Fourth year Fisheries students begin research proposals

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Bernita Watt interviewing a Vurar Islander.
FOURTH-YEAR Fisheries students are presently collecting and compiling data that will be used to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PNG UNRE and the people of Vurar Island. 
This will be part of their research proposal that they will be assessed on. 
The island has hosted students in the past for marine and fisheries field practicals. 
Vuvar Island is a ten-minute boat ride from Tokunar Transit Lodge in Lungalunga, East New Britain. 
Its surrounding pristine marine environment is an incredible natural living laboratory that Fisheries and Marine Resources students are privileged to use.
Fisheries lecturer Job Opu said the MoU will allow the students to continue studying there and to enable the University to assist the islanders with any training needs it can assist with. 
Mr Opu said there are plans to submit the MoU to the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) so that Vurar Island is made a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to protect its rich marine biodiversity.
He said this is important because there have been cases of poaching of marine resources in the area by people from the mainland.
Nine students went to Vurar Island last Sunday (April 28) for the initial reconnaissance visit to develop sampling methodologies. They will conduct research on:
   • Coral Reefs;
   • Sea Grass;
   • Mangroves; and the
   • Socio-Ecological impacts of the use of marine resources.
Marzena Marinjembi, who did a preliminary assessment of marine species in mangroves, said the group checked coral growth, seagrass, starfish and species of fish at six different sites before going to the island.
Her peer, Bernita Watt, who is conducting the socio-ecological study, interviewed a number of people on Vurar to find out how they use the marine resources; what benefits they get from the marine resources; challenges they face; whether or not mangroves have declined or coral have died out.
Miss Watt is presently working on a survey questionnaire that will assist her with her research. Her survey will also find out the exact number of people living in the small island community.
There are several other interesting research proposals being developed by other fourth-year students. One is looking at Leatherback Turtle Nesting and another is working with tourist dive boat operators in Kokopo to find out the different species of dolphins around the vicinity of the newly built sewerage plant and to review its environmental plan.



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