During the month of June 2013, the Global Reef Expedition began conducting coral reef surveys in and around the Fiji Islands. All of the research was staged from the research vessel M/Y Golden Shadow and lasted approximately 30 days. The full science team visited sites in Moala, Totoya, Matuka, Cicia, Tuvuca,Vanuabalavu, Mago, Vanua vatu, Nayau, Fulaga, and Kabara. The high priority research sites listed were identified by the Lau Provincial Office. All of the data and data products developed through this program, including high resolution satellite imagery and habitat maps, will be given to the Lau Provincial Office and relevant Ministries in Fiji and non-governmental offices working on coral conservation initiatives.

Connecting Ecosystems, Connecting People: How a Collaboration Brought Seagrass into the Spotlight
In marine ecology, we often think about ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds as separate, distinct places. But much like the human body, these ecosystems are interconnected—each system plays a vital role in supporting the health of the others and the communities that depend on them. When we understand these connections, we start to see the bigger picture…
