Mooring Buoy Maintenance Within Komodo National Park: 2009 Report
Mooring Buoy Maintenance Within Komodo National Park: 2009 Report
Mooring Buoy Maintenance Within Komodo National Park: 2009 Report
Mooring Buoy Maintenance
within Komodo National Park
2009
Lead Sponsor: Henry Foundation
Report from The Nature Conservancy, Coastal and Marine Program Indonesia
in collaboration with PT Putri Naga Komodo, September 2009
Compiled by:
Andrew Harvey MSc, Conservation Manager
PT Putri Naga Komodo
Jl Pengembak No 3, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ........................................................................................................................3
Komodo National Park ............................................................................................................. 3
Komodo Mooring Buoys........................................................................................................... 4
Project Summary ...............................................................................................................5
Public consultation .................................................................................................................... 5
Baseline Survey........................................................................................................................... 5
Priority Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 5
Routine Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 8
Outcomes..............................................................................................................................9
Next steps .......................................................................................................................... 11
Routine Maintenance Program........................................................................................... 11
Safety labelling ......................................................................................................................... 11
Mooring Buoy User Guidelines ........................................................................................... 11
Additional moorings............................................................................................................... 11
Budget ................................................................................................................................ 12
Appendix 1 Mooring Buoy Systems in Komodo National Park .................... 13
Appendix 2 Public consultation ............................................................................. 16
Appendix 3 Maintenance SOPs ............................................................................... 16
2
INTRODUCTION
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park, Indonesia (Figure 1) is widely recognized as an exceptional
storehouse of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity with global significance. The
waters of Komodo National Park (KNP) are home to coral reefs, seamounts and
seagrass beds that contain over 350 species of coral and more tan 1,000 species
of fish. This is the heart of the Coral Triangle – the richest marine region on Earth.
Figure 1: The boundary of Komodo National Park, Indonesia encircles 1,200km2 of highly
diverse marine waters.
KNP’s unique biodiversity and scenic beauty make it one of the most visited nature
reserves in Indonesia, in spite of its remoteness. Visitor numbers peaked at
32,000 in 1996, with subsequent political and economic instability in the region
reducing that number by a third. Today tourism is again on the increase. In 2001
the number of local dive operators more than doubled from 2 to 5 operators.
Airline arrivals and Park ticket sales continue to increase, and there is no doubt
that Komodo will remain an important tourism destination, especially for diving
and snorkeling.
Increased tourism is both an opportunity and a threat to the marine biodiversity of
the Park. Through a system of Park entry fees, dive tourists contribute to the
financing of Park. However, increased dive tourism also means more vessels
looking for a secure anchorage. Uncontrolled anchoring, particularly on or around
fragile coral reefs, can seriously damage the Park’s marine habitats and their
capacity to support associated biodiversity.
This threat can be abated by the deployment of mooring buoys near dive sites and
other tourism focal points, in combination with Park regulations that prohibit dive
vessels from anchoring on the reefs. Mooring buoy regulations have successfully
been implemented in other marine protected areas around the world (e.g. Bonaire
Marine Park, Caribbean). PADI, one of the leading dive associations in the world,
3
has highlighted the need for mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage to corals
and has championed their use worldwide1.
Komodo Mooring Buoys
Since 1996, The Nature Conservancy’s Indonesia Coastal and Marine Program has
implemented a multi-faceted marine conservation program in Komodo, working
with the Indonesian National Parks Authority, PT Putri Naga Komodo, and other
partners. We drafted a 25 Year Master Plan for Management of KNP, which was
endorsed by the government, and outlined stricter anchoring regulations The
Master Plan prohibits anchoring in the Wilderness Zone, the Tourism Use Zone, the
Special Research and Training Zone and in the Buffer Zones, except in waters with
a 100% sandy bottom or anywhere in waters deeper than 30 meters. On all other
locations only mooring buoys may be used to secure boats.
In response to increasing tourism pressure in the Park, several mooring buoy
installation programs have been completed in the Park (Table 1). However the
rigors of the marine environment - including biological degradation by fouling
organisms, strong currents and occasional storms - mean that mooring systems
require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure their longevity. Through the
generous support of the Henry Foundation, we were able to assess the condition of
KNP’s moorings buoy systems, repair priority moorings, improve systems for
regular maintenance by our partners, and identify priority sites for additional
moorings.
