Managing Marine Seascapes Through Community-based Conservation

In this multi-component exercise, you have been recruited as community scientists to analyze real-world data collected in Vatu-i-Ra Seascape using non-destructive diver operated video (DOV) methods. These videos were previously collected by the Wildlife Conservation Society in collaboration with local divers in Fiji. Students will quantitatively analyze and use this data to assess the fisheries management efficacy of tabu areas—a traditional Fijian approach to create no-take, Marine Protected Areas—as a method of promoting marine biodiversity and improving overall ecosystem health using metrics such as fish abundance and coral reef complexity. During this exercise you will also learn about the importance and cultural significance of tabu areas in relation to ecosystem health and human livelihoods. You will be directed on how to visualize the results and summarize their conclusions through a written report in the style of a scientific journal article. In the discussion section of your scientific journal article, you are encouraged to critically think about study limitations and discuss future research directions to expand the project.