Fiji’s Great Sea Reef to become marine protected area
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MACUATA, Fiji (7 Nov 2005) — Local chiefs of Fiji’s Great Sea Reef are today launching the first of a series of marine protected areas that will form one of the world’s largest networks of underwater sanctuaries.
The chiefs in the Macuata province will announce five protected areas, which will include ‘tabu’ zones where no fishing or harvesting of other marine resources can take place.
Fiji’s Great Sea Reef, the third longest barrier reef in the world, is not well studied, and a recent 12-day survey led by World Wildlife Fund revealed “a staggering array of life, including a new species of reef fish”, according to a statement from the global conservationist group.
“The biodiversity of the Great Sea Reef, locally known as Cakaulevu, is globally important and must be maintained. This protection recognizes that marine protected areas are insurance policies for future generations,” said World Wildlife Fund-Fiji’s Country Program Manager Etika Rupeni.
“Based on experience elsewhere in Fiji, we expect fish numbers in the ‘tabu’ areas to increase, and some will disperse to other areas, leading to increased catches and improved livelihoods.”
The survey, conducted by World Wildlife Fund with local and international experts and community members in December 2004, identified significant threats to the Great Sea Reef, including over-fishing and poaching by illegal fishers, poison fishing, sand dredging and other development activities.
The Wildlife Fund said scientists on the survey recorded a new species of damselfish (Pomacentrus sp.), unique mangrove island habitats, several threatened species, including green turtles and spinner dolphins, as well marine life not previously recorded in Fiji’s waters. This included 43 new records of known hard corals.
Yesterday, Wildlife Fund presented its Conservation Leadership Award to Fiji’s government and the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas (FLMMA) network members, which have been acknowledged for their commitment and stewardship in the sustainable management of Fiji’s natural resources.
“Protecting the Great Sea Reef will ensure that one of our greatest assets remains intact and continues to be a vital part of the traditions, culture and livelihoods of the people of Fiji,” said Rupeni.
The Great Sea Reef conservation effort delivers on Fiji’s commitment to establish an Marine Protected Area Network covering 30 percent of the country’s waters by 2020. Fiji’s commitment to manage 380,000 square kilometers (38.7 mile hectares) of its water as Marine Protected Areas will make it one of the largest protected area networks in the world.
More than 98 percent of Fiji’s territory is ocean. The islands of the Fiji archipelago, which number more than 300, are scattered over a 1.3 million square kilometer area, and are part of one of the largest and most extensive reef systems to be found.
Famous for its abundance and variety of soft corals, the Fiji archipelago is often called the soft coral capital of the world.
More than 80 percent of Fiji’s 800,000 plus residents live along the coast.
Fiji’s economy depends heavily on its foreign exchange earnings from fisheries and tourism.
The marine resources are also important to customary marine owners who rely on the reefs for subsistence, livelihood and source of income.
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