Coral Reef Conservation in Fiji PDF

# Case study: coral reef conservation in Fiji In the last 20 years there has been an enormous effort to conserve coral reefs in Fiji - a group of tropical islands in the South Pacific Sea. All the islands are surrounded by coral reefs, two-thirds of which are thought to be at risk. ## Why are reef...

# Case study: coral reef conservation in Fiji In the last 20 years there has been an enormous effort to conserve coral reefs in Fiji - a group of tropical islands in the South Pacific Sea. All the islands are surrounded by coral reefs, two-thirds of which are thought to be at risk. ## Why are reef conservation measures needed in Fiji? There are both human and natural causes of coral reef destruction. ### Human causes Corals are extremely sensitive organisms that can be touched. Despite measures by local people, they have been affected by over-fishing, as well as by boat and anchor damage. Fiji was also one of the world's largest exporters of coral and coral fish for aquariums. Tourists walking on the coral and diving and snorkeling among the reefs have also caused damage. The population of Fiji is rising rapidly and most people live around the coasts. The development of settlements has led to harmful sediment, sewage and other pollutants being washed out into the reefs. ### Natural causes Every three or four years, Fiji is battered by cyclones which generate destructive waves that break the coral. These storms can also lead to large amounts of nitrates and phosphates reaching the reefs from run-off from agricultural land, which causes the number of Crown of Thorns starfish (which feed on the polyps) to increase. Every so often, an increase of sea temperature causes bleaching of the reefs, because it leads to the death of the colourful algae that live with the polyps and leaves the bleached white coral behind. In time the polyps, deprived of food, also die. This happens when there is an El Niño event (see page 65). This reversal of the equatorial ocean currents leads to warm water from Indonesia moving east and warming the sea around Fiji. Lower salinity is another cause of bleaching. ## The reefs are vitally important to Fiji for both environmental and economic reasons. - They are very rich ecosystems with great biodiversity. Fiji's 300 species of coral are home to almost 2000 species of fish, including sharks and tuna and many shellfish (such as giant clams). Endangered turtle species also live there. - The reef ecosystem has links with bigger ecosystems through the food chain, like this simple example: - plankton → coral → parrot fish → larger fish (e.g. snapper) → humans ## As everywhere, Fiji's reefs are important barriers to storm waves - reducing their impacts on the land. - The plants and animals in the reef ecosystem are also being researched as possible future sources of medicines. ## The reefs are of enormous importance to Fiji's economy. - Both subsistence and commercial fishing provide good livings. - Some islanders have also earned money by selling broken-off pieces of coral for use in aquariums. - The colourful reefs and their beautiful marine life also attracts many tourists, especially as Fiji is a stopover point for people who want to break up the long flight across the Pacific Ocean. ## In Fiji the reefs are also of cultural importance and the local people hold ceremonies to thank them. - They have long been aware of the importance of the reefs to their lives and have traditionally regulated their use. - For example, they have banned fishing in certain areas when stocks have been threatened by over-fishing. # Efforts by a Fijian resort to conserve the reef Many hotels and communities in Fiji are trying to conserve the coral reefs on which their livelihoods depend. Fiji's Coral Coast is fringed with the world's second-largest reef. The Hide-away Resort in the middle of the Coral Coast is one example. The resort uses a World Ecotourism, award-winning coral reef conservation programme of integrated coastal management. - The resort fronts directly onto the fringing reef and makes visitors aware of its great importance. - The area has been made into a protected zone. - Guests can snorkel at high tide, but putting feet down onto the coral is not allowed. - Guided walks are organised along a specially-provided reef path. - At high tide, guests can view the marine life on the reef from the resort's glass-bottomed boat. - In the lagoon there is a coral nursery where coral is planted and protected. - Notices in the garden remind visitors of the importance of the reef. - The information on one notice is shown in Fig. 8.45 # The P SHAPE ON THE TOP OF THE REEF WALK MARKERS INDICATES THE SIDES OF THE PATH TO WALK ON ## Coral Reefs Coral reefs are the largest living structures on earth that are visible from space. They are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet - comprising roughly 0.2% of the world's oceans, but 11% of the world's fish harvest. ## Under Pressure Coral reefs around the world are under pressure from: - Coastal developments - Pollution - Sedimentation - Over-fishing - Walking on the reef - Natural disasters - Eutrophication ## How does eutrophication affect the reef? High nutrient levels (especially nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds, such as fertilisers and detergents) lead to high seaweed populations. The relatively slow-growing corals can't compete with the rapidly growing phytoplankton (seaweed) when there are raised nutrient levels in the water. ## How you can make a difference - Do not walk on the reef other than on the reef walk path. - Sponsor and plant a piece of coral on the reef. - Do not take anything from the sea. - Do not buy shells. Fig. 8.45 Notice to hotel guests