Fiji

Fiji has a rich diversity of marine species, strong cultural and economic ties to the ocean, and unique, centuries-old traditions of managing ocean resources at the village level. Recently Fiji’s government committed to establishing a large network of marine managed areas (MMAs). We are contributing to this important initiative by providing scientific information that can be used to enhance MMA effectiveness. We incorporate the findings into the global Science-to-Action initiative to identify successful marine conservation practices.

SCIENCE-TO-ACTION TOOLS

Marine Managed Areas: A Case Study in Fiji - Healthy Reef, Plenty Fish, Happy People
Eighty percent of Fiji's people live on the coast and rely heavily on marine resources for their livelihoods. With the increasing population and demand for these resources, Fiji's marine environment continues to be threatened by overfishing. The adoption of marine managed areas in local communities is now helping them to address this problem.

Understanding Your Marine Environment Using Indicator Species

Marine Managed Areas: Why Are They Important? (PDF, 1.2 MB)
This poster shows examples of the social, cultural, economic and ecological benefits that marine managed areas (MMAs) can provide to local communities.

Reef Connectivity
This poster illustrates how reefs are linked by dispersal of coral larvae. Because of this connectivity, well-managed reefs can function as a system and help neighboring reefs recover from the impacts of bleaching, poaching, over fishing and pollution.

Fiji's Coral Fish Discovery
Research showed that Fiji's coral reef fishes are genetically distinct from those of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomons Islands. This poster depicts the geographic areas in which the different fishes are found.

Microdocs
Brief videos provide an overview of scientific findings related to conservation of coral reefs.

RESEARCH
We collaborate with the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network and other partners to identify research needs and to develop work plans. Our research projects are investigating ecological and genetic connections among populations and habitats; economic and cultural importance of marine resources; and ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural outcomes of marine managed areas. We are also assessing the effectiveness and contribution of existing marine managed areas in addressing threatened and endemic species and their critical habitats.

Key Findings:

Ecological monitoring, socioeconomic monitoring, and cultural roles studies have demonstrated that MMAs are important to the improvement of biodiversity and human well-being. However, the tabus (no-take areas) are continuously threatened by poachers. The ecological monitoring studies have shown increased fish and coral diversity, fish abundance, and fish biomass within long-term tabus, such as Waitabu and Navakavu. There was no evidence of spillover from the two tabus, but this may be because communities are putting strong fishing pressure on areas outside the tabus.
Navakavu and Waitabu communities, which depend on the marine environment for more than 60% of their income, have experienced increased social and economic benefits, such as greater educational opportunities, better infrastructure and alternative sources of income. Other communities, such as Gau, Kubulau, and Malolo, have experienced similar impacts of MMAs. The studies also found increased sales of fish catch associated with the locally managed marine areas, thus improving the source of income generated from the marine environment for those communities studied—Waitabu, Navakavu, Gau and Kubulau. Average household monthly fishing income had also improved since the MMAs were established. These communities have also demonstrated that through their MMAs they were able to generate more diversified income from ecotourism through levies and fees and through employment opportunities, such as tourist guides, boat drivers, and divers.
A 2008 research expedition to the Line Islands demonstrated the continuum from no human impact to moderate human impact. From this analysis, the major indicators of reef health were hypothesized to be density of top predators, coral and fish abundance, and microbrial composition. A subsequent 2009 research expedition to the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) confirmed these indicators, providing support for the Coral Health Index protocol. The analysis also demonstrated that areas under low human pressure are relatively resilient to bleaching caused by global warming. The genetic connectivity research found that Fiji’s coral reef fishes were distinctively different from those in the waters of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. In fact, 5 new species were discovered as part of this research, further demonstrating the unique, rich biodiversity of Fiji’s waters. The analysis also revealed intra-connectivity within the Fijian archipelago (see Fiji’s Coral Fish Discovery and Reef Connectivity posters). This research was expanded to Tuvalu, Samoa, and Tonga, where results confirmed a new species from Samoa and documented connectivity between Fiji/Samoa/Tonga indicating a “southwest Pacific assemblage” but interestingly not connectivity northward with Tuvalu.