1
Mous P.J. 2001 (Ed). Report Workshop on Sustainable Marine Tourism in Komodo National Park. Grand Bali
Beach Hotel, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia. February 28-March 2, 2001. Organized and hosted by The Nature
Conservancy, Coastal and Marine Program - Indonesia in collaboration with PADI-AWARE. 31 p
4
PROJECT SUMMARY
Public consultation
A public consultation was initiated in January 2009 to seek feedback on mooring
buoys from all vessel operators in the Park. We asked operators to help identify
which moorings were missing or required maintenance, and which areas of the
Park required additional mooring buoys (Appendix 2).
Results from the public consultation were combined with the findings of the
baseline survey to identify priority maintenance.
Baseline Survey
From the 5th through 12 of March a survey of the mooring buoys in KNP was
undertaken by PNK, Dive Komodo and Newman Biomarine. Two speedboats
(Cakalang and Tengirri) from PNK were used over 5 days to survey the moorings.
Over 40 mooring sites were searched for and inspected. Only 13 moorings were
considered to be in serviceable condition. All moorings showed considerable signs
of growth by fouling organisms. Several moorings had been affected by normal
wear and tear.
Based on the results of this survey, a detailed list of required equipment, tools and
spare parts was developed. A detailed work list was drafted and prioritised in
preparation for priority maintenance.
Priority Maintenance
All equipment identified through the baseline survey was sourced in Surabaya and
shipped to Komodo.
5
Figure 3: Mooring buoy components being assembled on shore.
Installations, repairs and cleanings were undertaken over nine days. Initially four
divers working over four days from PNK speedboats focused on moorings requiring
minor repairs. Major repairs and heavy lifting were conducted from a chartered
15m vessel by a team of seven divers over 5 days. Work completed included:
• Physical removal of all fouling organisms from mooring line down to a depth
of 30m.
6
• Retrieval of worn mooring lines and attachment of new mooring lines to
existing anchors.
• Retrieval of corroded anchor chains and attachment of new chains to
existing anchors.
This phase of the project increased the number of serviceable moorings in the Park
from 13 to 40. All serviceable moorings have been checked for physical integrity,
and currently provide a safe and environmentally sustainable anchorage to
vessels. Regular inspection and maintenance is required to ensure moorings
remain in a safe and serviceable condition.
Figure 6: The combined efforts of two divers are needed to physically remove established
fouling organisms from a mooring line.
7
Routine Maintenance
To ensure Komodo’s moorings systems remain in a safe and serviceable condition
for users, and continue to preserve the Park’s fragile habitats, regular inspection
and maintenance is essential. We are working with the Komodo National Park
Authority and PNK to improve on a history of ad hoc and poorly planned mooring
buoy maintenance programs in the Park. We expect that an effective maintenance
program will maximise the life expectancy of buoys, reducing costs and minimising
environmental damage form anchors.
We have developed an SOP for mooring buoy maintenance that will be coordinated
by PNK working with Komodo National Park Authority rangers. The SOP consist of
the following key elements:
• A detailed list of required types and quantities of mooring buoy components
to be maintained in the stores.
• Standard proforma for documenting visual inspections of mooring buoys
systems from the surface and underwater.
• A schedule for surface visual inspection of all moorings every two weeks
during routine Park patrols.
• A schedule for underwater visual inspection and cleaning of all moorings
every four months.
• Standard templates for developing work lists for repairs based on inspection
findings.
• Standard procedures for completing surface repairs within two weeks during
routine Park patrols.
• Standard procedures for completing underwater repairs every 12 months.
The SOP has been developed with PNK staff, and required training has been
provided. We will continue to work with PNK and the Komodo National Park
authority over the coming months to implement this program.
8
OUTCOMES
There are now 40 operational mooring buoys in Komodo National Park (Table 2), a
significant improvement from the 13 at the outset of this project. Most buoys are
receiving daily use and appear to be holding up well to high usage. Many dive boat
operators and yacht owners have expressed their satisfaction and commendations
at the quality of the moorings.
A regular maintenance program is in the process of being implemented.
Procedures have already been developed, key staff identified, and training
provided. We will continue to monitor the implementation of this program,
responding to feedback and providing support where required.
Figure 8: A small boat using a mooring shortly after repairs were completed.
