Coral reefs in Fiji’s Northern Division are showing signs of severe bleaching, with some mortality already recorded in shallow areas, according to a social media update by Reef Explorer Fiji.
The organisation said its director recently surveyed reefs in Savusavu Bay, along the Hibiscus Highway and in Natewa Bay, where significant bleaching was observed.
“Pretty severe bleaching was found on reefs in Savusavu Bay down to about 8–10 metres, as well as on reef flats along the Hibiscus Highway, with some mortality already observed in the shallowest areas,” the statement said.
Despite the severity, Reef Explorer Fiji noted that some coral colonies, particularly among the most vulnerable species, were showing strong resistance to heat stress.
“What is reassuring to see is that there are some colonies… showing strong bleaching resistance despite the heat stress they are facing,” it said.
The organisation said these resilient corals could play a key role in future reef recovery and climate adaptation efforts.
“For those involved with coral restoration, this is the time that nature is showing you the colonies that will be the ‘winners’ in future years.”
Reef Explorer Fiji encouraged restoration programmes to prioritise collecting coral fragments from multiple resilient colonies to support breeding and long-term recovery.
It said such efforts could help accelerate natural adaptation processes as reefs respond to warming ocean temperatures.
