WASHINGTON, DC, May 10, 2002 (ENS) - Three new species of fish and nine species of coral new to science have been discovered in the waters around the African island country of Madagascar.

An Australian corals expert who is credited with having described over one-third of the known corals on Earth joined scientists from Conservation International's Center for Applied Biodiversity Science in Washington, DC and five Malagasy scientists, a corals specialist from France and another Australian scientist to make up the 10 member exploratory group.

The survey took place from January 6 to 26 along a 200 kilometer stretch of the far northwestern coast of Madagascar.

Dr. John "Charlie" Veron, chief scientist of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, led the corals team which nearly doubled the number of described corals known to exist in Madagascar.

Drs. Charlie Veron and his wife Mary Stafford-Smith receiving an award at the CRC Reef Research Centre, Townsville. (Photo by Russell Reichelt courtesy AIMS)

Preliminary results indicate that the majority of reefs surveyed were in fair to good condition. Bleaching was light and appeared to be in the early stages, the researchers found.

In addition to nine new coral species, a further eight species are possibly undescribed and many new range extensions were noted.

"Madagascar gets a lot of attention for its biodiversity on land, but its marine habitats are equally precious and threatened," said Dr. Sheila McKenna, who directs Conservation International's Marine Rapid Assessment Program. The lemurs of Madagascar are primates that have been the focus of conservation efforts. McKenna says, "Corals are as exciting as lemurs, and their well-being requires as much attention."

New species of damselfish found in Madagascar (Photo courtesy Conservation International)

Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) surveys are intended as short term field assessments by a team of experts recruited from the international scientific community. The results of this survey will help Malagasy policy makers in future designation of marine protected areas.

Conservation International says Madagascar's coral reefs can best be sustainably protected and managed with participation from local community groups. The RAP team visited 15 villages and established contact with the heads of each village and with select fishermen.

Up to 75 percent of the men living in villages within the survey area engage in fishing as their livelihood, targeting at least 55 reef fish species. These local fishermen are concerned about the apparent decline of fish in both size and abundance, the RAP team found.

The local fishermen worry about the presence of immigrant fishermen who conduct 80 percent of the fishing in the area without regard for the environment or local customs. The migrant fishermen seldom respect local beliefs and taboos related to the natural environment.

As a result, the RAP team reports, there are frequent conflicts among villagers and a general disrespect for the environment. Major problemsinclude poor health standards, few educational opportunities, shortage of potable water, erosion due to mangrove destruction, and lack of economic resources as migrant fishermen do not return their profits to the local economy.

Survey results include:

• 304 species of hard corals
• At least nine new coral species.
• At least 400 mollusc species.
• 460 species of reef fishes recorded, with at least 576 predicted for the survey area.
• At least three new fish species.