In a landmark moment for ocean conservation, the Fijian Government unveiled the findings of the Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition this week at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, the largest underwater research mission in the nation’s history.
The data, collected from 270 sites across all 13 provinces, offers the most comprehensive snapshot to date of the state of Fiji’s reefs and marine ecosystems.
Permanent Secretary for Environment Sivendra Michael says it serves as a key foundation for the development of Fiji’s marine spatial plan and the implementation of national strategies on biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable fisheries.
Michael says the synergistic effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are reshaping our reefs, and threatening the communities who depend on them.
Also present was Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu, who noted that before any dives were made, over 100 qoliqoli owners and community leaders were consulted, reflecting Fiji’s commitment to respecting traditional knowledge and governance.
Bainivalu says the achievement had provided tools that were needed to understand what is happening beneath our waters, and to make informed decisions about how we manage and protect them.
