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• Past Interventions
• Current Issues for Fiji
• Programme Response

The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the ocean and island ecosystems of Fiji create both opportunities and constraints to its development. The recognition of these ecosystems as components of the Earth system - a dynamic, complex blend of environmental, economic and social factors interacting in a myriad of ways - is absolutely fundamental to the understanding of sustainable development.

The overall goal of the Ocean and Islands Programme, to improve scientific knowledge of ocean and island ecosystems for the sustainable management of natural resources, demonstrates a clear role in ecosystem management, with interventions focused on mapping and monitoring the physical and chemical attributes of ecosystems, and providing resource use solutions and assessments to its Island States membership. The Ocean and Islands Programme also provides assistance and support towards the development of sound policies and regulations, and meeting obligations under various treaties and agreements.

Outputs under the ‘resource use solutions’ and ‘monitoring the physical and chemical change in ecosystems’ components of the Programme can address many of Fiji’s issues that relate to sustainable development. These issues will need to be considered by the Fiji Government when they develop their National Sustainable Development Strategy and related plan of action.

Past Interventions

There are many similarities between the geology of Fiji and South East Asia, which has major reserves of oil and gas, prompting the relevant national authorities to initiate exploration of the potential of the Fiji Waters. One of the early interventions initiated through the collaboration of the Fiji Government and SOPAC, was in the investigation of designated areas of Fiji’s EEZ, whose geological and geophysical features suggest the occurrence of minerals that could be developed for economic sustenance of the Nation. Prior to the Tripartite Cruise of the member countries in stages between 1982 through to 1987, preliminary cruises and surveys of the vicinity [Lau Ridge, Koro Sea, Bligh Water, Yasawa Trough] had taken place since the membership of the Fiji Government with the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission. These preliminary survey and cruises were conducted to study the EEZ of the country, investigate the fault zones, precious coral occurrence and sedimentation of selected areas of the Fiji Group.

The latter Tripartite Cruises had a two-fold objective; to explore energy sources as well as the tectonic history of the offshore areas of several pacific countries including Fiji. Leg II, of the four-leg cruise [of the member countries] focused on the North Fiji basin triple junction and has a three-fold purpose; “to locate and define the structure of the North Fiji basin triple junction; to identify and investigate possible zones of hydrothermal activity and to determine the existence and examine the distribution of any metalliferous deposits (Kroenke, Eade et al, 1993)�. Data acquired and results achieved indicated a complex tectonic history of the Fiji Group while the occurrence of hydrothermal deposits was confirmed. Hydrothermal deposits in the Fiji waters were further assessed through the JAPAN/SOPAC Deep Sea Mineral Resources Programme from 1985 with its final phase completed in 2002.

The result of these cruises revealed the petroleum potential within the Fiji Waters, in particular in the Bligh Water and Bau Water basins. Sediment cores from the vicinity contain petroleum hydrocarbons (Summons et al, 1993). However, to explore the resources and to confirm the petroleum fields, it is necessary to undertake seismic surveys and drilling programms of the right spots within the seabed (Rodd, 1993). Other mineral exploration took place in the areas of Nasivi Delta, in Tavua and Momi Bay, West Viti Levu, Nadi Bay for the presence of detrital mineral resources (Pratt, Lum et al, 1995; 1996).

Coastal work for the Fiji Islands include the mapping of Cuvu bay to investigate the coastal erosion of the area as well as a marine geophysical survey around Yasawa Island

In recent years, initiatives within the Fiji Islands have been more specific to the developmental needs of the industries in Fiji. One such initiative involved the assessment of lagoon sand resources in Laucala Bay and Namuka Bay to determine the quantity of sand available. Laucala Bay’s sand resources are used to manufacture cement, which is exported to the Forum Island Countries. The viability of this industry depends on assessing the quantity of sand resources available . Other assessments include work on the sedimentation processes in Draunibota Bay, Lami, and Suva Harbour , and the assessment of Placer Gold in the Momi area, Nadi and at Yanawai in Tavua .

Assessments have also been conducted on a number of surveys in the wider Fiji area. As part of Fiji Natural Trust’s investigation of designated heritage sites, a field survey of the Sigatoka sand dunes was carried out for them in 1999 . A volumetric survey of the Monasavu Lake was completed for the Fiji Electricity Authority to determine changes to the reservoir height of the Monasavu Dam . In 2000, a Multibeam Survey was conducted at the Lautoka Harbour as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ports Authority of Fiji and SOPAC. Also in 2000, a sub-sea survey of the pipeline and sand resources in Kadavu Lailai and Treasure Island was conducted , out of which digital data and maps containing bathymetric details were produced. A seabed survey for the replacement of Kinoya sea outfall was completed in 2001 .

