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Home to more marine species than any other ocean basin, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea harbor some of the world’s most iconic and rare assemblages of underwater life. But climate change, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, among other threats, are triggering devastating declines, pushing species towards extinction.
Conserving marine species in these regions is crucial for climate resilience, ecological balance, and community well-being. These regions are part of the Coral Triangle, which boasts the highest coral and reef fish diversity globally. Healthy marine ecosystems act as natural barriers against climate impacts like storms and rising sea levels. They also support local fisheries, providing food and income for communities. Protecting these ecosystems ensures biodiversity, sustains livelihoods, and strengthens the resilience of both nature and people against climate change. Throughout the Pacific, marine biodiversity are also closely linked to tradition — securing their survival for future generations also supports cultural preservation.
Conserving these species in particular is also globally significant because they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, such as by serving as 'engineers' of coral reefs and seagrass beds, maintaining the species below them in the food chain and serving as an indicator for ocean health. These species are also culturally, economically and ecologically important for local communities, supporting their cultural practices, livelihoods and food security. Protecting them helps ensure the resilience of marine environments and the well-being of coastal communities.
MARINE TURTLES
5 out of 7 total marine species found in the world are documented to visit the coasts of Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands for nesting across generations. This includes the critically endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), as well as the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Marine turtles are often viewed as 'ecosystem engineers' for their role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds.
SHARKS & RAYS
Sharks and rays are important components of marine ecosystems that help maintain the oceanic food web balanced, in addition to their historic and cultural value to Pacific people. However, global populations of several of these exquisite species have dropped by more than 70%, and if nothing is done, they will become extinct in our waters.
DUGONGS
The status of dugongs in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea is largely unknown, with populations fragmented and believed to be declining. Rare sightings and limited data indicates decline due to habitat loss and hunting. But in Papua New Guinea, limited data and ocassional sightings offer hope. Dugongs are crucial to conserve because they play a vital role in maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems, which provide habitat for many marine species and help protect coastlines from erosion.
WWF takes a holistic approach to conserving marine species, considering the status and health of not just life below but also of reef health and resilience. Our focus is on enabling communities to serve as custodians of marine life and to equip them with the required training and skills to conduct monitoring so that they can combine their traditional knowledge of the species and confirm the status and well-being of their shared habitats.
Other activities include:
- We participated in the Solomon Islands Turtle Strategic Action Plan 2008-2012 Review.
- We provided support in the Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Sharks and Rays, developed in 2022, currently awaiting finalization and endorsement by the national Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources.
- In 2023, volunteer community turtle monitors conducted turtle nesting surveys in 4 project sites (Kavewa, Yadua, Tuvuca and Dravuni) to collect nesting data, including species identification; number of successful and unsuccessful hatchlings; global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of nest sites and recording of threats in the relevant sites. A total of 216 turtle nests were recorded.
- Preliminary survey data analysis completed together with SPREP showed 2420 turtles caught as bycatch in 2022 (293 respondents in 10 provinces across Fiji). Further surveys will be conducted this year.
- Turtle project inception workshop completed with activities agreed with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Fiji Sea Turtle Steering Committee.
- Communities of Nadogo District, in Vanua Levu indicated their intention to declare Nukuvadra and Katawaqa islands and surrounding waters, a community marine protected area and turtle sanctuary. A traditional ceremony was held in July signifying the district’s endorsement.
- Based on consultations with community representatives from the two Yavusas of Cawaro and Dokonaisuva in the district of Udu, communities agreed to protect an area within Tikina Udu’s qoliqoli to allow for turtles to breed annually without being disturbed and to function as a Tikina Udu Turtle Protected Area.
- Focus group discussions in eight communities across Papua New Guinea assessed the presence, catch, trade, awareness of regulations, support for regulations, and willingness to participate in conservation efforts of sharks and rays
- Community Turtle monitors in Milne Bay Province collected sociocultural data in 4 locations on turtle use in PNG which is being entered into a dedicated worksheet for future analysis.
- 6 turtle use workshops across maritime provinces in PNG with 226 people completed and final overarching report submitted to CEPA for comment.
SHARKS & RAYS INITIATIVE MAKES A SPLASH IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Sharks and rays are crucial for maintaining balanced marine ecosystems and hold significant historical and cultural value for Pacific communities. Unfortunately, global populations of many of these magnificent species have plummeted by over 70%. Without immediate action, they risk extinction in our waters. Now is the time to act and protect these vital species, especially in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
PNG is home to 132 species of sharks and rays, including some of the most threatened species like hammerhead sharks, sawfish, and rhino rays — indicative of the vitality of PNG's biodiversity hotspots. This rich diversity made PNG a prime choice for WWF’s Sharks and Rays Recovery Initiative (SARRI), with the Gulf of Papua, particularly the Western Central and Gulf Provinces, selected as one of the first global pilot sites.
Dau ni Vonu, turtle guardians, continue to expand their network and reach in Fiji
From its starts in Macuata and Bua, later expansion to Lomaviti and others, Dau Ni Vonu or turtle monitors in Fiji are uniting across islands and communities. Their aim? Enhance turtle monitoring efforts and championing the cause fo growing marine turtle populations through evidence-based awareness.
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Emosi Time
"Another thing that makes Dau ni Vonu different is how we try to educate. Perception and understanding on the issue needs to be sharp — they need to know why we need more protection for turtles. Only then we can reach a consensus.”
