Fiji: 16-30 June 2007

In mid June 07, Len McKenzie and Rudi Yoshida (Seagrass-Watch HQ) volunteered their time and at their own expense, conducted a workshop, monitored sites on the islands of Viti Levu and Ovalau, caught up with local Seagrass-Watch teams and established 2 new sites in Fiji.  For more information, download Seagrass-Watch News Issue 30 2007

The workshop on Saturday June 16th was to provide training for new participants and a refresher for those who currently participate. The workshop at Corpus Christi Teachers College, Laucala Bay included lessons on seagrass identification, background on seagrass ecology and importance, and how to monitor seagrasses using the Seagrass-Watch protocols. The workshop was also an opportunity for current “watchers” to see the trends in their data. The afternoon was spent monitoring a site at Nasese. Seed monitoring was also conducted in Fiji for the first time.

	Suva International Secondary School SV2 18 June 2007

On Monday June 18th, a special training session was conducted at the International Secondary School, Suva. The 20 students who attended were given a theory and field session. Under the guidance of teachers, Amy Lee and Troy Hayduk, the students established and monitored a new site (SV2) at Nasese, as part of their environmental initiative. Locals were out in numbers gleening on the intertidal flats, others were also taking advantage of the low tide to ride their horses over the vast flats in front of Suva city.

	Tagaqe, Coral Coast TQ1 20 June 2007

Monitoring moved to Tagaqe, Coral Coast, with the help of local Seagrass-Watchers, Nicky and Yogi (with grand daughter Aiko), TQ1 was monitored. 

	Cawaci, Ovalau CW1 25 June 2007

Ovalau island sites at Cawaci were monitored on Monday, 25th.  It was noted that the seagrass meadow at CW2 had increased quite dramatically since the site was last monitored in January.  The sediment composition for the site had also changed from Gravel/Sand to more Mud/Sand.

	Cawaci, Ovalau CW2 25 June 2007
	Nadroga Navosa NN2 26 June 2007

Seagrass-Watch HQ was back on the main island of Viti Levu, where sites at Nadroga Navosa and Natadola Beach were monitored.  It was a race against the incoming tide at Nadroga.  Natadola beach is now under major redevelopment, with a number of international hotel chains currently under construction directly behind the Seagrass-Watch site.

	Natadola ND1 28 June 2007
	Denarau DN1 30 June 2007

A new site was established on the intertidal flats of Denarau island, Nadi.  Species composition was Halodule pinifolia, Halophila ovalis and Syringodium isoetifolium

Roebuck Bay, Broome (WA) : 16 - 17 June 2007

Rowes Bay, Townsville (Qld) : 12 June 2007

The students from Hermit Park School took their first step to become the third school to join the Seagrass-Watch programme in the Townsville-Thuringowa region, when they surveyed the seagrass beds at Rowes Bay. Led by Naomi Smith (SW HQ) and assisted by their teachers, Craig and Robyhard n, the students were able to demonstrate what they learnt in the classroom on the field. On hand to provide support were Adam, Carmen and Posa.

The tide was perfectly low and the winter weather ideal for a day away from the classroom. The students’ enthusiasm of the seagrass and all the critters associated with it indicates that this outdoor expedition will be the first of many. Text: Posa Skelton .  For more information, download Seagrass-Watch News Issue 30 2007

Ecofiesta, Townsville (Qld) : 02 June 2007

The Townsville Ecofiesta held on Saturday, gave us the opportunity to promote and recruit new members.  There were plenty of activities. Our "Seagrass meadow" (below middle) was also popular with the community.  Text: Posa Skelton For more information, download Seagrass-Watch News Issue 29 2007