VANUATU'S CORAL REEF STUDY

From 1-21 September 2023, the Government of Vanuatu, in partnership with Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, local NGOs, and international collaborators, conducted the largest nationwide coral reef study across all six (6) provinces of Vanuatu. This study gathered information about the status of coral reefs, fish species, invertebrate populations, and water quality across Vanuatu’s waters.

During the expedition, scientists from Vanuatu and across the globe collected data from coastal habitats, contributing insights into the overall health of Vanuatu's marine ecosystems. While this information will not provide stock assessments for individual species, it will help support traditional governance and decision making for coastal planning and establish a baseline for continuing to detect changes in Vanuatu’s coral reefs as well as the effectiveness of management interventions aimed to improve coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods they support. It will also significantly enhance ongoing research and monitoring efforts.

The data gathered will also be integrated into Vanuatu's Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process, which combines scientific findings with traditional knowledge to guide sustainable ocean management.

This milestone expedition represents more than just a scientific achievement; it provides a vital foundation for strengthening traditional governance and sustainable coastal management in Vanuatu.

Toney Tevi,
Head of the Maritime and Oceans Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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WHERE THE EXPEDITION WENT

Divers studied coral reef habitats at 110 locations across Vanuatu and encountered over 450 different species of fish, highlighting Vanuatu's rich and diverse marine life.

All survey sites were assigned to 10 meter forereef habitats on the sides of islands that are sheltered from wind to deliver an archipelago-wide baseline of coral reef condition with the ability to provide statistically significant insights at all larger islands. This also ensured that data would deliver significant results at the provincial level.

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CORAL REEF STUDY

2023 Survey Sites

ABOUT THE
CORAL REEF STUDY

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION DATA

The data from the expedition is still being processed and has not been released.

The outcomes of this expedition will be shared through three primary deliverables:

Preliminary Science Report: This document, offering an overview of the expedition's methods and observational information, serves as the first stage of analysis.

Provincial-level Reports: These will provide a snapshot of findings to communities, ensuring that local communities have access to relevant data.

Final Science Report: The final nationwide report will offer a comprehensive summary of the expedition's findings, informing decision-makers and stakeholders on the health of Vanuatu's marine ecosystems. In addition to the report, a final work package will include summary data, work products, and access points. A media package will feature distributable underwater and aerial photos and videos. All reports will undergo thorough review processes and stakeholder input to ensure accuracy

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Photo by Joe Lepore, Waitt Institute.

PRELIMINARY SCIENCE REPORT

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This report will provide an overview of the expedition, detailing the activities conducted, the data collected, the methods used for data collection, and the data analysis process. It will also outline the next steps toward completing the Final Science Report.

Preliminary Report Data Packages:

Click to read report.

PRELIMINARY
OBSERVATIONS

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs and benthic habitats were diverse in species, community structure, and condition.
Coral and benthic communities were often unique to an island and varied by windward/leeward sides.
Island geological context appears to play an important role in reef communities. Particularly, with active volcanic islands.
Signs of physical destruction from cyclones Judy and Pam were observed along the cyclone paths.
Baseline levels of coral disease and mortality were observed throughout Vanuatu.
Abundant juvenile corals were observed on some reefs.

Fish Communities

Clear biogeographic distribution of fish communities across Vanuatu.
High fish diversity. 462 fish species identified and 128,533 fish counted.
Several species are thought to be previously unreported for Vanuatu. Additional verification required to confirm this.
Apparent signs of overfishing observed across Vanuatu.
Abundance of meso and apex predators (large groupers, snappers, and sharks) was generally low.

Macroinvertebrates

Diverse communities of macroinvertebrates were observed.
166 species of macroinvertebrates identified and 19,000 individuals counted.
Several sites with relatively high abundance of small to medium giant clams, sea cucumbers, and gastropods such as trochus
No Crown of Thorns Starfish (COT) outbreaks were observed, but several individuals were observed.
One Tritan’s Trumpet was observed consuming a COT. This was a first time observation for the entire expedition team.

Water Quality

Water temperature on the reef was significantly colder in the south of Vanuatu than in the north.
Some reefs appeared to be experiencing high sedimentation. Rubbish and fishing gear were generally low on reefs.
Some macroalgal blooms were observed.

HOW WERE COMMUNITIES CONSULTED?

Before and throughout the study, the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu team collaborated with relevant government agencies and community leaders to consult communities and obtain permission from the traditional custodians to conduct research in their waters. The National Security Council issued the final authorization after consultation.

Data is co-owned by the Government of Vanuatu and the Blue Prosperity Coalition, as stated in the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February 2023.

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COMMUNITIES AND EXPEDITION INFORMATION

HOW CAN COMMUNITIES USE THIS INFORMATION?

Provincial-Level Reports will be developed to provide a snapshot of information from the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Coral Reef Study to local communities at a provincial level. This will give communities more relevant information about what was found from the expedition in their Province, and will give them access to additional data such as 2D maps of the reefs and photos and videos taken in their areas.

These reports will be translated into Bislama.

What is a Blue Prosperity expedition?

Blue Prosperity expeditions are scientific surveys to gather information about coral reef and marine life. These studies have taken place in 74 places around the world, recently in Fiji, Tonga, and the Maldives. You can read the Blue Prosperity Maldives Science Report from the expedition to understand what information has been collected and how the information has been useful for the communities. You can also read more about the recent Blue Prosperity Fiji expedition that finished in August 2023.
What is Blue Prosperity Vanuatu?

