Launch in the Fiji
 Part of the crowd that participated in the Fiji national campaign launch. The Fiji campaign was launched in Suva on 3 March by the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. Joketani Cokanasiga (garlanded). Other activities included a beach clean up and open day at the Department of Fisheries office. Photo by L Bell. |
Beginning on March the 3rd, the one week launch revolves around the theme "Protect the Reef from the Mountains to the Sea," and will include a variety of programmes kick starting with the Ministers key note address to the release of two tagged turtles.
In celebrating the importance reefs play to Fiji's archipelago, Principal Research Officer, Mr Aisake Batibasaga says, research gathered from coral reefs in the outlying islands indicate a vibrant ecosystem compared to those closer to the main urban centers.
"Isolated maritime districts in the Lau and Lomaiviti group are well, in terms of coral reef ecosystems and habitats productivity but our concern is the productivity of reefs surrounding urban centres in Suva and Ba," Mr Batibasaga said.
The Principal Research Officer added that as the weeks launch marks the year long dedication of preserving and protecting one of the nation's international image creators, the Fisheries Department, Non-Governmental Organizations and key stakeholders will continue to provide educational programmes, workshops and visitations to various communities, emphasizing of the vital role coral reefs play to both the marine ecosystems and to coastal communities.
