participation in discussing village issues was also measured. This indicator is also related to
equity because it indicates the level of awareness of, and transparency in, village government.
Assessment of biological sustainability
The indicators measured were the level of fish catches and the fisher’s perceptions of the health
of the marine environment. The questions related both to village territories and the wider fishing
grounds, thus not specifically confined to the sasi area. The perceptions of fishers were compared
with the results of actual biological surveys conducted in sasi and non-sasi areas (see below).
b) Performance analysis survey of biological aspects
The coral reef habitats in the case study villages of Nolloth, Haruku, Seri and Hutumuri were
surveyed as these represented sasi and non-sasi sites. In addition, more limited data were
collected from immediately adjacent marine areas (Ihamahu, Itawaka, Lapaut, Airlow).
Ihamahu and Itawaka are sasi villages; Airlow and Lapaut are non-sasi. Data were collected
separately inside the specific coral reef areas protected under sasi (Table 2.7).
In each sampling site, one or all of the following indicators were measured (Table 2.7):
1. The percentage cover of live coral on the coral reef habitat (% living coral/total area)
was measured by an observer during 2-minute manta tows along the reef crest (also
see English et al. 1994). In each case, the entire length of the village’s marine territory
was surveyed. Any visible bomb damage or bleaching of corals was documented for
each sample.
2. The number of species of butterfly fish present on any reef flat, crest and slope as
counted within 30-minute inspections using a standard photographic fish identification
guide.
3. The number of top shells (Trochus niloticus) within random, 50 m x 1 m belt quadrates
at 3-5 m depth on reef flats measured with a 50 m fiberglass tape measure.
4. The number of sea cucumbers (all species) found within random, 50 m x 1 m belt
quadrates at 3-5 m depth on reef flats measured with a 50 m fiberglass tape measure.
5. The number of top shells and sea cucumbers collected by experienced local harvesters
within 5-minute searches in 3-5 m deep reef flat areas.
In every case, the same researcher, either I. Novaczek or P. Manihin SP, collected each specific
data type.
The average percentage cover of living corals and number of blasting scars per tow were
calculated for each site. The species of butterfly fish were tabulated and total numbers
compared. Average numbers of sea cucumbers and top shells in the coral reef habitats were
calculated and compared in sasi and non-sasi areas.
2.3.3 Analysis of performance study
All data analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical package (1997 version). Data were
divided into two groups: from sasi villages and from non-sasi villages. Within each group,
the average values for current conditions for each of the indicators were calculated. The results
were compared between groups using chi square tests.
20 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia