MY REEF, YOUR REEF, OUR RESPONSIBILITY

MY REEF, YOUR REEF, OUR RESPONSIBILITY

By Annelise Halafihi 

During their holidays sixteen students from Vava'u High School went on a snorkelling trip to Coral gardens to learn about the complexities of coral reefs and the threats they face from human activities.  The students  won the snorkelling trip for coming first in the Vava’u 2012 Environment Week school drama competition.   The prize was generously donated by Hakau Adventures and the fuel sponsored by VEPA.    Many had never been to the reef before and found the experience  inspirational.  One student commented that they  “had to admit, we may know what our reef looks like in magazines, photos and in the television but, we never get to see it with our own eyes”.  

One of the sites visited was ‘Anauku cave, where students swam close to the entrance to experience the colours of the reef, for many it was like nothing they had ever seen before. 

During the trip Damien, a VEPA volunteer, taught the students about different organisms and their symbiotic relationship with the coral, together creating a healthy reef.  He also discussed how the reefs are under threat from human activities, including increased sediment from runoff and rising sea temperatures.   One of the major impacts that the students witnessed were the strips of dead corals caused by dragging anchors.  A scar left from boat anchors cutting through the reef, damaging the coral and eventually killing it. When Damien asked the students ‘who the reef belongs to?’ The students immediately thought of nobles and  the Government. By the end of the trip they realised that the reef belonged to them and they are now determined to do something to protect it.   One student pointed out, “ it is my reef, your reef and it is our responsibility to take care of it!”

Figure 1: Scar in the reef from anchor dragging

Figure 2: Students snorkeling 

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This is an article written by one of the students who went on the snorkelling trip.  Annelise is now a VEPA volunteer and is looking forward to helping out on our projects.