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Coral reefs in Tokelau in Tokelauan language

The Kingdom of Tonga has previously indicated to SPREP that specialised short term training in reef ecology and the development of coral reef survey and monitoring skills is a priority for their country (Thistlethwaite et al. 1993, SPREP 1995, SPREP 1996). In recognition of the ongoing need for regional capacity building in coral reef survey and monitoring techniques, and to accommodate the particular requests of the Kingdom of Tonga. SPREP sought and received funding from AusAID to run a sub-regional course in Vava'u. Kingdom of Tonga. SPREP again requested that scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science run the course.

A coral reef is a complex system which consists of many animals and plants as well as corals. It provides food and shelter for a greater variety of living things than most other natural areas in the world. Many coral-reef animals, such as clams, crabs, lobsters and fish, are important food items for people living in Pacific Islands