There are a number of options for people who are serious about saving our coral reefs, says a University of the South Pacific academic.
Professor William Aalbersberg of the University of the South Pacific made the comment in response to concerns raised by villagers living across the Suva harbour, that coral reefs were dying due to a thick layering of algae.
Professor Aalbersberg said a solution was to increase the number of herbivorous fish along the seashore area.
"Algal growth can be managed somewhat by pollution control but having enough fish eating the algae is perhaps even more important," he said.
The herbivorous fish only survives on algae or seaweed and as a result the growth of the algae covering the coral reefs could be controlled.
"The people of Muaivuso have already taken action to declare a tabu area to allow these fish to grow and reproduce. Perhaps it would be good to put a ban on spearing such fish for some time and see if this helps. Many of this fish are being caught by outside poachers. Perhaps this threat is greater than the nutrient threat," he said.
Professor Aalbersberg said more needs to be done to prosecute poachers. He also suggested that septic tanks in the city area should have an exit filter so less nutrients wouls flow to the sea.
"In coastal village dry toilets are being used in which human waste is composted and used as manure in plantations rather than polluting the reefs," he said.
At the end of the day the law and order of the country also plays a huge role and a lot depends on the effective implementation of it.
Professor Aalbersberg said the Environment Management Act was in place and there were regulations for factories that effluent need to be monitored and reduced to agreed levels.
The villages of Muaivuso, Nabaka, Waiqanake and Namakala of the yavusa Navakavu outside Lami town and towards Navua had blamed the run-offs and sewage outlets from nearby factories in Lami and Suva City as the source of nutrients that feed the algae.
Yavusa spokesman Asakaia Balawa said they were worried because the death of coral reefs meant no habitats for fish.
