Acanthastrea faviaformis Veron, 2000 20, 36 Acanthastrea subechinata Veron, 2000 3, 11, 13, 20, 21 Acanthastrea sp. 1 3, 12, 15, 17, 18, 26 Acanthastrea sp.2 14, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26 Blastomussa merleti Wells, 1961 29, 46, 56, 57 Cynarina lacrymalis (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848) 3, 10, 15, 23, 24, 46 Lobophyllia corymbosa (Forsskål, 1775) 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 40, 57 Lobophyllia hataii Yabe, Sugiyama & Eguchi 1936 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 34, 44, 46, 49, 55, 57 Lobophyllia hemprichii (Ehreberg, 1834) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 56 Lobophyllia pachysepta Chevalier, 1975 15, 34, 42, 51 Lobophyllia robusta Yabe, Sugiyama & Eguchi 1936 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 36, 40, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 85 Appendix 1 Species Site records Lobophyllia dentata Veron, 2000 25, 32, 33, 34, 55, 56 Lobophyllia flabelliformis Veron, 2000 4, 13, 53 Lobophyllia serratus Veron, 2000 21 Scolymia australis (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849) 1, 2, 5, 15, 18, 19, 26 Scolymia vitiensis Brüggemann, 1877 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 41, 42, 44, 46, 49, 52, 53, 55, 57 Symphyllia agaricia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 19, 24, 25, 28, 29, 45, 49, 53, 55 Symphyllia hassi Pillai and Scheer, 1976 1, 3, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 26, 34, 42 Symphyllia radians Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Symphyllia recta (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43, 44, 47, 48, 50, 51, 54 Symphyllia valenciennesi Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849 1, 6, 14, 18, 19, 20, 23, 26, 29, 31, 42 Family Merulinidae Hydnophora exesa (Pallas, 1766) 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 43, 44, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57 Hydnophora grandis Gardiner, 1904 7, 8, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 46, 48, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57 Hydnophora microconos (Lamarck, 1816) 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 55, 57 Hydnophora pilosa Veron, 1985 2, 5, 7, 8, 32, 39, 56 Hydnophora rigida (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 43, 48, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57 Merulina ampliata (Ellis and Solander, 1786) 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 56, 57 Merulina scabricula Dana, 1846 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 39, 43, 46, 48, 49, 53, 54, 56 Paraclavarina triangularis Veron and Pichon, 1979 7, 10, 15, 21, 32, 34, 42, 46, 51, 56, 57 Scapophyllia cylindrica Milne Edwards and Haime, 1848 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 15, 19, 27, 42, 53 Family Faviidae Australogyra zelli (Veron, Pichon, and Wijsman-Best, 1977) 7, 12, 32, 33, 34, 46 Caulastrea echinulata (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849) 2, 11, 12, 14, 20, 25, 37, 38, 39, 56 Caulastrea furcata Dana, 1846 11, 12, 14, 28, 51 Cyphastrea agassizi (Vaughan, 1907) 17, 25, 30 Cyphastrea chalcidicum (Forsskål, 1775) 8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27 Cyphastrea decadia Moll and Best, 1984 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, 33, 38, 40, 48, 49, 50 Cyphastrea japonica Yabe and Sugiyama, 1932 24 Cyphastrea microphthalma (Lamarck, 1816) 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22 Cyphastrea serailia (Forsskål, 1775) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27 Cyphastrea sp. 1 12 continued 86 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Species Site records Cyphastrea sp. 2 19, 24 Diploastrea heliopora (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Echinopora gemmacea (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Echinopora hirsutissima Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 39, 43, 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55 Echinopora horrida Dana, 1846 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35, 36, 39, 46, 48, 54, 55, 56, 57 Echinopora lamellosa (Esper, 1775) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 35, 37, 55 Echinopora mammiformis (Nemenzo, 1959) 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 46, 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57 Echinopora pacificus Vernon, 1990 7, 11, 16, 56 Favia danae Verrill, 1872 11, 12 Favia favus (Forsskål, 1775) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27 Favia laxa (Klunzinger, 1879) 21, 24, 36, 51 Favia lizardensis Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best, 1972 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 34, 36, 50, 54, 57 Favia maritima (Nemenzo, 1971) 7, 11, 12, 20, 26 Favia matthaii Vaughan, 1918 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 46, 49, 51, 57 Favia maxima Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best, 1972 15 Favia pallida (Dana, 1846) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 Favia rotundata Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best, 1972 2, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 21, 26, 31, 33, 34, 51, 52 Favia speciosa (Dana, 1846) 3, 7, 12, 14, 15, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 33 Favia stelligera (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55 Favia truncatus Veron, 2000 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17, 20, 27, 33, 40, 47 Favites abdita (Ellis & Solander, 1786) 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 57 Favites chinensis (Verrill, 1866) 5, 13 Favites complanata (Ehrenberg, 1834) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28 Favites flexuosa (Dana, 1846) 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 19, 23 Favites halicora (Ehrenberg, 1834) 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 29, 33, 34, 36, 50, 53 Favites paraflexuosa Veron, 2000 5, 11, 12, 14, 15 Favites pentagona (Esper, 1794) 1, 2, 5, 7, 12, 15, 25, 28 Favites rosaria Veron, 2000 2, 8, 14, 18 Favites russelli (Wells, 1954) 1, 4, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 28, 33 Favites vasta Klunzinger, 1879 7, 10, 15, 16, 18, 22, 28 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 87 Appendix 1 Species Site records Goniastrea aspera Verrill, 1905 1, 12, 15, 19, 22, 25, 26, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 41, 43, 48, 49, 57 Goniastrea australensis (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857) 1, 15, 19, 21, 23, 27 Goniastrea edwardsi Chevalier, 1971 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 57 Goniastrea favulus (Dana, 1846) 15 Goniastrea pectinata (Ehrenberg, 1834) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57 Goniastrea retiformis (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55 Leptastrea bewickensis Veron, Pichon, and Wijsman-Best, 1977 8, 26 Leptastrea inaequalis Klunzinger, 1879 7, 19, 29, 30, 31, 32, 39, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 55 Leptastrea pruinosa Crossland, 1952 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 31, 34 Leptastrea purpurea (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 54, 57 Leptastrea transversa Klunzinger, 1879 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 37, 39, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 55 Leptoria irregularis Veron, 1990 4, 5, 10, 18, 24 Leptoria phrygia (Ellis & Solander, 1786) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Montastrea annuligera (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849) 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 Montastrea curta (Dana, 1846) 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55 Montastrea magnistellata Chevalier, 1971 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 49, 51, 54 Montastrea salebrosa (Nemenzo, 1959) 15, 21 Montastrea valenciennesi (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1848) 1, 4, 10 Montastrea multipunctata Hodgson, 1985 4, 8, 11, 21 Oulastrea crispata Lamarck, 1816 30, 31, 52 Oulophyllia bennettae (Veron, Pichon and Wijsman-Best, 1977) 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 21, 23, 28, 34, 46, 48, 51 Oulophyllia crispa (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Oulophyllia levis Nemenzo, 1959 26, 28 Platygyra contorta Veron, 1990 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27 Platygyra daedalea (Ellis & Solander, 1786) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57 Platygyra lamellina (Ehrenberg, 1834) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 43, 49, 50, 51, 57 Platygyra pini Chevalier, 1975 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 53, 56 Platygyra ryukyuensis Yabe and Sugiyama, 1936 11, 12, 14, 15, 26 Platygyra sinensis (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 23, 24, 26, 27, 48 continued 88 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Species Site records Platygyra verweyi Wijsman-Best, 1976 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 17 Platygyra yaeyemaensis Eguchi and Shirai, 1977 2, 5, 10, 14, 17 Platygyra acuta Veron, 2000 1, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 17, 21, 28 Plesiastrea versipora (Lamarck, 1816) 2, 5, 12, 18, 22, 24, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 53, 55, 56, 57 Family Trachyphyllidae Trachyphyllia goeffroyi (Audouin, 1826) 15 Family Euphyllidae Catalaphyllia jardinei (Saville-Kent, 1893) 23 Euphyllia ancora Veron and Pichon, 1979 4, 25, 43, 56 Euphyllia cristata Chevalier, 1971 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 32, 35, 42, 45, 49, 51, 57 Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso and Eysenhardt, 1821) 3, 4, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 49 Euphyllia yaeyamensis (Shirai, 1980) 8, 11, 22, 23, 26, 54 Physogyra lichtensteini Milne Edwards and Haime, 1851 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Plerogyra simplex Rehberg, 1892 4, 13, 15, 23, 35, 36, 46, 51 Plerogyra sinuosa (Dana, 1846) 1, 2, 4, 9, 12, 15, 22, 24, 26, 29, 35, 36, 42, 53, 57 Family Dendrophylliidae Balanophyllia sp. 1 52, 55 Dendrophyllia sp. 1 1, 31, 49, 52, 54, 55 Rhizopsammia verrilli van der Horst, 1922 4, 22, 24, 27, 31, 38, 44, 45, 50, 52, 57 Turbinaria frondens (Dana, 1846) 22, 37, 47, 54 Turbinaria mesenterina (Lamarck, 1816) 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29, 30, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 43, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 55, 56 Turbinaria peltata (Esper, 1794) 4, 9, 15, 18, 19, 25, 27, 28, 31, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42 Turbinaria reniformis Bernard, 1896 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Turbinaria stellulata (Lamarck, 1816) 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 27, 31, 35, 37, 38, 39, 43, 45, 46, 47, 49, 55, 56 Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829 4, 37, 52 Tubastraea micrantha Ehrenberg, 1834 1, 4, 5, 9, 18, 19, 22, 24, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 47, 48, 52, 54, 55 Subclas Alcyonaria (Octocorallia) Order Alcyonacea Family Tubiporidae Tubipora musica Linnaeus, 1758 15, 26, 29, 30, 35, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53 Tubipora sp. 1 1, 13, 18, 25, 31, 37, 43, 50, 54, 55, 57 Tubipora sp. 2 4, 34, 50 Order Helioporacea (Coenothecalia) Family Helioporidae Heliopora coerulea (Pallas, 1766) 11, 12, 42, 47, 48, 53, 54, 56 Class Hydrozoa Order Milleporina Family Milleporidae Millepora dichotoma Forsskål, 1775 8, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 28, 39, 43 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 89 Appendix 1 Species Site records Millepora cf. exaesa Forsskål, 1775 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 20, 21, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 45, 47, 52, 57 Millepora intricata Milne-Edwards and Haime, 1857 1, 3, 8, 11, 14, 20, 23, 27, 42, 53, 56, 57 Millepora tenera Boschma, 1949 47 Millepora sp. 1 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 18, 28, 49 Order Sylasterina Family Stylasteridae 90 Distichopora nitida Verrill, 1864 31, 36, 50, 54, 55 Distichopora violacea (Pallas, 1766) 30, 44, 52, 53 Stylaster sp. 1 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 31, 37, 38, 44, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57 Rapid Assessment Program List of coral species recorded at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea during 2000 RAP survey Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 91 Appendix 2 Data for calculating the Reef Condition Index Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry ���� 92 ����������� ��������� ����������� ��� ���� ����������� ��������� ����������� ��� � �� ��� �� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� �� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ � �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� �� ������ �� �� ��� �� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� �� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� �� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� ������ Rapid Assessment Program Appendix 3 Percentage of various substrata for Milne Bay survey sites Gerald R. Allen, Pamela Seeto, and Tessa McGarry The letters “s” and “d” refer to the shallow (approximately 8 m) and deep (approximately 16 m) transects at the same site. Site Hard corals Dead coral Rubble Soft corals Sand Sponge Algae 1s 19 36 17 0 3 16 9 1d 16 23 21 6 1 29 4 2 77 1 16 0 1 5 0 3 40 7 7 4 19 10 13 4s 57 1 5 7 3 8 19 4d 52 0 3 9 10 15 11 5 56 1 8 23 3 9 0 6s 43 0 38 18 0 0 1 6d 30 1 41 24 2 2 0 7s 32 3 6 2 37 14 6 7d 28 1 2 2 38 28 1 8s 85 0 6 5 1 3 0 8d 59 0 5 5 16 13 2 9s 34 0 37 21 3 2 3 9d 43 0 5 40 2 8 2 10s 49 2 17 4 23 5 0 10d 46 2 15 4 17 16 0 11s 52 2 26 0 0 19 1 11d 60 0 9 1 11 19 0 12s 61 2 5 7 12 13 0 12d 56 0 4 5 8 26 1 13s 65 8 9 4 7 7 0 13d 68 4 4 4 2 18 0 14 39 4 16 17 2 4 18 15s 47 11 2 8 23 7 2 15d 43 2 0 17 3 18 17 16s 52 5 23 17 1 2 0 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 93 Appendix 3 Site 16d Hard corals 44 Dead coral 5 17s 66 2 17d 35 3 18s 48 1 18d 33 19s 70 19d Rubble 26 Soft corals 20 Sand 1 Sponge 3 Algae 1 9 2 0 16 5 20 10 6 32 4 2 36 0 11 2 0 11 21 5 30 0 3 22 0 1 4 0 57 0 20 1 10 12 0 20s 42 2 15 4 16 21 0 20d 32 2 13 5 7 38 3 21 30 3 19 2 30 16 0 22s 37 0 19 1 13 29 1 22d 38 2 5 3 24 28 0 23s 24 5 16 1 29 25 0 23d 3 1 0 0 78 18 0 24s 54 7 13 0 2 23 1 24d 35 8 6 4 6 37 4 25s 57 5 20 7 0 11 0 25d 51 3 5 5 0 36 0 26s 36 14 0 3 36 11 0 26d 24 6 12 2 35 21 0 27s 77 5 10 2 1 5 0 27d 30 7 37 3 14 9 0 28s 72 9 8 8 2 1 0 28d 71 3 20 0 0 6 0 29s 54 0 7 24 13 0 2 29d 54 0 2 23 2 7 12 30s 34 7 30 13 2 3 11 30d 39 1 33 11 0 5 11 31s 22 0 24 10 39 3 2 31d 22 0 12 23 35 8 0 32s 38 4 29 1 24 1 3 32d 47 2 14 0 28 8 1 33s 33 5 36 1 4 14 7 33d 46 3 30 0 19 2 0 34s 53 9 3 0 9 26 0 34d 32 0 2 1 43 22 0 35s 48 0 30 6 5 8 3 35d 30 1 0 18 39 10 2 36s 20 4 55 11 10 0 0 36d 27 12 33 10 5 13 0 37s 67 2 2 17 0 4 8 37d 53 0 7 20 7 6 7 38s 29 1 8 8 39 9 6 continued 94 Rapid Assessment Program Percentage of various substrata for Milne Bay survey sites Site 38d Hard corals 25 Dead coral 0 Rubble 0 Soft corals 18 Sand 40 Sponge 17 Algae 0 39s 56 1 3 6 31 0 3 39d 43 1 0 8 47 1 0 40 33 1 0 4 13 3 46 41s 22 1 21 1 3 5 47 41d 13 1 15 11 4 0 56 42s 41 2 5 9 33 3 7 42d 25 2 3 16 40 5 9 43s 76 0 2 2 2 2 16 43d 36 1 19 12 12 13 7 44 7 0 0 3 0 2 88 45s 24 8 9 1 17 13 28 45d 15 0 52 3 6 3 21 46s 52 2 15 21 1 6 3 46d 37 2 2 27 29 3 0 47s 52 0 4 15 21 8 0 47d 14 0 0 0 60 26 0 48s 25 4 8 48 11 3 1 48d 42 1 5 23 19 10 0 49s 28 3 18 7 27 9 8 49d 19 0 3 2 66 10 0 50s 13 3 30 12 36 2 4 50d 33 1 38 13 5 8 2 51s 35 1 1 2 54 7 0 51d 26 0 1 6 54 9 4 52s 55 0 0 12 0 2 31 52d 27 0 0 50 0 21 2 53s 48 2 0 32 3 15 0 53d 34 0 0 55 0 11 0 54s 52 1 5 4 36 2 0 54d 45 0 16 23 13 3 0 55s 55 0 24 7 13 1 0 55d 32 0 52 11 0 4 1 56s 70 0 8 16 4 2 0 56d 30 0 4 10 30 18 8 57s 67 0 4 12 0 17 0 57d 48 0 13 8 9 22 0 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 95 Appendix 4 List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Fred E. Wells Site records are for the second (2000) survey. Species lacking site numbers were collected only on the 1997 survey. Summary of top molluscs diversity sites are presented in the map following the table. CLASS POLYPLACOPHORA Species Astralium sp. Family Cryptoplacidae Monodonta labio (Linnaeus, 1758) Species Cryptoplax larvaeformis (Burrow, 1815) Site records 11, 13 Family Chitonidae Acanthopleura gemmata (Blainville, 1825) 4, 15, 22, 24, 26, 27 2, 4, 10, 15-20, 23, 26,27 Turbo bruneus (Röding, 1798) 1 Turbo chrysostoma (Linnaeus, 1758) 11 Turbo cinereus Born, 1778 Family Patellidae Turbo crassus Wood, 1828 Cellana sp. Turbo foliaceus Philippi, 1847 27 Cellana tramoserica (Holten, 1802) Patella flexuosa Quoy & Gaimard, 1834 11 Patelloida saccharina (Linnaeus, 1758) 13 Patelloida striata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) 7 Turbo petholatus Linnaeus, 1758 1-4, 7, 8, 11-13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24-28 Turbo setosus Gmelin, 1791 Family Trochidae Angaria delphinus (Linnaeus, 1758) Calthalotia attenuata (Jonas, 1844) 12 Family Haliotidae Calthalotia sp. 7 Haliotis asinina Linnaeus, 1758 12 Chrysostoma paradoum (Born, 1780) 10, 13 Haliotis crebrisculpta Sowerby, 1914 21 Clanculus atropurpureus (Gould, 1849) 10, 13 Haliotis glabra Gmelin, 1791 10, 27 Clanculus clanguloides (Wood, 1828) 8 Haliotis ovina Gmelin, 1791 4, 7, 13, 19, 21, 27, 28 Emarginula incisura Adams, 1851 Ethminolia stearnsi (Pilsbry, 1895) 6 Haliotis planata Sowerby, 1833 6, 10, 15 Euchelus atratus (Gmelin, 1791) 12 Haliotis cf. pulcherrima Gmelin, 1791 19 Gena impertusa (Burrow, 1815) Haliotis varia Linaeus, 1758 27 Liotina peronii (Kiener, 1839) Family Fissurellidae Monilea belcheri (Philippi, 1849) Diodora mus (Reeve, 1850) Pseudostomatella decolorata (Gould, 1848) 10 Diodora ticaonica (Reeve, 1850) Tectus fenestratus Gmelin, 1790 3, 15, 18, 21 Suctus granulatus Blainville, 1819 Tectus maculatus Linnaeus, 1758 4, 7, 21 Family Turbinidae Tectus pyramis Born, 1778 4-9, 12, 13, 15-18, 22, 24-28 Diodora galeata (Helbling, 1779) Astralium rhodostomum (Lamarck, 1822) 96 Turbo argyrostomus (Linnaeus, 1758) CLASS GASTROPODA Cellana rota (Gmelin, 1791) Site records 7, 10, 12 Rapid Assessment Program 9 7, 8, 17 continued List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Species Site records Tectus triserialis (Lamarck, 1822) 12 Species Rhinoclavis articulata (Adams & Reeve, 1850 Trochus hanleyanus (Reeve, 1843) 7 Rhinoclavis aspera (Linnaeus, 1758) Trochus histrio Reeve, 1842 1 4-6, 8, 10-15, 17-23, 26-28 4, 7, 11-13, 17, 21, 22, 28 Rhinovlavis fasciatus (Bruguière, 1792) 1, 3, 5, 10, 19, 21 Trochus niloticus Linnaeus, 1767 15 Trochus stellatus Gmelin, 1791 6 Rhinoclavis longicaudata (Adams & Reeve, 1850) Stomatella auricula (Lamarck, 1816) 10 Rhinoclavis sinensis (Gmelin, 1791) 1, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 27 Stomatia phymotis Helbling, 1779 12 Rhinoclavis vertagus (Linnaeus, 1767) 3 Umbonium vestiarum (Linnaeus, 1758) 1,12 Family Turritellidae 12, 13, 16, 19, 24 Gazemeda declivis (Adams & Reeve, 1848) Thalotia attenuata (Jonas, 1844) Family Neritopsidae Neritopsis radula Gray, 1842 Site records 13 Family Planaxidae Family Neritidae Nerita albicilla Linnaeus, 1758 7, 10, 11 Nerita costata Gmelin, 1791 7, 27 Nerita grossa Linnaeus, 1758 27 Nerita plicata Linnaeus, 1758 10, 11, 22, 27 Nerita polita Linnaeus, 1758 4, 7, 25-27 Nerita reticulata Karsten, 1789 Nerita undata Linnaeus, 1758 4, 7, 11, 13, 24-27 Neritina violacea (Gmelin, 1791) 27 Theodoxus oualiensis (Lesson, 1831) Family Cerithiidae Planaxis decollatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) Planaxis niger Quoy & Gaimard, 1834 11 Planaxis sulcatus (Born, 1780) 10 Family Potamididae Cerithidea cingulata (Gmelin, 1791) Terebralia palustris (Linnaeus, 1767) 13, 14 Terebralia sulcata (Born, 1778) 13 Telescopium telescopium (Linnaeus, 1758) Family Modulidae Cerithium alveolus Hombron & Jacquinot, 1854 7, 13 Cerithium balteatum Philippi, 1848 26 Cerithium citrinum Sowerby, 1855 4, 5, 8 Cerithium columna Sowerby, 1834 5, 7-9, 18, 24, 25, 27 Cerithium echinatum (Lamarck, 1822) 2, 4, 5, 6 Cerithium lifuense Melvill & Standen, 1895 1, 9, 22, 23, 25-27, 28 Cerithium munitum Sowerby, 1855 21, 22, 27 Cerithium nesioticum Pilsbry & Vanetta, 1906 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 17-19, 22 Cerithium nodulosus (Bruguière, 1792) 4, 15 Rissoid sp. 1 Cerithium punctatum Bruguière, 1792 10, 11 Rissoid sp. 2 Cerithium rostratum Sowerby, 1855 10, 12, 14 Zebina gigantea (Deshayes, 1850) Cerithium salebrosum Sowerby, 1855 3, 7, 12, 18, 19, 21 Family Strombidae Cerithium tenuifilosum Sowerby, 1866 3, 6, 9, 15, 17, 20 Lambis chiragra (Linnaeus, 1758) 10, 13 Cerithium torresi Smith, 1884 3 Lambis lambis (Linnaeus, 1758) 4 Cerithium trailli (Sowerby, 1855) 13 Lambis millepeda (Linnaeus, 1758) 1, 3, 7, 8, 15-18, 21, 25, 27 Lambis scorpius (Linnaeus, 1758) 1, 6, 15-17, 24, 27 Lambis truncata (Humphrey, 1786) 13, 15, 18 Strombus aurisdianae Linnaeus, 1758 13 Cerithium zonatum (Wood, 1828) Clypeomorus batillariaeformis Habe & Kosuge, 1966 Clypeomorus moniliferum (Kiener, 1841) 15 Clypeomorus petrosum (Wood, 1828) 6 Modulus tectum (Gmelin, 1791) 17, 21, 23, 27 Family Littorinidae Littorina coccinea (Gmelin, 1791) 7, 11, 27 Littoraria scabra (Linnaeus, 1758) Littorina undulata Gray, 1839 7 Nodilittorina millegrana (Philippi, 1848) 7, 11 Nodilittorina pyramidalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) Tectarius pagodus (Linnaeus, 1758) 27 Family Rissoidae 19 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 97 Appendix 4 Species Strombus dentatus Linnaeus, 1758 Site records 12, 20, 28 Strombus dilatatus (Swainson, 1821) Species Cypraea brevidentata (Sowerby, 1820) Site records Cypraea caputserpentis Linnaeus, 1758 4, 8, 10, 13, 27 Strombus epidromis Linnaeus, 1758 3 Cypraea carneola Linnaeus, 1758 1, 6, 17, 19, 20, 23 Strombus erythrinus Dillwyn, 1817 22 Cypraea caurica Linnaeus, 1758 Strombus fragilis (Röding, 1798) Cypraea cicercula Linnaeus, 1758 4, 6, 8, 9, 13 Strombus gibberulus Linnaeus, 1758 3, 4, 7, 10-14, 21, 23, 27 Cypraea clandestina Linnaeus, 1767 Strombus labiatus (Röding, 1798) 18 Cypraea cylindrica Born, 1778 25 Strombus lentiginosus Linnaeus, 1758 12 Cypraea eglantina (Duclos, 1833) 4, 5, 8, 10, 18 Strombus luhuanus Linnaeus, 1758 3-5, 7, 10-14, 18, 22, 26, 28 Cypraea erosa Linnaeus, 1758 6, 11, 12, 21-23, 26 Cypraea fimbriata Gmelin, 1791 6, 8, 16 Cypraea flaveola Linnaeus, 1758 6, 9, 23, 27, 28 Cypraea gracilis Gaskoin, 1849 27 Cypraea globulus Linnaeus, 1758 6 Strombus microurceus (Kira, 1959) 4, 11-14 Strombus minimus Linnaeus, 1771 3, 4, 7, 8, 14, 19, 27 Strombus mutabilis Swainson, 1821 1, 11 Strombus plicatus (Röding, 1798) 14 Strombus sinuatus Humphrey, 1786 Strombus terebellatus Sowerby, 1842 Strombus urseus Linnaeus, 1758 3, 10, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23 Strombus variabilis Swainson, 1820 14 Strombus vomer (Röding, 1798) Terebellum terebellum (Linnaeus, 1758) 3, 7, 8, 10-12, 20, 27, 28 Family Vanikoridae Vanikoro cancellata (Lamarck, 1822) 17, 18, 27 Family Hipponicidae Cypraea cribraria Linnaeus, 1758 Cypraea helvola Linnaeus, 1758 Cypraea hirundo Linnaeus, 1758 6 Cypraea isabella Linnaeus, 1758 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24-28 Cypraea kieneri Hidalgo, 1906 Cypraea labrolineata Gaskoin, 1848 18, 20, 21, 27 Cypraea limacina Lamarck, 1810 Cypraea lynx Linnaeus, 1758 1-5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17, 20-23, 26-28 Cypraea mappa Linnaeus, 1758 27 Cypraea mauritania Linnaeus, 1758 Cypraea microdon Gray, 1828 10 Cypraea moneta Linnaeus, 1758 4, 7, 10-13, 15, 18, 20, 21, 23, 27 Cypraea nucleus Linnaeus, 1758 9, 20, 22, 28 Cypraea pallidula Gaskoin, 1849 18 Crepidula aculeata (Gmelin, 1791) Cypraea punctata Linnaeus, 1758 1, 9, 18, 27 Family Capulidae Cypraea quadrimaculata Gray, 1824 11, 17, 20, 21 Hipponix conicus (Schumacher, 1817) 2, 4, 6, 9, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 28 Family Calyptraeidae Calyptraea calyptraeformis (Lamarck, 1822) Capulus liberatus Pease, 1868 3, 7, 9, 11, 18, 22 Cypraea staphylaea Linnaeus, 1758 4, 19 Cheilea equestris (Linnaeus, 1758) 2, 3, 8, 21, 27, 28 Cypraea talpa Linnaeus, 1758 4, 6, 10 Cheilea sp. 2 27 Cypraea teres Gmelin, 1791 14, 22 Cypraea testudinaria Linnaeus, 1758 22, 27 Cypraea tigris Linnaeus, 1758 3, 4, 6, 17, 26 Cypraea ursellus Gmelin, 1791 28 Cypraea vitellus Linnaeus, 1758 5 Family Vermetidae Serpulorbis colubrina (Röding, 1798) 1, 2, 5, 7, 11, 12, 16, 18, 20, 25-27 ,28 Family Cypraeidae Cypraea annulus Linnaeus, 1758 4, 7, 10, 13, 15, 18, 27 Family Ovulidae Cypraea arabica Linnaeus, 1758 13, 15, 22, 27 Calpurneus verrucosus (Linnaeus, 1758) Cypraea argus Linnaeus, 1758 6, 12, 21 Crenavolva