Fiji unveils largest marine research in history
Ocean Science Expedition Report delivers vital data on coral reef health, blending tradition and science to protect Fiji’s blue future.
Wednesday 08 October 2025 | 02:30
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu at Grand Pacific Hotel on October 8, 2025.
Photo: Talei Roko
Fiji celebrated a historic moment with the launch of the country’s largest-ever Ocean Science Expedition Report today.
This marks a major step towards protecting and managing the nation’s vast ocean resources.
The report, released in Suva, provides Fiji’s first national baseline of scientific data on the health of coral reefs. It is the result of a large-scale research expedition that surveyed 270 locations across all 13 provinces.
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Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, said the report gives Fiji the tools it needs to make informed decisions about ocean protection and sustainable development.
“For the first time, we now have a clear picture of what lies beneath our waters,” she said. “This milestone helps us understand the health of our reefs and guides how we manage and protect them.”
Ms Bainivalu said the Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition was the biggest research effort ever conducted in Fiji’s marine environment. The mission involved government ministries, local communities, NGOs, and international scientists.
“This report tells the story of how science and tradition can work together,” she said. “Over 100 traditional fishing ground owners were consulted and gave their blessings before the research began.”
Co-principal investigator Dr Joeli Veitayaki said the information gathered offers the best nationwide understanding of Fiji’s marine environment in over a hundred years.
“For the first time, we have a true picture of our ocean life,” he said. “It is now our starting point for action.”
The expedition was led by the Ministry of Fisheries with support from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and partners such as the Waitt Institute and Blue Prosperity Fiji.
Ms Bainivalu thanked all local and international scientists, NGOs, and community members for their contribution. She said the government will use the data to strengthen fisheries management, promote sustainable growth, and protect livelihoods.
“Today is a proud day for Fiji,” she said. “It shows what we can achieve when science, tradition, and community work together to protect the ocean that protects us.”
