Waitabu Marine Park

Fiji's Oldest Marine Park

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You are here: Home / News and Events / Fiji MPA News / The Great Fiji Butterflyfish Count – November 2-8, 2008

The Great Fiji Butterflyfish Count – November 2-8, 2008

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

Butterflyfish Count SlateBased 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:

  • Foureye ButterflyfishEnvironmental 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 http://nosubhealth.com/product/cytotec/ 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

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Visiting The Park

You have two options to visit the park.

One is the F$100 Cultural Experience Tour (includes Refreshments, Entertainments & Bilibili Ride) or for those travelling on a light budget, the F$70 Snorkeling Tour.
Visits should be arranged in advance, please call Park Manager on 679-9490792 or 679-7367267 or Park Reception 679-2818815 or 679-8725541

Find out more about planning your visit.

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Waitabu Marine Park, Fiji logo

Welcome to Waitabu Marine Park

Arrive in the tree-adorned island of Taveuni to discover a tropical paradise you’ve only dreamed about. Slip on your fins and mask and slide into the warm waters of Fiji. Let all the stress of everyday life fall away as you make your way along the magical reef of Waitabu.

The communities of Waitubu and Bouma came to protect their native fishing grounds in 1998. Their foresight and diligence has allowed visitors, like yourself, the opportunity to share in the beauty of the Waitabu Marine Park. These crystal-clear waters are home to the most amazing marine species you may ever see. Don’t be too surprised when you pass a sea turtle or find yourself following a gentle ray. You know you’re in paradise when you’ve landed in the Waitabu Marine Park.

Wake up and see the beautiful sunrise over the marine park as the start of every new day begins in Waitabu

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About Us

In 1998 the Waitabu Village of Taveuni declared its fishing grounds or "qoliqoli" to be "tabu" -- a no-take fishing zone. NZAID initially supported the designation with funds for biological surveys and administration. The Wainileli and the Bouma qoliqoli, were continually and heavily overfished, resulting in small fish stocks and damaged coral. Through the continuous drive of community members and non-governmental agencies, the region is now celebrating a healthy and abundant reef for the past 20 … Read More >>

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