striatula (A. Adams, 1855) 15 Cypraea asellus Linnaeus, 1758 10, 15, 18, 22, 28 Ovula ovum (Linnaeus, 1758) 5 Cypraea becki Gaskoin, 1836 12 Phenacovolva sp. 13 Calpurneus lacteus (Lamarck, 1810) continued 98 Rapid Assessment Program List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Species Testudovula nebula (Azuma & Cate, 1971) Site records 1, 7, 10, 11, 15, 18, 21, 27 Family Lamellariidae Chelynotus tonganus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832) Lamellariid sp. 1 Family Naticidae Eunaticina linneana (Rècluz, 1843) 27 Natica gualtieriana (Rècluz, 1844) Natica lineozona Jousseaume, 1874 20 Natica onca (Röding, 1798) 3 Natica violacea Sowerby, 1825 5, 7 Natica vitellus (Linnaeus, 1758) 13 Cymatium nicobaricum (Röding, 1798) 5 Cymatium pileare (Linnaeus, 1758) Cymatium pyrum (Linnaeus, 1758) 21 Cymatium rubeculum (Linnaeus, 1758) 7-9, 16, 17, 21, 24, 25, 28 Cymatium succinctum (Linnaeus, 1771) 27 Distorsio anus (Linnaeus, 1758) 7 Gyrineum bituberculare (Lamarck, 1816) Gyrineum gyrineum (Linnaeus, 1758) 7, 12, 20 Gyrineum pusillum (A. Adams, 1854) 3 Gyrineum roseum (Reeve, 1844) Linatella succincta (Linnaeus, 1771) Septa gemmata (Reeve, 1844) Polinices maurus (Lamarck, 1816) 5, 10, 13, 23 Polinices simae (Deshayes, 1838) Polinices tumidus (Swainson, 1840) Cymatium mundum (Gould, 1849) 27 Ranularia muricinum (Gmelin, 1791) Polinices aurantius (Röding, 1798) Polinices melanostomus (Gmelin, 1791) Site records 15 Cymatium moritinctum (Reeve, 1844) Family Triviidae Trivia oryza (Lamarck, 1810) Species Cymatium gutturnium (Röding, 1798) 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 23 Family Tonnidae Malea pomum (Linnaeus, 1758) 22 Tonna chinensis (Dillwyn, 1817) Tonna galea (Linnaeus, 1758) Tonna perdix (Linnaeus, 1758) Family Bursidae 18, 21 5, 21 Bursa cruentata (Sowerby, 1835) 7 Family Triphoridae Bursa granularis (Röding, 1798) 4,10 Triphora sp. 1 19 Bursa lamarckii (Deshayes, 1853) 1, 6, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 28 Triphora sp. 2 10 Triphora sp. 3 7 Bursa leo Shikama, 1964 8, 13 Family Epitoniidae Bursa mammata (Röding, 1798) Bursa nobilis (Reeve, 1844) Epitonium perplexum (Pease, 1860) 3 Bursa rhodostoms Sowerby, 1840 Bursa rosa Perry, 1811 Family Muricidae Aspella anceps (Lamarck, 1822) 6 Chicoreus banksii (Sowerby, 1841) 9 Bursa tuberossissima (Reeve, 1844) Chicoreus brunneus (Link, 1810) 3, 9, 18, 28 Tutufa bubo (Linnaeus, 1758) Chicoreus cumingii (A. Adams, 1853) 18 Tutufa rubeta (Linnaeus, 1758) 2 Chicoreus microphyllus (Lamarck, 1816) 4 Tutufa tenuigranosa Smith, 1914 Coralliophila costularis (Lamarck, 1816) 11 Family Cassidae Coralliophila erosa (Röding, 1798) Casmaria erinaceus (Linnaeus, 1758) 13, 26 Coralliophila galea (Reeve, 1846) Cassis cornuta (Linnaeus, 1758) 3 Coralliophila neritoidea (Lamarck, 1816) 1, 2, 4-12, 15-28 Phalium bisulcatum (Schubert & Wagner, 1829) 26 Coralliophila pyriformis Kira, 1954 Family Ranellidae Charonia tritonis (Linnaeus, 1758) 5 Cymatium aquatile (Reeve, 1844) 9 Cymatium flaveolum (Röding, 1798) 24 Cronia fenestrata (Blainville, 1832) 4 Cronia funiculus (Wood, 1828) 10, 15 Cronia margariticola (Broderip, 1833) Drupa grossularia (Röding, 1798) 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 22, 25 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 99 Appendix 4 Species Drupa morum (Röding, 1798) Site records 4, 8 27 Species Thais aculeata (Desyayes, 1844) Drupa ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) 6, 8, 12, 13, 15, 24 Thais armigera (Link, 1807) Drupa rubusidaeus (Röding, 1798) 18, 19, 25, 27 Thais echinata Blainville, 1832 Drupella cariosa (Wood, 1828) 10, 11, 15, 16, 23, 26, 27 Thais kieneri (Deshayes, 1844) Drupella cornus (Röding, 1798) 1, 2, 5-10, 12, 16-20, 22-28 Thais savignyi (Deshayes, 1844) 25, 27 1-3, 5, 7-9, 12, 16-18, 24-28 Thais tuberosa (Röding, 1798) 4, 8, 13 Drupella ochrostoma (Blainville, 1832) Family Turbinellidae Drupella rugosa (Born, 1778) 20 Favartia sp. Homalocantha anomalae Kosuge, 1979 Homalocantha anatomica (Perry, 1811) 6, 27 Homalocantha zamboi (Burch & Burch, 1960) 27 Latiaxis sp. 1 Maculotriton serriale (Deshayes, 1831) 17 Morula anaxeres (Kiener, 1835) 1, 6, 7, 8, 15, 17, 22 Morula aurantiaca (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1853) Morula biconica (Blainville, 1832) 10 Morula dumosa (Conrad, 1837) 28 Morula granulata (Duclos, 1832) 7, 10, 13, 22, 24, 26, 27 Morula margariticola (Broderip, 1832) 13 Morula nodicostata (Pease, 1868) 10 Morula parva (Reeve, 1846) Morula spinosa (H. & A. Adams, 1855) 1, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 15, 17, 22 Morula uva (Röding, 1798) 2, 6, 9, 15, 16, 18-21 Murex ramosus (Linnaeus, 1758) Murex tenuirostrum Lamarck, 1822 14 Muricodrupa fiscella (Gmelin, 1791) Muricodrupa stellaris (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1853). 18 Muricodrupa sp. Muricopsis sp. 8 Naquetia triquetra (Born, 1778) Nassa serta (Bruguière, 1789) 9 Pterynotus barclayanus (A. Adams, 1873) 100 Pterynotus martinetana (Röding, 1798) 6 Quoyola madreporarum (Sowerby, 1832) 5, 11, 13, 18, 27 Rapa rapa (Gmelin, 1791) 18, 22 Rapid Assessment Program Vasum ceramicum (Linnaeus, 1758) 4, 7, 10-13, 16, 18, 28 Vasum turbinellus (Linnaeus, 1758) 7, 16, 18, 22, 25 Family Buccinidae Colubraria antiquata (Hinds, 1844) 25 Colubraria castanea Kuroda & Habe, 1952 6, 21 Colubraria nitidula (Sowerby, 1833) Maculotriton sculptile (Reeve, 1844) Morula nodulifera (Menke, 1829) Thais mancinella (Linnaeus, 1758) Colubraria muricata (Lightfoot, 1786) Latiaxis sp. 2 Morula musiva (Kiener, 1836) Site records 18, 27 Colubraria tortuosa (Reeve, 1844) Colubraria sp. 12 Cantharus fragaria (Wood, 1828) 5, 6, 7, 27, 28 Cantharus fumosus (Dillwyn, 1817) 5, 26, 27, 28 Cantharus iostomus (Gray in Griffith & Pidgeon, 1834) 5, 10, 19, 20, 22 Cantharus pulcher (Reeve, 1846) 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 18, 26 Cantharus subrubiginosus (E.A. Smith, 1879) 2 Cantharus undosus (Linnaeus, 1758) 7, 11, 15, 21 Cantharus wagneri (Anton, 1839) 1, 6, 7, 21, 26 Cantharus wrightae Cernohorsky, 1974 27 Engina alveolata (Kiener, 1836) 10 Engina concinna (Reeve, 1846) 1 Engina incarnata (Deshayes, 1834) 6, 12, 19 Engina lineata (Reeve, 1846) 4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 18, 21, 22 Engina mendicaria (Linnaeus, 1758) 4 Engina zonalis (Lamarck, 1822) 2, 10 Maculotriton sculptile (Deshayes, 1834) Phos roseatus (Hinds, 1844) 14 Phos sculptilis Watson, 1886 1, 3 Phos textum (Gmelin, 1791) 1, 3,1 0-12, 22 Pisania fasciculata (Reeve, 1846) Pisania gracilis (Reeve, 1846) 3 Pisania ignea (Gmelin, 1791) 10 Pisania truncata (Hinds, 1844) 6, 10 continued List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Species Family Columbellidae Site records Aeosopus spiculum (Duclos, 1846) Species Latirus craticularis (Linnaeus, 1758) Site records Latirus gibbulus (Gmelin, 1791) 2, 9, 16, 17, 19, 27 Latirus nodatus (Gmelin, 1791) 1, 2, 6, 9, 16-20, 25, 27 Anachis miser (Sowerby, 1844) 13 Mitrella albina (Kiener, 1841) 1, 3, 10, 13, 15, 27 Mitrella ligula (Duclos, 1840) 3, 4, 10, 11, 15, 18, 19, 21, 26, 28 Latirus noumeensis (Crosse, 1870) 21, 27 Latirus paetelianus (Kobelt, 1876) 3, 18, 20, 23, 26, 27 Mitrella livescens (Reeve, 1859) 27 Latirus pictus (Reeve, 1847) 18, 27 Latirus polygonus (Gmelin, 1791) 26 Latirus turritus (Gmelin, 1791) 1, 4, 6, 8, 16-18, 2023, 25, 27 Mitrella marquesa (Gaskoin, 1852) Mitrella puella (Sowerby, 1844) 14 Mitrella sp. 6 Pyrene deshayesii (Crosse, 1859) 11 Peristernia cf. philberti (Récluz, 1844) 7 4, 15, 27 Peristernia hesterae Melvill, 1911 22 Peristernia incarnata (Deshayes, 1830) 18 9, 19 Peristernia lirata (Pease, 1868) 21 Pyrene scripta (Lamarck, 1822) 7 Peristernia nassatula (Lamarck, 1822) 13, 19, 27 Pyrene splendidula (Sowerby, 1844) 1 Peristernia ustulata (Reeve, 1847) 21 Pyrene testudinaria (Link, 1807) 11, 13, 18, 27 Pleuroploca filamentosa (Röding, 1798) Pyrene turturina (Lamarck, 1822) 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9-13, 15-28 2, 4, 6, 10, 16, 18, 19, 25 Pleuroploca trapezium (Linnaeus, 1758) Pyrene flava (Bruguière, 1789) Pyrene ocellata (Link, 1807) Pyrene punctata (Bruguière, 1789) Pyrene varians (Sowerby, 1832) Family Volutidae Family Nassariidae Cymbiola aulica (Sowerby, 1825) Hebra horrida (Dunker, 1847) 3, 4, 7, 11, 23, 27 Cymbiola rutila (Broderip, 1826) Nassarius albescens (Dunker, 1846) 3, 4, 7, 10-12, 22, 27 Cymbiola vespertilio (Linnaeus, 1758) Nassarius cinctellus (Gould, 1850) 3, 21 ,26 Melo sp. Family Olividae Nassarius concinnus (Powys, 1835) Nassarius crematus (Hinds, 1844) 14 Nassarius delicatus (A. Adams, 1852) 14 Nassarius distortus (Adams, 1852) Oliva annulata (Gmelin, 1791) 5-8, 10, 12, 15, 1822, 28 Oliva caerulea (Röding, 1798) Oliva caldania (Duclos, 1835) Nassarius dorsatus (Röding, 1798) 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 23, 27 Nassarius gaudiosus (Hinds, 1844) 13 Oliva carneola (Gmelin, 1791) Nassarius graniferus (Kiener, 1834) 5, 7, 12, 20, 21, 28 Oliva erythrostoma Meuschen, 1787 Nassarius livescens (Philippi, 1849) 14 Oliva hirasei Kira, 1959 4 Oliva miniacea Röding, 1798 2, 14 Olive mustellina Lamarck, 1811 14 Oliva oliva Linnaeus, 1758 3, 4, 7, 14 Nassarius luridus (Gould, 1850) Nassarius multipunctatus (Schepman, 1911) 25 Nassarius pauperus (Gould, 1850) 1, 6 Nassarius reevanus (Dunker, 1847) 13 Nassarius splendidulus (Dunker, 1846) 14 Family Fasciolariidae Dolicholatirus lancea (Gmelin, 1791) 10, 17 Latirolagena smaragdula (Linnaeus, 1758) Oliva parkinsoni Prior, 1975 Oliva paxillus Reeve, 1850 Oliva tessellata Lamarck, 1811 14 Olivella sp. 1 Olivella sp. 2 Latirus amplustris (Dillwyn, 1817) 7, 12, 21, 27 Olivella sp. 3 Latirus belcheri (Reeve, 1847) 17, 20 Family Harpidae Latirus blosvillei (Deshayes, 1832) 4, 5, 19 Oliva reticulata (Röding, 1798) Harpa amouretta Röding, 1798 10 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 101 Appendix 4 Species Harpa articularis Lamarck, 1822 Site records Species Pterygia scabricula (Linnaeus, 1758) Harpa major Röding, 1798 3,4 Pusia patriarchilis (Gmelin, 1791) Family Mitridae Cancilla filaris (Linnaeus, 1771) Scabricola desetangsii (Kiener, 1838) 10, 11 Vexillum amabile (Reeve, 1845) Cancilla praestantissima (Röding, 1798) Vexillum amanda (Reeve, 1845) 10 Imbricaria conularis (Lamarck, 1811) Imbricaria olivaeformis (Swainson, 1821) 10, 12, 18, 19, 23 Imbricaria punctata (Swainson, 1821) 8, 15, 22, 24 Mitra acuminata Swainson, 1824 2, 9 Mitra amaura Hervier, 1897 6 Mitra assimilis Pease, 1868 9 Mitra aurantia (Gmelin, 1791) 1 Family Costellariidae Cancilla granatina (Lamarck, 1811) Imbricaria conovula (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) Site records 10 Vexillum aureolineatum Turner, 1988 Vexillum bernhardina (Röding, 1798) 11 Vexillum cadaverosum (Reeve, 1844) 3, 8, 23 Vexillum consangiuneum (Reeve, 1844) 11 Vexillum coronatum (Helbling, 1779) 2, 3, 10 Vexillum costatum (Gmelin, 1791) 18 Vexillum crocatum (Lamarck, 1811) Vexillum daedelum (Reeve, 1845) Vexillum deshayesii (Reeve, 1844) Vexillum echinatum (A. Adams, 1853) 3, 7, 21 Vexillum exasperatum (Gmelin, 1791) 3, 7, 14, 21, 22 Vexillum granosum (Gmelin, 1791) 22 Vexillum interruptum (Anton, 1838) 19 Vexillum lucidum (Reeve, 1845) 3 Vexillum lyratum (Lamarck, 1811) 1, 14 Mitra cucumerina Lamarck, 1811 Vexillum macrospirum (A. Adams, 1853) 7 Mitra decurtata Reeve, 1844 4 14 Mitra eremitarum Röding, 1798 15, 22, 23 Vexillum michaui (Crosse & Fischer, 1854) Mitra ferruginea Lamarck, 1811 25 Vexillum mirabile (A. Adams, 1853) 10 Mitra fraga (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) 12, 19, 22, 23 Mitra cardinalis (Gmelin, 1791) Mitra chrysostoma Broderip, 1836 Mitra coarctata Reeve, 1844 2 Mitra contracta Swainson, 1820 3, 12, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24 Mitra coronata Lamarck, 1811 12 Mitra litterata Lamarck, 1811 Mitra luctuosa A. Adams, 1853 7 Mitra mitra (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 Mitra nubila (Gmelin, 1791) 11, 21 Mitra paupercula Linnaeus, 1758 27 Mitra peculiaris (Reeve, 1845) 5, 11 Mitra retusa Lamarck, 1811 Mitra rosacea Reeve, 1845 11 Mitra rubritincta Reeve, 1844 Vexillum pacificum (Reeve, 1845) 5, 7, 10, 18, 19 Vexillum patriarchalis (Gmelin, 1791) 26 Vexillum plicarium (Linnaeus, 1758) 22 Vexillum polygonum (Gmelin, 1791) 2, 3 Vexillum radix (Sowerby, 1874) 24 Vexillum regina (Swainson, 1828) Vexillum semicostatum (Anton, 1838) 11 Vexillum subdivisum (Gmelin, 1791) Vexillum taeniatum (Lamarck, 1811) Vexillum turben (Reeve, 1844) Mitra scutulata (Gmelin, 1791) Vexillum tankervillei (Melvill, 1888) Mitra stictica (Link, 1807) Mitra tabanula Lamarck, 1811 25 Mitra telescopium Reeve, 1844 12 ,20, 25 Mitra turgida Reeve, 1845 Mitra typha Reeve, 1845 22 Neocancilla clathrus (Gmelin, 1791) 11, 12, 21 Neocancilla papilio (Link, 1807) 12, 13, 22 Pterygia fenestrata (Lamarck, 1811) Vexillum modestum (Reeve, 1845) Vexillum turrigerum (Reeve, 1845) 3 Vexillum unifascialis (Lamarck, 1811) 1, 5, 11, 21 Vexillum unifasciatum (Wood, 1828) 1 Vexillum vulpecula (Linnaeus, 1758) 14 Vexillum sanguisugum (Linnaeus, 1758) 21, 22, 26, 27 Vexillum zebuense (Reeve, 1845) Vexillum zelotypum Reeve, 1845 7 continued 102 Rapid Assessment Program List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Species Family Cancellariidae Site records Species Terebra babylonia Lamarck, 1822 Site records 22 Cancellaria elegans Sowerby, 1821 Terebra cerithina Lamarck, 1822 1 Family Turridae Terebra chlorata Lamarck, 1822 Clavus bilineatus (Reeve, 1845) 19 Terebra cingulifera Lamarck, 1822 Clavus canalicularis (Röding, 1798) 3, 6, 7 Terebra columellaris Hinds, 1844 2, 8, 19 Clavus exasperatus (Reeve, 1843) 6 Terebra conspersa Hinds, 1844 14 Terebra crenulata (Linnaeus, 1758) 23 Clavus flammulatus (Montfort, 1810) Clavus laetus (Hinds, 1843) 19 Terebra cumingi Deshayes, 1857 4 Clavus lamberti (Montrouzier, 1860) 1, 6, 9 Terebra dimidiata (Linnaeus, 1758) 3, 11, 14, 21 Clavus pica (Reeve, 1843) Terebra felina (Dillwyn, 1817) 8, 18 Clavus sp. 1 3, 21, 27 Terebra funiculata Hinds, 1844 4, 8 Clavus unizonalis (Lamarck, 1822) 11 Terebra guttata (Röding, 1798) 20, 22 Comitas cf. kamakurana (Pilsbry, 1895) 26 Terebra jenningsi R.D. Burch, 1965 8, 28 6 Terebra laevigata Gray, 1834 2 Terebra maculata (Linnaeus, 1758) 3, 11, 12, 23 Terebra montgomeryi R.D. Burch, 1965 11, 21 Terebra nebulosa Sowerby, 1825 1, 4, 5, 10, 15, 18, 19 Daphnella cf. aureola (Reeve, 1845) Epirirona sp. Eucithara conohelicoides (Reeve, 1846) 13 Eucithara reticulata (Reeve, 1846) Gemmula sp. 3, 10 Terebra sp. Gemmula congener (E.A. Smith, 1894) 3, 11 Terebra solida Deshayes, 1857 4 Gemmula graffei (Weinkauff, 1875) 22 Terebra subulata (Linnaeus, 1767) 3, 7, 19 Gemmula kieneri (Doumet, 1840) 11 Terebra succincta (Gmelin, 1791) 7, 14 Gemmula monilifera (Pease, 1860) 3, 14 Terebra triseriata Gray, 1834 Inquisitor sp. Terebra undulata Gray, 1834 3, 14, 23 19 Inquisitor sterrha (Watson, 1881) 2, 3 Terenolla pygmaea (Hinds, 1844) Inquisitor varicosa (Reeve, 1843) 3 Family Conidae Lienardia sp. 14, 27 Conus aculeiformis Reeve, 1844 Lophiotoma abbreviata (Reeve, 1843) Conus actangulus Lamarck, 1810 Lophiotoma acuta (Perry, 1811) 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12, 15, 20-23, 26-28 Lophiotoma indica (Röding, 1798) 3-5 Conus arenatus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 Philbertia ?? 9, 16 Conus aulicus Linnaeus, 1758 17 Turridrupa bijubata (Reeve, 1843) 10 Conus aurisiacus Linnaeus, 1758 22 Turridrupa cerithina (Anton, 1839) 18, 22, 27 Conus balteatus Sowerby, 1833 25 Turris babylonia (Linnaeus, 1758) Conus boeticus Reeve, 1843 20 Turris crispa (Lamarck, 1816) Conus canonicus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 3, 23 Turris spectabilis (Reeve, 1843) Conus capitaneus Linnaeus, 1758 Vexitomina regia (Reeve, 1842) Xenoturris cingulifera (Lamarck, 1822) 3, 22 Family Terebridae Duplicaria evoluta (Deshayes, 1859) Conus ceylanensis Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 4, 8 Conus chaldeus (Röding, 1798) 4, 13, 27 Hastula albula (Menke, 1843) 22 Conus circumcisus Born, 1778 Hastula lanceata (Linnaeus, 1767) 1 Conus cocceus Reeve, 1844 Hastula solida (Deshayes, 1857) 5 Hastula strigilata (Linnaeus, 1758) Terebra affinis Gray, 1834 1, 8 Terebra areolata (Link, 1807) 11, 14, 21 1, 4, 7, 12, 13 Conus catus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 Conus coronatus (Gmelin, 1791) 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 Conus distans Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 6, 25 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 103 Appendix 4 Species Conus ebraeus Linnaeus, 1758 Site records 4, 13 Conus eburneus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 14, 20 Conus emaciatus Reeve, 1849 7, 11, 22 Conus figulinus Linnaeus, 1758 Conus flavidus Lamarck, 1810 4, 10 Conus frigidus Reeve, 1843 Conus furvus Reeve, 1843 Conus generalis Linnaeus, 1767 5 Conus geographus Linnaeus, 1758 Conus glans Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 1, 9, 15 Conus imperialis Linnaeus, 1758 1, 6, 8, 10, 19, 21 Species Conus stercmuscarum Linnaeus, 1758 Site records 27 Conus striatus Linnaeus, 1758 4, 8, 10 Conus suturatus Reeve, 1844 Conus terebra Born, 1778 1, 3, 17, 21 Conus tessellatus Born, 1778 25 Conus textile Linnaeus, 1758 13, 19 Conus varius Linnaeus, 1758 8, 23, 27 Conus vexillum Gmelin, 1791 15, 19 Conus viola Cernohorsky, 1977 3, 9, 13 Conus virgo Linnaeus, 1758 7, 17, 19, 21, 25 Conus vitulinus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 Family Architectonicidae Conus leopardus Röding, 1798 Conus lischkeii Weinkauff, 1875 Heliacus variegata Gmelin, 1791 Conus litoglyphus Röding, 1798 18 Philippia radiata (Röding, 1798) Conus litteratus Linnaeus, 1758 5, 7, 10, 12, 22 Family Pyramidellidae Conus lividus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 10, 21, 27 Otopleura auriscati (Holten, 1802) Conus luteus Sowerby, 1833 4 Pyramidella acus (Gmelin, 1791) Conus magus Linnaeus, 1758 6, 26, 27 Pyramidella sulcata (Adams, 1852) Conus marmoreus Linnaeus, 1758 4, 15 Family Acteonidae Conus miles Linnaeus, 1758 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12 ,16-18, 20, 24-28 Pupa alveola (Souverbie, 1863) Pupa solidula (Linnaeus, 1758) 3, 14 8 Pupa sulcata (Gmelin, 1791) 14 Conus miliaris Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 14, 19 Family Hydatinidae Conus monachus Linnaeus, 1758 Hydatina physis (Linnaeus, 1758) Conus moreleti Crosse, 1858 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 24, 25 Conus muriculatus Sowerby, 1833 12, 13 Conus musicus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 2-4, 6-8, 10-13, 15, 16, 18-22, 27, 28 Conus mustelinus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 22, 23, 25, 26, 28 Chelidonura electra Rudman, 1970 Conus nussatella Linnaeus, 1758 3, 6, 7, 9, 22, 27 Chelidonura fulvipunctata Baba, 1938 Family Cylichnidae Cylichna arachis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) Family Aglajidae Chelidonura hirundinina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) Conus omaria Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 Conus parvulus Rlink, 1807 5 Chelidonura inornata Baba, 1949 Conus pertusus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 27 Chelidonura sp. 1 Conus planorbis Born, 1778 19 Chelidonura sp. 2 Conus pulicarius Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 8, 10-12, 21, 22, 26, 27 Philinopsis gardineri (Eliot, 1903) Conus quercinus Lightfoot, 1786 14 Atys cylindricus (Helbling, 1779) 3, 14 Conus rattus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 27 Atys naucum (Linnaeus, 1758) 7, 11, 12, 14, 23 Conus retifer Menke, 1829 12 Family Smaragdinellidae Conus sanguinolentus Quoy & Gaimard, 1834 Family Haminoeidae Smaragdinella sp. Conus scabriusculus Dillwyn, 1828 13 Conus sponsalis Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, 25, 27 3, 7 27 Family Bullidae Bulla ampulla Linnaeus, 1758 14 Bulla vernicosa Gould, 1859 continued 104 Rapid Assessment Program List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Species Family Plakobranchidae Plakobranchus ocellatus van Hasselt, 1824 Site records 20, 22, 24, 25, 27 Species Chromodoris cf. striatella Bergh, 1877 Site records Chromodoris tinctoria (Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828) Family Elysiidae Chromodoris willani Rudman, 1982 Elysia aff. expansa (O’Donoghue, 1924) Chromodoris sp. 1 Elysia sp. Chromodoris sp. 2 Elysia aff. ornata (Swainson, 1840) Glossodoris atromarginata (Cuvier, 1804) 10 Thurdilla bayeri Marcus, 1965 6 Thurdilla sp. 1 16 Thurdilla sp. 2 17, 18 9 Glossodoris aff. rufomarginata (Bergh, 1890) Family Phyllidiidae Family Caliphyllidae Fryeria menindie Brunckhorst, 1993 3 Cyerce sp. Phyllidia coelestis Bergh, 1905 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 18, 21, 26-28 Phyllidia elegans Bergh, 1869 6, 25 Family Aplysiidae Aplysia parvula Guilding, 1863 Phyllidia ocellata (Cuvier, 1804) Bursatella sp. Family Umbraculidae Umbraculum sinicum (Gmelin, 1783) Phyllidia pipeki Brunckhorst, 1993 25 Phyllidia varicosa Lamarck, 1801 4 Phyllidia sp. Family Pleurobranchidae Pleurobranchus sp. 1 Phyllidiella pustulosa (Cuvier, 1804) Pleurobranchus sp. 2 Phyllidiella zelandica (Kelaart, 1859) Family Polyceridae Phyllidiopsis striata (Bergh, 1889) Nembrotha lineolata Bergh, 1905 Reticulidia sp. 1 Nembrotha sp. Reticulidia sp. 2 Family Gymnodorididae Family Flabellinidae Gymnodoris alba Baba, 1930 Gymnodoris sp. Flabellina exoptata Gosliner & Willan, 1990 Family Aegiritidae Family Aeolididae Notodoris minor Eliot, 1904 1, 2 Family Glaucidae Family Hexabranchidae Pteraeolidia ianthina (Angas, 1864) Hexabranchus sanguineus (Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828) Family Onchidiidae Ardedoris egretta Rudman, 1984 Onchidium sp. Siphonaria atra (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) 25 Siphonaria denticulata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) Family Chromodorididae Siphonaria javanica (Lamarck, 1819) Chromodoris coi Risbec, 1956 Chromodoris elisabethina Bergh, 1877 3 Chromodoris aff. fidelis (Kelaart, 1858) Chromodoris kuniei Pruvot-Fol, 1930 27 Family Siphonariidae 26 Discodoris boholensis Bergh, 1877 Jorunna funebris (Kelaart, 1858) 1 Godiva sp. Notodoris sp. nov. Family Dorididae 2-6, 9, 12, 15, 17, 24-28 10 Chromodoris aff. lineolata Bergh, 1905 Chromodoris lochi Rudman, 1982 5, 6, 9 Chromodoris magnifica Eliot, 1904 20 4 Siphonaria laciniosa Linnaeus, 1758 Siphonaria sirius Pilsbry, 1894 10 Family Ellobiidae Cassidula nucleus (Gmelin, 1791) Ellobium sp. Ellobium aurisjudae Linnaeus, 1758 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 105 Appendix 4 Species Melampus fasciatus Deshayes, 1830 Site records 27 Species Family Isognomonidae Site records Pythia scabraeus (Linnaeus, 1758) 4 Isognomon perna (Linnaeus, 1767) 12, 13 CLASS BIVALVIA Isognomon sp. Family Mytilidae Family Pinnidae Amygdalum politum (Verrill & Smith, 1880) 14 Brachidontes sp. Lithophaga sp. 4 Pinna bicolor (Gmelin, 1791) 6, 10, 14, 20, 23 Pinna muricata (Linnaeus, 1758 1, 3, 4, 6-11, 16, 1923, 25, 26, 28 Lithophaga sp. 2 Modiolus philippinarum Hanley, 1843 22, 23, 26 Modiolus sp. 18 Septifer bilocularis (Linnaeus, 1758) 10, 15, 21, 27 Xenostrobus sp. 1 Xenostrobus sp. 2 Family Arcidae Anadara antiquata (Linnaeus, 1758) Atrina vexillum (Born, 1778) 23 Anadara granosa (Linnaeus, 1758) Streptopinna saccata (Linnaeus, 1758) 5, 7, 9, 11, 28 Family Limidae Ctenoides ales (Finlay, 1927) Ctenoides annulata (Lamarck, 1819) 1, 4, 5, 20, 22, 24 Lima cf. basilanica (A. Adams & Reeve, 1850) 15 Lima fragilis (Gmelin, 1791) 2 Lima lima (Link, 1807) 1, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25 Family Ostreidae Alectryonella plicatula (Gmelin, 1791) Anadara maculosa (Reeve, 1844) 23, 26 Alectryonella sp. Arca avellana (Lamarck, 1819) 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 17-27 Dendostrea folium (Linnaeus, 1758) 11 Dendostrea sandwichensis (Sowerby in Reeve, 1871) 11 Arca ventricosa (Lamarck, 1819) 11, 23, 24, 28 Hyotissa hyotis (Linnaeus, 1758) 2, 4-6, 11, 23, 26 Barbatia amygdalumtotsum (Röding, 1798) 1, 2, 5, 7-12, 18, 20, 21, 24 Lopha cristagalli (Linnaeus, 1758) 4, 11, 18, 23, 26 Barbatia foliata Forskål, 1775 1, 17 Parahyotissa imbricata (Lamarck, 1819) 1, 2, 5 Barbatia pistachia (Lamarck, 1819) 5 Saccostrea cf. cucullata (Born, 1778) 8, 11, 25-27 Barbatia plicata (Dillwyn,m 1817) 1, 8, 10, 12, 13 Barbatia tenella (Reeve, 1843) 3 Saccostrea echinata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1835) Barbatia trapezina (Lamarck, 1819) 13 Saccostrea sp. 1 Barbatia ventricosa (Lamarck, 1819) 4, 5 Saccostrea sp. 2 Arca navicularis Bruguière, 1798 Lopha sp. 2 Trisidos semitorta (Lamarck, 1819) Family Plicatulidae Family Glycymerididae Plicatula cf. muricata Sowerby, 1873 Glycymeris reevei (Mayer, 1868) 1, 3, 5, 19, 27, 28 Family Pectinidae 