2 weeks Ago By ALIFERETI SAKIASI
The importance of a healthy and vibrant ocean ecosystem is essential for Fiji and the region, not only does it supports livelihoods but is a critical component that ensures economic sustainability and climate change resilience. The Sunday Times was part of a workshop earlier this week where representatives from Blue Prosperity Fiji (BPF) and National Geographic Society Pristine Seas unveiled plans to conduct a targeted expedition in Fiji to study ocean biodiversity aboard the expedition vessel, the R/V Argo. Aims of the expedition, which is earmarked for 2025, include the use of scientific tools and technology to survey important parts of the ocean in places that are far away or not often studied, including at depths and in locations not previously studied in Fiji.
Pristine Seas will also produce a National Geographic documentary film about the country’s ocean life and nearby communities, as well as publish a scientific report on the findings and share them with the government, scientists, and experts. Blue Prosperity’s 2023 coral reef assessment BPF is a program led by the government to support a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and a prosperous economy in Fiji, incorporating community consultations, scientific research, and traditional knowledge to sustainably manage 100 per cent of Fiji’s ocean space and designate 30 per cent of protected areas while supporting ocean industries and fisheries management. From May to August 2023, BPF completed Fiji’s largest nationwide assessment of coral reefs.
The expedition began with community consultations with more than 100 qoliqoli owners and communities to request permission to survey their waters. Throughout the expedition, teams of divers collected information on fish, coral reef health, other marine organisms, and water quality. According to Andrew Paris, who is BPF’s environment coordinator based at Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the dive teams visited and studied 272 coral reef habitats and encountered almost 500 different species of fish.
“We had some very good local divers, including some of the research divers from the Ministry of Fisheries, as well as some of the divers from the NGOs who are very well-versed with fish species in Fiji.” “They were not only able to identify the species’ vernacular terms, but also enlighten us on their cultural and totemic significance,” he said. Paris also recalled some of the positive remarks made by scientists about how skilled and highly trained our local divers were.
The expedition team also carried out water quality and temperature measurements to determine the health and stability of the reefs. “When we talk about the threats and impacts of climate change that are causing more variations in sea surface temperatures, this is very important as well.” Paris highlighted that the team observed a high degree of coral bleaching in some parts of Fiji which is cause for concern.
The dive team as a result has placed devices known as temperature loggers to continue data collection and assist in monitoring. Waitt Institute science director Andy Estep remarked that one of the team’s key observations is how diverse Fiji’s marine ecosystem is. “We encounter areas that seem to be thriving and doing well, seem to be relatively unimpacted, and in fish communities, we noticed amazing fish species diversity.
” Estep also expressed the team’s excitement at the common sighting of sharks which indicates a thriving marine ecosystem. However, the science director also revealed that signs of overfishing are apparent in certain locations, particularly among fish species that are harvested mainly to satisfy demand from the local market. According to the BPF, the data collected from the expedition is being processed and once compiled will provide baseline information about coral reef health, fish and invertebrate populations, and water quality.
The findings are aimed to assist the government with policy formulation as well as to guide other decision-making bodies in terms of fisheries management. NAT GEO’s Pristine Seas and the 2025 expedition National Geographic Pristine Seas is a non-profit team that explores and learns about the ocean to protect it. Founded in 2008, it supports the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through research, filmmaking, and education.
In 2023, National Geographic Pristine Seas launched The Global Expedition: five years exploring the remote tropical Pacific to support local conservation efforts in the world’s most diverse ocean ecosystem. Next year, Pristine Seas in collaboration with Blue Prosperity Fiji will embark on a targeted expedition in Fiji. The team of divers and experts from BPF is expected to add value to the Pristine Seas’ expedition team, given that they had already successfully completed a similar study around Fiji in 2023.
Equipped with the latest technology on board the R/V Argo combined with the wealth of technical and scientific expertise within the team, the expedition aims to not only collect data but also document and share the knowledge and beauty of the lush and vibrant marine ecosystem with the people of Fiji. Findings and data that will be compiled and collected from this joint expedition will be made available by Pristine Seas to the government to assist in decision making on Fiji’s fisheries sector, as well as scientists and academics. Salome Tuimaloku from the Ministry of Fisheries takes photos to create 3-D imagery of a coral reef.
Picture: Joe Lepore/ SUPPLIED Divers from the BPF 2023 expedition team hard at work. Picture: Blue Prosperity Fiji The Pristine Seas research vessel, the R/V Argo. Picture: Supplied The Argonaut one of the high-tec exploration equipment used by Pristine Seas.
Picture: Supplied Pristine Seas underwater cinematographer Dan Beecham (left) on an earlier Pacific expedition. Picture: Pristine Seas/Facebook A Blue Prosperity Fiji diver studying a coral reef in Fiji. Picture: BPF.
