Marine Conservation in Fiji

In 2015 and 2016, the author participated in a community-based marine conservation project in Fiji sponsored by Global Vision International (GVI). He collected initial monitoring data on marine ecosystem species around the island of Caqalai. This data was used to assess existing conditions of the ecosystem and to help create conservation policies and educational strategies for the islanders of Caqalai. In addition, he spent a significant amount of time working with an organization on the island of Viti Levu that specializes in shark conservation. This book consists of three sections: (1) research methods for observing marine species, (2) marine species of Fiji, and (3) community-based marine conservation strategies. Each section includes a review of the literature on the subject and a summary of his experiences while in Fiji. The information presented includes explanations as to why each animal, from the smallest coral polyp to the largest bull shark, play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of reef ecosystem. This book is intended to be used as a field guide for those interested in marine conservation in the South Pacific.