Fiji’s Largest Nationwide Assessment of Coral Reefs

From May to August 2023, Fiji completed the largest assessment of the nation’s coral reefs. The expedition began with community consultations with over 100 qoliqoli owners and communities to request permission to survey their waters. Throughout the expedition, 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.

We need to change course for the sake of maintaining the health of our ocean, on which we depend, to provide a better future for our people.

Dr. Joeli Veitayaki
Blue Prosperity Fiji,
Co-Principle Investigator

WHERE THE EXPEDITION WENT

Divers studied coral reef habitats at 272 locations across the country and encountered almost 500 different species of fish, highlighting Fiji’s rich and diverse marine life.

Phase One surveyed 95 sites in the areas of Viti Levu, Beqa, Yanuca, Western Lomaiviti and the Yasawa group of islands
Phase Two surveyed 99 sites in the areas of Eastern Lomaiviti, Vanua Levu and Taveuni
Phase Three surveyed 78 sites in the Lau Seascape

ABOUT THE
EXPEDITION

PRELIMINARY SCIENCE REPORT

This report provides an overview of the expedition, detailing the activities conducted, the data collected, the methods used for data collection, and the process for analysing the data. It also outlines the next steps toward completing the Final Science Report.

Preliminary Report Data Packages:

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION DATA

The data from the expedition is still being processed and has not been released. Findings will provide baseline information about coral reef health, fish and invertebrate populations, and water quality. Data collected will not provide a stock assessment for any specific species.

This information will build upon, not replace, extensive traditional and scientific knowledge and existing monitoring and research efforts in Fiji.

The information collected will help inform the best way to manage, protect, and sustainably use Fiji's oceans. The government will make the findings public in a report.

Salome Tuimaloku from the Ministry of Fisheries, takes photos to create 3-D imagery of a coral reef. Photo by Joe Lepore, Waitt Institute.

WHAT INFORMATION WAS GATHERED?

Fish Counts: Divers sized and counted fish species and number of fishes within a specific area. This process helps determine the variety of fishes present and the health of their populations at that section of the reef.

Invertebrate Counts: Divers tallied the number of invertebrates, such as lobsters, urchins, giant clams, trochus, and sea cucumbers.

Water Quality: Divers collected algae samples to look at sewage input from humans or agriculture as well as nutrient and carbon content of the water. In addition, temperature loggers are currently still collecting data to help provide insights on water quality.

Coral Data: Divers captured photos of the ocean floor, counted baby corals, created 3D models of reefs, and gathered information about coral diversity and reef structure.

HOW WERE COMMUNITIES CONSULTED?

Through the Roko Tui, more than 100 communities were consulted before the expedition. Consultations were directed by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and conducted by Ministry of Fisheries, Blue Prosperity Fiji and World Wide Fund for Nature, adhering to traditional protocols.

Communities granted permission to conduct assessments in their waters through the signing of free, prior and informed consent forms.

COMMUNITIES AND EXPEDITION INFORMATION

HOW CAN COMMUNITIES USE THIS INFORMATION?

Communities with customary ownership rights and other stakeholders can use this data to gain insights into the health of coral reefs and determine effective ways to manage marine resources. This may include the design and establishment of tabu areas (or Marine Protected Areas), among other local management rules.

The data can also help inform decisions about sustainable development and Blue Economy projects across industries like ecotourism and other conservation-based businesses.

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.

MARINE
PROTECTION IN FIJI

FIJI IS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLY MANAGING 100% OF ITS OCEAN AND FULLY PROTECTING 30%

100% sustainable ocean management means taking care of Fiji’s ocean and all its resources to ensure long-term health and productivity for both the ocean and the people.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are fully protected areas that prohibit activities that have negative impacts on the ecosystem. Examples of potentially damaging “extractive activities” include dumping, infrastructure development, fishing, and mining. Marine Protected Areas can be enjoyed through “non-extractive activities,” such as swimming, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling.

BENEFITS OF MARINE
PROTECTED AREAS (MPAS)

Protecting and restoring the marine environment
Replenishing commercially important fish stocks
Protecting fish nursery habitats and spawning grounds
Maintaining full diversity of their marine life
Protecting unique underwater geologic features
Safeguarding underwater cultural heritage
Ensuring long-term sustainable use of natural resources
Increasing revenue and job opportunities for tourism and ocean-related industries

HOW ARE MPAs ESTABLISHED?

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public, participatory, and science-based planning process and tool that seeks to balance ecological, economic, and social objectives, aiming for sustainable marine resource use and prosperous blue economies.

The MSP process involves mapping out different activities and uses in a marine area, such as shipping lanes, fishing grounds, and renewable energy sites, and determining ways to sustainably manage limited resources and competing uses.

ABOUT
BLUE PROSPERITY FIJI

Blue Prosperity Fiji is a program to support a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and prosperous economies in Fiji. The program will focus on protecting ocean habitats while supporting ocean industries and sustainable fisheries. Led by the Government of Fiji, the Blue Prosperity Fiji program will incorporate community consultations, scientific research, and traditional knowledge to sustainably manage Fiji's ocean.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BLUE PROSPERITY FIJI

SUPPORTING
PARTNERS

This effort was led by the Government of Fiji, with guidance from the Office of the Prime Minister through the Department of Environment and the Climate Change Division, Ministry of Fisheries, and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, working in close collaboration with universities and non-governmental organizations including the University of the South Pacific (USP), World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Conservation International (CI), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Uto Ni Yalo (UNY), Pacific Blue Foundation (PBF), CRIOBE, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Sandin Lab, and the Waitt Institute.