Salome Tuimaloku from the Ministry of Fisheries, takes photos to create 3-D imagery of a coral reef. Photo by Joe Lepore, Waitt Institute
Suva, Fiji - The largest nationwide assessment of Fiji’s coral reefs has successfully
concluded after 9 weeks of dive surveys. 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
“This expedition has been a truly collaborative effort involving many Government
Ministries, NGOs partners, communities, and international scientists. We have all
come together as a team and pulled off the best and biggest national science
expedition to ever take place in Fiji.” said the Minister of Fisheries and Forestry,
Honourable Kalaveti Ravu.
Locations of the 272 dive sites surveyed during the expedition.
“The completion of the Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition is a historic
moment for Fiji and will greatly improve our understanding of the current condition of our coral reefs. This study will provide the Government the tools to better manage
our ocean, and also provide communities with concrete information to understand
what lies below our waters.” said Blue Prosperity Fiji Country Manager, Arthur Sokimi.
The expedition began with community consultations to over 100 qoliqoli owners and
communities to request permission to survey their waters.
“Through the leadership and support of the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, and
the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, this was a transparent process and we visited coastal
communities to present sevusevu to seek permission for research to take place in
their waters. This also gave us the space to listen to their needs and priorities,” said
Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, Co-Primary Investigator of the Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science
Expedition.
Community meeting in Nacula, Yasawa, to present sevusevu and request permission for the expedition dives. Photo by Arthur Sokimi, Blue Prosperity Fiji.
Throughout the expedition, teams of divers collected information on coral reef
health, fish and macroinvertebrates, and water quality. Teams also placed 88
temperature loggers across Fiji to better track ocean temperatures through time.
Data collected will provide holistic information about Fiji's current coral reef health.
However, data collected will not provide a stock assessment for any specific marine
species or resource.
“The learnings from this expedition will build upon, not replace, extensive traditional
and scientific knowledge and existing monitoring and research efforts in Fiji. We
have collected a wealth of new information about Fiji’s marine life and resources,
now we will work with our partners to process and analyze the data and ensure that
all relevant information is shared with the public,” said Andrew Estep, Science
Director at the Waitt Institute.
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. Organizations
included in the planning and execution are the University of the South Pacific (USP)
Institute of Applied Sciences, World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Conservation
International (CI), the Pacific Community (SPC), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS),
Uto Ni Yalo (UNY), Pacific Blue Foundation (PBF), Centre for Island Research and
Environmental Observatory (CRIOBE), Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the
Waitt Institute.
This science expedition is part of the Blue Prosperity Fiji program, a partnership
between the Government of Fiji and the Waitt Institute to support 100% sustainable
ocean management and fully protect at least 30% of Fiji’s waters. Information
collected will help inform future ocean planning efforts and research.
“I feel lucky to have witnessed the incredible marine life and diversity we have in Fiji,
but was saddened to see damage on our reefs, such as coral bleaching, damage
from storms, and areas without much fish. This reminds us of the urgent need to
proactively manage our ocean and protect at least 30% of our waters so that we can
preserve the treasures we have in our country.” added Arthur Sokimi, Blue Prosperity
Fiji Country Manager.
Feather star in the Lau Province. Photo by Joe Lepore.
“The most touching part was the chance to work together, share ideas, and build
capacity. I hope going forward we can continue collaboration to ensure we leave
behind an ocean that is productive and healthy for the benefit of future generations,”
said Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition’s Co-Primary
Investigator.
Divers on the Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition. Photo by Joe Lepore, Waitt Institute.
Learn more at blueprosperityfiji.org and follow the programme’s Facebook and
Instagram @blueprosperityfiji for updates.
Please credit photos to the photographer and organisation.
Underwater photos by Joe Lepore, Waitt Institute
Drone photos by Andrew Estep, Waitt Institute
Community photos by Arthur Sokimi, Blue Prosperity Fiji
About Blue Prosperity Fiji
Blue Prosperity Fiji is a programme to support a healthy ocean, thriving
communities, and prosperous economies in Fiji. The programme will focus on
protecting ocean habitats while supporting ocean industries and sustainable
fisheries. Led by the Government of Fiji, the Blue Prosperity Fiji programme will
incorporate community consultations, scientific research, and traditional knowledge
to sustainably manage Fiji's ocean.
Media Inquiries:
Ellen Spooner
Blue Prosperity Fiji Media and Strategic Communications Manager
+1 (520) 429-5828
espooner@waittinstitute.org
Arthur Sokimi
Blue Prosperity Fiji Country Manager
+679 (732) 7333
asokimi@blueprosperityfiji.org