Blue Prosperity Vanuatu is a Government-led initiative to strengthen sustainable ocean management and support a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and a brighter future for the people of Vanuatu. The program will support the National Ocean Policy, 100% sustainable ocean management, and full protection of 30% of Vanuatu’s marine waters. Blue Prosperity Vanuatu is a partnership between the Government of Vanuatu and the Waitt Institute, which began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2023. The program will collaborate with and support existing ocean management efforts underway by communities, regional organisations, technical agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Why is Blue Prosperity Vanuatu important?

Vanuatu is 98% ocean and just 2% land. The health of Vanuatu’s ocean is important for food security, economic stability, livelihoods and jobs, climate resilience, tourism, biodiversity, coastal protection, and preserving cultural heritage and ancestral rights. Yet, the ocean is facing many threats including overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and climate change impacts, such as ocean warming, cyclones, coral bleaching, heavy rainfall, and sea level rise. Creating a comprehensive management strategy is necessary to ensure that ocean ecosystems are kept in balance for the prosperity of all ni-Van and future generations.
What is the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Coral Reef study?

From 1-21 September, 2023, the Government of Vanuatu in partnership with the Waitt Institute, is conducting a study of coral reefs across all 6 provinces. This is the largest nation-wide assessment of Vanuatu’s coral reefs and will gather information about the status of marine life across Vanuatu’s coastal waters. The study will be completed by a team of local and international scientists onboard the M/Y Plan b, a large grey ship and two smaller boats. Divers will go out each day to collect information on coral reef health, fish and invertebrates, and water quality. Information collected will provide a national level of understanding of Vanuatu's coral reefs and will help inform the best way to manage, protect, and sustainably use Vanuatu's ocean.
Where did the expedition go?

The Blue Prosperity Vanuatu expedition will survey coral reefs across all 6 provinces. Two dive teams of 6 people will survey at 10 metre depths in nearshore coral reef habitats. Priority dive sites have been selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Fisheries Department, Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, and Department of Geology and Mines.
Who is involved in the study?

The expedition is Government-led, planned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Fisheries, and Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation in collaboration with the Waitt Institute and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
How can this expedition benefit communities?

This expedition will provide information that communities can use to better understand ocean resources and strengthen management, governance, protection, and sustainable use.
What types of information will be collected?

Scientists will perform underwater dive surveys to gather information on: Coral health Fish populations Invertebrate populations (animals such as lobster, crown of thorns, beche de mer, etc.) Water quality The data gathered will provide baseline information about Vanuatu's coral reef health but will not provide a stock assessment for any specific species. This information will build upon, not replace, extensive traditional and scientific knowledge and existing monitoring and research efforts in Vanuatu.
How will this information collected during the study be used?

This information will be used to support ocean governance and management. Once information has been processed, the findings will be detailed in a report that will be made publicly available by the Government as well as outreach with provinces, communities, and organisations.
How will people be made aware of the study?

Blue Prosperity Vanuatu is running a campaign to spread awareness about the expedition and provide information about the upcoming study. Former Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Matai Seremaia, publicly announced the study through a televised speech on VBTC, which was also shared via facebook. Further coverage was provided by the Daily Post, and representatives of Government have made appearances on talkback shows to spread awareness. As the study progresses, updates will continue to be shared on the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Facebook page.
What does the research vessel look like?

Research activities will take place on the M/Y Plan b, a large grey research vessel and its two small boat tenders.
How will this study support National goals and commitments?

The Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Coral Reef Study will provide information to support the Government's national goals and commitments including: Vanuatu National Ocean Policy Vanuatu Biodiversity and Strategic Action Plan 2018-2030 Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy 2016-2030 Vanuatu National Coastal Roadmap 2019-2030 Vanuatu Marine Spatial Plan Future marine scientific research
What is the Vanuatu National Ocean Policy?

The Vanuatu National Ocean Policy aims to implement Vanuatu’s long-term ocean commitments to marine protected areas, and to secure and sustainably manage all of Vanuatu’s Ocean and marine resources. The National Ocean Policy promotes inclusive decision-making that takes into account community and commercial interests supported by scientific and traditional knowledge. The program will also build upon Vanuatu 2030, The People’s Plan. The People’s Plan is the country’s highest-level policy framework that outlines the country’s vision for achieving sustainable development.
Who is the Waitt Institute?

The Waitt Institute is a U.S. based non-profit that partners with committed governments and local stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable ocean plans that benefit communities, the economy, and the environment. The Waitt Institute currently has partnerships with the Azores, Bermuda, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, the Maldives, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
What is the Blue Prosperity Coalition?

The Blue Prosperity Coalition (BPC) is a coalition of NGOs, academic institutions, foundations, and other organisations working together to assist committed governments in developing and implementing sustainable marine spatial plans to protect the environment and improve the economy at the same time. The Waitt Institute is the organising body of the Blue Prosperity Coalition.
How can I follow the expedition?

Learn more at blueprosperityvanuatu.org and follow Blue Prosperity Vanuatu on Facebook.
Who can I contact for more information?

For general inquiries: Please reach out to info@blueprosperityvanuatu.org For media inquiries: Please reach out to espooner@waittinstitute.org and ebangtor@blueprosperityvanuatu.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SUPPORTING
PARTNERS

The coral reef study was led by the Government of Vanuatu through the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu program, under the direction of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Vanuatu Fisheries Department and Department of the Environmental Protection and Conservation, as well as the Department of Geology and Mines, working in close collaboration with universities and non-governmental organizations including the University of the South Pacific (USP), CRIOBE, Big Blue Dive Shop, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the Waitt Institute.