9
Table 2: Position of all mooring buoys currently in service in Komodo.
10
NEXT STEPS
A mooring buoy network that maintains high safety standards, addresses user
needs and minimises environmental damage requires ongoing attention. We are
keen to build continue building the successes of this project while anticipating
future needs through the following next steps.
Routine Maintenance Program
We will continue to provide technical and logistical support to partner organisations
during the initial stages of implementing a regular mooring buoy inspection and
maintenance program. Next steps include establishing a stockpile of mooring buoy
components, developing a purchasing and ordering system for replacement parts,
and monitoring and reviewing maintenance SOPs.
Additional funds required $0
Safety labelling
Two types of mooring buoys are deployed in the Park, rated to either 25 gross
tonnes or 250 gross tonnes. Moorings can currently be distinguished by the type of
buoy used; however this assumes that users have prior knowledge of the Park
mooring system. To ensure that all users can correctly identify mooring types,
their rated maximum loading should be stencilled directly onto the buoy.
Additional funds required $ 500
Mooring Buoy User Guidelines
To encourage Park users to use mooring buoys rather than dropping anchors,
mooring locations must be widely communicated. Additionally, correct use of a
mooring system will maximise user safety and mooring live expectancy. There is
an urgent need to develop and distribute communications materials for marine
users that include a map of mooring buoy locations and usage instructions. A
downloadable map, compatible with shipboard navigation systems, will also be
made available through the Komodo National Park website.
Additional funds required $ 2,000
Additional moorings
There is an urgent need for additional moorings in high traffic areas of the Park.
Certain areas, particularly Pink Beach, Loh Buaya and Gili Lawa, do not have
sufficient moorings and boats are forced to use anchors. Fourteen additional
moorings should be prioritised and installed before peak tourist season 2010.
Additional funds required $ 20,000
11
BUDGET
Income
Expense
Contractors $5,718.78
Fuel $1,570.68
12
APPENDIX 1 MOORING BUOY SYSTEMS IN KOMODO NATIONAL
PARK
Figure 9: Schematic representation of the ‘Halas system’ mooring installed in KNP in 1996
and 1997.
13
Figure 10: Schematic representation of the anchored "big boat" moorings installed in KNP
in 2001 (courtesy David Barnett, Offshore Moorings).
14
Figure 11: Schematic representation of the manta anchor mooring system installed in KNP
during 2007.
15
1 Do we need more buoys
mooringbuoys
For Komodo National Park & World Heritage Site
Dear Marine Tourism Operator, WITH REFERENCE TO THE REGION MAP AND USING THE SCALES AS A
APPENDIX 2
Thank you for your feedback. GUIDELINE, PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL THAT EACH ZONE:
The network of mooring buoys throughout Komodo National 0. Requires no additional buoys, 3. Has a moderate need for additional buoys,
Park provide a secure mooring for vessels whilst minimizing 1. Has a low need for additional buoys, 4.
2. 5. Has an urgent need for additional buoys.
and email, using the following form.
As the first step in this process, we invite feedback and 12 Rinca S & Loh Dasami
ideas from Park users to ensure the maintenance is targeted 13 Rinca SW & Padar SE
towards their needs. 14 Padar NW
15 Gili Motang N
Thank you for your input, your responses are greatly
16 Gili Motang S
appreciated.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
16
1 Do we need more buoys
mooringbuoys
For Komodo National Park & World Heritage Site
Dear Marine Tourism Operator, WITH REFERENCE TO THE REGION MAP AND USING THE SCALES AS A
Thank you for your feedback. GUIDELINE, PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL THAT EACH ZONE:
The network of mooring buoys throughout Komodo National 0. Requires no additional buoys, 3. Has a moderate need for additional buoys,
Park provide a secure mooring for vessels whilst minimizing 1. Has a low need for additional buoys, 4.
2. 5. Has an urgent need for additional buoys.
the effects of anchor damage on fragile coral reefs.
Need for additional buoys
Zero (0) – High (5)
In preparation for the 2009 tourism season, PNK will be
undertaking a program of buoy maintenance. The program 1 Komodo N
will consist of: 2 Komodo NE
As the first step in this process, we invite feedback and 12 Rinca S & Loh Dasami
ideas from Park users to ensure the maintenance is targeted 13 Rinca SW & Padar SE
towards their needs. 14 Padar NW
15 Gili Motang N
Thank you for your input, your responses are greatly
16 Gili Motang S
appreciated.
