Shallow water fish surveys of the coral reefs of Vanuatu

The shallow water (Fish abundances were assessed using a visual census technique. Up to five non-overlapping replicate censuses were made at each location, depending on the ship's schedule. Surveys of other habitats were also made to extend the species checklist. These include locations on Efate and Ureparapara, as well as additional locations on Tanna, Aneityum and Santo. The aims of this component of the survey were:1. to initiate a checklist of shallow water reef fish species2. to assess latitudinal variation in these communities throughout the length of the Republic3. to compare fish communities found on fringing reefs and those on platform reefs4. to compare the shallow water fish communities of Vanuatu with those on coral reefs elswhere in the South Pacific This research was a component of a survey of Vanuatu marine resources conducted in March/April 1988 and was funded by the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau.The overall objectives of the survey were:1. to survey and describe the shallow water reef habitats from selected islands of Vanuatu, adequately covering geographical and environmental variation2. to survey and describe the marine habitats around the shores of Malakula, including offshore islands3. to derive a coastal management plan for Malakula and offshore islands which can serve as a basis for Coastal Zone Management plans for the rest of the country4. to train Ni-Vanuatu personnel in marine survey and marine conservation methods