Long-term protection of Whales & Dolphins in Fiji

Dear Supporter,

Over-fishing and illegal fishing occurs in Fiji as with many other countries that do not have the resources to combat it. This illegal fishing has a great impact on dolphin communities, who often get caught in the cross-fire. 

Seaweed farming around the world is an incredibly fast growing industry with an increase of 8% per year since the 1970s. Seaweed is used for human and animal consumption, for fertiliser and to extract various products. Currently the global demand for these products outstrips supply.

Island nations such as Fiji have problems creating jobs and industries on the marginal islands. Usually the only work people can do there is fishing or occasionally in the tourist industry. Seaweed farming provides an alternative income to these marginal communities. Seaweed farms are low-technology so can be started by unskilled workers with minimal training.  It is also a job that can be, and often is, done by women.

The Fiji government is aiming to develop seaweed farming to be second only to sugar in terms of export. The Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry approached GVI for help in achieving this goal in early 2013. The Ministry of Fisheries requested GVI’s assistance in starting up a model farm for the Yasawas. This farm was created and has been maintained by GVI volunteers. Soon the farm will be ready for harvest every 6 weeks and generating income and will serve to demonstrate to prospective local communities how sutainable and potentially lucrative seaweed farming can be. By raising awareness and interest amongst local communities GVI hopes to promote Seaweed farming a viable alternative to unsustainable local fishing practices such as sea cumber poaching. 

Thank you for supporting out marine communities!

All the best

GVI Fiji

Links:

• http://www.gvi.org

Dear Supporter, 

I hope this report finds you well. During the April instance of the GVI Spinner Dolphin Research project, the research team spent 9 days recording dolphin behavior on Moon Reef. A new digital sound recorder, funded by the GVI Charitable Trust and your donations, improved the quality of the hydrophone recordings that we made during this phase and have subsequently been added to Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s data collection. The eight researchers were able to capture photos and record data to a high standard on most days despite some rough weather and choppy seas. It was very interesting to note that the Dolphin Pod Behavior was significantly impacted by the presence of large shoals of Tuna on the outer reefs, impacting that pods normal hunting and rest patterns. Whilst this would be assumed, being able to record this data greatly assisting with Dolphin Conservation efforts in the region. 

Thank you for continuing to support this project. 

All the best

GVI Fiji

Links:

• http://www.gvi.org