Title
Impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston on Coral Reefs in the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape
Author(s)
Sangeeta Mangubhai
Published
2016
Abstract
On 20 February 2016, one of the largest cyclones on record in the Southern Hemisphere passed through Fiji, with winds up to 185 mph, and gusts of 225 mph. Cyclone Winston left a trail of destruction, with some of the most impacted landscape and communities located in the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape. A rapid assessment of coral reefs in the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape was conducted from 6-15 March 2016 focusing on tourist sites, using rapid assessment techniques. The objectives of these surveys were to assess: (a) impact of Cyclone Winston on coral reefs in the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape; (b) extent and intensity of coral bleaching on corals; and (c) the health and diversity of areas being considered for inclusion in deeper water marine managed areas. Over 10 days, 26 sites were surveyed covering reef within and around the proposed Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park in Nakorotubu District, Gau, Batiki and Wakaya Islands, the Namena Marine Reserve in Kubulau District, reefs in the Eastern Bligh Waters. Data were collected on benthic cover and coral bleaching, and observations were recorded of the damage to coral reefs. This report summarizes the findings of this study.
Keywords
Coral Reefs
Full Citation
Mangubhai S (2016) Impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston on Coral Reefs in the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape. Report No. 01/16. Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji. 27 pp.

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