A collaborative approach to integrate science into traditional management of coral reefs in Navakavu, Fiji

Coral reefs are critical for securing food resources and generating income in Fiji. However, reef ecosystems and the people they support are currently at risk from multiple threats, such as poor land-use practices, overfishing, pollution, destruction of habitats for development, and adverse climate change effects. Understanding how socio-ecological reef systems (SES) function and respond to threats is critical. This paper describes a community-led approach that links science and traditional practices to support management decisions in Navakavu, a SES located 15km west of Suva (capital of Fiji). The approach involves (a) understanding links between reefs and people, (b) measuring sedimentation/pollution on the reefs, (c) understanding governance structures to effectively support decisions, and (d) using design-thinking to communicate research findings in a way that is meaningful to local communities and their leaders. Preliminary results indicate healthy corals but overfished reefs (despite improvements since the establishment of no-take area > 10 years ago), with low sedimentation rates during survey period (04/2016-06/2017), and plastic in sediments, water column and fish guts. Interestingly, pipefish (Corythoichthys intestinalis) abundance is relatively high as well as the proportion of pregnant to non-pregnant males, indicating the area is potentially a breeding/nursery ground. Seagrasses have substantially expanded in the last 10 years probably due to nutrient enrichment. These results were presented at community workshops where villagers could steer the research program, identify community needs, discuss and co-design management actions and communication material. Our approach has supported management by providing reef information which helped reprioritise actions such as the need to stop poaching and to manage garbage disposal. Also, there was a revival of women’s groups–as part of the traditional governance structure. The women initiated action to manage plastic waste by producing crafts through upcycling and sewing techniques workshopped as part of the project. Research results were also used to request more frequent council garbage collection and initiated internal discussions about establishing a local reef-tourism venture. By linking science and traditional practices, our approach helps build socio-ecological resilience by reinforcing local identities and fitting conservation measures into everyday life and activities that have been used in Fiji for generations.