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Reef attracts volunteer groupTevita Vuibau (Sunday, February 26, 2012)

A REEF in Fiji has attracted the attention of an international group of volunteer conservationists for itsuniqueness.

The Moon Reef, about 20-30 minute boat ride off Nataleira Village in Dawasamu, Tailevu, is home to a podof spinner dolphins which has attracted the attention of researchers from the Whale and DolphinConservation Society International.

WDCS Pacific Islands program manager for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society International, DrCara Miller said the site was unique because the dolphins were residents at the reef.

"So far as we know this is the only dolphin pod in Fiji that continually comes to a particular site so webelieve that it is important to maintain this critical dolphin resting habitat," said Dr Miller.

"The overarching aim is to gather scientific information for the management and conservation of thedolphin population at the Moon Reef and the wider management plan for the district of Dawasamu."

She said while they often saw other dolphins inside the Moon Reef, there was a particular group thatfrequented the site daily.

She said there were between 30 to 50 dolphins that were residents at the site, with other dolphins coming inas well. She said spinner dolphins used the reef to rest, mate and look after their calves before heading outto hunt at night.

Dr Miller said scientists used dorsal fins to identify each dolphin, with each fin being unique.

Dr Miller said the WDCS also had the services of five international volunteers from Global VisionInternational.

Copyright 2012, Fiji Times Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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