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 in 272 survey sites across the country.
From 16 May - 4 June, 2023, teams of science divers from Fiji and abroad conducted underwater surveys around Nadroga-Navosa Province to gather data.
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
NADROGA-NAVOSA PROVINCE?
Preliminary highlights from Nadroga-Navosa 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.
ABOUT THE
SCIENCE EXPEDITION
This is the largest nation-wide assessment of Fiji’s coral reefs, and was led by Government, working in close collaboration with NGOs, academic institutions, and community consultations.
Data was collected on coral, fish, and invertebrate communities as well as 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.
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.
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 and determine effective ways to manage marine resources.
WHAT ACTIONS CAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS TAKE TO PROTECT THEIR QOLIQOLI?
Qoliqoli are also known as Customary Fishing Right Areas
Respect existing tabu areas
These are sacred or protected areas, where fishing and harvesting have been banned. By respecting these zones and their guidelines, communities can ensure marine life and ecosystems have a safe space to thrive and regenerate.
Establish new tabu areas*
Communities with customary ownership rights can design and establish new ‘tabu’ areas in their coastal waters. When deciding where a ‘tabu’ area should be, consider the types of fish you want to protect, types of habitats and how the fish use them, and ways to enforce guidelines and patrol those areas.
Reduce waste and keep the ocean clean
Disposing of waste properly is crucial for reef health. Do not throw trash, especially plastics, into the ocean, as it can degrade corals, harm marine life, and pollute the ocean. Get involved in or organize regular beach clean-ups to remove debris and plastic waste from coastal areas.
Be mindful when in and on the ocean
When boating, swimming, snorkeling or diving, avoid stepping on or touching corals. Corals are delicate, and even slight contact can cause damage. Be cautious of your movements to prevent accidentally breaking or disturbing the reef. For those with boats, use proper anchoring techniques, such as using mooring buoys instead of anchors to prevent damaging corals.
Promote sustainable fishing practices
Avoid the use of harmful nets, respect size limits and fishing seasons, and report illegal fishing and harvesting to authorities. This helps ensure the reef’s resources remain abundant and healthy.
Support ecotourism
Promote responsible tourism practices that minimize impact on the reef. This includes encouraging tourists to use eco-friendly boats and tour operators, avoid touching marine life, and respect local environmental regulations.
*If you are interested in establishing a ‘tabu’ area, reach out to Nanise Kuridrani, Director of Fisheries (nanisekuridrani@gmail.com) at the Ministry of Fisheries.
ABOUT THE EXPEDITION DATA
The Final Science Report is currently under development and will include more detailed information and analysis from the expedition. 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.
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.
