A CONCERNING decline has been observed in Solomon Islands beche-de-mer population by a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition.
The National Geographic Pristine Seas is a project aimed at exploring and protecting vital places in the ocean. Launched in 2008 by the National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala, it has helped establish 29 of the largest marine protected areas in the world.
During their research in Solomon Islands, the team employed advanced techniques, including SCUBA diving, seabird counts, underwater visual surveys, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and the use of a submersible capable of reaching depths of 1,300 meters.
These methods were applied across various sites, such as Marau in East Guadalcanal, the Three Sisters Islands and Sunken Island in Makira-Ulawa Province and Lata, Tinakula, Reef Islands, Nukapu and Duff Islands in Temotu Province.
At the expedition’s closing ceremony at the Heritage Park Hotel on Monday, Lead Scientist and Marine Ecologist Dr Molly Timmers, pictured, highlighted the importance of their findings.
“Many people might dismiss sea cucumbers as insignificant blobs on the reef. However, they play critical roles in maintaining reef health. Sea cucumbers are detritivores, meaning they consume sediment and detritus on the reef. By doing so, they remove bacteria such as cyanobacteria, effectively acting as a bleach system for the reef,” Dr Timmers explained.
Dr Timmers said the scarcity of sea cucumbers observed during the study is troubling.
“Their absence reduces the reefs’ ability to combat harmful bacteria that can cause coral diseases,” she added.
The team also observed a decline in giant clam populations.
“Giant clams are filter feeders, constantly cleaning the water by removing bacteria and sediment,” Dr Timmers explained.
“This filtration process is crucial for maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem,” she added.
Dr Timmers emphasised the importance of a balanced ecosystem for resilience and recovery.
“An unbalanced ecosystem is more vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as thermal stress, which has already deteriorated many reefs.
“While some of these impacts are beyond local control, maintaining a balanced ecosystem through proper conservation efforts can significantly aid in recovery,” she said.
These findings underscore the urgent need for measures to protect and restore the marine ecosystems of the Solomon Islands.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
