Naitauba Reef Initiative

Only Some Factors Affecting the Reef Can Be Addressed Locally

The Naitauba reef initiative took tangible form in the early 2000’s when the island’s managers recognized the need to reach out and join forces with individuals and groups who had the expertise and resources necessary to understand the reef and to support its health.

Through this outreach process, it became obvious that Naitauba’s coral reef is currently undergoing dramatic changes caused by a myriad of converging factors. Many of these factors, such as rising ocean temperature and acidity, and the increasing magnitude and frequency of extreme weather events, originate far beyond the local area.

Other factors that affect the reef and lagoon can be addressed locally. Large marine protected areas have been established on Naitauba’s reef where all fishing is prohibited. This protects vulnerable marine species on the entire reef. The reef’s population of giant clams and bêche-de-mer are being restored, and a local fisheries warden program has been developed in cooperation with Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries. Because sea turtles have been protected here for many years, Naitauba’s reef is now home to a substantial and growing population, including both green sea turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles.

In 2016, tropical Cyclone Winston pummeled the Fijian Islands as a Category 5 storm and passed directly over Naitauba Island. This great storm caused significant damage to the Naitauba coral reef.  Although some areas of the reef devastated by the cyclone show vigorous re-growth of healthy coral, efforts are being made to help coral regenerate in other areas where its recovery has been slower.