Title
Marine Biological Surveys in the Northern Lau Group
Author(s)
Miller, K.; Nand, Y.; Mangubhai, S.; Lee, S.; Naisilisili, W.; Sykes, H.
Published
2018
Abstract
The province of Lau, located in Fiji’s Eastern Division,comprises 60 islands and islets collectively known asthe Lau Group. The Lau Group has been identified as anarea of national significance and high priority for marineprotection. On 20 February 2016, Fiji was hit by Category5 Tropical Cyclone Winston that caused widespreaddamage across the country. Cyclone Winston made firstlandfall through the Eastern Division, severely damagingthe islands and diverse ecosystems of Northern Lau.An 8 day marine biological baseline survey wasconducted by Vatuvara Foundation and the WildlifeConservation Society (WCS) from 8−16 May, 2017. Theexpedition was the first systematic effort to documentthe marine environments of Kaibu, Yacata, Vatuvara,Kanacea and Adavaci islands in the Northern Lau Group.The objectives of this survey were to: (a) collect data onthe health, abundance and diversity of corals, reef fishand invertebrate species, in order to establish a baselinefor long-term monitoring; (b) document the damage tocommunity fishing grounds caused by Cyclone Winston;and (c) provide recommendations to communities on themanagement of their traditional fishing grounds to supportfood security and sustainable livelihoods.
Full Citation
Miller, K.; Nand, Y.; Mangubhai, S.; Lee, S.; Naisilisili, W.; Sykes, H. (2018). Marine Biological Surveys in the Northern Lau Group. Suva, Fiji: Vatuvara Foundation and Wildlife Conservation Society, Fiji, 1-46.

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