Dr Silvia Pinca surveying in Likiep atoll.

The project aims to educate local people in the Marshall Islands to:

(a) appreciate the importance of coral reefs and

(b) learn reef assessment and monitoring techniques

A local, long term marine conservation programme will be organised. Through training and participation in surveys local students will acquire the skills, knowledge and interest necessary to continue this work.

The project will also yield precious data of biodiversity, reef health and use in this remote region. This will foster the recent interest of the local government to work towards a national marine conservation programme and represent a reference to reef status at international level.