5, 8, 13 Anguipecten cf. aurantiacus (Röding, 1798) 25 Annachlamys reevei (Adams & Reeve, 1850) 1 Tucetona amboiensis (Gmelin, 1791) Tucetona petunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) 11 Family Pteriidae Pinctada margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) 4-6, 8-11 Pinctada maxima (Jameson, 1901) 12 Pteria avicular (Holten, 1802) 8, 9, 12, 17 Pteria pengiun (Röding, 1798) 4-6, 12, 18 Family Malleidae Malleus malleus (Linnaeus, 1758) Plicatula chinensis Mörch, 1853 11 Vulsella vulsella (Linnaeus, 1758) 12 Chlamys corsucans (Hinds, 1845) Chlamys irregularis (Sowerby, 1842) 7 Chlamys lentiginosa (Reeve, 1865) 10, 20 Chlamys madreporarum (Sowerby, 1842) Chlamys mollita (Reeve, 1853 ) 1 Chlamys squamosa (Gmelin, 1791) 4, 8, 20 Comptopallium radula (Linnaeus, 1758) 1, 4, 7-10, 15, 21, 22 continued 106 Rapid Assessment Program List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Species Exichlamys histronica (Gmelin, 1791) Site records 10 Species Family Fimbriidae Site records Exichlamys spectabilis (Reeve, 1853) 24 Codakia punctata (Linnaeus, 1758) 21 Codakia paytenorum (Iredale, 1937) 14 Codakia tigerina (Linnaeus, 1758) 13, 21, 22, 27 Fimbria fimbriata (Linnaeus, 1758) 11, 28 Glorichlamys elegantissima Deshayes, 1863 5 Gloripallium pallium (Linnaeus, 1758) 1, 3, 7, 21, 22, 24, 26-28 Gloripallium speciosa (Reeve, 1853) 2 Laevichamys brettinghami Dijkstra, 1998 1, 9 Mimachlamys lentiginosa (Reeve, 1853) Scintilla sp Family Carditidae Beguina semiorbiculata (Linnaeus, 1758) Mimachlamys sp. Mirapecten moluccensis Dijkstra, 1988 Family Galeommatidae 24 Mirapecten rastellum (Lamarck, 1819) Cardita abyssicola Hinds, 1843 14 Cardita variegata Bruguière, 1792 2, 4, 20 Pedum spondyloidaeum (Gmelin, 1791) 1-6, 9, 11, 12, 15-28 Semipallium fulvicostatum (Adams & Reeve, 1850) Megacardita aff incrassata (Sowerby, 1825) 3, 10 Family Cardiidae Semipallium tigris (Lamarck, 1819) 3-5, 12, 17, 21 Acrosterigma alternatum (Sowerby, 1841) Family Spondylidae Spondylus candidus (Lamarck, 1819) 1-6, 10, 16, 21, 23, 24, 26-28 Spondylus multimuricatus Reeve, 1856 Spondylus prionifer Iredale, 1931 11 Spondylus sanguineus Dunker, 1852 1, 7, 12, 13, 26 Spondylus sinensis Schreibers, 1793 3, 7, 8, 20 Spondylus squamosus Schreibers, 1793 Spondylus varians Sowerby, 1829 10 Family Anomiidae Anomia sp. 1 Family Placunidae 1, 4, 7, 11, 15, 20, 21 Acrosterigma elongata (Bruguière, 1789) Acrosterigma flava (Linnaeus, 1758) Acrosterigma fovealatum (Sowerby, 1840) 10, 18 Acrosterigma impolita (Sowerby, 1833) 3 Acrosterigma mendanaense (Sowerby, 1896) 1-6, 8, 12, 16-22, 28 Acrosterigma reeveanum (Dunker, 1852) Acrosterigma transcendens (Melvill & Standen, 1899) 1-3, 8, 10 Acrosterigma unicolor (Sowerby, 1834) 1, 2, 5, 7, 21, 22 Acrosterigma cf. vlamingi Wilson & Stevenson, 1978 Placuna lobata Sowerby, 1871 Family Chamidae Chama cf. asperella Lamarck, 1819 13 Chama brassica Reeve, 1846 5 Chama fibula Reeve, 1846 Chama lazarus Linnaeus, 1758 Chama limbula (Lamarck, 1819) 4, 10, 18, 19, 21, 2326, 28 Chama pacifica Broderip, 1834 5 Chama plinthota Cox, 1927 10 Chama savigni Lamy, 1921 Chama sp. Family Lucinidae Anodontia sp. Acrosterigma angulata (Lamarck, 1819) 1 Corculum dionaeum (Broderip & Sowerby, 1829) Ctenocardia fornicata (Sowerby, 1840) 2 Fragum fragum (Linnaeus, 1758) 3, 10, 13, 22 Fragum retusum (Linnaeus, 1767) 10 Fragum unedo (Linnaeus, 1758) 10,13,14,21 Fulvia aperta (Bruguière, 1789) Vepricardium multispinosum (Sowerby, 1838) 14 Family Tridacnidae Hippopus hippopus (Linnaeus, 1758) 4, 7, 10-12, 21 Tridacnea crocea Lamarck, 1819 1, 3, 4, 7, 11-13, 15, 18, 20, 21, 23-28 Tridacna derasa (Röding, 1798) 7, 11 Anodontia edentula (Linnaeus, 1758) Tridacna gigas (Linnaeus, 1758) 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 23 Anodontia pila (Reeve, 1850) Tridacna maxima (Röding, 1798) 11-13 Ctena bella (Conrad, 1834) 3 Divaricella ornata (Reeve, 1850) 3 continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 107 Appendix 4 Species Tridacna squamosa Lamarck, 1819 Site records 1, 3-7, 11-13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25-28 Family Mactridae Donax faba Gmelin, 1791 10 Family Trapeziidae Mactra alta Deshayes, 1854 14 Mactra sp. Spisula cf. aspersa (Sowerby, 1825) Site records Donax sp. Mactra abbreviata Lamarck, 1819 Mactra cf. eximia Reeve, 1854 Species Family Donacidae Trapezium bicarinatum (Schumacher, 1817) Trapezium obesa (Reeve, 1843) 21 Family Tellinidae Family Veneridae Antigona clathrata (Deshayes, 1854) 12 18, 19, 22 Exotica assimilis (Hanley, 1844) 19 Antigona chemnitzii (Hanley, 1844) Macoma cf. consociata (Smith, 1885) 23 Antigona persimilis (Iredale, 1930) Tellina capsoides Lamarck, 1818 2 Antigona purpurea (Linnaeus, 1771) Tellina exculta Gould, 1850 21 Antigona restriculata (Sowerby, 1853) 2, 3, 20, 28 Tellina inflata Gmelin, 1791 27 Antigona reticulata (Linnaeus, 1758) 16, 17, 19 Tellina gargadia Linnaeus, 1758 3, 7,10 Bassina sp. 22 Tellina linguafelis Linnaeus, 1758 11, 20, 21, 24, 26 Callista impar (Lamarck, 1818) Tellina ovalis Sowerby, 1825 3 Callista lilacina (Lamarck, 1818) 3, 14 Tellina palatum (Iredale, 1929) 2, 3, 7, 11, 12, 21, 28 Callista semisulcata (Sowerby, 1851) 14 Tellina perna Splengler, 1798 Circe lenticularis (Deshayes, 1853) Tellina phaoronis Hanley, 1844 14 Circe scripta (Linnaeus, 1758) Tellina plicata Valenciennes, 1827 3, 14 Circe sulcaa Gray, 1838 Tellina pretium Salisbury, 1934 11 Dosinia amphidesmoides (Reeve, 1850) Tellina rastellum Hanley, 1844 3 Dosinia incisa (Reeve, 1850) Tellina remies Linnaeus, 1758 21 Tellina rostrata Linnaeus, 1758 3, 7 Dosinia iwakawai Oyama & Habe, 1970 14, 16, 26 Tellina serricostata Tokunaga, 1906 28 Dosinia juvenilis (Gmelin, 1791) 14 Tellina scobinata Linnaeus, 1758 4, 19, 20, 26 Dosinia aff. lucinalis (Lamarck, 1835) Tellina staurella Lamarck, 1818 2, 3, 7, 22, 23 Dosinia mira Smith, 1885 Tellina cf. tenuilamellata Smith, 1885 4 Dosinia cf. tumida (Gray, 1838) Tellina tongana Quoy & Gaimard, 1835 10 Dosinia sculpta (Hanley, 1845) 1 Tellina virgata Linnaeus, 1758 3, 4 Gafrarium aequivocum (Holten, 1803) 12, 23 3 Gafrarium menkei (Jonas, 1846) Family Semelidae Semele cf. australis (Sowerby, 1832) 15 Gafrarium pectinatum (Holten, 1802) Semele lamellosa (Sowerby, 1830) 28 Gafrarium tumidum Röding, 1798 4 Globivenus capricornsue (Hedley, 1908) Family Psammobiidae Asaphis violaceans (Forskål, 1775) 1, 13, 26 Globivenus toreuma (Gould, 1850) 1, 2, 4, 6-9, 12, 16-20 Gari amethystus (Wood, 1815) 16 Gomphina sp. 1 Gari maculosa (Lamarck, 1818) 12 Lioconcha annettae Lamprell & Whitehead, 1990 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11 1, 18, 19 Lioconcha castrensis (Linnaeus, 1758) 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13, 19-22, 24, 26-28 Lioconcha fastigiata (Sowerby, 1851) 11, 12 Lioconcha ornata (Dillwyn, 1817) 1, 20, 23 Family Solecurtidae Lioconcha polita (Röding, 1798) 12, 14, 21 Solecurtis philippinarum (Dunker, 1861) Paphia sp. 3, 19, 20 Gari occidens (Gmelin, 1791) Gari pennata (Deshayes, 1855) Gari rasilis (Melvill and Standen, 1899) Gari squamosa (Lamarck, 1818) 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 Solecurtis sulcata (Dunker, 1861) continued 108 Rapid Assessment Program List of molluscs recorded at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea during RAP surveys Species Pitar affinis (Gmelin, 1791) Site records 11, 14 Pitar cf. nancyae Lamprell & Whitehead, 1990 27 Pitar prora (Conrad, 1837) Pitar spoori Lamprell & Whitehead, 1990 12, 26 Pitar subpellucidus (Sowerby, 1851) Samarangia quadrangularis (Adams & Reeve, 1850) Tapes dorsatus (Lamarck, 1818) Tapes literatus (Linnaeus, 1758) 21 Tapes platyptycha Pilsbry, 1901 Tapes sulcarius Lamarck, 1818 1, 4 Tawera torresiana (Smith, 1884) 4, 19, 22 Timoclea costillifera (Adams & Reeve, 1850) 10 Timoclea marica (Linnaeus, 1758) Family Corbulidae Corbula sp. 10, 11 Corbula macgillvrayi Smith, 1885 10, 23 Corbula cf taheitensis Lamarck, 1818 Polymesoda coaxans (Gmelin, 1791) CLASS CEPHALOPODA Family Nautilidae Nautilus pompilius Linnaeus, 1758 Family Spirulidae Spirula spirula (Linnaeus, 1758) Family Sepiidae Sepia sp. 13 Family Argonautidae Argonauta argo Linnaeus, 1758 Family Octopodidae Octopus sp. 8 CLASS SCAPHOPODA Family Dentaliidae Dentalium aprinum Linnaeus, 1766 3 Dentalium crocinum (Dall, 1907) Dentalium sp. 14 Dentalium elephantinum Linnaeus, 1758 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 109 Appendix 4 110 Rapid Assessment Program Appendix 5 List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Gerald R. Allen This list includes all species of shallow (to 60 m depth) coral reef fishes known from Milne Bay Province at 1 July 2000. The list is based on the following sources: 1) Results of the 1997 CI Marine RAP; 2) a cumulative list provided by Bob Halstead based chiefly on observations and collecting activities by himself, J.E.Randall (Bishop Museum, Hawaii), and Rudie Kuiter (Museum of Victoria); 3) a 10 day visit to MBP by G. Allen in November 1999, and 4) results of the CI Marine RAP between 30 May and 26 June 2000. The family classification follows that of Eschmeyer (1998) except for the placement of Cirrhitidae. Terms relating to relative abundance are as follows: Abundant - Common at most sites in a variety of habitats with up to several hundred individuals being routinely observed on each dive. Common - seen at the majority of sites in numbers that are relatively high in relation to other members of a particular family, especially if a large family is involved. Moderately common - not necessarily seen on most dives, but may be relatively common when the correct habitat conditions are encountered. Occasional - infrequently sighted and usually in small numbers, but may be relatively common in a very limited habitat. Rare - less than 10, often only one or two individuals seen on all dives. Species indicated wth an asterisk represent additions to the list published by Allen (1997). The numbers under the site records column and remarks in the abundance column pertain to the 2000 survey. Summary of fish diversity sites are presented in the map following the table. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 111 112 Rapid Assessment Program 13,17 H. trispeculare Richardson, 1843 31, 36, 43 9 1, 6, 9, 12, 16, 31, 35, 40, 43-45, 52, 53 C. melanopterus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) Galeocerdo cuvier (Péron & Lesueur, 1822)* Triaenodon obesus (Rüppell, 1835) 1, 4, 7, 14, 23, 25, 26, 28-35, 39, 40, 43, 45, 49, 50, 54 31 Seen on 1997 survey only. Taeniura lymma (Forsskål, 1775) Taeniura meyeni (Müller and Henle, 1841)* Urogymnus asperrimus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. M. microchir Bleeker, 1853 1 Moringua javanica (Kaup, 1856) MORINGUIDAE Manta birostris (Walbaum, 1792) MOBULIDAE Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Pastinachus sephen (Forsskål, 1775) MYLIOBATIDAE 32, 35, 49, 54, 56 Dasyatis kuhlii (Müller and Henle, 1841) DASYATIDIDAE Sphyrna lewini (Griffith and Smith, 1834) 1 6, 9, 16, 19, 30, 35, 37, 38, 44, 45, 47, 55, 57 C. amblyrhynchos (Bleeker, 1856) SPHYRNIDAE 45 Carcharhinus albimarginatus (Rüppell, 1837) CARCHARHINIDAE Nebrius ferrugineus (Lesson, 1830)* 30 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. GINGLYMOSTOMATIDAE Seen on 1997 survey only. Hemiscyllium hallstomi Whitley, 1967 37 Site records Chiloscyllium punctatum Müller and Henle, 1838 HEMISCYLLIIDAE Eucrossorhinus dasypogon (Bleeker, 1867)* ORECTOLOBIDAE Species 14-40 1-70 1-15 2-15 1-10 Depth (m) Rare, only one individual observed. Rare, a single individual observed. Occasionally seen in sandy areas. Occasionally seen in sandy areas. Rare, a single individual observed. Occasional, usually on outer slopes. Photographed. Rare, only one individual (about 200 cm TL) seen. Rare, less than five individuals observed. continued 3-20 1-10 0-100 0-25 2-100 1-200 2-30 2-60 2-50 0-275 2-100 0-150 0-10 Occasional, infrequently sighted during survey, except common on outer reef at Rossel, where approximately 15 0-100 seen at sites 44-45. Rare, only one seen during survey. Rare, a single individual recorded. Rare, only two individuals seen. Rare, a single specimen recorded. Abundance Appendix 5 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 37 Chilorhinus platyrhynchus (Norman, 1922) Kaupichthys hypoproroides (Strömann, 1896) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 6, 9, 11, 16, 19, 28, 30, 39, 41, 43, 44, 47, 48, 50, 54-57 45 Seen on 1997 survey only. 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Enchelycore bayeri (Schultz, 1952) Gymnothorax bredeni McCosker and Randall, 1977 G. buroensis (Bleeker, 1857) G. chilospilos Bleeker, 1865 G. favagineus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) G. fimbriatus (Bennett, 1831) G. flavimarginatus (Rüppell, 1828) G. javanicus (Bleeker, 1865) G. melatremus Schultz, 1953 G. meleagris (Shaw and Nodder, 1795) G. zonipectus Seale, 1906 Rhinomuraena quaesita Garman, 1888 Siderea thrysoidea (Richardson, 1845) Uropterygius marmoratus (Lacepède, 1803) U. sp. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 37 Callechelys marmoratus (Bleeker, 1852) Leiuranus semicinctus (Lay and Bennett, 1839) Myrichthys colubrinus (Boddaert,1781) Ophichthus bonaparti (Kaup, 1856) Shultzidia johnstonensis (Schultz & Woods, 1949)* 14, 19 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Gorgasia maculata Klausewitz & Eibesfeldt, 1959 G. preclara Bohlke & Randall, 1981 CONGRIDAE Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Brachysomophis sp. OPHICHTHIDAE Seen on 1997 survey only. Echidna nebulosa (Thünberg, 1789) MURAENIDAE Site records Species CHLOPSIDAE Occasional, but locally common. One specimen collected with rotenone. A single specimen collected with rotenone. A single specimen collected with rotenone. Occasionl, the most common moray observed during RAP. Photographed. One speciemen collected with rotenone Abundance Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 25-40 20-50 5-30 m 5-25 0-8 0-20 1-15 1-15 5-15 1-20 0-8 1-50 8-45 1-40 5-30 0.5-50 1-150 0-30 1-40 1-45 1-25 5-40 0-20 1-10 5-25 5-25 Depth (m) List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 113 114 31, 39, 49, 50 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. H. polyzona (Bleeker, 1878) H. taylori Castle and Randall, 1995 Rapid Assessment Program Recorded by GRA in 1999 3, 9-13, 15, 17, 22, 34, 42, 43, 45 Sardinella melanura (Cuvier, 1829) Spratelloides delicatulus (Bennett, 1832) Moderately common, solitary individuals or pairs usually seen resting on live coral. Photoraphed. 10 4, 5, 10, 24, 26, 30, 32, 34, 35, 37, 39, 42-46, 48-51, 54, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. S. variegatus (Lacepède, 1803) Trachinocephalus myops (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Seen on 1997 survey only. 53 Ogilbia sp. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Brosmophyciops pautzkei Schultz, 1960 BYTHITIDAE Encheiliophis homei (Richardson, 1844) CARAPIDAE Brotula multibarbata (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846) Collected with rotenone. Rare, on sand or rubble bottoms. Photographed. 29, 31, 32, 45, 58 S. jaculum Russell and Cressy, 1979 S. rubromarmoratus Russell and Cressy, 1979 Seen on 1997 survey only. Occasional on rubble bottoms in the Louisiades. 3, 5, 11-13, 20, 26, 27, 29, 37-39, 42, 43, 48, 53, 56 S. dermatogenys Fowler, 1912 OPHIDIIDAE 1-25 Moderately common, solitary individuals usually seen resting on dead coral or rubble. Photographed. 0-5 continued 5-55 2-30 5-150 1-400 5-50 5-30 10-50 1-30 Rare, only one seen. 48 1-30 1-20 Synodus binotatus Schultz, 1953 Occasional on sand bottoms. Occasional, several schools of juveniles containing up to about 200 fishes observed. Photographed. 0-4 0-1 0-3 0-3 0-3 8-20 1-6 3-45 Depth (m) 20, 26, 32, 38, 42, 46, 51 8-10, 35, 40, 56 Occasional, hundreds seen schooling near surface at several sites. A school of about 50 fish seen. Occasional colonies on sandy slopes. Abundance Saurida gracilis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) SYNODONTIDAE Plotosus lineatus (Thünberg, 1787) PLOTOSIDAE Thryssa sp. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus (Rüppell, 1837) ENGRAULIDAE 41 Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1792) CLUPEIDAE Site records Species Heteroconger haasi (Klausewitz and Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1959) Appendix 5 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. A. maculatus (Desjardins, 1840) A. pictus (Shaw & Nodder, 1794) A. striatus (Shaw, 1794) 34 34, 41, 42, 43 Hypoatherina valenciennesi (Bleeker, 1853)* Stenatherina panatela (Jordan & Richardson, 1908)* Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 10, 14, 26, 27, 29, 35, 37, 39, 45 S. leiura (Bleeker, 1850) Tylosurus crocodilus (Peron & Lesueur, 1821) Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Photoblepharon palpebratus (Boddaert, 1781) 2, 4, 6, 16, 22, 28, 30, 35, 39, 43-45, 48, 49, 51, 54 4-6, 9, 19, 22, 28-31, 37, 39, 40, 43-45, 49, 50, 52-55 14, 26-28, 38, 51, 57 Myripristis adusta Bleeker, 1853 M. berndti Jordan and Evermann, 1902 M. hexagona (Lacepède, 1802) HOLOCENTRIDAE Seen on 1997 survey only. Anomalops katoptron (Bleeker, 1856) ANOMALOPIDAE Discotrema crinophila Briggs, 1976 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. H. dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1846) 24 2, 10, 34, 54 Hyporhamphus affinis (Günther, 1866) Zenarchopterus dispar (Valenciennes, 1847) 34 Hemirhamphus far (Forsskål, 1775) HEMIRAMPHIDAE Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Strongylura incisa (Valenciennes, 1846) BELONIDAE 7 Atherinomorus lacunosus (Forster, 1801) ATHERINIDAE Diademichthys lineatus (Sauvage, 1883) 11, 13, 32, 36, 51, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Antennarius comersonii (Latreille, 1804) GOBIESOCIDAE Site records Species ANTENNARIIDAE Occasional, usually in coastal areas affected by silt. Occasional, sheltering in caves and under ledges. Common at site 45. Generally rare, but usually seen on mangrove shores. Three schools seen at surface. Several seen at surface. Occasional, on surfaces at several sites. 0-4 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 10-40 8-55 3-30 10-100 15-400 5-30 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-4 0-2 0-2 0-2 Locally abundant at four sites. Collected and photographed. 0-2 3-20 10-200 1-15 1-15 1-40 Depth (m) Locally abundant at one site. Collected. One specimen netted at surface. Occasional among sea urchins or branching coral. Photographed. Abundance List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 115 116 Moderately common, but shleters deep in crevices during 3-40 the day. Photographed. 3-30 12-80 Common, most abundant squirrelfish seen in MBP. Often seen at entrance of crevices. Most abundant at site 45. Moderately common, sheltering in caves and ledges on drop-offs. Especially common at sites 44, 52, and 53. Photographed. Rare, only two seen. Moderately common, in caves and under ledges. Photographed. 5, 14, 24, 26-28, 38, 51, 57 1, 3-9, 11-13, 15-18, 20-24, 26-33, 35, 37-46, 48-51, 5357 2, 5, 18, 19, 22, 24, 28, 30, 37, 39, 43, 44, 52, 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. 30 11, 19, 26, 36, 39, 46, 51, 54 1, 3, 4, 7, 14, 16-19, 21, 24, 26-32, 34-36, 38-40, 42-57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 2, 4-6, 9, 17-20, 28-31, 34, 39, 42-45, 47-50, 52-55 15, 16, 36, 51 29-32, 34, 39, 42, 44, 45, 48-52, 55 Seen on 1997 survey only. 36, 51 43, 44, 52 Seen on 1997 survey only. 11, 56 6-8, 10, 11, 13, 18, 21, 28-31, 33, 34, 36, 39, 41, 42, 4648, 50, 51, 54-57 52, 53 M. violacea Bleeker, 1851 M. vittata Valenciennes, 1831 Neoniphon argenteus (Valenciennes, 1831) N. aurolineatus (Valenciennes) Rapid Assessment Program N. opercularis (Valenciennes, 1831) N. sammara (Forsskål, 1775) Plectrypops lima (Valenciennes, 1831) Sargocentron caudimaculatum (Rüppell, 1835) S. cornutum (Bleeker, 1853) S. diadema (Lacepède, 1802) S. ittodai (Jordan and Fowler, 1903) S. melanospilos (Bleeker, 1858) S. microstomus (Günther, 1859) S. praslin (Lacepède, 1802) S. rubrum (Forsskål, 1775)* S. spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775) S. tiere (Cuvier, 1829) 6-50 10-25 6-70 Rarely seen, but is nocturnal. continued 10-180 5-122 5-25 2-15 Only five fish seen, but this nocturnal species is probably 1-180 not uncommon. Rare, only a few seen at two sites. Moderately common. Especially abundant at sites 30 and 2-30 55. Photographed. Occasional. Photographed. 6-45 15-50 2-50 Moderately common, usually among branches of staghorn Acropora coral. Especially abundant at sites 42 and 55. Photographed. Moderately common, always seen close to cover. Photographed. 3-20 30-160 3-30 Occasional. Three seen in 40 m depth. 3-40 M. pralinia Cuvier, 1829 Moderately common, sheltering in caves and under ledges. 1, 18, 19, 31, 32, 37, 45, 49, 55-57 5-30 Depth (m) M. murdjan (Forsskål, 1775) Abundance Moderately common, sheltering in caves and under ledges, but frequently exposes itself for brief periods. Very common at site 55. 6, 9, 17, 18, 26, 29-35, 37-40, 43-46, 48-51, 53-56 Site records M. kuntee Valenciennes, 1831 Species Appendix 5 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Centriscus scutatus (Linnaeus, 1758) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. S. cyanopterus Bleeker, 1854 S. paradoxus (Pallas, 1770) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 35, 26, 47 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 20, 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen by GRA in 1999 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Acentronura tentaculata Günther, 1870 Corythoichthy amplexus Dawson & Randall, 1975 Corythoichthys flavofasciatus (Rüppell, 1838) C. haematopterus (Bleeker, 1851) C. intestinalis (Ramsay, 1881) C. nigripectus Herald, 1953 C. ocellatus Herald, 1953 C. schultzi Herald, 1953 Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus (Bleeker, 1853) D. excisus Kaup, 1856 D. janssi (Herald & Randall, 1972) Halicampus macrorhynchus Bamber, 1915 Halicampus nitidus (Günther, 1873) Hippocampus bargibanti Whitley, 1970 H. kuda Bleeker, 1852 SYNGNATHIDAE Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Solenostomus armatus Weber, 1913 SOLENOSTOMIDAE 12, 14, 26, 57. 2, 9, 14, 16, 19, 32, 39, 54 3, 4, 12, 31, 35, 39, 43, 48, 54 Aeoliscus strigatus (Günther, 1860) CENTRISCIDAE Fistularia commersoni Rüppell, 1835 FISTULARIIDAE Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1766) AULOSTOMIDAE Eurypegasus draconis (Linnaeus, 1766) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 9, 17, 31, 35, 51, 54 S. violaceus (Bleeker, 1853) PEGASIDAE Site records 5, 38 Species S. tieroides (Bleeker, 1853) One specimen collected with rotenone. Only two seen, but a secretive cave and ledge dweller. Only seen at three sites and in low numbers. Moderately common at several sites exposed to cool temperatures. Occasional schools observed. Occasional. Occasional. Occasional. Abundance Rarely seen, but is nocturnal. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 0-12 10-40 3-25 3-30 5-35 2-50 1-56 1-30 1-15 4-30 1-25 1-20 1-25 8-25 2-15 5-25 5-25 5-25 1-30 1-30 2-128 2-122 2-20 3-30 Depth (m) 10-40 List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 117 118 Rapid Assessment Program 12, 29 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Siokunichthys nigrolineatus Dawson, 1983 Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785) Trachyramphus bicoarctata (Bleeker, 1857) T. longirostris Kaup, 1856 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 36, 42 45 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 2-5, 9, 13, 19, 26, 28, 37, 48 2, 4, 5, 9, 19, 22, 31, 34, 36, 39, 42 Recorded by GRA in 1999. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 23 Seen on 1997 survey only. 18 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Dendrochirus biocellatus (Fowler, 1935) D. brachypterus (Cuvier, 1829) D. zebra (Cuvier, 1829) Parascorpaena mcadamsi (Fowler, 1938) Parascorpaena mossambica (Peters, 1855) Pteroidichthys amboinensis Bleeker, 1856 Pterois antennata (Bloch, 1787) P. volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) Rhinopias aphanes Eschmeyer, 1973 R. frondosa (Günther, 1891) Scorpaenodes albaiensis Evermann and Seale, 1907 S. guamensis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) S. hirsutus (Smith, 1957) S. parvipinnis (Garrett, 1863) S. varipinnis Smith, 1957 Scorpaenopsis diabolus (Cuvier, 1829) S. oxycephala (Bleeker, 1849) S. macrochir Ogilby, 1910 S. venosus (Cuvier, 1829) Sebastapistes cyanostigma (Bleeker, 1856) S. strongia (Cuvier, 1829) Taenianotus triacanthus Lacepède, 1802 SCORPAENIDAE Site records Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Species H. sp. 3-40 1-10 1-40 1-70 1-50 2-50 5-40 0-10 8-40 13-90 Rare, a single individual observed. continued 5-130 1-15 Probably not uncommon, but only one seen among coral 2-15 branches. Rare, only one seen, but diffult to detect. Photographed. Rare, only one seen. One specimens collected with rotenone. 