Useful Info

Useful info for resorts and dive operations in the Fiji & the South Pacific. This info can be used freely if used for non-commercial projects. For commercial projects, please contact marine ecology consulting.

NBSAP for Fiji 2017–2024

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Fiji 2017–2024

The Fiji National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2017–2024 (NBSAP) is a national policy document recognised under the Fiji Environment Management Act 2005.

The NBSAP is also a requirement for all parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and its 2020 Aichi Targets.

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Fiji 2017–2024 Read More »

Towards an Effective Legal Framework for Marine Protected Areas in Fiji - Policy and Law Discussion Paper

Towards an Effective Legal Framework for Marine Protected Areas in Fiji – Policy and Law Discussion Paper


Executive Summary

Background, purpose and methodology 

In 2005, the government of Fiji committed to protecting at least 30% of Fiji’s marine areas  using ‘comprehensive, ecologically representative networks of MPAs [marine protected  areas], which are effectively managed and financed’.

In order to establish a comprehensive  and ecologically representative network of marine protected areas (MPAs), Fiji must first  have in place a suitable legal framework, that is, appropriate policies and legislation.  

The purpose of this paper is to support the development of a comprehensive legal  framework for the establishment and management of an effective network of MPAs in Fiji which is based on science and suited to the Fiji context. 

MPAs are not just aimed at limiting fishing activity but also promote a whole range of  potential uses that address critical issues such as: food security, resilience to natural  disasters and adaptation to climate change. 

To create a network of MPAs suited to the Fiji context is a significant challenge that will not  be achieved through law reform alone, as it requires a multi-disciplinary approach and  involves consultation and agreement with communities, the Ministry of Fisheries, NGOs,  fisheries experts, economists and lawyers, amongst others.

It is also crucial to understand,  respect, and work within, Fiji’s unique law and governance context that includes the  recognition of traditional rights, communities and artisanal fishers.

Ultimately, as decisions to  create MPAs will affect existing user rights, they can only be developed through a  consultative process that takes into account the views and concerns of those who will be  affected.  

Towards an Effective Legal Framework for Marine Protected Areas in Fiji – Policy and Law Discussion Paper Read More »

Endangered and Protected Species (Amendment) Act, (No. 10 of 2017)

Endangered & Protected Species Act 2002 & 2017 Amendment

On 28 March 2017 the Endangered and Protected Species (Amendment) Act, (No. 10 of 2017) (Amendment Act) was made to amend the Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002 (EPS Act).

The EPS Act regulates the domestic and international trade of endangered species by requiring a permit to be applied for before any endangered species can be traded within Fiji or internationally.

The EPS Act is the Fiji legislation that implements the multi-lateral treaty CITES or the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Endangered & Protected Species Act 2002 & 2017 Amendment Read More »

Fig 1. A conceptual diagram linking stresses related to increased atmospheric CO2 (elevated sea surface temperature and ocean acidification), storms, and local stressors to coral reef condition, selected ecosystem services provided by reefs, and human dependence on these ecosystem services. Solid lines represent relationships evaluated in this study. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0164699.g001

Where Can Science Make a Difference to People?

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide depend on coral reef ecosystems[1].

Coral reef ecosystems create natural barriers that protect shorelines from storm surge and erosion—defending villages, businesses, and coastal residents[2].

Coral reef ecosystems also support fisheries that provide food [3], jobs, and income for local communities [4,5] as well as tourism and recreation that contribute to jobs, profits, taxes, and foreign income[3]. …

Where Can Science Make a Difference to People? Read More »

Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) meeting 2016

GCRMN Workshop Hawaii 2016

Helen Sykes attended the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Workshop in Honolulu Hawaii USA on 11th-14th October 2016 as the Fiji Coordinator for the South Pacific Node of  GCRMN established in 2006.


Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) meeting 2016
Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) meeting 2016

GCRMN Workshop Hawaii 2016

The workshop was attended by:

  • Maya Srinivasan, Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, Australia
  • C-M Moritz
  • Douglas Fenner
  • Charles Birkeland
  • Ivor Williams
  • Adel Heenan – NOAA Affiliate
  • Bernardo Vargas-Angel – NOAA Affiliate
  • James Guest
  • Mary Donovan
  • Alice Lawrence
  • Lyza Johnston
  • Sheila McKenna
  • Jennifer Smith
  • Stuart Sandin
  • Serge Planes
  • Aurélie THOMASSIN  – DGALN/DEB/LM1
  • Marine Gouezo
  • Emma Kabua-Tibon
  • Helen Sykes (Marine Ecology Consulting)
  • Hilary Ayrton
  • Jerker Tamelander
  • Paul Anderson SPREP
  • Antoine GILBERT
  • Ruth Gates
  • Jessica DeBlieck

Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)

GCRMN is a global network aiming to strengthen the provision of best available scientific information on and communication of the status and trends of coral reef ecosystems, for their conservation and management.

The main substantive activity of GCRMN, providing a foundation for its other activities and outputs, is the preparation of regional periodic assessments drawing on monitoring, research and other data and establishment of regional GCRMN committees, where possible drawing on existing nodes and linked to existing Regional Seas mechanisms. The approach piloted in the Caribbean 2012-2014 provides the blueprint for this.

The regional assessment report provides a scientific foundation for identification of recommended minimum standards for monitoring indicators and methods as well as actionable recommendations for coral reef policy and management. The regional reports and committees provide a basis for development of more synthetic global reports (see below).

The process of developing the regional report also supports the establishment of regional networks of sites and institutions that commit to applying minimum standards in ongoing monitoring.

Where possible development of regional reports may utilize opportunities provided by ongoing and planned regional initiatives and projects. This would also enable ??GCRMN to pursue two or more regional processes concurrently.

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