CRUISE OPERATOR LEADS IN Sustainability

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is a small ship cruise line with some pretty big environmental sustainability goals.

Specialising in 3, 4, 7 and 11-night cruises across Fiji’s unsurpassed waterways and idyllic islands, the cruise operator also charts the waters from Port Denarau on day trips to its private island Tivua and dinner cruises in tranquil Nadi Bay.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is passionate about protecting the precious marine environment. On all its offerings, guests come in daily contact with any one of four resident Fijian marine biologists. All graduates of the University of the South Pacific, the marine biologist team carry out sustainability programs on board the MV Reef Endeavour and on Tivua, boasting 200ha of coral gardens in the Mamanuca group.

Reef Endeavour On the MV Reef Endeavour, the marine biologist is responsible for operating the company’s initiative, the Ocean Ambassador Program – the removal of

rubbish pollution in remote areas with a focus on plastic and looking after and sustaining the Fijian environment. Crew and passengers help clean up waste from remote beaches and villages visited, while at the same time educating everyone about rubbish pollution and environmental sustainability. Valuable data about the types of waste found in the islands is gathered and since the initiative began, an average 70-120kg of litter per week has been collected.

The marine biologists also give talks about Fiji’s marine life, and when in the water they lead guests on guided snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours.

Tivua Island Day Tour Marine biologists on Tivua currently run four commendable projects: Coral Farming, Giant Clam Spawning, Island Beach Profiling and establishing a Marine Protected Area (MPA). • The Coral Farming project uses a range of procedures including coral tables made to host doughnut figures seeded with “coral frags”.

• Giant Clam Spawning is essential as the clams are a great source of filtration and help maintain clear waters for the island. The giant clam spat is sourced from the Makogai Island Marine Research Station. Despite challenges with local predators and illegal poachers, the caged clam farm continues to breed stock and to date there are seven clams.

• Sand deposition on Tivua is a concern as the island’s geography and shape shifts from time to time. Given Tivua is well known for its high wave action, this has been a “needs arise” basis project. A groyne constructed out of sandbags is currently stabilising the island’s shifting sands.

• Tivua is a Marine Protected Area with the waters surrounding the tiny island declared a “no take” zone.

Every day, the marine biologists conduct tours ranging from guided snorkelling to nature walks.

For cruise information: captaincookcruisesfiji.com Source: CCCFiji.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s resident marine biologist, Amos Abhishek Daniel (above), is Tourism Fiji’s first Bulanaire for 2020!

Amos was nominated by the cruise company’s managing director, Jackie Charlton who said, “He is the most passionate, articulate and dedicated Marine Biologist. He has the big Bula smile and goes above and beyond to ensure our passengers have a fun, meaningful experience in Fiji.

Ms Charlton added, “He has worked with us since completing his studies and thrown himself into life aboard Reef Endeavour and at Tivua Island by not only guiding and lecturing to our passengers about the ocean, but also participating with the crew in cultural dance and activities. This is illustrated by constant mentions by name in our feedback forms and online review forums.”

When asked what the best part of his job is, he said, “Teaching guests more about the ocean and seeing the excitement on their faces when they go snorkelling or diving and can identify the various fish or coral that they have learnt about. It’s really very rewarding for me to be able to impart that knowledge and share that with guests.”

Selected 2020 Bulanaires will work with Tourism Fiji to help share the ‘Bula Spirit’ with the world and reinforce why Fiji is the place where happiness finds you.