Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Dive Tropex Tokoriki is the latest PADI dive centre to be awarded with Project AWARE Go Eco Operator status in 2007.

Project AWARE Foundation, the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation launched the Go Eco campaign in the Asia Pacific region in 2005. The main objective of Go Eco is for dive centres to minimize their impact on the aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation. Dive centres are required to meet best practice environmental guidelines and commit to the PADI Project AWARE Go Eco philosophy.

Dive Tropex Tokoriki is delighted to be awarded with the Project AWARE Go Eco operator status for 2007. As a Go Eco operator we are committed to providing dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment.


Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Tokoriki Island Resort Marine Reserve

Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Tokoriki Island Resort Marine Reserve

In December 2006 the fringing reef in front of Tokoriki Island Resort was declared a “tabu” or marine reserve.

This means that inside the boundaries no fishing is allowed whether by spear or handline and no removal of clams, other shell fish etc is permitted. Judging from evidence at other marine reserves elsewhere in Fiji we can expect a marked increase in fish populations in as little as twelve months.

As the Tokoriki fringing reef is already very healthy we are expecting great things in the near future. Daily snorkel and dive trips visit the marine reserve area.

Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Tokoriki Island Resort Marine Reserve

ANZ supports marine conservation - Fiji Times Online

Fijis leading commercial bank, ANZ says it will continue to support the protection and conservation of the marine resources of the countrys tourism mecca, the Mamanuca Group, reports Pacnews.

ANZs General Manager, Robert Bell, was on Castaway Island last Friday to prove the banks commitment with a $25,000 presentation to the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES).

"Your work deserves to be promoted. It is good to see that tourist operators are supporting marine conservation and is a sign that tourism is progressing and contributing towards the economy," he said.

ANZ is a gold sponsor to the non governmental organisation that was set up in 2002 to address environmental issues in the region.

Recent MES projects include water quality monitoring, reef check surveys, liquid waste management as well as education awareness and dialogue with stakeholders at community and commercial levels.

"We are happy with the financial support we are getting. It is assisting us to implement projects that we hope will protect and preserve the marine environment of the Mamanuca Group, something that tourists keep coming back for," said Betani Salusalu, MES project manager.

One of the major projects undertaken by MES is the conservation of turtle in and around islands in the Mamanuca.

"We are working with the Institute of Marine Resources to conduct a survey on all islands in the Mamanucas for turtle breeding and nesting sites," he said.

In March this year, the Society satellite tagged and released into the ocean a Hawksbill turtle, named Adi Mamanuca from Treasure Island.

MES, through satellite, is monitoring its movement, which it says appear to be moving around between Fijis main islands.

Fiji has a five- year moratorium which bans the commercial harvest and sale of sea turtles.
The moratorium is expected to expire this year.

ANZ supports marine conservation - Fiji Times Online