Category: Featured Project

  • An interns insight: Coral bleaching

    Blog post by Kirstie Corals are a beautifying agent of the ocean that connects you and me. These marine invertebrates that vary in color accommodates our marine wildlife, although it is mistaken at times as plants but are instead a fascinating marine animal. Corals have a mutually beneficial relationship with a specific type of microscopic…

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  • Surveys for cultural and traditional knowledge on marine turtles

    With the support of the SPREP led By-catch and Integrated Ecosystem Management (BIEM) Initiative, Tonga’s Ministry for the Environment (MEIDECC), Ministry of Fisheries and VEPA are working together to update and collect community information on the cultural uses and traditional knowledge on marine turtles in Tonga. Tonga has four known species of marine turtles: hawksbill, green,…

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  • News from the field:

    News from the field:

    Here it is the launch of our new series “News from the field” which highlights our findings from surveys and projects. More detailed information will be posted to our latest news.  Let’s make 2019 one of shared experiences and knowledge. vepa_news Koe hokohoko hono tuku atu ‘emau polokalama fo’ou, “Talafungani ‘oe ‘Atakai” ‘oku mau tuku…

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  • Reducing the Plastic Footprint in Vava’u Communities

    Reducing the Plastic Footprint in Vava’u Communities

    INTRODUCTION The Vava’u Environmental Protection Association (VEPA) is a NGO based in Neiafu, Vava’u dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, increasing community knowledge of environmental issues and securing sustainable livelihoods for future generations. VEPA operates a range of terrestrial and marine based projects to achieve this goal. VEPA recently collaborated with Ocean Ambassadors, working together…

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  • Beyond the Reef: Ngaahi ‘elia ‘o e ‘Oseni

    Ngaahi ‘elia ‘o e ‘Oseni ‘I he’etau hiki atu mei he ngaahi matafanga pea mo e ngaahi nofo’anga hakau feo ‘I he tahi mamaha, tongo pea mo e ngaahi ‘elia matatahi, ‘oku liliu ‘e ‘oseni hono fotunga ha mai (maama( fakatupu ‘e he maama), mafana pea mo hono ivi malohi) pea pehe foki ki he…

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  • Beyond the Reef: Ocean Layers

    As we leave the shorelines and the shallow water habitats of coral reefs, mangroves and intertidal zones, the ocean changes its physical (light (photic), temperature and pressure) as well as biological and ecological characteristics. Within the deep ocean there are 5 specific interconnected vertical layers: Epipelagic or Photic Layer: found within the upper 200 meters…

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  • Species of the Month: Humphead Wrasse

    Species of the Month: Humphead Wrasse

    Featured Photo credit: © Konstantin Tkachenko/Marine Photobank   Cheilinus undulatus – Tangafa                                 IUCN Red List of Species: Endangered Other common names: Napoleon wrasse, Maori wrasse. Family: Wrasses/Labridae                          …

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  • Upcoming Events…..

    Upcoming Events…..

    4th July – Kings Birthday (Public Holiday) 13th July – Agriculture Show The fun and the madness begins – check back soon for more details. 15th September – World Clean Up Day Get ready for another Plog!

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