Ecological and Socioeconomic Impacts of Cyclone Winston to Coral Reef Ecosystems and Coastal Communities in Fiji

Abstract

This research investigated the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of cyclone Winston to coral reef ecosystems and coastal communities in Fiji. Coastal communities are heavily reliant on coral reef resources for food and income, which were not severely impacted from the cyclone. Cyclone damage to live coral was significant and highly correlated with wave exposure, height and duration. Fish assemblages had high temporal variability throughout the surveys with limited cyclone impacts observed.