2-50 The most commonly seen scorpionfish, but only occasional sightings. 10-50 1-50 3-20 1-18 3-20 1-20 1-15 1-40 10-90 1-42 0-10 10-20 Depth (m) 1-15 Occasional, but mainly nocturnal. Photographed. Collected with rotenone in 18 m depth. Rarely seen, but most active at night. One specimen seen in cave. Rare, only a few seen. Commensal with mushroom corals. Abundance Appendix 5 Species Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Synanceja verrucosa (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Seen on 1997 survey only. Thysanophrys chiltoni Schultz, 1966 Moderately common, although always in low numbers. Moderately common in more sheltered areas. Occasional. 1, 4-6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16-20, 22, 24, 27, 29-32, 34, 38, 39, 43, 45, 48-50, 53, 54 19, 44, 45 1, 4, 5, 9, 12, 18, 21-23, 25, 27-30, 39, 43-45, 52 13, 15, 32, 34, 36, 40-42, 46 1-5, 9-34, 36, 40-42, 46, 54, 56, 57 1, 2, 9, 14, 16, 19, 20, 23, 25-28, 30, 31, 37, 39, 43, 47, 49, 50, 53-55 Anyperodon leucogrammicus (Valenciennes, 1828) Belonoperca chabanaudi Fowler and Bean, 1930 Cephalopholis argus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 C. boenack (Bloch, 1790) C. cyanostigma (Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1828) C. leopardus (Lacepède, 1802) Moderately common, usually in areas of clear water. Occasional in deep water (below 20 m) of outer slopes. Moderately common in variety of habitats. 1, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20-23, 28, 31-33, 35, 39, 42, 4749, 51, 54 44 1, 4, 9, 10, 19, 20, 24, 25, 28, 30, 37, 44 Seen on 1997 survey only. 1, 2, 19, 27-30, 42, 44, 49, 50, 53 1, 4-6, 8-10, 16, 18-20, 29-31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43-45, 4750, 53-56 13, 22, 30, 32, 33, 36, 39, 47, 48, 50 5, 8, 32-34, 41, 55-57 C. miniata (Forsskål, 1775) C. polleni (Bleeker, 1868) C. sexmaculata Rüppell, 1828 C. sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828) C. spiloparaea (Valenciennes, 1828) C. urodeta (Schneider, 1801) Cromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828) Diploprion bifasciatum Cuvier, 1828 Occasional, shletered inshore areas. Occasional. Occasional, on ceilings of caves on steep drop-offs. Rare, only one seen at 50 m depth. Occasional on relatively silty reefs. 3-5, 7, 10-17, 20, 22-27, 29, 32, 33, 36, 40-42, 46, 56, 57 C. microprion (Bleeker, 1852) Occasional, in silty harbors and bays. Occasional. Occasional in caves on drop offs. Occasional. 1, 5, 9, 10, 19, 24, 29, 31-35, 48 A cryptic species that is rarely sighted. Abundance Aethaloperca rogaa (Forsskål, 1775) SERRANIDAE 1, 11, 16, 17, 39, Cymbacephalus beauforti Knapp, 1973 PLATYCEPHALIDAE Dactyloptena orientalis (Cuvier, 1829) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Inimicus didactylus (Pallas, 1769) DACTYLOPTERIDAE Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Site records Erosa erosa (Langsdorf, 1829) SYNANCEIIDAE Ablabys taenianotus (Cuvier, 1829) TETRAROGIDAE Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 2-25 2-40 1-36 16-108 10-100 6-140 20-120 3-150 2-20 3-25 2-35 1-20 1-40 4-45 5-50 1-55 1-80 2-12 1-45 0-20 5-40 1-10 1-10 Depth (m) List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 119 120 Site records Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 17 Seen on 1997 survey only. 15, 56, 57 32, 33, 36, 55, 57 5, 9, 11, 14-16, 20, 22, 27, 29-32, 36, 49, 50, 54, 55 17, 20, 30, 35, 43, 48 Seen on 1997 survey only. 45, 53 56 33-36, 39, 47, 48,51 3, 4, 6-12, 14-19, 21, 26-29, 31, 32, 35, 37-54, 57 2, 5, 7, 8, 15, 17, 23, 27, 33, 36 7, 13, 30, 37, 45, 51 33 48 31 14 22 2, 22, 23, 44, 52, 53 25, 37 53 22 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 45, 53 6, 17, 21 4-9, 12, 18, 29-31, 34, 35, 37, 39, 43-45, 49, 50, 52-54 Species Epinephelus areolatus (Forsskål, 1775) E. bontoides (Bleeker, 1855) E. caruleopunctatus (Bloch, 1790) E. coioides (Hamilton, 1822) E. corallicola (Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1828) E. cyanopodus (Richardson, 1846) E. fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775) Rapid Assessment Program E. fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775) E. hexagonatus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) E. howlandi (Günther, 1873)* E. macrospilos (Bleeker) E. maculatus (Bloch, 1790) E. merra Bloch, 1793 E. ongus (Bloch, 1790) E. polyphekadion (Bleeker, 1849) E. quoyanus (Valenciennes, 1830) E. spilotoceps Schultz, 1953 E. undulosus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) Grammistes sexlineatus (Thünberg, 1792) Grammistops ocellatus Schultz, 1953 Gracila albimarginata (Fowler and Bean, 1930) Liopropoma mitratum Lubbock & Randall, 1978* L. susumi (Jordan & Seale, 1906)* L. tonstrinum Randall and Taylor, 1988 Luzonichthys waitei (Fowler, 1931) Plectranthias inermis Randall, 1980 P. longimanus (Weber, 1913) Plectropomus areolatus (Rüppell, 1830) P. laevis (Lacepède, 1802) Depth (m) 4-90 Moderately common. The most common coral trout in the Louisiades. continued 2-30 6-75 14-65 10-55 11-50 2-34 3-46 6-120 5-30 0.5-30 10-90 1-15 1-10 2-45 5-25 Rare, only three seen. Two specimens collected with rotenone. One specimen collected with rotenone. One specimen collected with rotenone. Two specimens collected with rotenone. Occasional on outer slopes. Two specimens collected with rotenone. Rare, only one seen. Rare, only one individual seen. Rare, only one individual seen. Rare, only one individual seen. Occasional. Occasional. 1-15 10-80 Moderately common, several seen on most dives. 5-25 Occasional, mainly juveniles seen around debris on silty slopes. 1-37 3-10 3-60 4-160 5-150 3-15 2-100 5-25 2-30 6-200 Rare, only four individuals seen. Phtographed. Rare, only two observed. Occasional. Moderately common, mainly in southern areas of MBP. Occasional in mainly sand-bottom areas. Rare, only five individuals sighted. Photographed. Rare, only one adult seen. Abundance Appendix 5 Common, but usually less abundant than the similar P. huchtii. Common in a variety of habitats, but usually in areas exposed to currents. 48 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 1, 3-5, 19,48 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. 1, 2, 4-9, 13, 14, 16-35, 37-39, 43, 44, 48-50, 52-55, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 32 29, 30, 50, 52 2, 16, 19, 20, 26-29, 44, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. 1, 4-7, 9, 18, 19, 22, 30, 39, 44, 45, 47-50, 52-55 1, 2, 4-6, 9, 10, 12-19, 21-31, 33-35, 37-39, 43-45, 49, 50, 52-54, 56, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. 45 37, 44, 49, 52, 53 1, 6, 7, 16, 19, 22, 26, 29-31, 33, 35, 49, 50, 52-55 5, 22, 29, 30, 39, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 52, 54 Pseudanthias bicolor (Randall, 1979) P. cooperi (Regan, 1902) P. dispar (Herre, 1955) P. engelhardi Allen & Starck, 1982 P. fasciatus (Kamohara, 1954) P. huchtii (Bleeker, 1857) P. hutomoi (Allen and Burhanuddin, 1976) P. hypselosoma Bleeker, 1878 P. luzonensis (Katayama and Masuda, 1983) P. pleurotaenia (Bleeker, 1857) P. randalli (Lubbock & Allen, 1978) P. rubrizonatus (Randall, 1983) P. squamipinnis (Peters, 1855) P. tuka (Herre and Montalban, 1927) P. smithvanizi (Randall & Lubbock, 1981) P. sp Pseudogramma astigmum Randall and Baldwin, 1997 P. polyacantha (Bleeker, 1856) Serranocirrhitus latus Watanabe, 1949 Variola albimarginata Baissac, 1953 V. louti (Forsskål, 1775) 15-180 Moderately common, on outer slopes below about 20 m depth. Phtographed. Occasional and always in low numbers. Occasional and always in low numbers. One specimen collected with rotenone. 12-60 Occasional, seen at only four sites in deep water (below 30 m), but locally common. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 4-150 12-90 15-70 1-15 10-46 50-70 6-70 8-25 4-20 15-133 15-70 10-40 30-60 4-20 20-150 20-65 4-40 16-60 5-68 4-40 2-30 3-100 Depth (m) Rare, only a few seen at two sites. Abundant, one of most common reef fishes in MBP. Photogrpahed. Moderately common and locally abundant, but seen at few sites. Rare, several individuals seen at one site. Occasional. 1, 2, 4-7, 9, 10, 12-14, 16, 20, 22, 24-29, 44, 57 P. oligocanthus (Bleeker, 1854) Rare, only one seen in silty area. Abundance Moderately common. The most common coral trout in MBP. 41 Site records 3, 5, 6, 8-11, 13, 15, 20, 22, 24, 29, 32-36, 38, 40-42, 4648, 51, 55, 57 P. maculatus (Bloch, 1790) P. leopardus (Lacepède, 1802) Species List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 121 122 Rapid Assessment Program Occasional under rocky overhangs. Occasional. 3, 4, 7, 8, 10-12, 14, 15, 18, 21-24, 32, 34-36, 41, 46, 51, 56 12, 13, 20, 32, 35, 41, 45 1, 6, 12, 13, 15, 18-20, 22, 24-26, 29, 30, 35, 37-39, 4345, 52, 53, 57 5, 9, 13, 20, 22-24, 34, 50, 56, 57 4 Seen on 1997 survey only. 3, 9 15 37 37 22, 24, 25 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. P. fuscus (Müller and Troschel, 1849) P. marshallensis (Schultz, 1953) P. paccagnellae Axelrod, 1973 P. paranox Lubbock and Goldman, 1976 P. perspicillatus Günther, 1862 P. sp. 1 P. sp. 2 P. tapienosoma Bleeker, 1853 Pseudoplesiops annae (Weber, 1913) P. knighti Allen, 1987 P. multisquamatus Allen, 1987 P. rosae Schultz, 1943 P. typus Bleeker, 1858 45 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Calloplesiops altivelis (Steindachner, 1903) Plesiops corallicola Bleeker, 1853 Steeneichthys plesiopsus Allen and Randall, 1985 Seen on 1997 survey only. 9, 20, 24, 26, 30, 43, 45, 47-50 5, 6, 16, 19, 26, 47, 55 6 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 5, 9, 14, 17, 19, 25, 27, 29, 39, 43-45, 47-50, 52-55 Cirrhitichthys aprinus (Cuvier, 1829) C. falco Randall, 1963 C. oxycephalus (Bleeker, 1855) Cyprinocirrhites polyactis (Bleeker, 1875) Neocirrhites armatus Castelnau, 1873 Oxycirrhitus typus Bleeker, 1857 Paracirrhites arcatus (Cuvier, 1829) CIRRHITIDAE 1, 6, 8, 10, 12-14, 24-26, 37, 38, 43 Assessor flavissimus Allen and Kuiter, 1976 PLESIOPIDAE Occasional, around small coral and rock outcrops. 4, 6, 12-14, 22, 24, 25, 28, 33, 39 Moderately common, but in lower numbers than P. forsteri. Photographed. Rare. Occasional. Occasional. Photographed. One collected with rotenone. Moderately common, seen at several sites under ledges. Collected with rotenone. Collected with rotenone. Several collected with rotenone. Only one seen, but has cryptic habits. Rare, only two seen below 30 m. Only one seen in 20 m. Occasional, under ledges and among rubble. Occasional, among crevices and ledges. 45 One collected with rotenone. Abundance Pseudochromis bitaeniatus (Fowler, 1931) Site records Cypho purpurescens (De Vis, 1884) Species PSEUDOCHROMIDAE continued 1-35 10-100 1-15 10-132 2-40 4-45 5-40 3-40 0-3 3-45 5-20 5-30 8-40 5-35 5-35 4-25 2-60 20-50 5-25 3-20 5-20 6-70 2-25 1-30 5-30 5-35 Depth (m) Appendix 5 1, 2, 4-7, 16-20, 22-30, 33, 37-39, 43-45, 47-50, 52-55, 57 P. forsteri (Schneider, 1801) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. O. sp. 2 Seen on 1997 survey only. Terapon jarbua (Forsskål, 1775) 36, 56 P. hamrur (Forsskål, 1775) 24 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 30, 31, 51 14, 15, 27, 38, 42, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24-28, 33, 35, 36, 38, 41, 45, 46, 49, 51, 54, 56, 57 53 29, 39, 45, 48 Seen on 1997 survey only. 24 29, 42, 51 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 14, 21, 26, 27, 32, 33, 38, 39, 42, 44, 46, 50, 51 Apogon abogramma Fraser and Lachner, 1985 A. angustatus (Smith and Radcliffe, 1911) A. apogonides (Bleeker, 1856) A. aureus (Lacepède, 1802) A. bandanensis Bleeker, 1854 A. chrysotaenia Bleeker, 1851 A. compressus (Smith and Radcliffe, 1911) A. crassiceps Garman, 1903 A. cyanosoma Bleeker, 1853* A. dispar Fraser and Randall, 1976 A. evermanni Jordan and Snyder A. exostigma Jordan and Starks, 1906 A. fleurieu (Lacepède, 1802) A. fraenatus Valenciennes, 1832 APOGONIDAE Seen on 1997 survey only. Priacanthus blochii Bleeker, 1853 PRIACANTHIDAE Recorded by GRA in 1999. Mesopristes argenteus (Cuvier, 1829) TERAPONTIDAE 38 Opistognathus sp. 1 OPISTOGNATHIDAE Site records Species Seen at relatively few sites, but locally common under ledges and in coral crevices. Rare, several fish seen at three sites. Rare, one unusually large fish (about 150 mm TL) seen on roof of cave in 20 m. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 3-35 5-30 3-25 10-40 12-50 3-15 1-30 Collected with rotenone. Reported previously as A. coccineus. Occasional. Phtographed. 2-20 1-14 3-10 10-30 12-40 5-30 20-40 5-80 15-30 0-5 0-4 5-20 5-20 1-35 Depth (m) Moderately common, one of most abundant cardinalsfishes seen during the day, usually among branching Acropora corals. Occasional. Rare, only a few scatterd fish seen at three sites. Rare, about 10 individuals seen in caves below 30 m depth. Rare, only five seen. Rare, only two fish seen. Abundance Moderately common, the most abundant hawkfish in MBP, seen on regular basis, but in relatively low numbers. Photographed. List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 123 124 10-25 2-35 Occasional, but locally common, often adjacent to steep slopes around black coral. Moderately common, one of most abundant cardinalfishes, but always in small numbers under ledges and among crevices. 3, 36 5, 14, 33, 35, 41, 42, 44, 51 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 21 22, 24, 25, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 51 14, 15, 32, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 10, 11, 14, 15, 20, 22, 26, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 46, 56, 57 1, 5, 6, 9, 12-14, 16-19, 21, 23-28, 31, 32, 35, 37-39, 4245, 47-55, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 7 11, 41, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 4, 5, 31, 33, 34, 51, 56 23 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 10, 33, 39, 40, 42, 51 22, 27, 38, 40, 41 A. hoeveni Bleeker, 1854 A. kallopterus Bleeker, 1856 A. kiensis Jordan & Snyder, 1801 Rapid Assessment Program A.leptacanthus Bleeker, 1856 A. melanoproctus Fraser and Randall, 1976 A. melas Bleeker, 1848 A. moluccensis Valenciennes, 1832 A. multilineatus Bleeker, 1865 A. nanus Allen, Kuiter, and Randall, 1994 A. neotes Allen, Kuiter, and Randall, 1994 A. nigrofasciatus Schultz, 1953 A. notatus (Houttuyn, 1782) A. novemfasciatus Cuvier, 1828 A. ocellicaudus Allen, Kuiter, and Randall, 1994 A. perlitus Fraser & Lachner, 1985 A. properupta (Whitley, 1964) A. quadrifasciatus Cuvier, 1828 A. rhodopterus Bleeker, 1852 A. sealei Fowler, 1918* A. selas Randall and Hayashi, 1990 1-12 5-40 3-35 1-25 1-10 Rarely encountered, but locally common. Occasional. Rare, one seen on sand slope in 20 m. continued 20-35 2-12 10-40 5-40 1-15 2-15 11-55 Rare, a few seen at only one site. Photographed. 0.5-3 Generally rare, but locally common at three sites. Photographed. 2-30 5-20 1-5 3-35 Several pairs seen in shallows. Rare, but nocturnal habits. Rare, a single fish seen. 3-15 Rarely seen, but locally common in caves on steep slopes. The species previously reported from MBP as A. dispar 15-40 is possibly A. melnaoproctus. Collected with rotenone at site 22. Rarely encountered, but locally common among branching corals. Rarely seen, due to nocturnal habitats. Rarely seen, but locally common; sometimes sheltering in Diadema sea urchins. Seen on 1997 survey only. A. hartzfeldi Bleeker, 1852 0-8 Seen on 1997 survey only. A. guamensis Valenciennes, 1832 3-15 Rarely seen during day, but probably common throughout MBP. 11 A. fuscus Quoy and Gaimard, 1824 Depth (m) 1-15 Abundance Rarely seen, but locally abundant. Site records 10, 11, 21, 40, 42, 51 Species A. fragilis Smith, 1961 Appendix 5 1-35 Moderately common, but seen in small numbers on sheltered inshore reefs. 4, 7, 10-15, 20, 34, 36, 40, 42, 46, 51, 56, 57 3, 4, 7, 10-15, 17-39, 41-46, 48-52, 54, 56, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 42 22, 25, 37 Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. C. parazonatus Gon, 1993 C. quinquelineatus Cuvier, 1828 C. singapurensis Bleeker, 1859 Foa brachygramma (Jenkins, 1902)* Fowleria aurita (Valenciennes, 1831) F. vaiulae (Jordan and Seale, 1906) Gymnapogon sp. G. urospilotus Lachner, 1953 Formerly reported as Fowleria abocellata. Several specimens collected with rotenone. One seen, but very cryptic and difficult to assess. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 1-15 1-15 3-20 0-15 1-15 2-15 1-40 4-30 Moderately common, but always in low numbers (except juveniles). 11, 13, 14, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 46, 50, 51, 53, 55-57 C. macrodon Lacepède, 1801 Common, most abundant member of genus in MBP. 4-15 Found at only three sites, but locally common. Photographed. 30, 39, 40 C. intermedius Gon, 1993* 2-15 1-20 Cheilodipterus alleni Gon, 1993 Occasional, but common at some sites. Difficult to distinguish from C. quinquelineatus, but two specimens speared for identification. 53 Cercamia eremia (Allen, 1987) 13, 14 8, 10, 11, 13, 21, 38, 40, 42, 56, 57 A. zosterophora (Bleeker, 1858) 3-15 3-60 5-18 C. isostigmus (Schultz, 1940) Seen on 1997 survey only. A. macropterus (Cuvier,1828) Occasional, but common at several sites. A single school seen in a large cave. 2-20 9, 11, 13, 21, 24, 29, 32, 34, 38, 40, 42, 46, 51 A. fucata (Cantor, 1850) 5-35 2-10 Moderately common, often among branching corals. 24 Archamia biguttata Lachner, 1951 Rare, but difficult to survey due to nocturnal habitats. 4, 7, 8, 10-15, 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, 33, 34, 38, 40, 42, 50, 51, 56, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. A. ventrifasciatus Allen, Kuiter, and Randall, 1994 0-10 C. artus Smith, 1961 28, 40, 41, 57 A. trimaculatus Cuvier, 1828 Common at one site. Formerly reported as A. sangiensis. 1-25 21 A. thermalis Cuvier, 1829 10-30 Several collected with rotenone. Formerly reported as A. unicolor. Occasional, especially in caves and crevices on steep slopes. 45, 53 A. talboti Smith, 1961 0.5-2 8, 12, 14, 18, 20, 24, 26, 57 11, 15, 47 A. taeniophorus Regan, 1908 Relatively rare, but occurs in very shallow water and is nocturnal and therefore difficult to accurately survey. 5-35 Depth (m) 2-12 5-40 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. A. semiornatus Peters, 1876 Abundance A few seen at one site. Collected with rotenone. Site records 46 Species A. similis Fraser, Randall, & Lachner, In press* List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 125 126 Rapid Assessment Program 15, 21, 56, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. Sphaeramia nematoptera (Bleeker, 1856) S. orbicularis (Cuvier, 1828) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 2, 19, 30, 52, 53 30, 39, 45, 47, 54 1, 5, 12, 19, 29, 44, 45, 47, 48, 54 H. pohlei Earle & Pyle, 1997 H. purpureus Burgess, 1978 H. starcki Randall and Dooley, 1974 Malacanthus brevirostris Guichenot, 1848 M. latovittatus (Lacepède, 1798) Seen on 1997 survey only. 9, 31, 34, 41, 57 1-3, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16-25, 27-30, 33, 44, 56 Alepes vari (Cuvier, 1833) Atule mate (Cuvier, 1833) Carangoides bajad (Forsskål, 1775) CARANGIDAE Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus, 1758 43, 44 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. H. marcosi Burgess, 1978 ECHENEIDAE 6, 30 Hoplolatilus cuniculus Randall & Dooley, 1974 MALACANTHIDAE Sillago sihama (Forsskål, 1775) Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. S. versicolor (Smith and Radcliffe, 1912) SILLAGINIDAE 36 S. majimae Matsubara & Iwai, 1958* 34, 42 R. gracilis (Bleeker, 1856) 36 11, 18, 31, 32, 34, 40 Rhabdamia cypselurus Weber, 1909 Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. P. zonata Randall, Lachner & Fraser, 1985 R. sp. Seen on 1997 survey only. P. hayashi Randall, Lachner and Fraser, 1985 Siphamia corallicola Allen, 1993* Site records Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Species Pseudamia gelatinosa Smith, 1955 5-20 Rarely observed, but sometimes in high numbers swarming around coral bommies. 2-50 0-30 5-30 10-45 20-105 18-80 25-70 18-80 25-115 0-15 0-3 1-8 Occasional, usually in low numbers. continued 5-30 Several schools containing approximately 20-50 fish seen. 2-50 A few individuals seen attached to sharks. Occasional. Occasional. Rarely encountered as their distribution lies mainly below the depths of sampled during the survey. Common below 50 m on rubble slopes. Occasional, but locally common among sheltered corals. Photographed. 5-40 A group of about 20 fish seen with sea urchin. Photographed. 3-25 5-30 Common at one site in 10-20 m. Photographed. 10-25 2-15 10-35 2-64 Depth (m) 1-40 Occasionally observed, but sometimes in high numbers swarming around coral bommies. Abundance Appendix 5 4-6, 9, 11, 13, 18, 19, 21, 28-30, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 4250, 52-54 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 2, 4, 44 1, 2, 6, 12, 37, 38, 41, 44, 47 33, 35, 46, 51 18, 19, 47 2 Seen on 1997 survey only. 51 Seen on 1997 survey only. Caranx ignobilis (Forsskål, 1775) C. melampygus Cuvier, 1833 C. papuensis Alleyne & Macleay, 1877 C. sexfasciatus Quoy and Gaimard, 1825 Elegatis bipinnulatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) Gnathanodon speciosus (Forsskål, 1775) Scomberoides lysan (Forsskål, 1775) S. tol (Cuvier, 1832) Selar boops (Cuvier, 1833) S. crumenophthalmus (Bloch, 1793) Selaroides leptolepis (Kuhl and van Hasselt, 1833) 1-30 Rare, but often found some distance from reefs on flat sand bottoms. 1-100 3-40 4-180 Occasional, mainly on sheltered reefs with rich corals. Common, one of the three most common snappers, but usually in relatively low numbers at each site. 1, 7, 8, 11-15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 32-34, 36-38, 40, 42, 46, 49, 55-57 1, 2, 4-6, 9, 10, 14, 16-22, 24-26, 28-35, 37-39, 41, 43-56 L. biguttatus (Valenciennes, 1830) L.bohar (Forsskål, 1775) Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 3-40 Seen on 1997 survey only. Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskål, 1775) Occasional, mainly in Louisiades. 9, 30, 31, 35, 39, 44, 45 Aprion virescens Valenciennes, 1830 6-70 3-40 0.5-5 1-25 1-170 1-30 1-100 37, 39, 43-45, 52, 54 Occasional in Louisiades. Rare, one school with about 10 fish seen. Rare, one school with about 20 fish seen in sandy shallows. A small school seen next to Panasia Island. Rare, only one seen. 1-100 5-150 Moderately common adjacent to steep outer slopes. Photographed. Rare, only one seen. 3-96 1-50. 1-190 2-80 Rarely seen, and ususally in small to large schools (approximately 5-500 fish). Moderately common, but usually solitary fish encountered. 5-40 5-100 Aphareus furca (Lacepède, 1802) LUTJANIDAE 4 Moderately sommon, ususally seen solitary or in small schools. 18, 27 C. plagiotaenia Bleeker, 1857 T. blochii (Lacepède, 1801) Rare, two large adults seen. 4-6, 8, 9, 13-15, 17, 20, 22, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 38, 39, 4146, 49, 52, 53, 56, 57 7 5-200 Seen on 1997 survey only. C. orthogrammus (Jordan and Gilbert, 1882) Trachinotus baillonii (Lacepède, 1801) 3-168 Seen on 1997 survey only. C. oblongus (Cuvier, 1833) Occasional. Photographed. 4-6, 14, 31, 32, 40-42, 51, 54 C. fulvoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775)* 2-40 22, 33, 36, 46, 47, 51 Depth (m) C. ferdau (Forsskål, 1775) Abundance Occasional in small schools, apparently feeding on benthic invertebrates on sandy bottoms. Site records Species List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 127 128 2-40 6-40 3-265 3-90 5-100 Rarely seen, but locally common at a few sites. Moderately commom, but usually in small numbers. Common, one of three most common snappers. An extraordinarily large school containing hundreds of fish seen at Bramble Haven (site 54). Occasional, ususally in low numbers, but schools present at site 55. Photographed. Occasional at sheltered coastal sites. Common. Moderately common, but in much lower numbers than M. macularis. Several schools sighted on steep slopes, usually below 30 m depth. 