Canopies of Coral
Fiji’s coral reefs house some 333 species of corals of all shapes, sizes and colors, many of which we’ve seen in Lau Province. We’ve examined many reef types, some which fringe the shore (fringing reefs), some in the center of …
What we do
Sea Cucumber Craze – Part 2
Throughout the Lau Province it’s typical to find sea cucumbers drying in the sun. The dried sea cucumbers are called beche-de-mer. These sea cucumbers fetch a good price and for some islands it has become their primary source of income. …
Local Management to the ‘Reef’ Rescue
Across the world, coral reefs and fisheries are in crisis. In Fiji over the past few decades, increased demands for cash income and material goods, coupled with growing populations and access to markets, have led to substantially increased pressure on …
Scuba Diving
Almost all of the Living Ocean Foundation’s scientific research is conducted via SCUBA diving. Since the start of the Global Reef Expedition in 2011, the Foundation has worked with 196 different scientists and has safely conducted over 6000 SCUBA dives, …
Scientific Collaboration
In order to understand the dynamics of a coral reef ecosystem, we must conduct standardized research techniques, which include scientific surveys and habitat mapping. This data helps our scientists to understand the entire picture for what is happening with coral …
Reef Resilience
During our research at sea we take measurements and collect data to help us determine a reef’s resilience What is Reef Resilience? In a nutshell resilience is the ability of an ecosystem, like a coral reef, to both resist change …
Global Reef Expedition
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation completed one of the largest coral reef studies in history: the Global Reef Expedition. Over the course of 10 years, the Expedition circumnavigated the globe aboard the M/Y Golden Shadow surveying some of …
Coral Ecology
Coral ecology is the study of relationships between living organisms found on coral reefs and their interactions with the natural and human environment. All kinds of sea creatures, corals and other invertebrates, fish, algae and seagrasses, are all integrally linked …
Restocking the Future – Part 1
For those of you who have never seen a giant clam, let me tell you they are incredible creatures. I’m intrigued by these enormous, marble-colored flesh animals. Their size alone is impressive with potential to grow up to almost 5 …
Habitat Mapping
Combining satellite imagery with information gathered from our benthic habitat surveys and geo-referenced photos and videos. Our detailed habitat maps of coral reef ecosystems provide a comprehensive snapshot of life on a reef in one place and time. Half the world’s coral …