Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area

Nguna and Pele islands are located approximately seven kilometers off the north coast of Vanuatu’s principal island of Efate in the South Pacific Ocean, easily reachable on a day trip from the capital city of Port Vila. They are small volcanic islands surrounded by fringing reefs, and the indigenous people practice traditional subsistence agriculture and fisheries.

The Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area is a local non-governmental organization made up of sixteen island communities dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine resources. It is the very first of its kind in Vanuatu and currently serves as a model for other island-initiated conservation efforts nationally. The chiefs and people of the member communities have each set aside a significant area of village-owned reef to be considered ‘tabu’ or permanently off-limits to serve as a ‘resource factory’. Each community has elected one or two volunteer MPA Staff members to conduct regular reef surveys, tag sea turtles, plant coral and run continuous environmental awareness sessions. The total area of protected reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove forests and intertidal lagoon exceeds 3,000 hectares. Donations from visitors, including voluntary 'conservation fees' from divers, are the MPA's main source of income.

These coral reefs are some of the most beautiful you will find anywhere in the world. White tip reef sharks, hawksbill & green sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays are commonly seen. While the MPA does not have dive equipment or air available, Port Vila dive operator Big Blue has just partnered with the Island Gateway passenger ship to offer a day tour that includes two dives and a delicious seaside lunch. Book with Big Blue: (+678) 27518, [email protected], http://www.bigbluevanuatu.com

Boat Description:

small boat for inter island diving, outboard engine.

Sites Visited:

• Incredible Gorgonian Fan Forest- 30m
• Drowned WWII Sea Plane - 25m
• Coral Gardens - 15m drift dive
• Night Turtle Dive

Facilities:

• Own Boat(s)

• Own accommodation