3, 7, 11-13, 15, 34, 36, 38, 41, 42, 46, 57 21, 24, 51 16, 28, 55, 56 1, 7, 13, 17, 22, 24, 27-29, 32, 38, 42, 43, 46, 49, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57 3, 4, 6, 8-14, 16-27, 29-31, 33-38, 43-45, 47-54, 57 29, 39, 43, 48, 50, 55 11 Seen on 1997 survey only. 15, 27 1, 4, 6, 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, 30-34, 37, 39, 42-45, 52, 53 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 21, 22, 31-34, 42, 46, 51, 55, 57 4, 14, 19-23, 27, 44, 47 21 14, 17-20, 22, 43, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 1-6, 8, 11-31, 25-39, 42, 43, 46, 47, 49, 52-54, 56, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 33, 36, 42, 56 1-3, 5-9, 12, 14, 16-20, 22-39, 41, 43-45, 47, 48, 50, 5255 4, 6, 14, 15, 21, 22, 29-31, 34, 35, 39, 40, 43, 45, 48-50, 54 2, 19, 24 L. ehrenburgi (Peters, 1869) L. fulviflamma (Forsskål, 1775) L. fulvus (Schneider, 1801) L. gibbus (Forsskål, 1775) L. kasmira (Forsskål, 1775) L. lutjanus Bloch, 1790* L. madras (Valenciennes, 1831) L. mizenkoi Allen & Talbot, 1985* L. monostigma (Cuvier, 1828) L. quinquelineatus (Bloch, 1790) L. rivulatus (Cuvier, 1828) L. rufolineatus (Valenciennes, 1830) L. russelli (Bleeker, 1849) L. sebae (Cuvier, 1828) L. semicinctus Quoy and Gaimard, 1824 L. timorensis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) L. vitta (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) Macolor macularis Fowler, 1931 M. niger (Forsskål, 1775) Paracaesio sordidus Abe & Shinohara, 1962* Depth (m) Rapid Assessment Program 5-30 2-100 Occasional, usually in small numbers, but large aggregation seen at Bently Island. Occasional, a few large adults and several half-grown fish seen. Common, one of the three most common snappers, but usually in relatively low numbers at each site. Occasional solitary fish sighted. continued 3-50 8-40 6-130 10-40 10-100 1-80 12-50 5-60 Moderately common, between 10- 20 seen on some dives. Rare. 15-80 5-90 10-90 1-35 1-20 2-35 Rare, several individuals of this rare species seen at two sites. Photographed. Rare. Rarely seen, but locally common near mangrove shores. Occasional. Usually on sheltered coastal reefs. 5-25 L. carponotatus (Richardson, 1842) Abundance Rarely seen and usually in low numbers. Site records 3, 27 Species L. boutton (Lacepède, 1802) Appendix 5 5, 21, 31, 35, 46, 51, 56, 57 9, 31, 36 Symphorichthys spilurus (Günther, 1874) Symphorus nematophorus (Bleeker, 1860) Common in Louisiades. Common in variety of habitats. Occasional, but locally abundant. Moderately common, but locally abundant. 3-6, 13, 14, 18, 21, 24, 26, 29, 30, 44. 47 1, 2, 4, 5, 23, 33, 38, 44, 54 1, 5, 6, 13, 44, 46 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 20, 22, 28, 55-57 44 30, 32, 35,38, 41, 43, 44, 48-50, 52 1, 3-14, 17-24, 28-30, 32, 33, 35, 37-39, 42, 44-46, 4954, 56, 57 29, 30, 37, 44, 53 1, 4-6, 21, 29-31, 43, 45, 48, 52-56 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, 29, 30, 32, 35, 37-39, 42, 44, 45, 48-51, 53, 54, 57 C. lunaris Cuvier, 1830 C. teres Seale, 1906 Gymnocaesio gymnoptera (Bleeker, 1856) Pterocaesio digramma (Bleeker, 1865) P. lativittata Carpenter, 1987* P. marri Schultz, 1953 P. pisang (Bleeker, 1853) P. tessellata Carpenter, 1987 P. tile (Cuvier, 1830) P. trilineata Carpenter, 1987 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. G. argyreus (Schneider, 1801) G. filamentosus Cuvier, 1829 G. oyena (Forsskål, 1775) Moderately common, the most abundant sweetlinps in MBP, but always seen in small numbers. 5, 14, 23, 34, 38, 39, 42, 46, 51, 56, 57 2, 5-11, 13-15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 28-30, 32, 34-39, 41, 43, 44, 46, 50, 51, 54, 57 30, 32, 44, 45 P. chaetodontoides (Lacepède, 1800) P. gibbosus (Lacepède, 1802) Rare, only four adults seen. Occasional. 33, 56 Plectorhinchus celebicus Bleeker, 1873 Rare, a few seen in silty areas. Occasional, but locally abundant. One school of about 200 fish seen in 50 m depth. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 2-30 1-40 6-30 2-40 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-40 1-30 1-60 1-35 1-35 1-35 10-70 m 1-25 5-30 Occasionally seen with mixed school of fusiliers, mainly Pterocaesio pisang. Common in northern parts of MBP. Photographed. 1-40 1-35 1-30 1-30 5-50 5-60 Depth (m) 20-50 Occasional, but locally common. Diagramma pictum (Thünberg, 1792) HAEMULIDAE Seen on 1997 survey only. Gerres abbreviatus Bleeker, 1850 GERREIDAE 1, 2, 5-13, 15-17, 19-23, 25-28, 32-38, 41, 42, 44, 46, 52, Abundant in variety of habitats, particularly coastal reefs. 56, 57 C. cuning (Bloch, 1791) Occasional, but locally common. 2, 4-10, 12-14, 16, 19, 21, 23-26, 28-30, 32-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48, 52-57 Abundant in variety of habitats. Rare, a few adults seen. Rare, a few adults seen. Photographed. Abundance Rare, a school of about 30 fish seen. Caesio caerulaurea Lacepède, 1802 CAESIONIDAE Site records Seen on 1997 survey only. Species P. xanthurus (Bleeker, 1869) List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 129 130 4, 6, 7, 12, 19, 23, 30, 31, 36, 39, 40, 44, 45, 47, 49 20, 43-45 19, 26, 27, 31, 32, 40, 55 28, 30 P. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758) P. obscurus (Günther, 1871) P. orientalis (Bloch, 1793) P. picus (Cuvier, 1830) Rapid Assessment Program 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 29, 35, 37, 43, 44, 50 4, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19-22, 25, 26, 29, 33, 35, 36, 40, 41, 43, Both juveniles and adults occasionally sighted. 45, 48, 49, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 21, 32, 36, 38, 42, 51, 56 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 14, 31, 51, 56 3, 8, 10, 11, 18, 21, 29, 32, 45, 50, 54-56. 5, 6, 9, 19, 21, 25, 30, 35, 39, 44-46, 51 3, 56 Seen on 1997 survey only. 3 29, 30, 45, 47 1-57 L. erythracanthus Valenciennes, 1830 L. erythropterus Valenciennes, 1830 L. genivittatus Valenciennes, 1830 L. harak (Forsskål, 1775) L. lentjan (Lacepède, 1802) L. microdon Valenciennes, 1830 L. nebulosus (Forsskål, 1775) L. obsoletus (Forsskål, 1775) L. olivaceous Valenciennes, 1830 L. ornatus Valenciennes, 1830 L. semicinctus Valenciennes, 1830 L. variegatus Valenciennes, 1830 L. xanthocheilus Klunzinger, 1870 Monotaxis grandoculis (Forsskål, 1775) 6, 11, 13, 56 Seen on 1997 survey only. 55 Pentapodus caninus (Cuvier, 1830)* Pentapodus emeryii (Richardson, 1843) P. paradiseus (Günther, 1859)* NEMIPTERIDAE 3, 15, 31, 55 Lethrinus atkinsoni Seale, 1909 Rare, only one seen. Occasional in sand-rubble areas. Photographed. Common. The most abundant lethrinid in MBP. Rare, less than 10 fish seen. Rare, but seagrass is main habitat. Rare. Occasional, in low numbers. Occasional, and always in low numbers. Rarely seen, but common on sand bottom at site 31. Moderately common, second most abundant member of family in MBP, commonly seen in shallow waters with sand or rubble bottoms. Both juveniles and adults occasionally sighted. Rarely seen, usually in mixed reef-sand areas. Occasional. 43, 45, 51, 54 G. sp. continued 3-30 5-40 15-60 1-100 2-25 1-10 10-40 3-20 4-185 1-25 5-75 10-50 10-50 1-20 5-25 2-30 15-120 2-30 15-40 20-100 Rare, except group of 100 seen at site 31 on sand bottom in 15-20m. Photographed. 31, 32, 35 Gymnocranius grandoculus (Valenciennes, 1830) 1-30 3-50 3-30 5-50 2-40 Depth (m) 5-35 Rarely encountered, but sometimes locally common. 26, 30, 45, 51, 53, 54 Rare, only two seen. Occasional. Rare, four large adults seen. Occasional. Abundance Rare, only five seen. Gnathodentex aurolineatus Lacepède, 1802 LETHRINIDAE Site records 6, 29, 39, 54, 55 Species P. lessoni (Cuvier, 1830) Appendix 5 10, 15, 21, 33, 40, 42, 46, 56 26, 32, 33, 51, 56 1-10, 12-14, 16-40, 42-57 3, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 36, 40-42, 56, 57 10, 11, 14, 21, 27, 38, 53 3-5, 7, 8, 10-17, 20-23, 26, 28, 31-42, 46, 51, 56, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 15, 21, 23, 32, 33, 35, 36, 42, 47, 51, 56 4, 39 1, 6, 16 P. trivittatus (Bloch, 1791) Scolopsis affinis Peters, 1876 S. bilineatus (Bloch, 1793) S. ciliatus (Lacepède, 1802) S. lineatus Quoy and Gaimard, 1824 S. margaritifer (Cuvier, 1830) S. monogramma (Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1830) S. temporalis (Cuvier, 1830)* S. trilineatus Kner, 1868 S. xenochrous (Günther, 1872) Moderately common, but in lower numbers than previous two species. 1-5, 7, 8, 10, 12-23, 26, 28-57 1-22, 25-35, 37-57 1-8, 10, 15, 20, 21, 26, 29-34, 37-39, 41-45, 47-50, 5255, 57 21, 22, 26, 27 3, 36, 56 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 1-22, 26, 29-35, 37-57 29, 30, 48, 49, 54 23, 38 P. barberinus (Lacepède, 1801) P. bifasciatus (Lacepède, 1801) P. cyclostomus (Lacepède, 1802) P. heptacanthus (Lacepède, 1801) P. indicus (Shaw, 1903) P. macronema (Lacepede, 1802) P. multifasciatus Bleeker, 1873 P. pleurostigma (Bennett, 1830) Upeneus tragula Richardson, 1846* 29, 31, 32 Seen on 1997 survey only. Parapriacanthus ransonneti Steindachner, 1870 Pempheris adusta Bleeker, 1877 PEMPHERIDAE Common, particularly on outer slopes and adjacent reefs. 1-80 3, 14 Parupeneus barberinoides (Lacepède, 1801) Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 5-30 5-30 1-40 Rare, but mainly found on sand bottoms away from reefs. Rarely encountered, but forms dense aggregations. 5-46 1-140 5-30 0-15 1-60 Rare, confined to clean, white sand near reefs. Common, second most abundant goatfish in MBP, consistently seen at most sites. Rare, usually seen in silted areas. Rare. 1-100 Common, the most abundant goatfish in MBP. Photographed. 2-92 1-20 Rare. 1-113 12, 32, 42, 51 Rarely seen and usually in low numbers. 10, 21, 23, 26, 28, 38, 42, 48, 51-53, 56 1-40 5-50 1-10 5-30 5-50 2-20 0-10 1-30 2-20 3-60 1-15 3-25 Depth (m) M. vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831) Occasional, but sometimes locally common. Generally rare, but not uncommon at 3 sites. Rare. Occasional, locally common over sand bottoms. Common, especially on sheltered coastal reefs Occasional on shallow reefs. Moderately common at sites subjected to silting. Common. Occasional, but locally common in sandy areas. Occasional, usually on sheltered coastal reefs. Occasional, but locally common at several sites. Abundance Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (Lacepède, 1802) MULLIDAE P. sp. Site records 1, 7-10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 35, 38, 41, 55, 57 Species List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 131 132 Rapid Assessment Program 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 20, 21, 22, 29, 30-32, 34-40, 42, 45-49, 51, 54-57 1-6, 8-40, 43, 44, 46-57 1-6, 14, 19, 23, 25-28, 32, 35-37, 46-48, 52, 53, 56, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 3-8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 29-33, 36-40, 43-45, 47-55 1, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12-15, 17-22, 29-31, 33, 35-41, 43-57 1-7, 9, 10, 19, 26, 29-32, 35, 37, 39, 40, 42-56 8, 10, 20, 33, 34, 36, 46, 56, 57 3, 4, 11, 14, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26, 36, 39, 45, 47, 52 1-4, 6-10, 12-30, 33-57 4, 6, 9, 12, 28, 29, 31, 37, 39, 40, 43-45, 47, 48, 51-53 1, 2, 14, 16-20, 22, 24, 26-28, 30. 36, 38, 43, 46, 53, 57 43 8, 11, 12, 14, 15-17, 22, 24, 26-28, 35, 36, 51, 54, 56, 57 3, 8, 10-15, 33-36, 40-42, 46, 56, 57 Chaetodon auriga Forsskål, 1775 C. baronessa Cuvier, 1831 C. bennetti Cuvier, 1831 C. burgessi Allen & Starck, 1973 C. citrinellus Cuvier, 1831 C. ephippium Cuvier, 1831 C. kleinii Bloch, 1790 C. lineolatus Cuvier, 1831 C. lunula Lacepède, 1803 C. lunulatus Quoy and Gaimard, 1824 C. melannotus Schneider, 1801 C. mertensii Cuvier, 1831* C. meyeri Schneider, 1801 C. ocellicaudus Cuvier, 1831 C. octofasciatus Bloch, 1787 CHAETODONTIDAE Monodactylus argenteus (Linnaeus, 1758) Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 22, 28, 31, 41, 42, 51, 53 K. vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) MONODACTYLIDAE 4, 11, 31, 44, 52, 56 Kyphosus cinerascens (Forsskål, 1775) KYPHOSIDAE Toxotes jaculatrix (Pallas, 1767) Seen on 1997 survey only. 22, 30, 36, 52, 53, 56 P. oualensis Cuvier, 1831 TOXOTIDAE 24, 26 Site records P. mangula Cuvier, 1829* Species 3-38 Probably common, but difficult to survey due to cryptic diurnal behaviour. Has black spot covering pectoral-fin base. 3-20 Occasional, except common at a fewinshore sites where reef influenced by silt. continued 1-15 5-25 Moderately common, seen at the majority of sites. Rare, only one seen. Occasinal, more common at mainland and northern sites 10-120 in MBP. 2-15 1-25 Common, one of the most abundant butterflyfishes in MBP; seen on almost every dive. Occasional. 1-40 2-170 Occasional, less common than the very similar C. oxycephalus. Occasional. 6-60 1-30 Occasional, never more than 2-3 pairs seen at a single site. Cmmonly seen at most sites. 1-12 20-100 5-30 2-15 1-30 0-5 1-20 1-24 Common on shallow reefs affected by surge. Occasional, frequently on outer slopes. Photographed. Common, seen on nearly every dive. Occasional, ususally areas with weed and sand mixed with coral reef. Occasional, but sometimes locally common. Occasional, but sometimes locally common. 5-30 0-2 Depth (m) Abundance Two groups seen in caves. Has black outer margin on dorsal and anal fins. Appendix 5 6-45 1-15 Occasional, ususally in pairs. Generally scarce in Louidsiades where it is replaced by the closely related C. pelewensis. Common, one of the most abundant butterflyfishes in MBP; seen on most dives. Rare, one pair seen. Photographed. Occasional. Occasional in areas of tabular Acropora. Moderately common. 1-7, 9, 14, 16-29, 35, 37 1-7, 10-22, 24-29, 34-36, 39-42, 44-48, 50, 51, 54, 56, 57 43 3, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25-27, 35, 36, 40, 43-45, 52, 56, 57 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18-21, 25, 26, 29-31, 34, 43, 48 4-10, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 31, 35, 36, 39, 40, 43, 48, 54 1-7, 11, 14, 16, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29-31, 33, 35-40, 4356 4-7, 29, 37, 42, 43, 47, 48, 54, 55 1-8, 11-57 15, 36, 40-42, 46 33, 34, 56 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15-17, 32, 40, 56 2, 3, 7, 11, 22, 24, 26, 27 4, 14, 29, 30, 37-39, 43-45, 47-50, 52-55 29, 30, 37, 39, 43-45, 49, 50, 52-54 2, 19, 39, 44, 52 15, 19, 21-23, 31, 47, 56 1-57 2, 5, 27 12, 28, 52-54 C. punctatofasciatus Cuvier, 1831 C. rafflesi Bennett, 1830 C. reticulatus Cuvier, 1831 C. semeion Bleeker, 1855 C. speculum Cuvier, 1831* C. trifascialis Quoy and Gaimard, 1824 C. ulietensis Cuvier, 1831 C. unimaculatus Bloch, 1787* C. vagabundus Linnaeus, 1758 Chelmon rostratus (Linnaeus, 1758) Coradion altivelis McCulloch, 1916 C. chrysozonus Cuvier, 1831 C. melanopus (Cuvier, 1831) Forcipiger flavissimus Jordan and McGregor, 1898 F. longirostris (Broussonet, 1782) Hemitaurichthys polylepis (Bleeker, 1857)* Heniochus acuminatus (Linnaeus, 1758) H. chrysostomus Cuvier, 1831 H. diphreutes Jordan, 1903 H. monoceros Cuvier, 1831 2-114 10-30 5-60 3-20 Occasional pairs seen. Rare, only a few individuals seen. Common, one of most abundant butterflyfishes in MBP. Occasional. Rare, but locally abundant. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 2-25 15-210 5-40 2-75 3-60 Occasional, mainly on outer reef slopes of the Louisiades. 5-60 Occasional, mainly on outer reef slopes. Photographed. Occasional, in sheltered areas. Photographed. Occasional, in sheltered areas. Photographed. Rare, about 4 pairs seen on silty reefs in the Louisiades. 1-15 1-30 Common, the most abundant butterflyfish in MBP; several seen on almost every dive. Occasional, mainly on silty reefs of the Louisiades. 1-60 8-30 2-30 1-30 1-25 1-35 Occasional. Occasional. 1-15 Occasional. 2, 5, 10, 11, 17-21, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43-52, 54, 55 C. plebeius Cuvier, 1831 6-45 Common in the Louisidades. Photographed. 5, 29-31, 37-39, 43-45, 48-50, 52-54 8-30 1-36 Depth (m) C. pelewensis Kner, 1868 Moderately common, but always in low numbers. Moderaely common in rich coral areas. Abundance 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 25, 28-30, 41, 56, 57 Site records 2, 4-9, 11, 14, 16-19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 30, 37-39, 43-45, 47-50, 53-55 C. oxycephalus Bleeker, 1853 C. ornatissimus Cuvier, 1831 Species List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 133 134 5, 7, 8, 10-13, 34, 46 Parachaetodon ocellatus (Cuvier, 1831) 5, 6, 19, 30, 47, 52, 53, 55 50 1, 2, 4-10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 28-56 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 14, 16-19, 29-35, 37-39, 42-45, 48-50, 52-55 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 2, 6, 30, 48, 50, 55 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 5, 7-9, 12-14, 17-20, 22-28, 30-38, 41, 42, 49, 50, 54-57 1-36, 38-57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 2, 3, 7, 8, 10-15, 20, 34, 36, 40-42, 46, 56 5, 6, 9, 16, 29, 55, 57 2, 9, 16, 18, 24-26, 29, 30, 44, 49, 50, 52, 53 2, 24, 25, 29, 37, 38, 44, 49, 50, 52, 53 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 6, 9, 19, 27, 30, 45, 47, 48, 52, 54-56 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16-18, 20-22, 25-28, 43 10, 12, 14, 18, 22, 26, 51 4, 5, 9, 11, 14, 15, 26, 30-37, 45-52, 54-57 17, 30, 35, 43, 44, 52 1-57 Apolemichthys trimaculatus (Lacepède, 1831) Centropyge aurantia Randall & Wass, 1974 C. bicolor (Bloch, 1798) C. bispinosus (Günther, 1860) C. colini Smith-Vaniz & Randall, 1974 C. flavicauda Fraser-Brunner, 1933 C. loricula (Günther, 1874) C. nox (Bleeker, 1853) C. vroliki (Bleeker, 1853) Chaetodontoplus melanosoma (Bleeker, 1853) C. mesoleucus (Bloch, 1787) Genicanthus lamarck Lacepède, 1798 G. melanospilos (Bleeker, 1857) Paracentropyge multifasciatus (Smith and Radcliffe, 1911) Pomacanthus annularis (Bloch, 1787) Pomacanthus imperator (Bloch, 1787) P. navarchus Cuvier, 1831 P. semicirculatus Cuvier, 1831 P. sexstriatus Cuvier, 1831 P. xanthometopon (Bleeker, 1853) Pygoplites diacanthus (Boddaert, 1772) POMACANTHIDAE 2-29, 32-35, 38-40, 42-50, 52-57 Site records 4, 6-8, 10-13, 15, 16, 19-22, 25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35, 43-48, 52, 54 H. varius (Cuvier, 1829) H. singularius Smith and Radcliffe, 1911 Species Rapid Assessment Program 3-25 Common, one of the two most abundant angelfishes in MBP. 3-50 Common, one of the two most abundant angelfishes in MBP. continued 5-30 3-50 5-40 3-30 3-70 1-60 10-50 Rarely seen, mainly on outer reef slopes. Occasional. Occasional. Occasional. Occasional and in low numbers. Occasional, but seldom noticed due to cave-dwelling habits. 20-50 15-40 Occasional, but locally common; extraordinally abundant at site 55. Photographed. Occasional, but locally common. 1-20 Moderately common, but largely restricted to sheltered inshore reefs. 5-40 10-70 5-60 10-60 Moderately common. Generally rare, but sometimes locally common on rubble bottoms. 10-45 Common on seaward slopes, but rare inshore. Photographed. 25-75 3-35 3-50 10-50 5-40 2-30 12-45 Depth (m) Common. Rare, one seen at 40 m depth in rich coral area. Occasional on dropoffs. Photographed. Occasional in silty areas. Common, one of most abundant butterflyfishes in MBP. Occasional, usually in clear offshore waters. Abundance Appendix 5 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. C e p o l a s p. Seen on 1997 survey only. 11 Liza vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) Valamugil seheli (Forsskål, 1775) 1-50 Abundant in wide range of habitats. Some populations with white tails. Common on steep slopes, but in low numbers. 4, 8, 32 2-4, 7-9, 12, 14, 15, 18, 21-27, 30, 32, 45, 49, 51-53 1-33, 35-40, 43-57 2, 4-6, 9, 13, 16-20, 22, 24-29, 32, 35, 37, 43, 44, 52, 53, 55, 57 3-5, 12, 56 1, 4-46, 48-51, 54, 56, 57 1-20, 22, 24-46, 48-57 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 57 A. sordidus (Forsskäl, 1775) A. vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) Acanthochromis polyacantha (Bleeker, 1855) Amblyglyphidodon aureus (Cuvier, 1830) A. batunai Allen, 1995 A. curacao (Bloch, 1787) A. leucogaster (Bleeker, 1847) A. ternatensis (Bleeker, 1853) 1-15 One of the two most common anemonefishes in MBP. One of the two most common anemonefishes in MBP. Photographed. Rare. Photographed. Moderately common. Moderately common. Moderately common. Photographed. 1-9, 13, 18-20, 26, 27, 29, 30, 39, 43, 44, 47, 49, 50, 5255, 57 2-4, 8, 13, 14, 16, 18-22, 24, 25, 30, 33-35, 37, 38, 42, 47, 50, 54-57 1, 6, 27 2, 4, 6, 9, 19-21, 26, 27, 29, 34, 36, 37, 43-45, 48, 53, 55-57 4, 6, 12, 16, 20, 22, 26, 27, 32, 36, 42, 56 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16, 19, 20, 26, 30, 31, 37, 39, 43, 52, 55, 57 A. clarkii (Bennett, 1830) A. leucokranos Allen, 1973 A. melanopus Bleeker, 1852 A. percula (Lacepède, 1802) A. perideraion Bleeker, 1855 Rarely seen, usually, around debris and small coral outcrops situated on silt bottoms. Rare, but locally common on silty inshore reefs. Common. Common. Rare, but locally common. Photographed. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 3-20 1-15 1-10 2-12 1-55 1-20 2-35 2-12 2-45 1-15 2-12 10-35 Rare, but surge zone environment not regularly surveyed. 1-3 Occasional, but sometimes locally common. Amphiprion chrysopterus Cuvier, 1830 Amblypomacentrus breviceps (Schlegel and Müller, 18393, 36, 42 44) 1-12 Generally common. 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 23, 36, 40, 44 A. sexfasciatus Lacepède, 1802 Rare, but surge zone environment not regularly surveyed. 1-3 10, 32 A. septemfasciatus (Cuvier, 1830) 0-6 0-4 0-3 0-4 10-30 Depth (m) 11, 12, 15, 24, 26, 32 Occasional, but locally common in shallow water next to shore. Rarely seen in the Louisiades. Rare, a school containing about 20 fish seen. School of approximately 50 individuals seen at one site. Occasional, usually in small schools containing up to about 20 fish. Abundance Abudefduf lorenzi Hensley and Allen, 1977 POMACENTRIDAE 8, 12, 24, 26, 27, 32 Crenimugil crenilabis (Forsskål, 1775) MUGILIDAE Site records Species CEPOLIDAE List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 135 136 20-50 10-80 Abundant. Common, particularly on slopes. Rare, but locally common at three sites in W. Louisiades. Common. Photographed. Common, usually in clear water with some wave action. 56 17, 20, 25-30, 43, 44, 49, 50, 52-54 1-9, 12-20, 22-39, 42-45, 48-50, 52-55, 57 1, 2, 5, 17-20, 22, 24-28, 30, 44, 52, 53, 57 3-5, 9, 12, 14, 16-29, 37, 43, 48, 54 1, 2, 4-9, 12-14, 18, 19, 22, 24-30, 33, 34, 37, 39, 43-45, 48-50, 52-55 Seen on 1997 survey only. 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 17-19, 22-30, 33, 37, 38, 43, 44, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55 4, 5, 9, 13, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 37, 38, 44 49, 52, 53 1, 2, 4, 6-9, 14, 18-20, 23, 25, 26, 28-32, 34, 35, 37-39, 42-45, 48-50, 54, 55 1, 2, 8, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22-28, 30, 35, 37, 43-45, 47-50, 52, 53 1-10, 12-14, 17-32, 35, 37-39, 42-45, 47-50, 52-55 1-46, 48-51, 54-57 1-10, 12-14, 16-40, 43-51, 53-57 3, 4, 7-15, 18, 21-26, 36, 38-40, 42, 43, 46, 48, 51, 56 1, 2, 4-7, 9, 18-20, 26, 28, 30-35, 39, 43, 45, 47-50, 53-55 Common. 1, 2, 4-6, 17, 19, 26, 28-30, 35, 39, 43, 44, 48-50, 52-55 2-7, 12-14, 16-20, 22-40, 43-45, 48-50, 52, 53 7, 11, 35, 39, 51 Chromis alpha Randall, 1988 C. amboinensis (Bleeker, 1873) C. analis (Cuvier, 1830) C. atripectoralis Welander and Schultz, 1951 Rapid Assessment Program C. atripes Fowler and Bean, 1928 C. caudalis Randall, 1988 C. delta Randall, 1988 C. elerae Fowler and Bean, 1928 C. iomelas Jordan & Seale, 1906* C. lepidolepis Bleeker, 1877 C. lineata Fowler and Bean, 1928 C. margaritifer Fowler, 1946 C. retrofasciata Weber, 1913 C. ternatensis (Bleeker, 1856) C. viridis (Cuvier, 1830) C. weberi Fowler and Bean, 1928 C. xanthochira (Bleeker, 1851) C. xanthura (Bleeker, 1854) Chrysiptera biocellata (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) C. caruleolineata (Allen, 1973) C. cyanea (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) 1-12 Abundant in shelterd areas of rich coral, generally in clear water. 0-5 30-65 Probably common, but deep habitat not properly surveyed. Photographed. Moderately common, usually in shallow well-sheltered areas with clear water. 10, 16, 30, 57 3, 4, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 26, 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 45, 48, 49, 51, 56, 57 continued 0-10 3-40 Generally rare, but locally common in well-sheltered sandy areas with coral outcrops next to shore. 10-48 Common, especially on steep slopes. Common on outer slopes. 2-15 Abundant, often forming dense shoals on the edge of steep slopes. 3-25 5-65 2-20 2-10 2-20 5-40 12-70 10-35 2-15 10-70 5-65 18-95 1-3 Abundant at most sites. Common in clear water areas. Common, always in caves and crevices on steep slopes. Common, especially on steep slopes below about 15 m depth. Moderately common on steep slopes. Abundant. Photographed. Moderately common on steep slopes. Photographed. Rare. 3-20 Cheiloprion labiatus (Day, 1877) Rare, only about 10 seen. 2, 9, 14, 20 2-30 Depth (m) A. sandaracinos Allen, 1972 Abundance Rare, but restricted to featureless silt or sand bottoms away from reefs. 