Scientific Research

Marine Baseline Surveys

An 8-day marine biological baseline survey was conducted by Vatuvara Foundation and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) from 8−16 May 2017. The expedition was the first systematic effort to document the marine environments of Kaibu, Yacata, Vatuvara, Kanacea and Adavaci islands in the Northern Lau.

The objectives of this survey were to (a) collect data on the health, abundance and diversity of corals, reef fish and invertebrate species, in order to establish a baseline for long-term monitoring; (b) document the damage to community fishing grounds caused by Cyclone Winston; and (c) provide recommendations to communities on the management of their traditional fishing grounds to support food security and sustainable livelihoods.

Findings from our marine survey have been shared back to the relevant stakeholders and communities. The biological data collected establishes a baseline understanding of the marine environment of the remote islands surveyed. The data will be used as reference for the long-term monitoring of these marine environments to detect potential changes.

For more information please read our Marine Biological Surveys of Coral Reefs in the Northern Lau Group Report and our expedition blogs published by National Geographic!

Terrestrial Surveys

In 2017, Vatuvara Foundation in partnership with BirdLife International Pacific, together with NatureFiji-MareqetiViti (BirdLife Partner in Fiji) and the US Geological Survey, joined the Vatuvara Foundation to conduct a pioneering four-day survey. This was the first time a full biological survey had ever been performed on Vatuvara Island.

The survey highlighted the Island’s vital importance to Fiji’s natural history. It was found to hold a wealth of diverse native plants and wildlife increasingly under threat on other islands. Future work will build on this baseline, tracking trends in birds, coconut crabs and reptiles and ensuring harmful invasive species don’t establish. For more information please read our Terrestrial Survey Blog expedition blog.

Water Quality and Temperature Monitoring

Vatuvara Foundation has been conducting simple water quality monitoring around the islands and have deployed water temperature loggers around the islands, to monitor the temperatures inside and outside the reefs, especially to capture any bleaching or cyclone event. The highest annual sea surface temperature data downloaded from our deployed temperature loggers within the lagoon area surrounding the islands had a record ranging from 30.9°C in 2017, 32.6°C in 2018 and 44.1°C in 2019. The team continues to work with youth in our surrounding island communities, encouraging the linkage between traditional knowledge, science-based approach and sustainable tourism to protect their oceanic backyard for future generations.