top of page
.jpg)
Fiji Marine Conservation
Removal of coral eating 'Crown of Thorns Starfish' by marine biologist.
Barefoot Manta Island Resort Fiji is proudly located within a thriving marine protected area (MPA) in the pristine Yasawa Islands. This MPA, established over 13 years ago in partnership with the indigenous landowners, forms the foundation of one of the most respected sustainable Fiji resort conservation programs.
Our approach to sustainable Fijian tourism is rooted in cultural awareness, environmental protection, and genuine collaboration with local communities. The resort’s ongoing conservation initiatives focus on marine preservation, reef restoration, and ecological education while creating employment and empowering traditional landowners.
Barefoot Manta Island Resort – A Leader in Sustainable Fiji Tourism
Guests at Barefoot Manta Island Resort can directly experience the positive impact of sustainable tourism in Fiji—from guided marine conservation activities to immersive cultural exchanges that support community wellbeing.
Whether you're diving among healthy coral reefs or learning about the resort’s long-standing marine stewardship, Barefoot Manta is a model for how sustainable resorts in Fiji can thrive in harmony with the environment and its people.
I am an oceanographer and field ecologist with a focus on reef ecosystems. During my academic journey, I have navigated the areas of spatial ecology, biogeography, ocean dynamics, and marine conservation planning.
“The reefs surrounding Drawaqa Island (home to Barefoot Manta Island Resort) are likely one of the marine biodiversity hotspots in the Yasawa region and Fiji. It was remarkable to witness the abundance of marine life thriving there.”
Barefoot Manta is the only resort in Fiji with a dedicated Marine Conservation Centre, where the marine team is based. The Centre is open daily to houseguests, offering free scheduled presentations on marine ecology, reef health, and ocean sustainability—making it a hub for eco-education and guest engagement.
Barefoot Manta Island Resort head marine biologist Rob Macfarlane and fellow marine biologist Bella with houseguests.
As part of its commitment to sustainable Fiji tourism, Barefoot Manta Island Resort employs three full-time, qualified local marine biologists who lead its extensive marine conservation programme. Under the guidance of Head Marine Biologist Rob Macfarlane, this dedicated team is at the heart of the resort’s environmental initiatives, helping make Barefoot Manta one of the most respected sustainable Fiji resorts.
Guests interested in supporting sustainable tourism in Fiji can take part in guided Marine Biology Tours that include snorkelling over the reef with expert interpretation, or participate in a Conservation Dive to contribute directly to the reef monitoring and restoration efforts.At Barefoot Manta Island Resort, sustainability isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a hands-on, community-led movement preserving the Yasawa Islands for generations to come.
Pioneering Marine Conservation in Sustainable Fiji Tourism
.jpg)
Pioneering Research with e-DNA Sampling
As part of our commitment to advancing marine research, Filo is about to be trained in environmental DNA (e-DNA) sampling, a cutting-edge scientific technique. This process involves:
1. Collecting water samples from the ocean around Drawaqa Island and the coastal ecosystem.
2. Analyzing the DNA in these samples to detect the presence of various marine species.
3. Compiling data to generate a comprehensive list of species identified in the area.
This research project will run for the next 10 years, with sampling occurring twice a year. The findings will provide crucial insights into species diversity, ecosystem changes, and conservation needs, allowing us to make informed decisions for marine protection.
Filo graduated from the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva with a degree in Marine Sciences. Since joining Barefoot Manta Island Resort in August 2022, she has actively contributed to various marine conservation initiatives, bringing a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in:
-
Manta Ray Surveys – Monitoring these gentle giants to better understand their behaviors and migratory patterns.
-
Coral Restoration Techniques – Assisting in rebuilding damaged coral reefs, ensuring the health of marine biodiversity.
-
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish & Other Coral-Eating Pest Removal – Controlling invasive species that threaten reef ecosystems.
-
Marine Biodiversity Surveys – Conducting scientific studies to assess the health and diversity of marine life.
Meet Filo Marine Biologist at Barefoot Manta Island Resort
Beyond her research work, Filo is also an experienced nature guide, offering immersive experiences for guests. She leads educational snorkeling and diving excursions, introducing visitors to the vibrant world of Fijian marine biodiversity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the ocean.
Barefoot Manta Island Resort has developed a reputation for it's ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainable tourism. Our reputation extends internationally with international universities and schools visiting annually, to monitor and participate in Barefoot Manta Island Resorts ongoing marine conservation programme.
Here's an example of research conducted with the graphs clearly highlighting the positive co-relationship between an established marine protected area (MPA) and marine ecosystems. Most interestingly is the positive results in the marine ecosystem outside the MPA. Within the MPA corals spawn and fish are born, they swim or are carried by currents outside the MPA to where they establish new habitats and so the cycle continues.
The MPA acts as a breeding ground and nursery for the surround marine enviroment. The waters surrounding the MPA is where indigenous Fijians fish for their families, they do so knowing their food source is secured as direct result of the joint sustainable tourism intitiaves implemented c0-operatively.
Barefoot Manta Island Resort's conservation programme extends to Fiji Manta Rays who frequent a channel of water adjacent to the resort May to October. Barefoot Manta Island Resort is also an ongoing contributor to the Manta Trust, a global organisation dedicated to research and conservation of Manta Rays.
bottom of page