Blue Prosperity Fiji’s Ocean Science Expedition

CAKAUDROVE

PROVINCE

Fiji’s largest nationwide coral reef assessment
supports sustainable ocean management

From May to August 2023, Fiji completed the largest assessment of the nation’s coral reefs. Science divers gathered biodiversity and health data on coral, fish, and invertebrate communities across 272 survey sites.

Data was also collected on sewage and nutrient concentrations on the reefs. A total of 91 temperature loggers were installed, which will record ocean temperatures every hour for the next three years so that we can better understand climate change's impacts on reefs.

This information will inform the management, protection, and sustainable use of Fiji’s ocean. The ocean is crucial to Fijians, providing food, employment, and prosperity. The results of this expedition will help us better understand coral reef health, including identifying areas of concern.

ABOUT THE
SCIENCE EXPEDITION

CAKAUDROVE PROVINCE

24 JUNE - 7 AUGUST, 2023

Teams of science divers from Fiji and abroad conducted underwater surveys around Cakaudrove Province to gather data.

The following is a snapshot of what divers observed and does not provide a stock assessment for any specific species or a holistic view of ecosystem health. Data analysis is underway, and all findings will be available in a final report at a later date.

Photographs taken at each survey site were used to create 3D maps of reefs allowing scientists to examine details, such as identifying coral species, percent cover (i.e., what percent of the reef is coral, algae, etc.), coral diversity, juvenile coral density and diversity, and rugosity (structural complexity of the reef).

WHAT WAS SEEN AT THE
CAKAUDROVE PROVINCE?

Preliminary highlights from Macuata Province show diverse, resilient marine life and signs of threats. Some reefs had healthy corals and many different types of fishes. At other sites, divers saw signs of coral bleaching and dead corals.

The threatened species observed included: humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), squaretail coral grouper (Plectropomus areolatus), camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion), brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus).

WHICH AREAS WERE STUDIED?

HOW WILL EXPEDITION INFORMATION BE USED?

The information collected from the expedition will complement
existing local research and knowledge to improve our understanding
of Fiji’s coral reefs. This will help Fiji’s government and communities
determine actions to boost food security, livelihoods, and sustainable
economic growth. Decision-makers can use expedition information to
inform and support coastal planning needs.

EXPLORE THE
INTERACTIVE MAP

SUPPORTING
PARTNERS