Past Interventions

There are many similarities between the geology of Fiji and South East Asia, which has major reserves of oil and gas, prompting the relevant national authorities to initiate exploration of the potential of the Fiji Waters. One of the early interventions initiated through the collaboration of the Fiji Government and SOPAC, was in the investigation of designated areas of Fiji’s EEZ, whose geological and geophysical features suggest the occurrence of minerals that could be developed for economic sustenance of the Nation. Prior to the Tripartite Cruise of the member countries in stages between 1982 through to 1987, preliminary cruises and surveys of the vicinity Lau Ridge, Koro Sea, Bligh Water, Yasawa Trough had taken place since the membership of the Fiji Government with the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission. These preliminary survey and cruises were conducted to study the EEZ of the country, investigate the fault zones, precious coral occurrence and sedimentation of selected areas of the Fiji Group.

The latter Tripartite Cruises had a two-fold objective; to explore energy sources as well as the tectonic history of the offshore areas of several pacific countries including Fiji. Leg II, of the four-leg cruise of the member countries focused on the North Fiji basin triple junction and has a three-fold purpose; “to locate and define the structure of the North Fiji basin triple junction; to identify and investigate possible zones of hydrothermal activity and to determine the existence and examine the distribution of any metalliferous deposits (Kroenke, Eade et al, 1993)�?. Data acquired and results achieved indicated a complex tectonic history of the Fiji Group while the occurrence of hydrothermal deposits was confirmed. Hydrothermal deposits in the Fiji waters were further assessed through the JAPAN/SOPAC Deep Sea Mineral Resources Programme from 1985 with its final phase completed in 2002.

The result of these cruises revealed the petroleum potential within the Fiji Waters, in particular in the Bligh Water and Bau Water basins. Sediment cores from the vicinity contain petroleum hydrocarbons (Summons et al, 1993). However, to explore the resources and to confirm the petroleum fields, it is necessary to undertake seismic surveys and drilling programms of the right spots within the seabed (Rodd, 1993). Other mineral exploration took place in the areas of Nasivi Delta, in Tavua and Momi Bay, West Viti Levu, Nadi Bay for the presence of detrital mineral resources (Pratt, Lum et al, 1995; 1996).

Coastal work for the Fiji Islands include the mapping of Cuvu bay to investigate the coastal erosion of the area as well as a marine geophysical survey around Yasawa Island

In recent years, initiatives within the Fiji Islands have been more specific to the developmental needs of the industries in Fiji. One such initiative involved the assessment of lagoon sand resources in Laucala Bay and Namuka Bay to determine the quantity of sand available. Laucala Bay’s sand resources are used to manufacture cement, which is exported to the Forum Island Countries. The viability of this industry depends on assessing the quantity of sand resources available. Other assessments include work on the sedimentation processes in Draunibota Bay, Lami, and Suva Harbour , and the assessment of Placer Gold in the Momi area, Nadi and at Yanawai in Tavua.

Assessments have also been conducted on a number of surveys in the wider Fiji area. As part of Fiji Natural Trust’s investigation of designated heritage sites, a field survey of the Sigatoka sand dunes was carried out for them in 1999. A volumetric survey of the Monasavu Lake was completed for the Fiji Electricity Authority to determine changes to the reservoir height of the Monasavu Dam. In 2000, a Multibeam Survey was conducted at the Lautoka Harbour as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ports Authority of Fiji and SOPAC. Also in 2000, a sub-sea survey of the pipeline and sand resources in Kadavu Lailai and Treasure Island was conducted , out of which digital data and maps containing bathymetric details were produced. A seabed survey for the replacement of Kinoya sea outfall was completed in 2001 .

In addition to surveys and assessments, a number of other projects were conducted and completed for the Fiji Government through the minerals sector, statutory bodies and private companies. A beach monitoring and evaluation project was conducted for the Government of Fiji to assist in the sustainable use and management of the coastal zone, and a technical training workshop was conducted for relevant government departments. In 2001, data acquisition of the Nadi River was executed as part of a feasibility analysis for a potential project involving the dredging of the Nadi River.

A number of ad hoc projects were also completed for the Minerals Resources Department MRD. A promotional brochure was developed by the SOPAC Secretariat to publicise the aeromagnetic survey conducted for mineral exploration in Fiji. In addition, there is a Memorandum of Understanding between SOPAC and the MRD in the operations of the Research Vessel Yautalei, and the service and upgrade of the MRD Wave and Tide Gauge. SOPAC has been overseeing the operations and maintenance of the Yautalei since 1999.

Finally, assistance in policy development is another key area of assistance offered to member island countries. Under the Ocean and Islands Programme, Fiji received assistance from SOPAC in the formulation of a Working Compensation Policy, in the assessment of compensation due to landowners for costs incurred in mineral development.