Coral reefs of the Fiji Islands: current issue
2002
Cumming, Robyn | Aalbersberg, William G.L. | Lovell, Edward R. | Sykes, H.R. | Vuki, Veikila C.
Coral reefs are one of the world's most spectacularly ecosystems. They have the highest densities of animals found anywhere on earth. They also are a critical resource for millions of people. At the same time they are vulnerable to natural impacts and the human - induced impacts of sedimentation, pollution, overfishing and climate change. This paper examines the current status of the coral reefs in Fiji. Although a majority of reefs are considered to be in a healthy status, the number and intensity of the threats to this healthy status are increasing and these are described in the paper. At the same time there is a growing response to these perceived threats through research and especially community-based marine management and monitoring. The coalition involved in this work, called the Fiji Locally-managed Marine Area Network, was recently recognized at the World Summit for Sustainable Development for its outstanding work in poverty alleviation and sustainable development. It is hoped that such work will reverse the trend of declining coral reefs and ensure future generations continue to enjoy the multiple benefits from them.
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