Fiji Island Travel Guide | Diveme | Marine Reserves

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Come in LLMAs & MPAs

What is an MPA?

“A MPA is an area of ocean or coastal water recognised by both government and society as having specific conservation value. Measures are put in place to preserve the quality of marine life including restricted access for fishing, diving and other potentially harmful activities.”
Fiji's commitment to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network covering 30 per cent of the country's in-shore fisheries by 2020 could be realised earlier than expected.
This commitment made in January 2005 by the Government has resulted in more than 200 marine protected areas within Fiji's 410 customary fishing grounds, known as i qoliqoli. That's more than 50 per cent of the total target accomplished within just three years.
Conservationists are excited about the increase in the number of MPA's or fishing grounds that have been declared tabu by traditional owners. And they are targeting for more. Already surveys have shown that fish numbers and other marine resources are increasing in these tabu areas and many have dispersed to other areas, leading to increased catches and improved livelihoods especially amongst coastal communities, which makes up 60 per cent of Fiji's population.
Government's partnership with non-government organisation and the community to protect its marine environment for a sustainable future has challenged other Pacific Island nations to do likewise.
There are many examples of success stories in the establishment of MPAs or FLLMAs.
Waitabu Marine Reserve is a fabulous reef that has been set aside for the benefit of snorkel tourism and environmental education. After a marine life survey was carried out, the traditional rural village of Waitabu decided in 1998 to set aside this area as a “no-take” reserve to enable replenishment of marine life and fish stocks.
In place of income from fishing, the villagers now take snorkel tours to the marine park, promoting small-scale marine tourism as a consistent source of income.
The reserve is part of the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network (FLLMA) and, as a division of the Bouma National Heritage Park is managed by the Bouma communities and supported by Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), Resort Support and many other NGOS.
Fiji Island Travel Guide | Diveme | Marine Reserves
Location: Waitabu, Fiji

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