VATU-I-RA CONSERVATION PARK

Dubbed Fiji’s biggest conservation space, the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park covers Vatui-Ra Island and 110 square kilometres of reefs, lagoons, terraces and pinnacles off the northern coast of Viti Levu.

Vatu-i-Ra Island supports a multitude of breeding seabirds, earning it the nickname “Bird Island” and classification as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Nine species of seabirds that call the island home include black noddies (Anous tenuirostris), red-footed and brown boobies (Sula sula and Sula leucogaster), Lesser frigate birds (Fregata ariel) and several species of tern. Dolphins, whales, sea turtles and over 100 species of fish populate the diverse marine ecosystems surrounding the island.

Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park flaunts some of the most spectacular diving in Fiji, attracting divers from around the world. Many of the boomies and pinnacles are covered in colourful soft corals and sea fans, which makes the sites famous for best dive photographers. Strong currents in the park bring large schools of fish onto the coral reefs which are exquisite.

Some coral reefs in the conservation park were damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, making the continued protection of

BirdLife International photo.

both unharmed and damaged reefs all the more important.

Wildlife Conservation Society-Fiji is working with local communities, tourism operators, the Ra Provincial office and interested stakeholders in Ra Province to set up the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park and a voluntary contribution to conservation scheme, to protect both the island and its surrounding coral reefs. All voluntary contributions go toward park management and providing education grants to children from Nakorotubu District. The reduced fishing pressure is expected to preserve healthy fish stocks, thus maintaining the dive experience for tourists, and support fish stocks in adjacent areas for the benefit of local fishers.

The park was established to protect the remarkable biodiversity of both its marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and to preserve its cultural history. The “spillover” effect from high fish populations within the park also benefit the traditional fishing ground (qoliqoli) of Cokovata Nakorotubu. Nearly 80 percent of Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park is a “no-take” zone, including all of Vatu-i-Ra Island. The remainder of the park is a “catch-and-release” zone open to sustainable, recreational fishing.

How You Can Help! Make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Society-Fiji. Their office is located at 11 Ma’afu Street, Suva, Fiji. Tel: (679) 331 5174. Email: infofiji@wcs.org

Vatu-i-Ra Island is traditionally owned by the Nagilogilo clan, while the surrounding waters fall within the qoliqoli Cokovata Nakorotubu. The island is highly culturally important, and has been monitored and managed for invasive species since 2007 by the Nagilogilo clan with the support of BirdLife International. Villages in the region are dependent on their environment, relying on fish and sea cucumbers for income and sustenance. Qoliqoli Cokovata Nakorotubu is involved in the management of the park, and benefits from the spillover effect the park has on its fisheries.

Conservation Concerns Invasive species like rats, mongoose, and cats are the biggest threat to the birdlife on Vatu-i-Ra Island. If introduced, such predators can have devastating consequences.

Illegal fishing threatens the marine environment. With the park just 15 kilometres from the mainland, it can be difficult to monitor the area for poachers. Climate change will pose an increasing threat to coral reef ecosystems due to coral bleaching and a rise in the severity and frequency of tropical cyclones.