Outside boundary – Labuan Bajo
to Papagaran
Best wishes,
Andrew Harvey ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Conservation Manager
andrew@putrinagakomodo.com
17
APPENDIX 3 MAINTENANCE SOPS
Year 2010
e
ic
rv
Se
of
J F M A M J J A S O N D
ut
Buoy No. Position Date
O
GLB-B2-01 08 29 633 119 33 088 o X X
GLB-B2-02 08 29 635 119 32 995 o x x
GLD-B6-01 08 28 603 119 33 373 o x x
GLD-S6-01 08 28 430 119 32 000 o x x
GLL-B2-01 08 26 852 119 34 787 o x x
GLL-B2-02 08 26 787 199 34 161 o x x
GLL-S2-01 08 26 901 119 34 080 o x x
GLS-B6-01 08 27 548 119 33 963 o x x
KKM-B2-01 08.36.702 119.29.178 o x x
KKM-S6-01 08.38.760 119.29.030 o x x
KRC-S6-01 08 36 400 119 46 307 o x x
LBY-B6-01 08 37 675 119 42 625 o x x
LBY-B6-02 08 38 237 119 42 935 o x x
LDS-B2-01 8 47 314 119 39 476 o x x
LDS-B2-2 8 47 389 119 40 396 o x x
LDS-B2-03 8 47 165 119 40 222 o x x
LLG-B6-01 08 34 512 119 30 722 o x x
LLG-B6-03 08 34 483 119 30 130 o x x
LLG-B6-04 08 34 439 119 30 230 o x x
LLG-S6-01 08 34 326 119 29 989 o x x
LLG-S6-01 08 34 281 119 29 998 o x x
LSR-B6-01 08.44.569 119.27.424 o x x
LSR-B6-02 08.44.500 119.27.400 o x x
MAW-B6-01 08 33 680 119 37 876 x o x
PKB-B2-01 08 36 332 119 31 464 x o x
PKB-B2-02 08 36 .370 119 31 387 x o x
PKB-S2-01 08 36 158 119 31 137 x o x
PKB-S2-04 8 36 15 119 31 269 x o x
PDR-B6-01 08 41 070 119 33 983 x o x
PDR-B6-02 08 40 524 119 33 438 x o x
PDW-S6-01 08.30.680 119.33.992 x o x
SYK-S6-01 08 30 574 119 42 178 x o x
SYK-S6-02 08 30 574 119 42 000 x o x
SAB-B6-01 08 31 687 119 34 670 x o x
SYB-B6-01 08 30 258 119 42 694 x o x
SKM-B6-01 08 43 953 119 24 964 x o x
SKM-B6-02 08 44 .030 119 25 081 x o x
TWB-B6-01 08 31 688 119 38 164 x o x
TWB-S1-009 TBA x o x
LBY- TBA x o x
/ Visual inpsection
x Underwater inspection & cleaning
o Maintenance work
18
Mooring Buoy Inspection Form Form 2a
Insp. Date
Vessel:
Visual Action
Team: Inspection Taken
d ?
ire
re e
es
c
qu
vi
u Lin lin
w ser
G ing uoy
le
k
e
f
ne ck
or
he o
b
ea ta
rt ut
ke d
oo &
Fu o
Ta e
Cl nd
r
up
r
s
n
i
pa
r
t
oa
ck
ro
Re
Pi
Fl
M
Buoy No. Lat Lon Comments
GLB-B2-01 08 29 633 119 33 088
Page 2 of 15
19
Mooring Buoy Sortie Work List Form 3b
Scheduled
Sortie Date
Vessel:
Team: Anchor Manta Riser Line Buoys
pe
r pe ro
n n r o y
1 ai 2 ho
c ai 2 n 3 4 y o oy
e h e h e ai kle e e oy uo bu bu
r c kl r C ckl An r c ckl Ch c l c kl e rop u B p p
o a o a t a o a r a e a bl b
c h h c h h h h h i v h n n n -u -u
-s -s an nc -s se -s -s im ai e ai ai ck ick
An D An D M A D Ri D Sw D Th M Ey M m Pi P
Buoy No. Lat Lon Comments
GLB-B2-01 08 29 633 119 33 088
Page 8 of 15
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