A CHIEF in Nukapu in Temotu Province, Henry Laki is taking a bold step to protect Nukapu’s coral reefs after witnessing declining fish catches.
Laki introduced a tabu for no fishing to take place in the reefs for the last three years.
As a result of the tabu, the reef started to attract more fish.
The National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team members paid a visit to him and witnessed the impact of the tabu.
Marine Ecologist and the Lead Scientist of the expedition, Dr Molly Timmers presented this discovery during the occasion to celebrate the closing of the expedition at Heritage Park Hotel on Monday.
She said this is an example of the rotational tabus.
“He found out there weren’t any fish and so he wanted to take a stand and try to make a change.
“And what we found diving around his island was amazing,” Dr Timmers said.
