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
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.
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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.
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:
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Preliminary Science Report: This document, offering an overview of the expedition's methods and observational information, serves as the first stage of analysis.
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Provincial-level Reports: These will provide a snapshot of findings to communities, ensuring that local communities have access to relevant data.
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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
Photo by Joe Lepore, Waitt Institute.​
PRELIMINARY SCIENCE REPORT
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:
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PRELIMINARY
OBSERVATIONS
Coral Reefs
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Coral reefs and benthic habitats were diverse in species, community structure, and condition.
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Coral and benthic communities were often unique to an island and varied by windward/leeward sides.
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Island geological context appears to play an important role in reef communities. Particularly, with active volcanic islands.
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Signs of physical destruction from cyclones Judy and Pam were observed along the cyclone paths.
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Baseline levels of coral disease and mortality were observed throughout Vanuatu.
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Abundant juvenile corals were observed on some reefs.​
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Fish Communities
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Clear biogeographic distribution of fish communities across Vanuatu.
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High fish diversity. 462 fish species identified and 128,533 fish counted.
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Several species are thought to be previously unreported for Vanuatu. Additional verification required to confirm this.
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Apparent signs of overfishing observed across Vanuatu.
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Abundance of meso and apex predators (large groupers, snappers, and sharks) was generally low. ​
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Macroinvertebrates
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Diverse communities of macroinvertebrates were observed.
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166 species of macroinvertebrates identified and 19,000 individuals counted.
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Several sites with relatively high abundance of small to medium giant clams, sea cucumbers, and gastropods such as trochus
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No Crown of Thorns Starfish (COT) outbreaks were observed, but several individuals were observed.
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One Tritan’s Trumpet was observed consuming a COT. This was a first time observation for the entire expedition team.
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Water Quality
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Water temperature on the reef was significantly colder in the south of Vanuatu than in the north.
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Some reefs appeared to be experiencing high sedimentation. Rubbish and fishing gear were generally low on reefs.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.