Species Conservation

Protected Coconut Crabs

These remote islands host large, unique, and prehistoric looking land crabs. Coconut crabs (Birgus latro) can be found roaming the forest floor searching for dropped coconuts, which they crack open with their powerful pincers to feed upon. Coconuts crabs are the largest land arthropods and are indigenous to a few islands in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. We are protecting coconut crabs by creating natural island reserves for the species to roam freely. These long-lived terrestrial crabs, can survive for 40-60 years, are now under threat. Coconut crabs are considered a local delicacy, causing populations to be increasingly confined to isolated islands or protected areas. Their slow growth rate makes them susceptible to even low levels of continued exploitation.

Coral Restoration Project

Coral reefs are known to have the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem on the planet. The survival of coral reefs is vital for a healthy and safe ocean around the world, now more than ever, especially within the remote islands of Fiji’s Northern Lau group. This diverse ecosystem acts as nurseries for most fish species consumed by local communities and protects coastlines against intense wave energy from tsunamis and cyclones. With the growing concern of the future for our ocean, Vatuvara Foundation is committed to conserving and reviving the health of our ocean in Northern Lau through partnerships, community engagement and innovative solutions. Vatuvara Foundation together with Yacata Youth Group have established lagoon coral nurseries to restore our surrounding coral reefs. Our goal is to increase awareness and education on the need for coral restoration in the Lau group by protecting and repopulating damaged reef areas through coral reefs conservation programs. Our hope is that through coral restoration work, our island homes and reefs will be able to withstand and build resilience to climate change impacts

Giant Clam Restoration Nursery

Vatuvara Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Yacata Island have establish a Giant Clam lagoon nursery. Our marine scientist and Yacata youth group members conduct regular monitoring, cleaning and monthly measurements of the giant clams. The Giant Clam is one of the most fascinating inhabitants of the Fijian reefs. Sadly, the reefs in Fiji have been depleted of their stocks. In an effort to repopulate our surrounding reefs, we monitor over 200 giant clams until they are large enough to be transferred back into the reef system.

Vasua Matau (Tridacna gigas) are extinct in Fiji, meaning they can no longer be found in the wild on our reefs. This species of giant clam can grow up to 1.5 meters long, weigh up to 200 kilograms and live up to 150 years old. Vatuvara Foundation and Yacata Island currently have three species of giant clams in the nursery - Vausa Matau (Tridacna gigas), Vasua Dina (Tridacna derasa) and Katavatu (Tridacna maxima).

Sea Turtle Conservation Project

Vatuvara Foundation in collaboration with the School of Marine Studies, University of the South Pacific (USP) have been conducting sea turtle foraging and tagging surveys in northern Lau to determine origins and movements. Despite the protection of turtles under CITES and the laws of Fiji, turtles and turtle eggs continue to be harvested and consumed illegally. The survey findings will significantly contribute towards sea turtle conservation in Fiji and contribute scientific baseline information onto which management decisions can be based and to strengthen sea turtle protection in Fiji. The islands, along with surrounding beaches and sea meadows have been identified as important nesting sites and foraging grounds. We are ensuring the species are safeguarded and feeding areas are kept as turtle sanctuaries.