Fiji Synthesis Report (PDF, 213 KB)
This report presents an integrated overview of findings from the following studies conducted in Belize.

Theme: Management Effectiveness

Core Ecological Monitoring
Principal Investigators: Jean-François Bertrand (Boston University) and James Comely and Semisi Meo (University of the South Pacific)
We used standardized protocols to track ecological changes inside and outside marine managed areas in Fiji. We used the data to monitor ecosystem health and biodiversity, and we contribute the information to adaptive management processes. Science Report (PDF, 688 KB)
Core Socioeconomic Monitoring
Principal Investigator: Sakiusa Patrick Fong (University of the South Pacific)
In conjunction with Core Ecological Monitoring, we used standardized methods to track socioeconomic changes associated with MMAs. Science Report (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Extinction Resistance
Principal Investigators: Paul Anderson (Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Program)
We participated in a collaborative regional initiative to evaluate the role of MMAs in sustaining imperiled species. We identified key factors to be considered when designing and managing MMAs to support these species.

Theme: Connectivity Among Populations and Habitats

Genetic Analysis of Reef Fish
Principal Investigator: Joshua Drew (Boston University)
This study analyzed the genes of several fish species and found that Fiji’s fish are distinct from others of the same species living elsewhere in the South Pacific. The study demonstrated that it is essential to protect Fiji’s fish from excessive harvests and other threats because they have unique genetic characteristics and their populations are not sustained by arrival of young fish from elsewhere. After hearing our findings, leaders of a Fijian village decided to create a marine management area in their local waters. Science Report (PDF, 254 KB)

Theme: Economic, Social, and Cultural Significance of Marine Resources

Value of Natural Resources
Principal Investigator: Isoa Korovulavula (University of the South Pacific)
This study is assessing the monetary value of natural resources associated with Fiji’s marine management areas and the economic implications of future management scenarios. The findings enable resource managers, educators, and conservationists to build support for marine conservation and to prioritize among management options.
Cultural Roles
Principal Investigator: Joeli Veitayaki (University of the South Pacific)
This study is conducting interviews and focus groups in Fijian villages to understand how cultural practices and values influence the outcomes of marine resource management. Science Report (PDF, 1.3 MB)

PARTNERS IN FIJI
Partnerships are integral to Science-to-Action efforts. We collaborate with community groups, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations to carry out research and Science-to-Action initiatives.

Institute of Applied Science, University of the South Pacific
Mamanuca Environment Society
Reef Ecology
Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and Forest
Seaweb
National Trust of Fiji
WWF
Wildlife Conservation Society
Cakaudrove Yaubula Support Team (CKYMST)
Lomaiviti & Moturiki Yaubula Management Support Team (OMYMST)
Bua Provincial Office
Cakaudrove Provincial Office
Lomaiviti Provincial Office
Fiji Locally Marine Managed Area Network
RARE Pride
Fijian Affairs Board
Fiji Department of Environment
Duke University
Boston University