In addition to surveys and assessments, a number of other projects were conducted and completed for the Fiji Government through the minerals sector, statutory bodies and private companies. A beach monitoring and evaluation project was conducted for the Government of Fiji to assist in the sustainable use and management of the coastal zone, and a technical training workshop was conducted for relevant government departments. In 2001, data acquisition of the Nadi River was executed as part of a feasibility analysis for a potential project involving the dredging of the Nadi River .

A number of ad hoc projects were also completed for the Minerals Resources Department [MRD]. A promotional brochure was developed by the SOPAC Secretariat to publicise the aeromagnetic survey conducted for mineral exploration in Fiji . In addition, there is a Memorandum of Understanding between SOPAC and the MRD in the operations of the Research Vessel Yautalei, and the service and upgrade of the MRD Wave and Tide Gauge . SOPAC has been overseeing the operations and maintenance of the Yautalei since 1999 .

Finally, assistance in policy development is another key area of assistance offered to member island countries. Under the Ocean and Islands Programme, Fiji received assistance from SOPAC in the formulation of a Working Compensation Policy, in the assessment of compensation due to landowners for costs incurred in mineral development .

Current Issues for Fiji

The following environmental, economic and social issues that can be addressed under the Oceans and Islands Programme, either wholly or in part, have been cited in various assessment reports and national development plans of Fiji:

• Sustainable management of ocean and coastal marine resources.
• Need to minimise degradation of natural resources and protect biodiversity.
• Uncontrolled and poorly planned development practices in the past have resulted in environmental problems.
• Need for increased assessment and development of onshore and offshore mineral and energy resources [e.g. hydrocarbons and geothermal energy].
• Inadequate human resources for the development of mineral resources.
• Limited availability of baseline data.
• Cumbersome application process, red tape, and capital intensity do not attract exploratory work or research in the development of mineral resources.
• Lack of policies and legislation for the sustainable management of natural resources.
• Need to address the legislative framework to cover the risks of land tenure and access, environmental monitoring, and health and safety issues in mineral resource development.
• Uncoordinated approach to environmental management.
• Poor public awareness about interaction between conservation and development, environmental legislation, and resource exploration.

Programme Response

The Ocean and Islands Programme addresses the sustainable development of island ecosystems as a whole. This is reflected in the components of the programme, which tackle sustainable development issues through regional programmes as well as through specific requests from the member countries themselves. In response to specific issues in Fiji, the Ocean and Islands Programme has implemented or is currently involved in the following projects:

• Development of a practical and internationally acceptable Offshore Mineral Policy for Fiji .
• The operation and maintenance of the Research Vessel Yautalei involving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Mineral Resources Department and SOPAC, which continues to be effective to date .
• A coastal erosion assessment for Taqaqe Village on the Coral Coast in Nadroga, Fiji, to determine primary coastal processes, sediment sources and sinks, as a means for understanding the impacts of coastal erosion that may be associated with coastal development, and to determine best mitigation measures and practices for coastal protection .
• Identifying and collecting data that will support the proposed extension of the continental shelf jurisdiction beyond the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone for Fiji .
• Multibeam mapping to select optimum site for submarine pipeline, in Kinoya, Suva. .
• Sedimentation and multibeam survey of Suva Harbour .
• Hydrodynamic study for a proposed reclamation area in Lami, Fiji .
• Environmental monitoring and mapping of the Kiuva lagoon and reef system, east of Viti Levu, Fiji .
• Sedimentation and harbour morphology impacts on port development Labasa, Vanua Levu, Fiji .

The following regional projects cover all SOPAC member countries including the Fiji Islands:

• The establishment and maintenance of a regional deep-sea minerals database.
• The Certificate of Earth Science and Marine Geology [CESMG] builds the capacity of island member nationals in the areas of applied geoscience and forms the basis, for some, to pursue higher education in degree courses in geoscience.
• SOPAC’s monitoring of the physical and chemical change in ecosystems of island member countries embraces the philosophy of Global Ocean Observing Systems [GOOS], which advocates public access to long-term oceanographic data and information. The recently established regional alliance of GOOS, the Pacific Islands – Global Ocean Observing System [PI-GOOS] , seeks to ensure that relevant applications for ocean observations and resulting products from global, regional and national long-term observing systems are developed and made available to Pacific Island end-users in order that they can make better decisions for sustainable development.
• The South Pacific Sea Level and Climate Monitoring Project provides tide gauge and other data, and related products, collected over the past fifteen years. SOPAC provides an important maintenance and operations role for project equipment installations.
• SOPAC also offers assistance in the area of Ocean Governance, by offering professional development programmes for strengthening legal and negotiation skills of advocates for maritime boundary delimitation , the implementation of Part XIII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS] through the provision of technical skills and policy advice , and the coordination of issues related to the law of the sea in their member country regions .