Partnership to Address Degraded Seagrass Sites

23 June 2023 - Seagrasses are valuable marine flowering plants that exclusively grow in intertidal and shallow subtidal waters of sheltered near-shore environments. They play a crucial role in coastal protection by reducing wave energy, purifying reef ecosystems, and serving as important habitats for flagship species like green turtles. Seagrass meadows also contribute to sediment stabilization, nutrient cycling, and act as nursery grounds for fish species that support fisheries. Additionally, they improve water quality by controlling pathogenic bacteria, benefiting humans, fish, and marine invertebrates. Globally, seagrass meadows significantly contribute to climate change mitigation. Despite their value, seagrass ecosystems face decline due to anthropogenic activities and climate change. 

OUR APPROACH 

In close collaboration with the Fiji National University (FNU), this project will utilize innovative seagrass restoration techniques to reestablish seagrass meadows in degraded seagrass sites within Fiji, starting with the pilot site in Natale-i-ra village in the Dawasamu district. The resulting data and knowledge gained will be used in practice to restore other degraded seagrass meadows as well as gain information on the life cycle of different species of seagrass found in Fiji. 

 THE BENEFITS 

By successfully implementing restoration techniques and expanding seagrass meadows, this small-scale pilot project on seagrass restoration implemented jointly with the FNU College of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (CAFF) will explore options for improving seagrass meadow health and extent. The knowledge and lessons learnt would then contribute to developing management and restoration approaches on improving the health and extent of seagrass ecosystems at a larger scale. 

 SUCCESS FACTORS 

·        Establishment of healthy meadows in degraded sites. 

·        Creating community awareness on the importance of seagrass meadows. 

·        Observation and documentation of seagrass flowering/life cycle. 

·        Implementation and refining seagrass restoration techniques