23 Site records A. polymnus (Linnaeus, 1758) Species Appendix 5 1-55 1-5 Occasional, but locally common. Common, forming aggregations around small coral heads. Common. Generally rare, but locally common in sand-rubble areas near shallow seagrass beds. Occasional. Rare, mainly in clean water with strong currents. Moderately common, but in low numbers at each site. 1, 2, 4-9, 12-14, 16-35, 37-39, 42-45, 48-50, 52-55, 57 12, 15, 56 3, 7, 10-15, 17, 21-23, 26, 32-35, 37-43, 46, 48, 51, 54, 56, 57 3, 7, 10-12, 14, 15, 21-23, 26, 33, 35, 42, 51, 57 1-9, 12-14, 16-33, 35, 37-40, 43-56 2-9, 14, 16-20, 22-39, 43-45, 47-50, 53-56 7, 12, 38, 57 3, 4, 7, 8, 10-15, 17, 21, 22, 26-28, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38, 4042, 51, 54, 56, 57 3, 7, 10, 11, 32, 40, 51, 54, 57 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 21, 36, 38, 40-42, 46, 51, 56, 57 4, 7, 10, 12, 15, 22, 29, 33, 35, 37, 45, 49, 51, 54, 57 3, 8, 10-13, 15, 21, 23, 36, 40, 42, 46, 51, 56, 57 48, 52 4, 6, 10-13, 15, 21, 22, 27, 33, 36, 37, 42, 48, 49, 54, 56, 57 1-47, 48-50, 54-57 5-9, 12-14, 16-18, 20, 22, 24-30, 37, 49, 50, 57 Recorded in 1999 by G. Allen. C. talboti (Allen, 1975) C. unimaculata (Cuvier, 1830) Dascyllus aruanus (Linnaeus, 1758) D. melanurus Bleeker, 1854 D. reticulatus (Richardson, 1846) D. trimaculatus (Rüppell, 1928) Dischistodus chrysopoecilus (Schlegel and Müller, 1839) D. melanotus (Bleeker, 1858) D. perspicillatus (Cuvier, 1830) D. prosopotaenia (Bleeker, 1852) D. pseudochrysopoecilus Allen and Robertson, 1974 Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon (Bleeker, 1852) Lepidozygus tapeinosoma (Bleeker, 1856) Neoglyphidodon melas (Cuvier, 1830) N. nigroris (Cuvier, 1830) N. thoracotaeniatus (Fowler and Bean, 1928) Neopomacentrus aquadulcis Jenkins and Allen, 2000 1-20 Moderately common, generally on sheltered reefs affected by silt. 15-45 Moderately common, usually on sheltered slopes. Less common in the Louisiades. Photographed. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 0-3 2-23 Common. 1-12 5-25 1-5 1-12 1-10 1-10 1-50 1-10 1-12 0-2 6-35 Occasional. Occasional. Photographed. Occasional. Common. Occasional. Moderately common, except in silty areas. 2-35 1-29, 31-43, 46, 51, 56, 57 Moderately common, particularly on reef slopes affected by silt. C. rollandi (Whitley, 1961) 1-6 Occasional, usually in areas with some surge. 4, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 29, 30, 31, 37-39, 43-45, 47-50 C. rex (Snyder, 1909) 1-16 Moderately common, usually on slity inshore reefs with abundant coral. Photographed. 7, 8, 11-13, 15, 36, 40-42, 46, 51, 56, 57 C. oxycephala (Bleeker, 1877) 0-2 Moderately common, usually in shallow beach rock areas affected by surge. 4, 8, 14, 15, 18, 30, 32, 33, 45, 45, 47, 49 C. leucopoma (Lesson, 1830) 5-40 Occasional, always in sand or in rubble areas. 4-45 Depth (m) 1, 5, 6, 17, 19, 28-31, 44, 48-50, 52, 54, 55 Abundance Common in sheltered silty areas with minimal currents. 3, 7, 8, 10-15, 20, 26, 27, 32, 34-36, 40, 42, 46, 51, 56, 57 Photographed Endemic to Milne Bay Province. Site records C. flavipinnis (Allen and Robertson, 1974) C. cymatilis Allen, 1999 Species List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 137 138 Common. Abundant, especially in areas exposed to curents. 15, 40, 41, 42, 46 22-26 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 8, 18-20, 25, 27, 39, 43-45, 52, 53 52 1, 3, 4, 6-12, 14, 15, 17-33, 35-57 4, 8, 18, 24, 52 2, 4, 7, 8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-28, 31-33, 35-57 1, 3-39, 41-46, 48-51, 54, 55, 57 1-12, 14-31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 41-50, 52-55, 57 1-5, 7-9, 12-14, 16-22, 24-26, 29-41, 43, 44, 47-51, 54, 55, 57 3, 7, 8, 10-15, 21-23, 26, 35, 36, 40-42, 46, 51, 56 N. filamentosus (Macleay, 1833) N. nemurus (Bleeker, 1857) N. violascens (Bleeker, 1848) Plectroglyphidodon dickii (Liénard, 1839) P. johnstonianus Fowler & Ball, 1924 P. lacrymatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) Rapid Assessment Program P. leucozonus (Bleeker, 1859) Pomacentrus adelus Allen, 1991 P. amboinensis Bleeker, 1868 P. bankanensis Bleeker, 1853 P. brachialis Cuvier, 1830 P. burroughi Fowler, 1918 P. chrysurus Cuvier, 1830 20-50 10-25 1-16 Common. Rare, but locally common in strongly silted areas. Occasional, but locally common among live and dead corals (often staghorn Acropora). Photographed. Common, usually on slopes in a variety of habitats. Moderately common on steep slopes. Locally common in silty habitats, mainly in the Amphlett and D’Entrecasteaux Islands. Moderately common, always around coral patches in sandy lagoons. 1-8, 10-12, 14, 16-20, 22, 23, 26, 28-35, 38-41, 43-45, 47-50, 53-55 15, 36 3, 7, 8, 10-12, 15, 21, 22, 35, 36, 40, 41, 42, 46, 51, 54, 56, 57 1-12, 14, 15, 17-37, 42-45, 48-50, 52-56 1-57 9-11, 13, 17, 18, 31-33, 35, 38, 40-42, 46, 56 1, 3-8, 10-28, 31-43, 46, 51, 56, 57 1, 5-8, 10-14, 16-20, 22, 24-29, 30, 37, 44, 45, 48-50, 52, 53, 57 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15 3, 7, 10, 11, 21, 42, 46, 48, 51 P. coelestis Jordan and Starks, 1901 P. colini Allen, 1991 P. grammorhynchus Fowler, 1918 P. lepidogenys Fowler and Bean, 1928 P. moluccensis Bleeker, 1853 P. nagasakiensis Tanaka, 1917 P. nigromanus Weber, 1913 P. nigromarginatus Allen, 1973 P. opisthostigma Fowler, 1918 P. pavo (Bloch, 1878) 5-30 continued 6-60 1-14 Occasional, around isolated rocky outcrops surrounded by sand. 1-12 2-12 20-28 Abundant. Common. 0-3 Occasional, around small coral or rock formations surrounded by sand. 4, 7, 8, 10-12, 15, 32, 37, 39-41, 49, 51, 56, 57 1-12 2-16 6-40 0-12 2-40 0-5 0-2 2-12 2-12 1-12 Moderately common, usually on silty inshore reefs. Abundant. Common. Occasional. Common. Rare, several seen at only one site. Occasional. 1-10 Occasional, but locally common on sheltered inshore reefs. 5-25 5-15 5-18 Depth (m) 1-12 Occasional, but locally common. Rare. 34 N. cyanomos (Bleeker, 1856) Abundance Occasional, but locally common at some sites. Site records 14, 15, 31, 36, 56 Species N. azysron (Bleeker, 1877) Appendix 5 1-12 Occasional. Photographed. Occasional, but locally common. Seen on 1997 survey only. 30, 44, 45, 49, 50, 52 1-5, 9-12, 14-16, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35, 38, 42, 48-50, 54, 56, 57 12, 22, 32, 51, 53 4, 14, 18, 24, 25, 29-31, 43-45, 49, 50, 52, 53 3, 4, 11, 12, 22, 51, 57 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 21, 22, 29, 32, 33, 35-37, 39, 40, 44Occasional, but locally common. 46, 48, 49, 51, 54, 56 P. taeniometopon Bleeker, 1852 P. tripunctatus Cuvier, 1830 P. vaiuli Jordan and Seale, 1906 Premnas biaculeatus (Bloch, 1790) Stegastes albifasciatus (Schlegel and Müller, 1839) S. fasciolatus (Ogilby, 1889) S. lividus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) S. nigricans (Lacepède, 1802) Occasional, always in small numbers. Moderately common, several seen on most dives. Rare, several seen below 45 m. Moderately common. Photographed. 29, 48 52 5, 6, 18, 19, 29, 47, 48, 54 1, 3-7, 9, 14, 16-20, 26, 27, 29-31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43-45, 47-50, 52-55 Seen on 1997 survey only. 2, 19, 22, 26, 44, 49, 52, 53 39, 44, 45, 47, 49, 52-54 53 1, 2, 4-6, 9, 13, 16, 18-20, 22-32, 35, 37, 39, 43-45, 4750, 52-55, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. A. melanurus Bleeker, 1857 A. meleagrides Valenciennes, 1840 A. neoguinaicus Bleeker, 1878 A. twistii Bleeker, 1856 Bodianus anthioides (Bennett, 1831) B. axillaris (Bennett, 1831) B.bimaculatus Allen, 1973 B. diana (Lacepède, 1802) B. izuensis Araga & Yoshino, 1975 Rare, about 10 seen. Rare, less than 10 seen. Rare, only one seen. Rare, only 3 individuals seen. 8 A. geographicus Valenciennes, 1840 Rare, one female seen. Occasional, but locally common. Photographed. Anampses caeruleopunctatus Rüppell, 1828 LABRIDAE 1-5 Occasional at outer reef sites in the Louisiades. Photographed Recorded in 1999 by GRA. P. smithi Fowler and Bean, 1928 Occasional, but sometimes locally common. Abundant on silty coastal reefs, especially at sites 42 and 56. 3, 7, 8, 10-13, 15, 21, 26, 27, 35, 36, 38, 40-42, 46, 51, 56, 57 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 40-100 6-25 30-60 2-40 6-60 2-30 8-30 4-60 12-40 5-25 2-30 0-5 0-2 1-6 3-45 0-3 0-3 2-14 0-10 Moderately common, usually in areas with silty bottoms. 3, 11, 12, 15, 21-23, 46, 51, 57 12-70 1-12 Depth (m) P. simsiang Bleeker, 1856 Moderately common, usually on seaward slopes. Moderately common. Photographed. Abundance 1, 2, 4-9, 12, 13, 16-20- 22-27, 29-31, 33, 37, 38, 43-45, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55 Site records 4-7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 36-39, 42-45, 48-50, 52-54 P. reidi Fowler and Bean, 1928 P. philippinus Evermann and Seale, 1907 Species List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 139 140 Rare, only three adults seen. Moderately common. 3, 4, 6-9, 12-14, 17, 27, 29, 33, 35, 39-46, 48-52, 54-56 4, 6, 7, 10-15, 18-20, 22, 30, 44, 45, 47-50, 52, 54-57 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15-20, 30, 31, 34-37, 39, 43-49, 52, 57 12, 14, 45 3, 4, 8, 10-12, 15, 18, 20-23, 33-35, 38, 40, 41, 46, 56, 57 34, 49 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 9, 14, 16, 33, 35, 51, 56, 57 1, 6, 54 6, 19, 31, 45, 47, 54 1-9, 11-57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 2, 20, 24-26, 28 40, 42, 44 43, 54 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 14-16, 19-22, 26, 29-39, 44, 46, 48-51, 54, 56, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 6, 29, 45, 47 4-7, 10, 14, 17, 19, 20, 29, 31, 32, 39, 44, 45, 50, 54 Seen on 1997 survey only. C. trilobatus Lacepède, 1801 Rapid Assessment Program C. undulatus Rüppell, 1835 Cheilio inermis (Forsskål, 1775) Choerodon anchorago (Bloch, 1791) C. fasciatus (Günther, 1867)* C. jordani (Snyder, 1908) C. zosterophorus (Bleeker, 1868) Cirrhilabrus condei Allen and Randall, 1996 C. exquisitus Smith, 1957 C. punctatus Randall and Kuiter, 1989 C. pylei Allen & Randall, 1996 C. walindi Allen, 1995 C. sp.* Coris aygula Lacepède, 1802 C. batuensis (Bleeker, 1862) C. caudimacula (Quoy and Gaimard, 1834) C. dorsomacula Fowler, 1908 C. gaimardi (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) Cymolutes torquatus Valenciennes, 1840 Occasional. Rare. Photographed. continued 3-20 1-50 4-25 3-50 3-25 1-50 5-30 20-60 Rare, several individuals seen in 35-40 m, but survey did not adequately sample its normal depth range, which lies below 30-40 m. Photoghraphed. Rare, uusually seen with Ciirhilabrus punctatus. 60-90 3-60 Abundant, one of most common labrids in MBP. Photographed. Endemic to Milne Bay Province. 6-32 25-45 Rare. Previously recorded usually form depth below 2030 m, but seen as shallow as 5 m at site 54. Occasional. 5-50 10-20 3-20 1-25 0-3 2-60 1-20 1-20 4-40 2-30 30-70 30-70 5-30 Depth (m) 3-40 Occasional in small groups over sand bottoms. Photographed. Rare, less than 10 seen. Occasional, usually in slity areas. Rare, but mostly in weed habitats. Moderately common, but always in small numbers. Moderately common, severaladults seen on most dives. Moderately common. Moderately common, severaladults seen on most dives. C. oxycephalus (Bleeker, 1853) Occasional. 31, 40-43, 46, 51, 55, 56 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. B. sp. 2 Common. 1-32, 34-45, 47-57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. B. sp. 1 C. fasciatus (Bloch, 1791) 1-40, 42-45, 48-50, 52-57 B. mesothorax (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Abundance Rare, less than 10 seen. Cheilinus chlorurus (Bloch, 1791) Site records 38, 39, 43, 45, 52, 54 Species B. loxozonus (Snyder, 1908) Appendix 5 Rare, about five seen. Occasional. Photographed. Moderately common, ususally on protected inshore reefs with sand and weeds. Occasional on silty inshore reefs. Modertely common, usually at sites that included shallow water next to shore. Moderately common. 14, 15, 22, 27, 38, 40-42 26, 27 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 16, 17, 19, 24, 29, 30, 39, 43-45, 48-50, 52, 53, 55 3, 4, 7, 10-12, 14, 15, 20-23, 26, 32, 33, 35, 36, 38, 4042, 46, 51, 56, 57 1, 4-7, 9, 16, 18-20, 22, 28-31, 39, 43-45, 47-50, 53-55 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 1, 31 1, 3-10, 12-15, 17-22, 25-33, 35, 37, 39-45, 47-55 3, 8, 10-13, 15, 20, 23, 26, 27, 36, 40, 41, 46, 56, 57 4, 7, 10, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 29, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 4749, 51, 54, 55 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 30, 31, 33-35, 40, 42, 43, 47, 51, 53, 55 3, 4-20, 22-24, 26, 31-33, 35-37, 40-42, 46, 51, 55-57 4, 8, 10 6, 7, 43, 44, 49, 50 Halichoeres argus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) H. binotopsis (Bleeker, 1849) H. biocellatus Schultz, 1960 H.chloropterus (Bloch, 1791) H.chrysus Randall, 1980 H. dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1839) H. hartzfeldi Bleeker, 1852 H. hortulanus (Lacepède, 1802) H. leucurus (Walbaum, 1792) H. margaritaceus (Valenciennes, 1839) H. marginatus (Rüppell, 1835) H. melanurus (Bleeker, 1851) H. miniatus (Valenciennes, 1839) H. ornatissimus (Garrett, 1863) Moderately common, usually in sandy areas. 3, 4, 20, 21, 39, 57 3, 4, 7, 10-12, 18, 20, 29, 32, 37-39, 43-45, 47, 48, 50, 51, 54, 57 1-12, 14-22, 24-45, 48-57 3-8, 10-22, 26-57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 5, 6, 8, 19-21, 26, 43-45, 47, 48, 50, 55, 56 H. scapularis (Bennett, 1832) H. trimaculatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) Hemigymnus fasciatus (Bloch, 1792) H. melapterus (Bloch, 1791) Hologymnosus annulatus (Lacepède, 1801) H. doliatus (Lacepède, 1801) Moderately common, but mainly juveniles seen. Common, but in low numbers at each site. Common, but in low numbers at each site. Occasional, always in sandy areas. 1, 4-9, 12-14, 16-20, 22-41, 43-45, 48-50, 52-55, 57 H. prosopeion (Bleeker, 1853) Common in variety of habitats. Photographed. Rare. Rare, but locally common. Common. Common. Rare. Moderately common on clean sand bottoms. Occasional, usually in slity protected areas with weeds. Common. 1-10, 12, 14-44, 47-57 Gomphosus varius Lacepède, 1801 Common. Photographed. Abundance Moderately common, but most abundant on protected inshore reefs. 1-9, 12, 14-45, 47-57 Site records 1, 3-5, 7-17, 20, 26, 28, 31, 32, 34-36, 40-42, 46, 51, 5557 Epibulus insidiator (Pallas, 1770) Diproctacanthus xanthurus (Bleeker, 1856) Species Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 4-35 5-30 2-30 1-20 0-20 0-15 5-40 5-25 0-8 2-15 1-30 0-3 1-20 1-30 10-30 0-10 7-60 0-10 6-35 2-20 0-3 1-30 1-40 2-15 Depth (m) List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 141 142 6-40 2-35 Occasional on sheltered inshore reefs. Photographed. Occasional. Occasional. Moderately common, only a few seen on each dive, but has cryptic habits. 2, 4, 13, 14, 17-22, 24-26, 29, 43-45, 48, 50 2, 22, 24-26, 44 2, 19, 25, 29, 30, 33, 35, 38, 48, 49, 54, 55 43, 44, 48-50 33 4, 10, 12, 14, 18, 27, 29-31, 35, 39, 43-45, 47-50, 52-55 2, 5, 31, 32, 44, 47, 48, 55 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 10, 33, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 54 44 1, 8, 35, 42, 44, 46 3-5, 7, 8, 10-17, 20, 22-28, 35, 36, 40-42, 46, 51, 56, 57 1-4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15-20, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 39, 42-45, 48-55 2-5, 7, 13, 14, 26, 27, 30, 32, 35, 44, 45, 48, 52-54 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 1, 2, 3-23, 27-30, 33, 37, 38, 41, 42, 46, 49, 50, 53, 54, 56 Common, usually in rubble areas. Rare, only two fish seen. 1-14, 16-57 13, 41 2, 4-10, 13, 16-21, 23, 25, 26, 28-31, 37-39, 43-45, 4850, 52-55 2-11, 14-20, 22, 24-31, 34, 37, 39, 42-45, 47-50, 52-55 19, 22, 53 5, 19, 48, 49, 53, 55 L. dimidiatus (Valenciennes, 1839) L. pectoralis Randall and Springer, 1975 Labropsis alleni Randall, 1981 L. australis Randall, 1981 L. xanthonota Randall, 1981 Rapid Assessment Program Leptojulis urostigma Randall, 1996 Macropharyngodon meleagris (Valenciennes, 1839) M. negrosensis Herre, 1932 Novaculichthys macrolepidotus (Bloch, 1791) N. sp. N. taeniourus (Lacepède, 1802) Oxycheilinus arenatus (Valenciennes, 1840) O. bimaculatus (Valenciennes, 1840) O. celebicus (Bleeker, 1853) O. diagrammus (Lacepède, 1802) O. orientalis (Günther, 1862) O. unifasciatus (Streets, 1877) Parachelinus filamentosus Allen, 1974 Pseudocheilinops ataenia Schultz, 1960* Pseudocheilinus evanidus Jordan and Evermann, 1902 P. hexataenia (Bleeker, 1857) Pseudocoris heteroptera (Bleeker, 1857) P. yamashiroi (Schmidt, 1930) Occasional. Rare, only one male and three females seen. Occasional. 2-110 Occasional, around rock and coral outcrops on sandy or rubble bottoms. continued 10-30 10-30 5-25 10-50 3-80 15-70 3-120 3-30 20-80 1-14 20-50 1-12 One seen in 50 m depth. Occasional. A new species collected by J. Randall. Endemic to Milne Bay Province. 8-30 1-30 Moderately common, but always in small numbers at each site. Occasional. 15-80 1-30 Rare, but easliy overlooked due to sandy habitat. Generally rare. 2-55 4-52 Occasional. 2-28 Rare, but moderately common at several sites in Goodenough Bay. 1-40 2-40 Occasional. Moderately common. Occasional, generally in much smaller numbers than other Labroides species. 2-4, 8, 9, 12, 14, 18, 19, 22-27, 29-31, 35, 39, 40, 42-45, 47-50, 52, 54, 55 Depth (m) 1-20 Labroides bicolor Fowler and Bean, 1928 Abundance Common, especially in rich coral areas. Site records 1-29, 35, 37, 42-44, 46, 48, 54-57 Species Labrichthys unilineatus (Guichenot, 1847) Appendix 5 1-10 3, 13-15, 18, 29, 32, 33, 42, 46, 48, 51, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 3, 4, 8-10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 24, 29-31, 33, 37-40, 42-46, 48-51 1-14, 17-22, 24-33, 35, 37-39, 43-45, 47-50, 52-55 1, 3-15, 17-22, 24-33, 35-56 Moderately common, usually in very shallow water 4, 8, 14, 15, 18, 20, 24-26, 29-32, 35-37, 39, 43-45, 47-55 exposed to surge. 1-57 47, 52, 54 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 43-45, 47, 52, 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. 22 53 10 Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. S. interrupta (Bleeker, 1851) S. strigiventer (Bennett, 1832) S. trilineata (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Thalassoma amblycephalum (Bleeker, 1856) T. hardwicke (Bennett, 1828) T. jansenii (Bleeker, 1856) T. lunare (Linnaeus, 1758) T. lutescens (Lay & Bennett, 1839) T. purpureum (Forsskål, 1775) T. quinquevittatum (Lay and Bennett, 1839) T. trilobatum (Lacepède, 1801) Wetmorella albofasciata Schultz & Marshall, 1954* W. nigropinnata (Seale, 1901) Xyrichtys aneitensis (Günther, 1862) X. pavo Valenciennes, 1839 X. pentadactylus (Linnaeus, 1758) X. sp. Common, one of most abundant parrotfishes in MBP. Common. Photographed. 49 1-4, 6-22, 25, 27-33, 35, 37-54, 57 1, 3-7, 9-38, 49-46, 48-51, 55-57 2, 4-6, 8-22, 24-26, 28-32, 34, 35, 39, 40, 42-45, 47-50, 52-54, 56 Calotomus carolinus (Valenciennes, 1839) Cetoscarus bicolor (Rüppell, 1828) Chlorurus bleekeri (de Beaufort, 1940) C. microrhinos (Bleeker, 1854) Common, but usually in small numbers. Rare, only one adult male seen. 20, 22, 35, 39, 45 Occasional, in groups of up to about 5-15 large adults. Rare, only one seen on flat sand bottom. Collected with rotenone. Collected with rotenone. Rare, except locally common at a few sites exposed to surge. Rare, about five adult males seen. Common, one of most abundant wrasses. Common. Common. Moderately common. Moderately common. Photographed. Moderately common. Bolbometopon muricatum (Valenciennes, 1840) SCARIDAE 0-6 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 29, 33, 35,37, 43, 46, 51, 54 Stethojulis bandanensis (Bleeker, 1851) Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 2-35 2-30 1-30 4-30 1-30 30-50 5-80 2-25 5-50 5-40 0-5 0-18 2-20 1-30 1-30 0-15 0-15 1-15 4-25 0-30 5-40 4-65 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Rare, but has cryptic habits. 16, 46, 51 P. enneacanthus (Bleeker, 1856) Depth (m) 3-40 Pteragogus cryptus Randall, 1981 Abundance Site records Seen on 1997 survey only. Species Pseudodax moluccanus (Valenciennes, 1840) List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 143 144 Rapid Assessment Program 4, 8, 9, 12-14, 18, 29, 30, 31, 35, 43-45, 47-50, 52-54 1-7, 9-37, 39-50, 52-54, 56, 57 1-46, 48-57 27 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14, 25, 27, 39, 44, 45, 47, 48, 55 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 43, 45, 47, 48, 51, 56 1, 3, 4, 8-10, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 28, 46, 57 10, 15, 29-31, 34, 44, 47-50, 52, 53 1-7, 9-56 3-15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 37, 39, 43, 44, 46-54, 57 1, 2, 10, 13, 18, 20, 29, 39, 43, 47, 48, 52-54 15, 24, 25, 27, 35, 45 3-7, 10-12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 26-28, 36, 38, 40, 41, 57 3, 4, 14, 15, 21, 28, 31, 41, 42, 45, 46 6, 10, 18-20, 26, 29-31, 39, 43-45, 47-50, 52-55 2, 3, 6, 9,10, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 47, 54 19 2, 6-11, 13, 14, 16-21, 24-31, 34, 35, 37, 43-45, 48-50, 52, 54, 55 5 S. chameleon Choat and Randall, 1986) S. dimidiatus Bleeker, 1859 S. flavipectoralis Schultz, 1958 S. festivus Valenciennes, 1840* S. forsteni (Bleeker, 1861) S. frenatus Lacepède, 1802 S. ghobban Forsskål, 1775 S. globiceps Valenciennes, 1840 S. niger Forsskål, 1775 S. oviceps Valenciennes, 1839 S. psittacus Forsskål, 1775 S. pyrrhurus (Jordan and Seale, 1906) S. quoyi Valenciennes, 1840 S. rivulatus Valenciennes, 1840 S. rubroviolaceus Bleeker, 1849 S. schlegeli (Bleeker, 1861) S. sp.. S. spinus (Kner, 1868) S. tricolor Bleeker, 1849 Ammodytoides sp. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Occasional. Photographed. 6, 10, 14, 15, 18, 21, 27, 28, 31, 34, 37, 39, 43-46, 52, 57 Scarus altipinnis (Steindachner, 1879) AMMODYTIDAE Rare, only one adult male seen in 40 m depth. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Leptoscarus vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) Rare, an adult pair seen in 25 m depth. Occasional. Occasional. continued 5-20 8-40 2-18 18-60 1-45 1-30 5-20 4-18 Moderately common, usually on protected inshore reefs with increased turbidity. Occasional. 3-20 4-25 1-12 2-20 2-15 3-30 3-25 3-30 Rare, about 10 seen. Occasional. Moderately common. Common. Occasional. Occasional. Occasional. Occasional, but locally common at a few sites. 5-30 8-40 Rare, one adult male seen. 1-15 Common, one of most abundant parrotfishes in MBP. Photographed. 3-15 5-20 1-20 5-40 Depth (m) 1-25 Moderately common. Occasional, always in small numbers. Occasional. 1-3, 6-10, 12, 13, 15, 20-22, 25, 27-29, 31, 36, 39, 40, 43Common at sites adjacent to sandy bottoms. 48, 51, 53, 54, 57 Hipposcarus longiceps (Bleeker, 1862) Abundance Common, one of most abundant parrtofishes in MBP. Site records 1-11, 13-22, 24-26, 28-37, 39-57 Species C. sordidus (Forsskål, 1775) Appendix 5 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. T. halstead Clark and Pohle, 1996 T. setiger Bloch and Schneider, 1801 29, 39, 43-47, 49, 54 Seen on 1997 survey only. 39 Seen on 1997 survey only. 35, 36, 42, 46 1, 5, 47, 55 15, 17, 22, 23, 36, 46 P. hexophthalma (Cuvier, 1829) P. millepunctata (Günther, 1860) P. schauinslandi (Steindachner, 1900) P. sp. 1 P. sp. 2 P. tetracantha (Lacepède, 1800) P. xanthozona (Bleeker, 1849) 15, 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. 6, 33, 52, 55 4, 26 E. tutuilae Jordan and Seale, 1906 Helcogramma gymnauchen (Weber, 1909) H. striata Hansen, 1986 Ucla xenogrammus Holleman, 1993 Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 3, 8, 10, 12, 14, 20-22, 35, 46, 48, 56, 57 8, 49 Aspidontus dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1836) A. taeniatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1834 Atrosalarias fuscus (Rüppell, 1835) Blenniella chrysospilos (Bleeker, 1857) BLENNIIDAE 22 Enneapterygius mirabilis Fricke, 1994 T R I P T E RYG I I D A E Pholidichthys leucotaenia Bleeker, 1856 5, 8-10, 13, 14, 19, 25, 31, 43, 57 32, 33, 46, 54 P. cylindrica (Bloch, 1792) PHOLIDICHTHYIDAE 1, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 19, 20, 26, 29-34, 39, 43-45, 47-50, 54, 55 Parapercis clathrata Ogilby, 1911 PINGUIPEDIDAE Limnichthys fasciatus Waite, 1904 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Trichonotus elegans Shimada & Yoshino, 1984 CREEDIIDAE Site records Species TRICHONOTIDAE 1-12 1-25 1-25 2-40 1-20 3-15 0-32 8-37 1-40 1-15 8-40 5-25 5-25 15-80 3-50 5-25 0-20 3-50 1-15 3-15 8-25 5-25 Depth (m) Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued Rare, but not readily observed due to shallow wave-swept 0-3 habitat. Occasional in rich coral areas. Rare. Rare. Several collected with rotenone. One specimen collected with rotenone. Occasional, locally common but usually only juveniles seen. Occasional. Photographed. Rare, only about six seen. Occasional, found on clean white sand. Rare, only one seen in 45 m depth. Occasional in Louisiades. Occasional in weed-sand areas. Occasional, the most common grubfish in MBP. Endemic to Milne Bay Province. Known only from Observation Pt., Fergusson Island. Abundance List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 145 146 Moderately common. 