Nanuya Marine Reserve established

Protecting the Yasawa Islands Coral Reefs

The Yasawa Islands of Fiji are blessed with some stunningly beautiful coral reefs. However the effects of human population growth, increasingly warming waters in tropical oceans and the ever-present threat by the Crown of Thorns starfish, means our local reefs off Nanuya Lailai island have been damaged and are continually suffering from the ravages of both a natural and modern world. Steps needed to be taken to preserve these natural wonders.

Partnership to protect marine reserve

In partnership with chiefs in the Yasawa Islands and Vinaka Fiji Volunteering, Boathouse Nanuya and sister company Nanuya Island Resort have taken a stand to protect our marine areas. A five-year taboo (fishing ban) has been established between the vanua o Drola, Vinaka Fiji, Nanuya Island Resort / Boathouse Nanuya and the Government.

Leading the charge was Nacula’s paramount chief Na Momo na Tui Drola Ratu Manasa Naikasowalu who launched the taboo ceremony at the island last month.

He said the traditional taboo was an opportunity for the vanua to look at the importance of protecting their fishing grounds.

He added this would boost marine conservation efforts of the vanua of Drola.

Vinaka Fiji General Manager Elenoa Nimacere said the taboo was important to the Yasawa Group as it would bring back marine food species that had been scarce for some years now.

 

Marine Conservation efforts

At Boathouse Nanuya / Nanuya Island Resort, we have our own ‘Environmental Warriors’! They are Moses and Arthur you’ll find both in the activities area down near The Boathouse.

Like all Fijians, the boys have a love of the ocean, and recognise that much of the Fijian lifestyle relies on the bounty from the sea and of course, keeping the waters around the Yasawa Islands as pristine as possible.

Arthur has almost single-handedly removed most of the Crown of Thorns starfish from the nearby reefs surrounding Nanuya Lailai island and Moses has embarked on a mission to reinvigorate, regrow and revitalise these reefs! On his free days you will find Moses diving on the reefs, replanting and tending to his own private garden – Nanuya’s off shore reefs.  Take a look at the attached video of Moses taking part in a coral harvesting documentary for the BBC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UlnRnHWFqU&sns=em

If you’re an experienced snorkeler or a good swimmer, you can accompany Moses on one of his reef saving trips. He’ll explain what he’s doing, why he’s doing it and even let you dive with him to explore and witness his efforts. Just enquire at the Activities Desk and our friendly crew will be only too happy to assist.

…and if you see Mo and Arthur as you wander around the Resort, make sure you say ‘Bula Vinaka’ and thank them for the great job they do.

At Boathouse Nanuya / Nanuya Island Resort, we’re all about protecting our precious environment and Mo & Arthur are most definitely part of that.

 

About Boathouse Nanuya & Nanuya Island Resort

Boathouse Nanuya is a sister company to Nanuya Island Resort. Both resorts, which are next to each other on Nanuya Lailai Island, are owned by Ivan and Val Parker. The properties were purchased with the intention to employ as many local people as possible and provide a better living for them.

Many of the staff at both resorts are from local villages and they cross the water daily to come and work. You can find out more by reading this News article.

The properties share use of the Watersports and Day Tours Centre, and Boathouse guests are welcome to book treatments at the Nanuya Island Day Spa.