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Research
All the research that South Pacific Projects is conducting is supported by our project partners, community members and local stakeholders. Our role within the region has been developing rapidly and after a highly collaborative and successful year our project goals are being met through achievable and locally relevant objectives. With our research we aim to facilitate our experienced project partners and to conduct research that is applicable to the regions inhabitants.
Presently our primary objective is to collect a comprehensive multi-faceted marine resource data set in the region that will enable the local communities to make more informed decisions regarding the sustainable management of their marine resources leading to the establishment of a network of locally managed marine area networks, some of which may be deemed suitable for gazetting by the Fisheries Department.
During 2009 volunteers that joined us began a broad scale baseline assessment to ascertain the overall status of the regions adjacent coral reefs. Specifically the baseline assessment is recording benthic composition, fishery invertebrate densities, fish trophic level abundances and targeted fish densities and biomass. Upon its conclusion, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries Research Division, we will initiate a specific targeted stock assessment of the region. During the course of the assessments South Pacific Projects aims to work in close co-operation with the communities of the region; conducting a diverse array of socio-economic surveys and organising various community meetings to discuss local concerns, obtain their observations and to gain their advice and local knowledge of the region and its resources. This facet of our marine conservation expedition is imperative to the success of the placement of any marine protected areas as without the communities support there is little chance of creating viable marine protected areas.
In addition the South Pacific Projects staff team, project partner staff and researchers from various academic research institutions will be conducting supplementary research in the region during the time span of the project to focus on specific aspects of interest. The data collected by all assessments and surveys will provide substantial quantities of quality data to provide them with the essential information to place the first gazetted marine protected areas in the region.
Volunteer Training
Soon after arrival and acclimatisation at the South Pacific Projects field site, volunteers begin an intensive scientific training programme, working closely with the marine researchers based at the camp. Training is largely field based, involving numerous SCUBA diving and snorkeling excursions as well as informal lectures, small group discussions, and practice exercises of the various research methodologies that you are likely to use during your work with SPP.
The length of the South Pacific Projects training period is dependent on a number of factors but will take a minimum of two weeks, and typically lasts up to 21 days. At the end of this period you will be tested on the scientific material covered. Testing ensures that our research team know that volunteers’ knowledge is of a sufficient standard to carry out underwater surveys with our marine biologists coordinating the research. The South Pacific Projects 6-week expedition cycle is tailored to ensure that volunteers are given suitable time to receive scientific training, as well as sufficient time to have a rewarding experience playing an effective role in the research team.
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Reports & Updates
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Volunteers dissertation – Download
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FLMMA newsletter – March 2010 -Â Download
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