17, 22, 24, 35, 47 8, 13-15, 18, 21, 26-28, 30, 33, 40, 42, 43, 45, 49, 50, 53, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 17, 18, 20, 22, 29, 30 4, 52 4-6, 10, 22, 24, 47 2, 28 4, 6, 29, 31, 47 3, 13, 17, 20, 32, 34, 51, 56 Seen on 1997 survey only. 8, 36, 51 14, 22 3, 10-15, 17, 20, 21, 25, 41, 56, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only 10, 15, 36, 41 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded in 1999 by GRA. 1-57 37, 38, 42 1, 7-9, 11-15, 20-23, 32, 35, 38, 39, 54, 56, 57 Collected in 1972 by G. Allen. 7, 12-15, 20, 32, 34, 36, 40, 42, 46, 51, 56 Cirripectes castaneus Valenciennes, 1836 C. filamentosus (Alleyne & Macleay, 1877)* C. polyzona (Bleeker, 1868) C. springeri Williams, 1988 C. stigmaticus Strasburg and Schultz, 1953 Crossosalarias macrospilus Smith-Vaniz and Springer, 1971 Rapid Assessment Program Ecsenius aequalis Springer, 1988 E. axelrodi Springer, 1988 E. bicolor (Day, 1888) E. lividinalis Chapman and Schultz, 1952 E. midas Starck, 1969 E. namiyei (Jordan and Evermann, 1903) E. pictus McKinney and Springer, 1976 E. taeniatus Springer, 1988 E. trilineatus Springer, 1972 E. yaeyamensis (Aoyagi, 1954) Entomacrodus striatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1836) Exallias brevis (Kner, 1868) Glyptoparus delicatulus Smith, 1959 Laiphognathus multimaculatus Smith, 1955 Meiacanthus anema (Bleeker, 1852) M. atrodorsalis (Günther, 1877) M. ditrema Smith-Vaniz, 1976* M. grammistes (Valenciennes, 1836) M. reticulatus Smith-Vaniz, 1976 M. vittatus Smith-Vaniz, 1976 Depth (m) Occasional. Known from a single specimens collected in 1972 at Egum Atoll. Endemic to Milne Bay Province. Moderately common. Rare. Moderately common. Rare. 3-35 Occasional, the most common Escenius in MBP. Photographed. Endemic to Milne Bay Province. continued 2-15 1-20 5-30 1-20 0-3 0-5 1-5 1-20 0-2 1-15 2-20 10-40 5-30 Rare, only three seen. Rare, about six seen. 2-15 Occasional in rich coral areas, usually among branches of staghorn Acropora. 5-30 3-20 10-40 2-10 1-25 0-5 1-18 0-3 1-20 1-5 0-2 0-2 Occasional. Rare, about five fish seen. Photographed. Occasional. Photographed. Rare, only two seen. Occasional. Occasional. Seen on 1997 survey only. B. lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) Abundance Site records Seen on 1997 survey only. Species B. edentulus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 Appendix 5 Common, but alway in low numbers. 4, 22, 24, 31, 45 1, 2, 4-7, 10-12, 14, 16, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 31-35, 37-39, 42-44, 46, 48-55 5, 37, 38, 42, 43, 47, 54 10, 21, 22 15, 21, 36 11-13, 38, 41, 42, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Plagiotremus laudandus (Whitley, 1961) P. rhinorhynchus (Bleeker, 1852) P. tapeinosoma (Bleeker, 1857) Salarias fasciatus (Bloch, 1786) S. guttatus Valenciennes, 1836 S. segmentatus Bath and Randall, 1991 Xiphasia setifer Swainson, 1839 12 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. C. ennactis Bleeker, 1879 Dactylopus dactylopus (Valenciennes, 1837) Diplogrammus goramensis (Bleeker, 1858) Synchiropus moyeri Zaiser and Fricke, 1985 S. splendidus (Herre, 1927) 1-5, 7, 12-14, 21, 23-26, 28, 31, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43, 45, 49, 50, 53, 54, 56, 57 3, 10, 12, 15, 23, 32, 42, 48, 54, 56, 57 20, 26, 28, 33, 37, 38 Seen on 1997 survey only. 8, 10, 12, 15, 21, 23, 32-35, 39, 42, 45, 46, 48, 54, 56, 57 1, 5, 6, 10, 31, 49, 55, 57 5 Seen on 1997 survey only. A. periophthalma (Bleeker, 1853) A. randalli Hoese & Steene, 1978* A. sp. A. steinitzi (Klausewitz, 1974) A. wheeleri (Polunin and Lubbock, 1977) A. yanoi Aonuma and Yoshino, 1996 Amblygobius buanensis (Herre, 1927) Seen on 1997 survey only. A. fontanesii (Bleeker, 1852) A. guttata (Fowler, 1938) 23 Amblyeleotris diagonalis Polunin and Lubbock, 1979 GOBIIDAE Seen on 1997 survey only. Callionymus delicatulus Smith, 1963 CALLIONYMIDAE Occasional. 3 P. variabilis Cantor, 1850 Rare, only two individuals seen. Occasional. Photographed. Occasional, locally common in some sandy areas. Occasional on sand bottom of caves on steep slopes. Occasional, locally common in some sandy areas. Occasional, the most common species of shrimp goby in MBP. Rare, only a few seen. Collected with rotnone. Rare, 3 individuals seen. Collected with dipnet. Occasional. Rare. Rare. Occasional. Photographed. Rare. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Petroscirtes breviceps (Valenciennes, 1836) Abundance Site records Seen on 1997 survey only. Species Parenchelyurus hepburni (Snyder, 1908) Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 1-5 10-40 5-20 6-30 10-20 8-15 10-35 5-25 6-35 1-18 2-20 5-35 1-55 0-20 1-20 10-60 2-30 1-15 0-8 1-25 1-40 2-35 1-5 1-10 Depth (m) 0-2 List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 147 148 Occasional in sheltered silty areas. 26, 46, 51 10, 21, 23, 29, 31-36, 38, 40, 46, 51, 56, 57 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 17, 18, 20-22, 24-28, 31-46, 48-57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 11 3 23, 36 1-4, 6, 14, 17, 19, 23, 38, 42, 50, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4 1 4, 8, 42 51 37 3, 11, 46 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 11, 21, 26, 38, 46 23 3, 4, 8, 10-12, 14, 21, 31, 35, 39, 43, 45, 48, 54 10, 11, 15, 24, 26, 29, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40-43, 46, 56, 57 8, 37, 43 Seen on 1997 survey only. 53 3, 6, 10, 11, 35, 42 A. decussatus (Bleeker, 1855) A. nocturnus (Herre, 1945) A. phalaena (Valenciennes, 1837) A. rainfordi (Whitley, 1940) A. sphynx (Valenciennes, 1837) Asterropteryx bipunctatus Allen and Munday, 1996 A. ensifera (Bleeker, 1874) A. semipunctatus Rüppell, 1830 Rapid Assessment Program A. striatus Allen and Munday, 1996 Bathygobius sp. Bryaninops amplus Larson, 1985 B. loki Larson, 1985 B. natans Larson, 1986 B. yongei (Davis & Cohen, 1968) Callogobius sp. Cryptocentrus cinctus (Herre, 1936) C. fasciatus (Playfair & Günther, 1867) C. octofasciatus Regan, 1908 C. singapurensis (Herre, 1936) C. strigilliceps (Jordan and Seale, 1906) Ctenogobiops aurocingulus (Herre, 1935) C. feroculus Lubbock and Polunin, 1977 C. pomastictus Lubbock and Polunin, 1977 C. tangaroai Lubbock and Polunin, 1977 Discordipinna griessingeri Hoese and Fourmanoir, 1978 Eviota afelei Jordan & Seale, 1906* E. albolineata Jewett and Lachner, 1983 1-10 Noticed on several occasions, but easily missed due to small size. continued 1-20 5-25 4-40 2-20 2-15 2-15 1-6 1-5 1-5 2-15 2-15 3-25 Two specimens collected with rotenone in 18 m depth. Rare, three individuals sighted. Occasional. Occasional. Rare, several pairs seen in silty conditions at one site. Rare, but sand habitat not adequately surveyed. Rare, but sand habitat not adequately surveyed. One specimen collected with rotenone. Seen only once, but difficult to detect. No doubt common wherever seawhips are abundant. 6-27 6-45 Detected on only one occasion, but no doubt common where sea fans and black coral are abundant. Rare, but relatively inconspicuous due to tiny size. 10-40 0-2 5-20 1-10 6-40 15-40 1-10 5-25 1-20 3-30 3-20 Depth (m) Seen only once, but difficult to detect. No doubt common wherever seawhips are abundant. Occasional, but locally abundant. Rare, but locally common. Rare. One specimen collecetd with rotnone. Occasional, always in low numbers. Occasional. Occasional in strongly silted areas. Photographed. Abundance Site records 3, 4, 7, 10-15, 17, 20-24, 26, 32, 34-36, 38, 40-43, 46, 49, 54, 56, 57 Species Appendix 5 15, 21, 27, 32, 35, 46, 48, 49, 54 4, 10-14, 20-22, 24, 25, 35, 37-46, 49, 50, 54, 57 F. neophytus (Günther, 1877) F. signipinnis Hoese and Obika, 1988 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. F. longispinus Goren, 1978 G. histrio (Valenciennes, 1837) 29, 37, 53 Fusigobius duospilus Hoese and Reader, 1985 8 13-15, 22, 26, 38, 51, 56 Exyrias bellisimus (Smith, 1959) Gobiodon citrinus (Rüppell, 1838)* Seen on 1997 survey only. E. sparsa Jewett and Lachner, 1983 4, 20, 22, 29, 31, 35, 39, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48, 54, 57 4, 6, 27, 35, 38 E. sebreei Jordan and Seale, 1906 G. scapulostigma Herre, 1953 10, 42 E. queenslandica Whitley, 1932 11, 38 Seen on 1997 survey only. E. punctulata Jewett and Lachner, 1983 Gnatholepis cauerensis (Bleeker, 1853) 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 25, 32, 51, 54, 56, 57 E. prasites Jordan and Seale, 1906 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. E. prasina (Kluzinger, 1871) Gobiopsis sp. 4-18, 20-23, 26-28, 35, 37-42, 46, 51, 54, 57 E. pellucida Larson, 1976 25 3, 8, 10-15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 26-28, 35, 36, 41, 57 E. nigriventris Giltay, 1933 F. sp. 2 Seen on 1997 survey only. E. melasma Lachner and Karanella, 1980 26 Seen on 1997 survey only. E. latifasciata Jewett and Lachner, 1983 F. sp. 1 2, 6, 38, 42, 45, 47 Site records 3, 4, 8, 10-15, 17, 20-23, 26-29, 32, 34, 35, 40, 51, 54, 56, 57 E. guttata Lachner and Karanella, 1978 E. bifasciata Lachner and Karnella, 1980 Species 5-25 Depth (m) 1-15 Only a few seen, but easily escapes notice due to small size and cryptic habits. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 3-12 3-30 1-45 Occasional. Only a few seen, but easily escapes notice due to small size and cryptic habits. Photographed. 5-25 One collected with rotenone. Translucent with orange spots. 5-15 5-25 10-30 2-15 8-25 Rare. Translucent with large internal dark spot on caudal peduncle. Occasional. Occasional. - 1-25 - 3-20 Noticed on only a few occasions, but easily missed due to small size. Occasional on silty reefs. Photographed. 5-30 1-10 3-15 3-20 3-20 4-20 Noticed on only two occasions, but easily missed due to small size. Noticed on several occasions, but easily missed due to small size. Occasional. Occasional, but locally common. 2-15 5-20 Noticed on only a few occasions, but easily missed due to 3-15 small size. Photographed. Occasional, but locally abundant. Abundance List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 149 150 10, 11, 21, 26, 38 46 Seen on 1997 survey only. 15, 21, 24, 26, 27, 34, 40, 41, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 10, 11, 23, 31, 35, 39, 43-45, 48-50, 53, 54, 56 4 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 11, 15, 26, 38, 46, 51, 56 46 23 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 6 Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 46 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 3, 13, 15, 21, 26, 28, 29, 34, 35, 38, 42, 43, 46, 56, 57 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. 45 G. quinquestrigatus (Valenciennes, 1837)* G. spilophthalmus Fowler, 1944 Istigobius decoratus (Herre, 1927) I. ornatus (Rüppell, 1830) I. rigilius (Herre, 1953) Lotila graciliosa Klausewitz, 1960 Lubricogobius sp. Luposicya lupus Smith, 1959 Macrodontogobius wilburi Herre, 1936 Oplopomops atherinoides (Peters, 1855)* Oplopomus diacanthus (Schultz, 1943)* O. oplopomus (Valenciennes, 1837) Oxyurichthys ophthalmolepis Bleeker, 1856 O. papuensis (Valenciennes, 1839) Paragobiodon echinocephalus (Rüppell, 1830)* P. melanosomus (Bleeker, 1852) P. xanthosomus (Bleeker, 1852) Phyllogobius platycephalops (Smith, 1964)* Pleurosicya annadalei Hornell and Fowler, 1922 P. elongata Larson, 1990* P. micheli Fourmanoir, 1971 P. mossambica Smith, 1959 P. spongicola Larson, 1990 Priolepis cincta (Regan, 1908) P. fallacincta Winterbottom & Burridge, 1992* Site records G. okinawae Sawada, Arai and Abe, 1973 Species Rapid Assessment Program One specimen collected with rotenone. Occasional, commensal with sponge (Ianthella basta.). Only a few seen, but easily escapes notice due to small size and cryptic habits. Commensal with sponges (Phyllospongia). Only a few seen, but easily escapes notice due to small size and cryptic habits. 1-10 continued 1-70 10-40 1-35 10-50 10-40 30-65 3-20 1-10 1-12 1-12 1-8 10-50 2-25 2-15 Probably common, but seldom noticed in sandy areas. Photographed. 2-15 2-18 2-18 2-15 0-30 0-5 1-18 2-15 2-12 2-12 Depth (m) Rare, only one adult seen. Occasional in slilty areas. Photographed. Rare. Occasional. Occasional. Previously reported as G. albofasciatus. Only a few seen, but easily escapes notice due to small size and cryptic habits. Abundance Relatively rare, but a secretive species that is easily overlooked. Appendix 5 15-50 8-45 Three specimens collected with rotenone. In spite of its small size and cryptic habits it appears to be common under ledges and in caverns on vertical slopes. 42 37, 53 20, 38,, 40, 42, 53 22, 25 8, 12-14, 16, 17, 38, 41, 42 22, 37 53 53 53 10, 25 13, 35, 37, 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. 53 37 53 53 53 10 4 53 2, 5, 6, 8-10, 12-14, 16-20, 22, 24-28, 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 43, 44, 49, 52, 53, 57 Tomiyamichthys oni (Tomiyama, 1936)* Trimma benjamini Winterbottom, 1996 T. caesiura (Jordan and Seale, 1906) T. emeryi Winterbottom, 1984* T. griffthsi Winterbottom, 1984 T. hoesei Winterbottom, 1984 T. macrophthalma (Tomiyama, 1936) T. naudei Smith, 1957* T. okinawae (Aoyagi, 1949) T. rubromaculata Allen and Munday, 1995 T. sp. 1 (duky reddish with small black “ear” spot) T. sp. 2 (overall yellow with large black spot of first dorsal fin) T. sp. 3 (yellow to reddish with black peduncle and with tail) T. sp. 4 (broad alternating red and white bars) T. sp. 5 (pinkish, Gobiodon-like shape) T. sp. 6 (reddish with double row of large orange blotches)* T. sp.7 (reddish with 3-4 rows of irregular pale blotches)* T. sp. 8 (red with yellow mid-lateral stripe, white on belly)* T. striata (Herre, 1945) T. taylori Lobel, 1979 T. tevegae Cohen and Davis, 1969 5-30 25-40 5-25 5-25 5-15 10-30 5-20 8-25 8-40 20-35 5-30 5-30 15-30 20-40 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued Rare, but easily overlooked due to small size and secretive 2-25 habits. One specimen collected with quinaldine sulphate. One specimen collected with rotenone. Two specimens collected with rotenone. One collected with rotenone. Rare, several seen at one site. Three specimens collected with rotenone. Collected with rotenone. Rare, only four individuals seen. Nine specimens collected with rotenone. Two specimens collected with rotenone. Three specimens collected with rotenone. Two specimens collected with rotenone. Photographed. Occasional, but is easily overlooked due to small size and secretive habits. Four specimens collected with rotenone. Rare, but easily overlooked due to small size and secretive 2-12 habits. Several specimens collected with rotenone. Photographed. 10-24 Rare, only one seen. 12-60 2-30 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Occasional on silty bottoms. 7, 12-14, 26, 36, 38, 40, 42 Stonogobiops xanthorhinica Hoese and Randall,1982 Depth (m) 0-10 Signigobius biocellatus Hoese and Allen, 1977 Abundance Site records Seen on 1997 survey only. Species P. semidoliatus (Valenciennes, 1837) List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 151 152 Rapid Assessment Program Seen on 1997 survey only. Seen on 1997 survey only. 39 15, 21, 23, 36, 41, 42, 46, 56, 57 1, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 39, 43 42 10, 11 4, 14, 18, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32, 35, 37, 39, 44, 45, 47, 50 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. 25 3 T. sp. Valenciennea helsdingenii (Bleeker, 1858) V. longipinnis (Lay & Bennett, 1839)* V. muralis (Valenciennes, 1837) V. puellaris (Tomiyama, 1936) V. randalli Hoese and Larson, 1994 V. sexguttata (Valenciennes, 1837) V. strigata (Broussonet, 1782) V. wardii (Playfair, 1867) Vanderhorstia ambanoro (Fourmanoir, 1957) V. flavolineata Allen & Munday, 1995* V. ornatissima Smith, 1959 Depth (m) 0-2 2-15 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Seen on 1997 survey only. 2, 5, 6, 12, 30, 37, 39, 45, 47, 49, 50, 53 Seen on 1997 survey only. 24 24-26, 38 Seen on 1997 survey only. 3, 7, 10, 14, 15, 18, 22, 27, 29-31, 33, 36, 38, 42-45, 47, 49-51, 54, 55 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 6, 9, 16, 19, 47 36, 38, 39, 46, 51, 56, 57 G. viridescens Dawson, 1968 Nemateleotris decora Randall and Allen, 1973 N. magnifica Fowler, 1938 Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum Klausewitz and Condé, 1981 Parioglossus formosus (Smith, 1931)* P. nudus Rennis and Hoese, 1985 P. palustris (Herre, 1945) Ptereleotris evides (Jordan and Hubbs, 1925) P. grammica Randall and Lubbock, 1982 P. hanae (Jordan and Synder, 1901) P. heteroptera (Bleeker, 1855) P. microlepis Bleeker, 1856 Occasional. Occasional, usually below 25 m depth. Moderately common. Rare, but easily overlooked due to small sze. Photographed. Locally common, but easily overlooked. Three collected. Occasional. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. G. monostigma Smith, 1958 continued 1-22 6-50 3-43 35-50 10-35 20-30 6-61 28-70 2-20 2-20 2-30 Seen on 1997 survey only. Gunnelichthys curiosus Dawson, 1968 1-15 15-20 25-50 4-20 5-30 1-25 1-10 8-30 2-30 1-15 1-20 1-30 5-25 6-35 6-12, 15, 17, 20-22, 32, 34-36, 40, 41, 46, 51, 56 Occasional. Rare. Rare, two seen in 35 m depth. Occasional, in relatively low numbers at each site. Rare, about 10 seen. Rare, several seen in 25 m depth. Occasional. Photographed. Occasional in shallow sandy areas. Rare, one large adult seen. Abundance Aioliops megastigma Rennis and Hoese, 1987 MICRODESMIDAE Site records Seen on 1997 survey only. Species Trimmatom nanus Winterbottom and Emery, 1981 Appendix 5 44, 45 P. zebra (Fowler, 1938) 7, 21, 29, 37 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 20, 22, 30, 32, 35, 39, 41, 42, 51, 56 4, 30, 37, 49, 57 P. orbicularis (Forsskål, 1775) P. pinnatus (Linnaeus, 1758) P. teira (Forsskål, 1775) Common. 3, 14, 20, 22, 23, 34, 36 2, 4, 6-14, 16-22, 26, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35-39, 41-43, 47-51, 54, 55, 57 1, 4-8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 28, 32, 34, 35, 40-43, 45, 46, 55-57 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 19, 30, 31, 35, 37, 40, 44, 45, 49, 50, 56 24 8, 10, 15, 56 1-7, 9-33, 35-44, 47-51, 54, 56, 57 S. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1835) S. puellus (Schlegel, 1852) S. punctatissimus Fowler and Bean, 1929 S. punctatus (Forster, 1801) S. randalli Woodland, 1990 S. spinus (Linnaeus, 1758) S. vulpinus (Schlegel and Müller, 1844) Zanclus cornutus Linnaeus, 1758 1-56 Common. 3 S. fuscescens (Houttyn, 1782) ZANCLIDAE Occasional. 3, 11, 12, 14-16, 18, 22, 26, 32-36, 38, 40-42, 46, 56, 57 S. doliatus Cuvier, 1830 Common. Common. Occasional. Rare, a group of five seen in 12 m depth. Moderately common. Rare, but locally common where seagrass abundant. Occasional, but locally common. Moderately common. 1, 3-9, 12-22, 24-33, 35-39, 45-50, 54-57 S. corallinus (Valenciennes, 1835) Occasional, but locally common. 2, 7, 11, 12, 19, 21, 27, 29-31, 41, 42, 47-49, 56 Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 1-180 1-30 1-12 1-15 1-40 3-30 2-30 1-25 0-15 1-15 4-25 1-30 0-10 0-2 1-35 The most common batfish encountered, but only occasional sightings. Photographed. Rarely seen. 1-30 1-20 1-40 5-20 2-10 10-30 Depth (m) 5-20 Occasional. Occasional. Rare, one large adult seen. Photographed. Rare. Abundance Rare, only a single pair seen in 15 m depth. Siganus argenteus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) SIGANIDAE Scatophagus argus (Bloch, 1788) Seen on 1997 survey only. 3, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, 22, 26, 37, 38, 40, 47 P. boersi Bleeker, 1852 SCATOPHAGIDAE 56 Platax batavianus (Cuvier, 1831) EPHIPPIDAE Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger, 1871) Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. P. uroditaenia Randall and Hoese, 1985 XENISTHMIDAE Site records 34 Species P. monoptera Randall and Hoese, 1985 List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 153 154 Species 5-20 1-15 4-75 0-90 Moderately common, usually on steep dropoffs. Occasional, usually in shallow wave-affected areas. More common in Louisiades. Occasional, usually on sandy slopes adjacent to reefs. 29-31, 37, 39, 40, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53 1, 2, 4, 6, 16-20, 24-28, 57 Seen on 1997 survey only. 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20-22, 24-31, 33, 36, 39-45, 47-53, 55, 56 52 2, 4-7, 9, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 33, 50, 52 4, 5, 30, 43-45, 49, 50, 52, 53 1, 3, 8, 10-17, 19, 21-23, 29-39, 41-50, 52, 54, 56, 57 12, 29-32, 37-39, 41, 44, 45, 51, 52, 54 2, 24, 25 6, 10, 19, 45, 47, 54 1-5, 7-10, 12-22, 24-35, 37-39, 42-45, 57-50, 52-57 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 24, 25, 29, 30, 37, 39, 43, 44, 49, 50, 52-54 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 31, 32, 37, 51-53 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 21-23, 33, 35, 36, 38, 43, 46, 51, 53, 54, 56 1-24, 29-36, 38, 40-57 1, 3-7, 9-57 2, 4, 9, 14, 17, 29, 37, 39, 43 1-4, 6, 7, 11-15, 18, 20-28, 35, 37, 38, 42, 46, 57 A. dussumieri Valenciennes, 1835 A. fowleri de Beaufort, 1951 Rapid Assessment Program A. leucocheilus Herre, 1927 A. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758) A. maculiceps (Ahl, 1923)* A. mata (Cuvier, 1829) A. nigricans (Linnaeus, 1758) A. nigricaudus Duncker and Mohr, 1929 A. nigrofuscus (Forsskål, 1775) A. nubilus (Fowler and Bean, 1929) A. olivaceus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 A. pyroferus Kittlitz, 1834 A. thompsoni (Fowler, 1923) A. triostegus (Linnaeus, 1758) A. xanthopterus Valenciennes, 1835 Ctenochaetus binotatus Randall, 1955 C. striatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) C. strigosus (Bennett, 1828) C. tominiensis Randall, 1955 3-65 Generally rare, but locally common, particularly at Louisiades. 3-25 5-40 Moderately common, especially in sheltered locations that drop steeply to deep water. continued 2-30 Only one noticed, but hard to differentiate from C. striatus at a distance. 10-55 Common, usually in depths less than 10 m. Common. 3-90 4-60 5-45 Occasional, but common at site 47, where spawning observed. Common. 10-30 2-20 Rare, about five seen. Occasional. 3-30 5-30 Moderately common. 1-15 Moderately common, usually on dropoffs in turbid water. 10-30 Rare, only one adult seen. Moderately common, usually in shallow surge-affected areas. Occasional, but absent from Louisiades. Occasional. Seen only at Conflict Group and Louisiades. 10-30 Photographed. 3-20 Common. 1-3, 7, 10, 19, 21, 24, 27, 30, 31, 35, 36, 39, 40, 43, 45, 48-51, 54 A. blochi Valenciennes, 1835 15-50 Depth (m) Rare, several seen on outer reef in 20 m depth. Photographed. Abundance 44 Site records Acanthurus bariene Lesson, 1830* ACANTHURIDAE Appendix 5 Moderately common. Modertaely common, adjacent to steeper outer slopes. 2, 5, 6, 8-10, 16-18, 26, 29, 30, 37, 39, 44, 46-50, 54 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 16, 19, 28, 37, 39, 52-54 1-22, 24-57 2, 19, 24 Seen on 1997 survey only. 2, 19, 26, 50 29, 30, 39, 40, 47, 50, 51 4, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 21, 28, 30, 31, 35, 40, 41, 43, 45, 46, 49, 51, 55 2, 4-6, 9, 11, 12, 15-19, 23, 25, 27-30, 34, 35, 37-39, 4447, 49, 50, 52-54 Seen on 1997 survey only. 1-57 1-57 N. brevirostris (Valenciennes, 1835) N. hexacanthus (Bleeker, 1855) N. lituratus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) N. lopezi Herre, 1927 N. minor (Smith, 1966) N. thynnoides (Valenciennes, 1835) N. tuberosus Lacepède, 1801 N. unicornis (Forsskål, 1775) N. vlamingii Valenciennes, 1835 Paracanthurus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1758) Zebrasoma scopas (Cuvier, 1829) Z. veliferum (Bloch, 1797) 38, 42, 56 4, 6, 16 16 S. flavicauda Rüppell, 1838 S. jello Cuvier, 1829 S. qenie Klunzinger, 1870 2, 54 43 2, 6, 9, 19, 23, 31, 32, 44, 52 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 19, 34-36, 49, 52 14, 22, 47 6, 37 Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849) Grammatorcynus bicarinatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)* G. bilineatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) Gymnosarda unicolor (Rüppell, 1836) Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1816) Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepède, 1800) SCOMBRIDAE 16, 30, 45, 56 Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum, 1792) SPHYRAENIDAE Occasional. 4, 5, 29, 46, 47, 55 N. brachycentron (Valenciennes, 1835) Occasional individuals seen. Occasional, but usually in large schools. Occasional. Occasional. Rare, only one seen. Rarely sighted. Rare. Occasional in schools of upt to 50 individuals. Occasional in schools of 5-50 fish. Rare, about five seen. Also caught by trolling from charter vessel. Common. Common. Generally rare, but several large schools seen. Rare. Common. Occasional, but locally common to abundant. Moderately common. Occasional. 