SCIENCE-TO-ACTION IN FIJI

Science-to-Action initiatives are highlighting the ongoing threat of overfishing facing Fiji's marine environment. In a Fiji Times article, S2A coordinator Loraini Sivo said about 80 percent of Fiji's population lives along the coast and relies heavily on marine resources for their livelihood. “There is an increase in population and increase in demand on these resources,” she said. “And the marine environment continues to be a threat because of overfishing.”
Discussions with more than 80 communities across different island groups in Fiji regarding the ecological and socioeconomic importance of marine resources and their connectivity, led to the communities revising their natural resource management plans. These discussions also resulted in more than 60% of these communities creating new tabus, extending existing boundaries, and upgrading temporary ones to permanent status. The island Yadua Taba, currently an iguana sanctuary and one of Fiji’s heritage sites, was identified as a permanent tabu by communities of Yadua Island. Science-to-Action catalyzed these decisions with findings from the socioeconomic and ecological monitoring studies on the importance and opportunities of MMAs and the genetic connectivity study on the importance of networks of protected areas, which were shared during a series of community workshops. These messages were emphasized in a set of connectivity posters, t-shirts noting “Healthy Reef, Plenty Fish, Happy People,” and a video articulating the importance of MMAs, all of which were shared at the community meetings.
The results from the Science-to-Action socioeconomic monitoring and cultural roles study, which showed that poaching in MMAs was a key problem faced by many of the study sites, were shared with the Permanent Secretary of Fisheries and other key government officials. As a result, the Fiji Navy began monitoring poaching and illegal fishing in nearshore waters, prosecution of illegal fishermen in the Fiji Court system improved significantly, the Fisheries Department improved routine checks in key landing sites for Fiji, and more than 60 community members from seven districts were trained as honorary fish wardens.
A three-island natural resource committee, Yaubula Management Support Team (YMST), was established after Science-to-Action partners emphasized the importance of island networking based on the genetic connectivity study. YMST was established to help monitor all natural resource development projects in Vanua Balavu, Gau, and Levuka through the support of the Provincial-level administrators. Island-level management plans were also developed for these three islands.
Protection improved for a grouper spawning aggregation in Vanua Balavu and for sea turtles in Mamanuca after communities were informed of the importance of tabus and the potential to further protect these species based on the ecological monitoring results.
In the wider Pacific, the Science-to-Action Phoenix Island expedition findings were distilled, summarized, and used to complete the 2010-2014 Phoenix Island Protected Area (PIPA) Management Plan and the PIPA World Heritage Nomination. The research demonstrated the links between all PIPA habitats from island to deep sea and open ocean, examined what was known about linkages, and made a strong case as the world’s first large deep-water World Heritage site. PIPA’s World Heritage inscription was successful in August 2010 and in part a direct result of the synthesis of science results, including the expedition led by Science-to-Action researchers. PIPA is currently the world’s largest World Heritage site and third largest marine protected area in the world.
Through meetings held in eight Fijian communities, findings about the uniqueness of Fiji’s reef fish were shared and discussed with scientists, village leaders, and representatives of FLMMA. After the meetings, community members in Nagigi village said they wanted to establish local MMAs. A planning workshop was held in Nagigi village in January 2009.
Science-to-Action researchers presented findings about the varying degrees of genetic connectivity among Fiji’s reef fish populations at a NOAA training workshop on marine protected areas. Participants representing numerous organizations said they would use the information to design more effective MMAs.
Science-to-Action researchers designed socioeconomic monitoring methods for an ecosystem-based management (EBM) effort coordinated by WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
We produced a DVD of brief video segments that present our reef connectivity findings in an engaging way for non-scientists. Created by scientist Steve Palumbi with Garthwait & Griffin Films, the DVD is called Nai Talanoa Ni Kua Mai Na Noda Veicakau (Stories of Today from the Reef).
Two Science-to-Action partners – Fiji Locally Marine Managed Area Network and PCDF – developed posters that illustrate key findings of the genetic connectivity studies. The posters have been used in numerous discussions with village chiefs, national policymakers, and other target audiences. The posters have also been distributed to Pacific Regional partners. One poster is being adapted for the Caribbean, where it will be used in a regional campaign to protect coral reefs.

BUILDING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
The MMAS Program provides training, workshops, and other resources that enable people in Fiji to develop their skills and knowledge for conservation:

Scuba training for underwater research
Public lectures in Fiji to share MMAS research findings
Workshops on social science research methods
Opportunities for Fijian graduate students and scientists to gain practical experience in ecological monitoring
Support for two Fijian scientists to present their research at the Coral Reef Symposium in Florida

CONTACT
For information about MMAS Program initiatives in Fiji, contact Science-to-Action Coordinator Loraini Sivo, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .