The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area

By: I Nyoman Budi Satriya

Background

The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (NPMPA) classified in category VI of the IUCN category, it was established on 2010 and aims for sustainable fishing and the protection of marine biodiversity. The area of Nusa Penida Islands is located in the global coral reef triangle, which has been prioritized as the most conservation area in the world. It comprises of three islands : Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, including seven zones, namely the core zone, sustainable fishing zone, the zone for a particular purpose, marine ecotourism zone, seaweed farming zone, sacred zone and the seaports zone.

Nusa Penida Location

Each zone has a different function and usability, but in general all aimed at protecting the environment in these waters. In an area of ​​120 hectares that became the core zone, fishing and tourism activities are prohibited since the area is only specifically used for education and research purposes. Meanwhile, in the marine ecotourism zone that covering an area of ​​1,221 hectares is only used for tourist activity, yet fishing is prohibited in this area. 

The largest zone is the area of ​​sustainable fishing (17,264 hectares), local fishermen are welcome to take the fish in this zone, by using environmentally friendly fishing methods which do not damage the marine ecosystem. The fishermen are also allowed to take fish in the special use zone, but only at 4pm until 9am. In addition to fishing activity, local residents are also doing seaweed farming in the agricultural zone covering an area of ​​464 hectares of sea grass. The sacred zone (​​46,71 hectares) is the area around the temple on the coast. The using of speed boat is prohibited in this zone, but tourists can still go diving and snorkeling in the special area marked with buoys. Lastly, is an area of seaport zone, which ships transport are operated near the Padangbai Port Bali.

Cooperative Management

Stakeholders include seaweed farmers, fisherman, local traditional groups, and tourism sector (i.e dive operator) have conducted several meetings in order to achieve mutual understanding due to the formation of the MPA. The local district government along with the stakeholders has reached mutual understanding due to the operation of the MPA. The agreement covers many points related to the operation of MPA in Nusa Penida Island. The division of several zones is the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesian Government, Klungkung regency government, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), USAID, the Coral Triangle Support Partnership, and local indigenous people in Nusa Penida district.

Economic and Ecosystem Values

Nusa Penida district which has three main islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are all surrounded by fringing reefs with an area of 1600 hectares and consists of 296 species of coral.

Mangrove forest area is approximately 230 hectares located in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. There are 13 species of mangrove and 7 plant associations. The mangrove forests serve as a source of fisheries resources, ecotourism, natural beach protection and carbon dioxide absorbent. Seagrass beds in Nusa Penida have an area of about 108 hectares,  seagrass is generally found in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

There are 567 types of coral fish, pelagic and bottom fish. Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins also sometimes cross the waters of Nusa Penida. In the waters of Nusa Penida, there are two types of turtle : green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Some beaches in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan alleged turtle nesting sites.

Important facts

Mola-mola (sunfish) habitats in Nusa Penida Coastal Water

Mola-mola (sunfish)

• NPMPA covers an area of 20,057 hectares, and attracted 200,000 tourist visits annualy.
• Deep sea fish such as Mola-Mola (sunfish) appeared in the waters of Nusa Penida around the month of July to September each year
• Manta rays are often found in groups and can be found throughout the year
• There are 20 dive points and several nautical sports such as surfing, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, sailing and kayaking in marine ecotourism zone.