02-10-2008, 05:58 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: York, UK
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|  Scuba Diver study reveals Plectropomus Areolatus (Tiau) count, up
Quote:
The number of “tiau” counted in Ebiil channel is much higher than the previous counts last year, according to Tino Kloulechad of the Palau Conservation Society (PCS).
Kloulechad and Colin Joseph, both certified PCS scuba divers, visited Ebiil channel on Tuesday, Feb. 5. According to both divers, the number of “tiau” and other species of fish in the area is much higher as compared to counts from previous months, especially February of 2007.
According to Kloulechad, PCS does a fish aggregation check of Ebiil channel on a monthly basis. He said that the monitoring began as part of an effort to preserve and protect Ebiil Conservation Area – established in February of 2000. Since then, Kloulechad said, PCS has, with the consent and support of Ngarchelong State Government and the community, worked to ensure the area, particularly Ebiil channel, is monitored, and sustained.
According to Kloulechad, the fish aggregation count is restricted to a transect section of Ebiil channel. The section is approximately 20 ft. by 200 ft. Each month, he said, PCS divers visit Ebiil channel to count the number of fish species in the transected area. He further added that, for long-term study purposes and scientific authenticity, no fish outside of the transected area is included in the count.
According to Kloulechad, on Tuesday he and Joseph counted 62 “tiau” seen in the transected area of Ebiil channel. Further, he said, they also saw more of the fish species outside of the transected area.
Kloulechad said that the number of “tiau” counted and the presence of other fish species in Ebiil is unusually high. He added that the rise in population of fish species in Ebiil channel is a good thing, and further studies are needed to determine the factors that have contributed to the increase. Moreover, such factors need to be emphasized in order that the biodiversity in Ebiil Conservation Area is sustained indefinitely.
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