Fiji may face substantial financial losses if ocean temperatures continue to rise, according to Margaret Vakalalabure, manager of the World Wildlife Fund’s Coral Reef Rescue Initiative in Fiji.
Vakalalabure highlighted that coastal communities would be severely affected, putting their livelihoods at risk as warmer waters disrupt fishing activities. She pointed out that marine life relies on stable temperatures for spawning and feeding, and current water conditions are compromising these essential processes.
Speaking at a workshop hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society, she warned that without immediate action, the potential economic repercussions could amount to millions of dollars. Vakalalabure explained that excessive heat on the Earth’s surface contributes to higher water temperatures, which can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the ocean. This phenomenon can result in massive fish deaths, a situation that occurred before Cyclone Winston in March 2016, notably along the Coral Coast and other areas in Fiji.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported an increase of two degrees Celsius in ocean temperatures, which is also affecting the coral reefs. Vakalalabure noted that these vital ecosystems, often referred to as the forests of the sea, are beginning to experience bleaching, which has far-reaching impacts on marine biodiversity. She emphasized that the rising temperatures are causing significant harm to corals in Fiji, incurring considerable costs.