2, 4, 9, 33, 37, 39, 47, 52 Naso annulatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) Abundance Moderately common, usually adjacent to steep outer slopes. Site records Species Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) continued 0-30 0-30 5-100 10-40 5-40 0-20 5-40 1-20 1-20 0-20 4-30 1-60 2-40 4-50 4-80 3-20 8-50 10-50 6-70 5-90 6-140 4-50 15-50 15-40 Depth (m) List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea 155 156 Rapid Assessment Program Occasional. Occasional. 1-57 2, 13, 14, 16, 19, 25, 29, 30, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 52-55 1, 3, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 25, 26, 29-31, 36, 39, 41, 43-50, 54 2, 6 2, 4-6, 9, 14, 16, 19, 23, 29, 30, 39, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53 2, 4-6, 9, 16, 19, 23, 25-29, 33, 39 6, 7, 36, 46, 48 51 4, 52, 53 Balistoides conspicillum (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) B. viridescens (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Canthidermis maculatus (Bloch, 1786) Melichthys vidua (Solander, 1844) Odonus niger (Rüppell, 1836) Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus (Rüppell, 1828) Rhinecanthus aculeatus (Linnaeus, 1758) R. rectangulus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) R. verrucosus (Linnaeus, 1758) 3-7, 12, 19, 29, 31-33, 35, 38-40, 42-45, 47, 51, 54, 55 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. S. chrysoptera (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) S. fraenatus (Latreille, 1804) 14 4, 6, 43 6, 8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 27, 54 Seen on 1997 survey only. 1, 10, 17, 19, 50, 54 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 4, 6, 7-9, 11, 18, 29 Acreichthys tomentosus (Linnaeus, 1758)* Aluterus scriptus (Osbeck, 1765) Amanses scopas (Cuvier, 1829) Cantherines dumerilii (Hollard, 1854) C. fronticinctus (Günther, 1866) C. pardalis (Rüppell, 1866) Oxymonacanthus longirostris (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) MONACANTHIDAE Occasional. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22-40, 43-45, 48-50, 5255 Sufflamen bursa (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Occasional, in rich areas. Rare. Rare, about 10 seen. Circumtropical. Rare, only three observed. Rare, but weed habitat not surveyed. Occasional. 0-3 Occasional, but locally common on shallow flats near shore. 7, 10-12, 15, 42, 47 continued 1-30 2-20 2-40 1-35 3-20 2-80 1-10 8-185 1-35 3-90 1-3 0-3 2-50 3-40 3-60 1-30 5-45 10-50 3-50 10-120 10-50 5-15 5-30 Depth (m) Rare, less than 10 encountered. Rare, about five seen. Occasional, in sheltered sand or rubble areas. Occasional, but locally common at some sites. Occasional. Rarely seen, but locally common on steeper outer slopes. Common. 14, 42 Balistapus undulatus (Park, 1797) Rare, only one juvenile seen. Only one seen, but very difficult to detect due to camouflage coloration. Abundance Abalistes stellatus (Lacepède, 1798) BALISTIDAE Samariscus triocellatus Woods, 1960 Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Sterhombus intermediua (Bleeker, 1866) PLEURONECTIDAE 31 Site records Bothus mancus (Broussonet, 1782) Species BOTHIDAE Appendix 5 8, 9 17, 30, 49 Seen on 1997 survey only. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Recorded previously by B. Halstead. Pervagor janthinosoma (Bleeker, 1854) P. melanocephalus (Bleeker, 1853) P. nigrolineatus (Herre, 1927) Pseudaluteres nasicornis (Schlegel, 1846) Pseudomonacanthus macrurus (Bleeker, 1856) Rudarius excelsus Hutchins, 1977 R. minutus Tyler, 1970 4, 12, 15, 30, 31, 36, 38, 43, 50 2, 9, 29, 30, 33, 39, 43, 44, 49, 50, 54 2, 24-26, 30, 44, 50 Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus, 1758 O. meleagris Shaw, 1796 O. solorensis Bleeker, 1853 Seen on 1997 survey only Recorded previously by B. Halstead. 2, 8, 9, 12, 14, 19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 36, 41, 51, 56, 57 4-6, 9, 23, 29-31, 35, 37-39, 42-44, 48-51, 53-57 C. janthinoptera (Bleeker, 1855) C. ocellicincta Allen and Randall, 1977 C. solandri (Richardson, 1844) C. valentini (Bleeker, 1853) 14, 18, 31 Seen on 1997 survey only. Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758 D. liturosus Shaw, 1804 DIODONTIDAE Recorded previously by B. Halstead. C. epilampra (Jenkins, 1903) 26, 38 A. stellatus (Schneider, 1801) Seen on 1997 survey only. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13-15, 17-19, 26, 28-30, 35-37, 43, 44, 49, 50, 52, 54-57 A. nigropunctatus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) 7, 39, 45 23, 31, 35, 39, 43 A. mappa (Lesson, 1830) C. compressa (Marion de Procé, 1822) Seen on 1997 survey only. A. manilensis (Marion de Procé, 1822) Canthigaster bennetti (Bleeker, 1854) Moderately common, but always in low numbers at each site. 35 A. hispidus (Linnaeus, 1758) Rare, only three seen. Occasional. Occasional. Rare, only three pairs seen. Rare, two large adult seen. Rare, five individuals seen. Seen on 1997 survey only. Rare, only one seen. Occasional. Occasional. Occasional. Rare, one group containing 4 individuals seen. Rare, only 3 seen. Rare, only three seen. Rare, only two seen. Abundance Rare, only three fish seen. Arothron caeruleopunctatus Matsuura, 1994 TETRAODONTIDAE Seen on 1997 survey only. Lactoria cornuta (Linnaeus, 1758) OSTRACIIDAE Site records 23, 30, 35 Species Paraluteres prionurus (Bleeker, 1851) 3-35 1-30 3-55 1-36 10-30 9-60 3-20 1-20 1-10 3-58 2-35 4-40 1-20 1-50 5-30 1-20 2-30 1-40 1-50 2-15 2-15 5-40 1-55 2-15 15-40 2-18 Depth (m) 2-25 List of the reef fishes of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 157 Appendix 5 158 Rapid Assessment Program Appendix 6 List of reef fish target species of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Mark Allen Summary of Beche-de-mer harvesting areas are presented in the map following the table. No. Family/species No. sites where present Percent occurrence I HEMISCYLIIDAE 1 Hemiscyllium trispeculare Richardson, 1843 II GINGLYMOSTOMATIDAE 2 Nebrius ferrugineus (Lesson, 1830) III CARCHARHINIDAE 3 Carcharhinus albimarginatus (Rüppell, 1837) 1 2% 4 C. amblyrhynchos (Bleeker, 1856) 4 8% 5 Triaenodon obesus (Rüppell, 1835) 4 8% IV DASYATIDIDAE 6 Dasyatis kuhlii (Müller and Henle, 1841) 1 7 Taeniura lymma (Forsskål, 1775) 4 8% 8 Taeniura meyeni (Müller and Henle, 1841) 1 2% V MYLIOBATIDAE 9 Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790) VI CLUPEIDAE 10 Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1792) VII PLOTOSIDAE 11 Plotosus lineatus (Thünberg, 1787) VIII HOLOCENTRIDAE 12 Myripristis adusta Bleeker, 1853 13 M. berndti Jordan and Evermann, 1902 14 15 1 1 1 1 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% No. Family/species No. sites where present Percent occurrence 16 M. murdjan (Forsskål, 1775) 6 12% 17 M. violacea Bleeker, 1851 29 58% 18 M. vittata Valenciennes, 1831 3 6% 19 Neoniphon opercularis (Valenciennes, 1831) 2 4% 20 N. sammara (Forsskål, 1775) 19 38% 21 Sargocentron caudimaculatum (Rüppell, 1835) 7 14% 22 S. cornutum (Bleeker, 1853) 1 2% 23 S. diadema (Lacepède, 1802) 5 10% 24 S. melanospilos (Bleeker, 1858) 1 2% 25 S. rubrum (Forsskål, 1775) 3 6% 26 S. spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775) 13 26% 27 S. violaceus (Bleeker, 1853) 2 4% IX PLATYCEPHALIDAE 28 Cymbacephalus beauforti Knapp, 1973 2 4% X SERRANIDAE 29 Aethaloperca rogaa (Forsskål, 1775) 7 14% 30 Anyperodon leucogrammicus (Valenciennes, 1828) 16 32% 31 Cephalopholis argus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 9 18% 32 C. boenack (Bloch, 1790) 5 10% 33 C. cyanostigma (Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1828) 27 54% 5 10% 34 C. leopardus (Lacepède, 1802) 6 12% 9 18% 35 C. microprion (Bleeker, 1852) 23 46% 11 22% 36 C. miniata (Forsskål, 1775) 13 26% M. hexagona (Lacepède, 1802) 2 4% 37 C. sexmaculata Rüppell, 1828 7 14% M. kuntee Valenciennes, 1831 18 36% 38 C. urodeta (Schneider, 1801) 11 22% continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 159 Appendix 6 No. Family/species No. sites where present Percent occurrence No. No. sites where present Percent occurrence 69 Lutjanus biguttatus (Valenciennes, 1830) 22 44% 70 L. bohar (Forsskål, 1775) 34 68% 71 L. boutton (Lacepède, 1802) 1 2% Family/species 39 Cromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828) 8 16% 40 Epinephelus caruleopunctatus (Bloch, 1790) 1 2% 41 E. corallicola (Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1828) 2 4% 72 L. carponotatus (Richardson, 1842) 10 20% 42 E. cyanopodus (Richardson, 1846) 3 6% 73 L. fulviflamma (Forsskål, 1775) 1 2% 43 E. fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775) 10 20% 74 L. fulvus (Schneider, 1801) 9 18% 44 E. fuscoguttatus (Forsskal, 1775) 2 4% 75 L. gibbus (Forsskål, 1775) 20 40% 45 E. maculatus (Bloch, 1790) 5 10% 76 L. kasmira (Forsskål, 1775) 4 8% 46 E. merra Bloch, 1793 10 20% 77 L. monostigma (Cuvier, 1828) 10 20% 47 E. ongus (Bloch, 1790) 7 14% 78 L. quinquelineatus (Bloch, 1790) 8 16% 48 E. polyphekadion (Bleeker, 1849) 2 4% 79 L. rivulatus (Cuvier, 1828) 3 6% 49 Gracila albimarginata (Fowler and Bean, 1930) 4 8% 80 L. russelli (Bleeker, 1849) 4 8% 50 Plectropomus areolatus (Rüppell, 1830) 2 4% 81 L. semicinctus Quoy and Gaimard, 1824 26 52% 51 P. laevis (Lacepède, 1802) 13 26% 82 L. vitta (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) 2 4% 52 P. leopardus (Lacepède, 1802) 19 38% 83 Macolor macularis Fowler, 1931 35 70% 53 P. oligocanthus (Bleeker, 1854) 21 42% 84 M. niger (Forsskål, 1775) 3 6% 54 Variola albimarginata Baissac, 1953 8 16% 85 Paracaesio sordidus Abe & Shinohara, 1962 1 2% 55 V. louti (Forsskål, 1775) 6 12% XI PRIACANTHIDAE 86 Symphorichthys spilurus (Günther, 1874) 3 6% 56 Priacanthus hamrur (Forsskål, 1775) 2 4% 87 Symphorus nematophorus (Bleeker, 1860) 2 4% XII ECHENEIDAE XV CAESIONIDAE 57 Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus, 1758 XIII CARANGIDAE 88 Caesio caerulaurea Lacepède, 1802 22 44% 58 Carangoides bajad (Forsskål, 1775) 89 C. cuning (Bloch, 1791) 31 62% 90 C. lunaris Cuvier, 1830 12 24% 91 C. teres Seale, 1906 6 12% 92 Gymnocaesio gymnoptera (Bleeker, 1856) 5 10% 93 Pterocaesio digramma (Bleeker, 1865) 19 38% 94 P. pisang (Bleeker, 1853) 31 62% 95 P. tessellata Carpenter, 1987 4 8% 96 P. tile (Cuvier, 1830) 6 12% 97 P. trilineata Carpenter, 1987 9 18% XVI NEMIPTERIDAE 98 Pentapodus sp. 15 30% 2 4% 22 44% 59 C. ferdau (Forsskål, 1775) 5 10% 60 C. fulvoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775) 2 4% 61 C. plagiotaenia Bleeker, 1857 14 28% 62 Caranx ignobilis (Forsskål, 1775) 1 2% 63 C. melampygus Cuvier, 1833 15 30% 64 C. sexfasciatus Quoy and Gaimard, 1825 2 4% 65 Elegatis bipinnulatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) 4 8% 66 Scomberoides lysan (Forsskål, 1775) XIV LUTJANIDAE 67 68 1 2% 99 P. trivittatus (Bloch, 1791) 4 8% Aphareus furca (Lacepède, 1802) 4 8% 100 Scolopsis bilineatus (Bloch, 1793) 35 70% Aprion virescens Valenciennes, 1830 3 6% 101 S. ciliatus (Lacepède, 1802) 1 2% continued 160 Rapid Assessment Program List of reef fish target species of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea No. Family/species No. sites where present Percent occurrence No. Family/species No. sites where present Percent occurrence XX KYPHOSIDAE 132 Kyphosus cinerascens (Forsskål, 1775) 2 4% 2% 133 K. vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) 3 6% 4% XXI EPHIPPIDAE 134 Platax boersi Bleeker, 1852 9 18% 135 P. pinnatus (Linnaeus, 1758) 8 16% 136 P. teira (Forsskål, 1775) 5 10% 40% XXII SPHYRAENIDAE 2 4% 137 Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum, 1792) 1 2% P. lessoni (Cuvier, 1830) 1 2% 138 2% P. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758) 4 8% S. flavicauda Rüppell, 1838 1 110 139 2% P. obscurus (Günther, 1871) 2 4% S. jello Cuvier, 1829 1 111 140 1 2% 112 P. orientalis (Bloch, 1793) 2 4% S. qenie Klunzinger, 1870 XVIII LETHRINIDAE XXIII LABRIDAE 141 Cheilinus fasciatus (Bloch, 1791) 44 88% 113 Gnathodentex aurolineatus Lacepède, 1802 1 2% 142 C. trilobatus Lacepède, 1802 2 4% 114 G. sp. 4 8% 143 C. undulatus Rüppell, 1835 14 28% 115 Lethrinus erythracanthus Valenciennes, 1830 17 34% 144 Choerodon anchorago (Bloch, 1791) 6 12% L. erythropterus Valenciennes, 1830 145 C. fasciatus (Günther, 1867) 1 2% 116 14 28% 146 Coris aygula Lacepède, 1802 1 2% Epibulus insidiator (Pallas, 1770) 35 70% 16 32% 102 S. lineatus Quoy and Gaimard, 1824 2 4% 103 S. margaritifer (Cuvier, 1830) 28 56% 104 S. monogramma (Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1830) 1 105 S. temporalis (Cuvier, 1830) 2 XVII HAEMULIDAE 106 Plectorhinchus celebicus Bleeker, 1873 5 10% 107 P. chaetodontoides (Lacepède, 1800) 20 108 P. gibbosus (Lacepède, 1802) 109 117 L. obsoletus (Forsskål, 1775) 4 8% 147 118 L. olivaceous Valenciennes, 1830 4 8% 148 119 L. xanthocheilus Klunzinger, 1870 1 2% Oxycheilinus diagrammus (Lacepède, 1802) Monotaxis grandoculis (Forsskål, 1775) XXIV SCARIDAE 120 48 96% 149 2 4% XIX MULLIDAE Bolbometopon muricatum (Valenciennes, 1840) 121 Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (Lacepède, 1802) 1 2% 150 Calotomus carolinus (Valenciennes, 1839) 1 2% M. vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831) 151 Cetoscarus bicolor (Rüppell, 1828) 33 66% 122 1 2% 152 45 90% 123 Parupeneus barberinoides (Lacepède, 1801) Chlorurus bleekeri (de Beaufort, 1940) 1 2% 153 C. microrhinos (Bleeker, 1854) 12 24% C. sordidus (Forsskål, 1775) 36 72% 124 P. barberinus (Lacepède, 1801) 39 78% 154 125 P. bifasciatus (Lacepède, 1801) 32 64% 155 20 40% 126 P. cyclostomus (Lacepède, 1802) 12 24% Hipposcarus longiceps (Bleeker, 1862) 127 P. heptacanthus (Lacepède, 1801) 1 2% 156 Scarus altipinnis (Steindachner, 1879) 8 16% 128 P. indicus (Shaw, 1903) 1 2% 129 P. multifasciatus Bleeker, 1873 34 68% 157 S. chameleon Choat and Randall, 1986) 7 14% 130 P. pleurostigma (Bennett, 1830) 4 8% 158 S. dimidiatus Bleeker, 1859 36 72% 131 Upeneus tragula Richardson, 1846 5 10% 159 S. flavipectoralis Schultz, 1958 43 86% 160 S. forsteni (Bleeker, 1861) 5 10% continued Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 161 Appendix 6 No. 162 Family/species No. sites where present Percent occurrence 161 S. frenatus Lacepède, 1802 1 2% 162 S. ghobban Forsskål, 1775 6 12% 163 S. globiceps Valenciennes, 1840 2 164 S. niger Forsskål, 1775 165 S. oviceps Valenciennes, 1839 No. Family/species No. sites where present Percent occurrence 193 N. thynnoides (Valenciennes, 1835) 1 2% 4% 194 N. tuberosus Lacepède, 1801 3 6% 49 98% 195 N. unicornis Forsskål, 1775 6 12% 4 8% 196 N. vlamingii Valenciennes, 1835 25 50% 197 Zebrasoma veliferum Bloch, 1797 34 68% XXVI SIGANIDAE 198 Siganus argenteus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) 3 6% 166 S. psittacus Forsskål, 1775 5 10% 167 S. pyrrhurus (Jordan and Seale, 1906) 1 2% 168 S. quoyi Valenciennes, 1840 4 8% 169 S. rivulatus Valenciennes, 1840 1 2% 199 S. corallinus (Valenciennes, 1835) 24 48% 170 S. rubroviolaceus Bleeker, 1849 6 12% 200 S. doliatus Cuvier, 1830 18 36% S. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1835) 4 8% 171 S. schlegeli (Bleeker, 1861) 4 8% 201 172 S. spinus (Kner, 1868) 14 28% 202 S. puellus (Schlegel, 1852) 29 58% XXV ACANTHURIDAE 203 25 50% 173 Acanthurus blochi Valenciennes, 1835 S. punctatissimus Fowler and Bean, 1929 7 14% 204 S. punctatus (Forster, 1801) 7 14% 174 A. dussumieri Valenciennes, 1835 8 16% 205 32 64% 175 A. fowleri de Beaufort, 1951 5 10% S. vulpinus (Schlegel and Müller, 1844) 176 A. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758) 3 6% XXVII SCOMBRIDAE 177 A. mata (Cuvier, 1829) 6 12% 206 Grammatorcynos bilineatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) 6 12% 178 A. nigricans (Linnaeus, 1758) 3 6% 207 12% 26 52% Gymnosarda unicolor (Rüppell, 1836) 6 179 A. nigricaudus Duncker and Mohr, 1929 180 A. nigrofuscus (Forsskål, 1775) 1 2% 208 Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1816) 1 2% 181 A. nubilus (Fowler and Bean, 1929) 2 4% 209 Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepède, 1800) 1 2% 182 A. olivaceus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 3 6% 183 A. pyroferus Kittlitz, 1834 39 78% 184 A. thompsoni (Fowler, 1923) 11 22% 185 A. xanthopterus Valenciennes, 1835 6 12% 186 Ctenochaetus spp. 50 100% 187 Naso annulatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825) 7 14% 188 N. brachycentron (Valenciennes, 1835) 2 4% 189 N. brevirostris (Valenciennes, 1835) 11 22% 190 N. hexacanthus (Bleeker, 1855) 10 20% 191 N. lituratus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) 40 80% 192 N. lopezi Herre, 1927 1 2% Rapid Assessment Program List of reef fish target species of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 163 Appendix 7 List of fishes caught by Brooker islanders using various techniques Jeff P. Kinch Misima name Scientific name Misima name vanavana Scientific name Pentaprion longimanus Grammatorcynos bilineatus gasawa Lethrinus harak suwa Elegatis bipinnulata pepeka Pomacanthidae/Chaetodontidae tuna Scombridae niuniu Upeneus vittatus yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares gawagawa Decapterus russelli utul Aprion virescens malawi Acanthurus dussumieri trevally Carangidae anuwal Sphyraena spp. barricuda Sphyraenidae kakawola Epinephelus merra kibukibu Acanthocybium solandri leu Belonidae mackeral Scombridae utul Aprion virescens leplepa Megalaspis cordyle magoga Alectis ciliaris kingfish Seriola spp. (Carangidae) yesimoli Naso tuberosus maimua Grammatorcynos bicarinatus mackeral Scombridae sharks Carcharhinidae labeta Lethrinus nebulosus enipola Lutjanus bohar tokeli Lethrinus spp. NETTING enipola Lutjanus bohar atuni Selar boops nwabelele Plectrorhinchus spp. pilihul Mullidae maninuya Serranidae mullet Mugilidae ulihela Variola louti vivilal Siganus sp. lamwavalval Acanthurus triostegus boxfish Ostraciidae kokok Trachinotus blochii tuna Scombridae togoba Bolbometopon muricatum yalyal Grammatorcynos bilineatus tolobil Thalassoma hardwickei suwa Elegatis bipinnulata taipwehe Naso brachycentron salasala Scarus spp. ganagana Lethrinus sp. legalegal Kyphosus spp. SPEARING batfish Platax spp. atuni Selar boops ahiat Lethrinus erythracanthus boxfish Ostracidae yatela Naso unicornis pilihul Mullidae buhumanwi Lethrinus olivaceus talian Atherinidae trevally Carangidae kabela Acanthurus auranticavus dayaya Rastrelliger kanagurta TROLLING yalyal continued 164 Rapid Assessment Program List of fishes caught by Brooker islanders using various techniques Misima name Scientific name mullet Mugilidae Misima name shark Scientific name Charcharinidae kiton Siganus spp. kibkib/kisep Balistidae malawi Acanthurus dussumieri wanin Hologymnosus doliatus taipehepehe Naso brachycentron tatan Lutjanus kasmira/quinquelineatus yatela Naso unicornis uliyapuyapu Diagramma pictum yesimoli Naso tuberosus buhumanawi Lethrinus olivaceus maninuya Serranidae stingray Dasyatidae cardinal fish Apogonidae suwa Elegatis bipinnulatus yabwau Lutjanus gibbus lepalepa Megalaspis cordyle parrotfish Scariidae talian Atherinidae surgeonfish Acanthuridae bwaligila Scolopsis xenochrous anuwal Sphyraena spp. tiger Shark Galeocerdo cuvieri legalegal Kyphosus spp. longtoms Belonidae vivilal Signaus sp. gibala Fistularia commersonii havani Acanthurus nigricauda Napolean Cheilinus undulatus kakawola Epinephelus merra tawiya Plectropomus spp. koil Acanthurus lineatus hopahopa Plectrorhinchus chaetodontoides ganagana Lethrinus sp. veya Epinephelus lanceolatus kakabela Acanthurus leucocheilus itoito Naso hexacanthus nabwalele Plectrorhinchus spp. Monotaxis grandoculus yesimoli Naso tuberosus yabwau Lutjanus gibbus yatela Naso unicornis anuwal Sphyraena spp. kabela Acanthurus auranticavus labeta Lethrinus nebulosus kiton Siganus spp. tupatupa Carangidae havani Acanthurus nigricauda enipola Lutjanus bohar vivilal Siganus sp. maninuya Serranidae mullet Mugilidae ganagana Lethrinus sp. salasala Scarus spp. bwania Epinephelus fuscoguttatus togoleli Naso lituratus gasawa Lethrinus harak boxfish Ostracidae bwalioga Choerodon anchorago kosa Scarus spp. tayaka Apogonidae kakawola Epinephelus merra makimaki Chelinus spp. atuni Selar boops ahiat Lethrinus erythracanthus mwalimwaligan Platycephalidae siusiu Naso brachycentron utul Aprion virescens tokeli Lethrinus spp. kimakimaga Paracanthurus hepatus ulisiai Lethrinus miniatus ulihela Variola louti tuna Scombridae FISHING myahmul Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 165 Wa rd 24 20 22 projection: Conic central meridian: 151° east standard parallels: 4° south and 8° south data: Conservation International MarineRAP Papua New Guinea Department of Works and Supply Road System 1983 (map) cartography: M.Denil C 151° Island in O 55 ng R eer Nuakata Island 56 E ait y this map was produced by the Conservation Mapping Program GIS & Mapping Laboratory of the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science at Conservation International © 2002 Conservation International Bas k ila 57 B a y n S tr b A Grou p L 29 S Conflic t G 35 A 54 152° p E r 152° east of Greenwich 10° south of the equator 53 52 50 49 East Island ett Islands Egum Atoll Be nn ou d o n e s i 135° 0 L 32 u s i 1000 d 153° 36 e 153° 48 a 500 C h a33 34 in o i kilometers 500 145° 1500 n Coral 46 47 44 Sudest Island 37 A 20° Vanuatu 10° 0° 10° Melanesian area fi New Caledonia ci 11° Rossel Is. 41 42 154° a g o 40 43 154° scale: 1/300 million projection: Orthographic center: 151°east, 10°south study area Pa Sea a Solomon Islands study area S e equator Rossel r c45 39 Lagoon h i p e 38 l ean Panatinane Island Oc 165° O c e a n 155° Papua New Guinea Solomon P a c i f i c a Melanesian Area n Misima Island I 31 Calvados 30 51 De bo Madau Island ds kilometers s aI n 4 l 125° Philippines an Isl 60 i Side 1 che 3 Gos 2 Strait Cape n M i l n e East 11° Alotau 28 Bay so Islands e yn 40 27 Gurney 26 h w Da 9° Vakuka Island Kiriwina Island Sanaroa Island 151° d a a 20 it 5 11 10 6 7 8 an rm di 0 ra 12 Fergusson Island 13 ri ds an l Is ean 20 ob o 25 St denoug nt Goodenough Island Hu 21 9 Tr recastea Ent ux D’ Goo 19 14 18 23 Cape Vogel 17 9° A In Dive Sites MarineRAP 150° Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea 15 O 150° N E N 10° 16 S O L M O S l ha nd r a la t i d s l lan rs Ma A u a c Oc iI s Map 1 Maps and Photos Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 169 Maps and Photos 170 Rapid Assessment Program CSIRO CSIRO Mortuary prestation or hagali. Feasting and mortuary obligations are an important cultural element to the lives of people of Milne Bay Province. J.P. Kinch Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) fisheries ecologist Darren Dennis with a catch of long-nose emperor (Lethrinus olivaceus) on last year’s NFA/CSIRO/CI stock assessment and biogeographical survey. CSIRO A raised Miocene reef is now visible as a weathered limestone shelf at Misima Island, typical of some of the islands found in Milne Bay Province. J.P. Kinch Maps and Photos Measuring trochus for sale at a local trade store. The minimum size limit for trochus is 8 cm. CSIRO J.P. Kinch Lake formed from water seepage and run-off in the open-cut pit of Misima Mines Limited, Misima Island. Misima Mines Limited is due for closure in 2004. Mine road and rehabilitation work at Misima Mines Limited. The islands of the West Calvados Chain are visible in the background. Boys and their toy sailing canoes. By using toys they learn the dynamics of sailing and wind direction for practical use later as adults when they will either skipper or crew sailing canoes. Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea—Survey II (2000) 171 View of the main village Awan bwabwatana at Brooker Island. J.P. Kinch 172 Rapid Assessment Program View publication stats J.P. Kinch In-laws’ obligation or muli for a mortuary presentation. Women cleaning giant clam. The muscle from giant clam species Tridacna gigas, T. derasa, and T. maxima were previously sold for export. The smaller Hippopus hippopus is predominantly taken for subsistence and trade. The Tuna longlining vessel Ko Shinsei (PNG 44) run aground on the reefs at Panadaludalu Island in the West Calvados Chain. Illegal entry by longliners within the 6-mile zone is a concern for many villagers in Milne Bay Province. J.P. Kinch J.P. Kinch A beche-de-mer catch consisting mostly of Amberfish (Thelenota anax) and Curryfish (Stichopus hermanni, previously variegatus). One Tridacna gigas is also seen. J.P. Kinch J.P. Kinch Maps and Photos Sailing canoe returned with sago thatch for a new house under construction. Subsistence trading promotes regional economic specialization based upon ecological constraints, as well as being an important part of the ceremonial and social life of the people of Milne Bay Province.