From 1-21 September 2023, the Government of Vanuatu, in partnership with Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, local NGOs, and international collaborators, conducted the largest nationwide coral reef study across all six (6) provinces of Vanuatu. This study gathered information about the status of coral reefs, fish species, invertebrate populations, and water quality across Vanuatu’s waters.
During the expedition, scientists from Vanuatu and across the globe collected data from coastal habitats, contributing insights into the overall health of Vanuatu's marine ecosystems. While this information will not provide stock assessments for individual species, it will help support traditional governance and decision making for coastal planning and establish a baseline for continuing to detect changes in Vanuatu’s coral reefs as well as the effectiveness of management interventions aimed to improve coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods they support. It will also significantly enhance ongoing research and monitoring efforts. The data gathered will also be integrated into Vanuatu's Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process, which combines scientific findings with traditional knowledge to guide sustainable ocean management.
