Marine Rapid Assessment of the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia

The Togeans are a picturesque group of islands in the large Tomini Bay of Central Sulawesi, with coral reefs known for their vast biodiversity and rich marine resources. The Togean-Banggai archipelago was declared a marine tourist park in 1990, but fears exist about its long-term protection, and many organizations are working in concert to improve regional development planning and natural resource management, including community-protected areas. This rapid assessment offers an idea of the many species of fish, coral and other marine life present in the region, collecting the raw data necessary to ensure conservation efforts are informed and efficient.

S. A. McKenna is director of the Marine Biodiversity Analysis Program at the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science at Conservation International.N. Baillon is director of services of aquaculture and fishing at the Department of Economic Development and Environment, Province Nord.H. Blaffart is project director at the Mount Panié Co-management Conservation Area, Maruia Trust of New Caledonia Association. G. Abrusci is technical coordinator of the Marine Biodiversity Analysis Program at the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science at Conservation International. Sheila A. McKenna is director of the Marine Rapid Assessment Program of Conservation International's Center for Applied Biodiversity Science. Gerald R. Allen is a research scientist for the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science.