Why are we counting Butterflyfish?

Butterflyfish are easily observed in all regions of Fiji, and counting them tells us a lot about coral health and water quality. Most Butterflyfish feed on and live among hard corals, so they depend on reefs that are in good condition. Coral animals need good water quality and steady temperatures between 68° and 86°F (20° and 30°C) to thrive. High numbers of Butterflyfish reflect good coral health, which in turn reflects good water quality. On healthy, live reefs, we would expect to see many different kinds of Butterflyfish, but if reefs are unhealthy, we may see a drop in numbers and variety.

The Process

Based on scientific survey techniques, Butterflyfish will be identified and counted over all the regions of Fiji. The count itself will take 30 minutes of a normal scuba dive, snorkel, or glass-bottom boat trip. During this time, counters will carry a Great Fiji Butterflyfish Count waterproof slate (shown at right) to help them identify the Butterflyfish they see. Scientists will carry out similar timed counts over measured areas and the results will be sent to Fiji Reef Check and Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network coordinators for analysis. Reports and a distribution map of Butterflyfish Abundance and Diversity will be posted on the Great Fiji Butterflyfish Count Web site.

Results and Data

The collected data will allow the coordinators to map Butterflyfish distribution and abundance in Fiji, as well as infer patterns of reef health. The results will be made available to all interested parties, including:

• Environmental managers, to develop better management plans for the reef system.
• The scientific community, to assist them in the implementation of conservation strategies and management measures to improve the health of Fiji’s reefs.
• The tourism industry, including resorts and dive operators, to raise awareness and assist them in designing better approaches toward caring for the marine environment.
• The general public, through the Great Fiji Butterflyfish Count Web site, local newspapers, in-flight magazines, local magazines, posters, and so on.
• A major country report will be compiled and released, to increase general awareness and to illustrate the positive outcome on protecting Fiji’s reef system for generations to come.

This unique event engages the public in a celebration of Fiji’s amazing coral reef biodiversity, and allows everyone to participate directly in the protection of our world’s delicate coral reef systems.

Photo credit (top): Andaman Butterflyfish (Chaetodon andamanensis); photo credit (bottom): Foureye Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus) by Paddy Ryan

Stuart Gow of Marine Ecology Fiji launched the first Waitabu Marine Park blog. This blog site provides new reports on events occurring in Waitabu and new research developments.  Articles from as far back as October 2003 are provided on Fiji and Waitabu.

Come visit the site and add your own comments!

This year the Waitabu Village celebrates 10 years of managing the Waitabu Marine Park. In 1998 the community worked to stop all fishing and poaching in order to protect their coral reefs for future generations. Along with the New Zealand Overseas Development Agency (now NZAID) the Waitabu Village, Wai and Vurevure settlements set aside the fragile reef habitat and became founding members of the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas network (FLMMA). The Coral Reef Alliance and Resort Support Fiji have worked to support the community of Waitabu to protect this pristine coral reef ecosystem.

Primary and secondary schools, Wariki and Niusawa Bucaleru Secondary, participated in a variety of activities.  Both schools held an essay competition and an art competition.  In addition, principals, teachers, and students performed a trash clean-up at their schools.  Dive operators helped organize the day, local businesses provided donations, and a wide array of volunteers helped host the event.  A big vinaka goes out to Team Trash Sharks – Tawake, Wani, Maureen, Jone, and Eunice!

Team Kapa Ni Benu consists of Tyrone Valentine, Mike from Jewel Bubbles, and Isoa from Swiss Divers.  Their team name means “trash can” which fits their cause perfectly.  With CORAL’s support, they have organized four trash cans for the community to use and arranged garbage men to regularly dispose of the garbage.  In addition, they put four signs at beach hot spots to target the community and tourists.  Their land-based efforts to properly dispose of trash is keeping the reefs free of land-based trash.  Kapa Ni Benu deserves a big vinaka vaka-levu!