Mamanuca coral reef conservation project - Fiji 2001 report summary

The coastal zone of Fiji (which includes seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs) is threatened by a number of factors, for example pollution following land-use conversion and over-fishing. Localised anthropogenic threats have been exacerbated by storm damage, outbreaks of the coral eating crown-of-thorns starfish and coral bleaching events. For example, most areas of Fiji, including the reefs of the Mamanuca Islands, suffered from a mass coral bleaching event in early 2000. Marine reserves are currently limited and expansion of this network requires additional data and conservation education. The aim of the pilot project of the MCRCP was to initiate a programme of surveys, training and conservation education to assess the status of local reefs and improve environmental awareness amongst neighbouring communities.