Tuvalu’s coral reefs under stress, yet signs of life offer hope

Tuvalu’s coral reefs are under stress, but a marine ecologist says there are still signs of life in the lagoons, which brings reason for optimism.

In a collaborative expedition between National Geographic Pristine Seas (NGPS) and the Tuvalu government, researchers, including local partner Faulufalega ‘Mena’ Eou and lead scientist Kat Millage, met with the island nation’s Kaupules, the leaders of Tuvalu.

The expedition began in early May and spans multiple phases over several months. The first leg was led by oceanographer Dr Keiron Fraser, who surveyed deep-sea ecosystems from Nanumea to Niulakita using submersibles, baited cameras, and environmental DNA.

The findings revealed flourishing deep-water life, including rare sightings of oceanic white-tip sharks and healthy ecological communities, even in Tuvalu’s remotest atolls. These findings will be shared with Tuvalu’s ministries to help shape the country’s first National Ocean Policy.

As the expedition enters its second phase, Ryan Jenkinson, the Director of Expeditions, is leading a new team to conduct Tuvalu’s first full marine biodiversity assessment in its shallow reef systems.

Jenkinson says so far, the coral reefs are not in “great shape”. He mentions a researcher with who conducted full-scale surveys about 15 years ago, and the situation has not improved.

“It’s because the water is so warm that it’s killing the corals. So the reefs that we have seen so far do not have a lot of living coral on them. It's tough to see. It's completely a function of the heat that's in the water here and it's getting worse.

“Although the coral cover and the reefs don't look great, there's still structure. They haven't just been reduced to rubble and there's quite a few fish around.” Jenkinson explains that coral is vital to the ecosystem of any tropical environment, especially the Pacific region.

Tuvalu’s low-lying islands face threats from rising sea levels and temperatures. Coral reefs provide a buffer against swell and storm surges that can erode the land, as well as food and habitat for sea life.

Ryan Jenkinson leads National Geographic Pristine Seas’ expedition in Tuvalu. Photo/National Geographic Pristine Seas/Teresa Carante.

“The reefs themselves don't look great but the biomass of fish and large fish is pretty high, which is a really nice sign. It's a good indication that there's still resources for the people here but it's really tenuous. There’s not much growth going on so it's holding on for now. This is our first location though, other islands might be a little different.”

Jenkinson remains cautiously optimistic about the expedition. Over the next three weeks, his team plans to visit all six of Tuvalu’s islands, including Nuku Fatau, Nuku Laelae, Vaitupu, the island with the primary school, where they will host science sessions for local youth.

In the short time they have been in Tuvalu, Jenkinson has found it to be a “staggeringly beautiful” place and culture, with the locals welcoming them with open arms. Jenkinson says Tuvaluans are at the forefront of climate change consequences, and he hopes the data collected can be helpful.

“This isn't something that the people of Tuvalu are doing. They’re just on the brunt end of it. We're really hoping to find some pockets of living coral and things because it would be a good sign that reefs could bounce back quickly. We want to make sure we visit as many places and get as many dives in to try to see,” Jenkinson says.

“There is hope, we never have lost hope and the fact that the structure of the reefs are still in place makes us think that they could bounce back. We're just starting and I think our message will coalesce as we visit more areas in the country.”

Catch our last interview with Dr Keiron Fraser below.