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The Mt. Vaea Ecological Restoration Project started in earnest in mid-September 2007, when the Project Management (Conservation International) with the approval of the Implementing Agency, [MNRE, Division of Environment and Conservation (DEC), National Parks and Reserves Section (NPR)], seconded the Project Technical Expert (see TOR appendix A) to initiate and conduct the field work stipulated in the contract. Shortly following, a series of meetings took place which established a core project committee; and identified the key staff, equipment, and materials required; and set a scheduled time frame for the field work to commence.

In Samoa the Tectus pyramis and the Turbo chrysostomus are generally spread through out the reefs within suitable habitats. These habitats are mainly of shallow sunlit waters within the lagoon and reefs. The juvenile species are mainly found in lesser rough waters while adult species are known to thrive on reef flats towards the reef slopes. They are herbivorous and mainly feed on algae (turf algae), diatoms and foramaniferas on dead corals and rock surfaces. (Bell & Mulipola,) 1995

Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa and Tuvalu report monitoring data for this report, with data from a broad range of observers (scientists, students, dive guides and communities); Nauru has not conducted recent monitoring; Coral cover has changed since the 2004 report due to effective management (positive), or local disturbances, coral predation and natural disasters (negative). Average coral cover at monitoring sites was 45% in Fiji; 27% in New Caledonia; 43% in Samoa; 30% in Solomon Islands; 65% in Tuvalu; and 26% in Vanuatu; Monitoring observations over 9-10 years in Fiji and New Caledonia indicate that these reefs have coped reasonably well with natural and human stressors without catastrophic changes; Densities of edible fish and invertebrates remained generally low (0-10/100m2) in 4 countries reflecting high subsistence and commercial fishing pressure. Butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish and damselfish were generally most dominant. High densities of parrotfish were reported from 4 countries; Socioeconomic monitoring is conducted in Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Greatest activity is by the Fiji Locally Marine Managed Area (FLMMA) network at 270 villages across all Fiji provinces. Most households harvest marine resources for subsistence and partially for sale, with few commercial fishers. In Samoa, more people eat canned fish than fresh fish, possibly because of decreased fish stocks in the last 10 years. In the Solomon Islands, some traditional managed systems have collapsed due to poor understanding of fisheries and resource management issues or poor national regulations. Mangrove destruction and greater fishing pressure are reducing family incomes;

The Upper Navua River cuts a narrow gorge through the province of Serua in the central highlands of Viti Levu. The Navua River represents Fiji's third largest freshwater drainage. The gorge is approximately 75 meters deep and varies in width from 5 to 25 meters. The Upper Navua Conservation Area (UNCA) encompasses tins never gorge and approximately 58% of die entire catchment area. Lush highland rainforest surrounds the entire drainage and provides a host of botanical cures diat are utilized by die indigenous peoples of the area. The forest, over and associated biodiversity provide die necessary supplies and food required for daily living and a wide range of ecosystem services to the entire catchment area including flood control for lower areas.

In tropical forests, natural disturbance creates opportunities for species to claim previously utilized space and resources and is considered an important mechanism in the maintenance of species diversity. However, ecologists have long recognized that disturbance also promotes exotic plant invasions. Cyclones cause extensive defoliation, loss of major branches and multiple tree falls, resulting in a significantly more open canopy and increased light and heat levels in the understorey. The widespread and massive disturbance caused by cyclones provides ideal conditions for rapid recruitment and spread of invasive species. The ecological roles of invasive species in rainforest habitats following such a severe disturbance are poorly understood. Severe category 4 Cyclone Larry crossed the North Queensland coast in March 2006 causing massive disturbance to rainforest habitats from Tully to Cairns and west to the Atherton Tablelands. We established 10 plots in an area extensively damaged by this cyclone near El Arish in North Queensland. On each plot nine 2×2 m quadrats were established with three quadrats per plot in each of the following treatments: (i) complete debris removal down to the soil layer, (ii) removal of coarse woody debris only, and (iii) uncleared. We monitored recruitment, growth and mortality of all native and invasive species in the 90 quadrats every 3 months since the cyclone. Here we present the recruitment dynamics of invasive species across the study area in relation to the level of disturbance, the type of quadrat treatment, and the diversity and abundance of the native recruiting flora over the first 12 months post?cyclone. Our results suggest that invasive species will mostly comprise a transient component of the flora in the early stages of the successional response. However, some species may have longer?term effects on the successional trajectory of the rainforest and future forest composition and structure.