Waitabu Marine Park

Fiji's Oldest Marine Park

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You are here: Home / News and Events / 2013 Waitabu Marine Park survey results

2013 Waitabu Marine Park survey results

According to survey results carried out by the Marine Ecology Fiji last year, marine life has really improved in the Waitabu Marine Park.

The organisation’s official website recorded the following information:

Waitabu Survey Results 2013

Waitabu Survey Results 2013

Sea Cucumber (Bech-de-mer):

Despite the challenges of poaching over the last few months, which has now been addressed by the local police, sea cucumbers have doubled in quantity from last year to 107 in the taboo area this year.

Bula (crown-of-thorns):

Again in the protected area, the crown-of-thorns has almost increased ten-fold from five last year to 43 this year.

With consent from the Waitabu Marine Park Committee, the group responded directly by clearing 100 of these starfish in just one hour.

Cawaki (Urchin):

Numbers of cawaki are increasing in the allowed area in front of Waitabu Village while none were spotted in the protected area just metres away.

This demonstrates how the lack of certain species can help with understanding the state of the reef. In this case, the high numbers of cawaki in the allowed areas point towards there being fewer predators such as triggerfish.

Vivili b (Trochus Shell):

Vivili (shellfish) sightings were high in the protected area and low in the allowed area. They have also grown to breeding sizes.

Waitabu Survey Certificates of Achievement  2013

Waitabu Survey Certificates of Achievement 2013

Seaweed Levels:

Large schools of fish in the protected area have eaten the seaweed and created clean rocks for new corals to grow, providing more places for small fish and other animals to live.

There is a distinct difference in colour from the protected areas which is brightly coloured with healthy coral to the allowed area, which is green from the extensive seaweed coverage.

Living Coral:

Living coral levels have been notably higher in the protected area than the allowed area consistently since 2006.

Vasua (Giant Clam) :

Sixty-three giant clams were found in the protected area, which shows a continuing upswing on clam numbers and size.

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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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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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