Malolo survey charts safer course for marine tourism

Fiji's first maritime tourism public-private partnership (PPP) hydrographic survey in Malolo is expected to improve navigational safety and support the future growth of the country's marine tourism industry.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), through the Tourism Hydrographic Task­force (THT) facilitated the survey in collaboration with Fiji Hydro­graphic Services (FHS) of the Re­public of Fiji Military Forces Na­val Division, traditional leaders and private-sector stakeholders.

The survey began earlier this month and is scheduled for com­pletion in December 2026. It will address outstanding hydrograph­ic mapping gaps around Musket Cove Marina and surrounding waters, one of Fiji's popular yachting destinations.

The Tui Lawa endorsed the sur­vey following consultations, high­lighting the importance of tradi­tional leadership and community engagement in maritime tourism development.

"About 80 per cent of Malolo's hydrographic mapping needs have already been met. The survey will complete the remaining 20 per cent, fill gaps in existing in­formation and record changes in the surrounding waters since ear­lier surveys," a Tourism Ministry statement said.

The updated information will provide yachts, commercial ves­sels and other maritime operators with more accurate and current navigational data.

The hydrographic survey began earlier this month and is scheduled for completion in December 2026.

The initiative follows the Fulaga survey undertaken in the previous financial year with support from the THT and FHS. Updated maps from the surveys are expected to be published in early 2027.

"The Malolo survey supports Fi­ji's National Sustainable Tourism Framework 2024-2034, which pro­motes safer, more sustainable and accessible tourism while strength­ening Fiji's reputation as a safe and attractive destination for vis­iting yachts," the ministry said.

Reliable hydrographic informa­tion is essential for vessel safety and the continued growth of Fiji's marine tourism sector.

The survey is expected to im­prove navigational safety; enhance visitor experiences and contribute to the sustainable development of the country's maritime tourism industry.

The ministry acknowledged the support of its private-sector part­ners, including the Ahura Group, Subsurface Fiji, Musket Cove Resort, Yacht Services Fiji and Vuda Marina, whose financial and in­kind contributions helped make the survey possible.

The Malolo survey is also an im­portant step towards developing a PPP model for tourism-related hy­drographic mapping in Fiji.

"Through the THT, Government and private-sector stakeholders identify mapping priorities, co­ordinate activities and share re­sources. Lessons from the partner­ship are expected to guide future hydrographic surveys in other priority maritime tourism areas across Fiji," the ministry said.

The ministry also acknowledged the dedication and professional­ism of the Fiji Hydrographic Ser­vices team deployed in Malolo and expressed confidence in the suc­cessful completion of the survey.