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This proposal will provide the scientific basis to support sustainable management of the Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands, while maximising use of local marine resources for the benefit of local communities. The health of coastal marine ecosystems in the Marovo lagoon, like many sites around the world, are at risk due to inappropriate land use adjacent to coastal rivers and the lagoon (FAO 1994; Umali etal. 1987; WWF 1999a & b; World Bank 2000). Mangrove, seagrass and coral habitats provide the basis of most food chains in tropical regions; hence any deterioration in the condition or health of these habitats will lead to significant losses in both physical and functional benefits derived from these coastal ecosystems. Both intentional (wetland reclamation, point source pollution discharge, destructive fishing practices) and unintentional (increased run-off due to clearing, non-point source pollutant release) anthropogenic activities can lead to serious degradation of these important habitats and lead to a reduction in productivity of the ecosystem.

Much of Fiji’s wealth is generated by its extensive marine resources, which provide, for example, protein based food from fishing and income from tourism. However, a suite of factors currently threatens the ecological balance and health of many of Fiji’s reef ecosystems. Following on from the work conducted by CCC in the Mamanuca Islands as part of the Fiji Coral Reef Conservation Project (FCRCP), CCC were engaged in May 2005 to assist in coral reef assessment and management in the Kadavu Islands.