Impact of environmental degradation on fisheries and livelihoods around Erakor Lagoon, Vanuatu

Abstract
The environmental degradation of Erakor Lagoon, Vanuatu, driven by human activities such as pollution,
overfishing, and development, threatens both biodiversity and local livelihoods. The lagoon’s
deteriorating ecosystem has impacted fish populations and water quality, jeopardizing the traditional
fishing practices and food security of the indigenous communities. Local communities and activists have
developed and started to implement the Erakor Restoration Plan, which targets pollution, aiming to
restore the Lagoon’s eco system and support livelihoods. Additionally, the communities are planning to
take legal action against the government for failing to enforce environmental regulations, aiming to hold
authorities accountable for the ongoing pollution.
Key words: Biodiversity, Erakor Lagoon, food security, overfishing, pollution, sustainable management

In 2018 Vanuatu became one of the first countries to ban the sale and use of certain single use plastics
(The Guardian, 2024). Today, the results are visible, the plastic islands from the past are gone, however,
the Erakor Lagoon faces other invisible challenges. Underneath the waters of the idyllic touristic scenery
of the Erakor lagoon lies a layer of human caused contamination that causes health issues and threatens
the livelihoods of the 24 rural and peri-urban adjacent communities.
Erakor, located in Port Vila, Efate Island is the second area council of Vanuatu and home of 11,721
people. Almost half of the population from the communities around Erakor are below 20 years of age,
with the population doubling in the last 15 years (Census 2009, 2016, 2020).

Erakor Lagoon ecosystem
Erakor Lagoon is characterized by its rich biodiversity with mangroves and a variety of marine species,
including fish, crustaceans, dugongs and turtles maintaining the lagoon’s ecological balance and
supporting the livelihoods of local communities. However, the lagoon faces several environmental
challenges, including pollution and contamination, primarily due to human activity.
The mangroves of Erakor Lagoon are particularly crucial, providing essential habitats for fish, supporting
biodiversity, and protecting the coast from erosion and cyclones. However, they are increasingly
threatened by the expansion of human settlements and industrial activities, such as a sand extraction
quarry. The destruction of these mangrove forests and the expansion of quarrying activities have
significantly increased the vulnerability of local communities to natural hazards, particularly cyclones.
Mangroves act as a natural buffer against storm surges and coastal erosion, offering critical protection
for homes and livelihoods. The removal of these ecosystems and sedimentation from quarrying,
exacerbates flooding and environmental degradation, reducing the communities’ resilience during
natural hazards. The cumulative effects of these activities contribute to the overall degradation of the
lagoon’s biodiversity and ecosystems, with serious repercussions for the surrounding communities.
Additionally, the increase in the population alongside poor waste management in the surrounding areas
contributes to the accumulation of plastic and other solid waste. Some deprived informal peri-urban
communities comprised of people from other islands are seen as occupiers of land that is close to hotels
and could be used for tourism. As a result, the municipality does not recognize the settlement and does
not collect their solid waste. Consequently, the garbage is burned and disposed of in the surrounding
areas of the lagoon.

The sewage and wastewater discharges by communities and hotels around the lagoon that frequently
lack proper sewage systems cause untreated wastewater flows into the lagoon, contributing to elevated
levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This results in eutrophication, a process where nutrient
overload leads to excessive algae growth, reducing oxygen levels in the water and harming aquatic life.
The problem is compounded by institutional shortcomings. The central hospital, for which a new water
treatment plant was built by an international development agency, did not connect the hospital
buildings to the plant. According to the Ex-Post Evaluation of Japanese Grant Aid Project “The Project for
the Redevelopment of Vila Central Hospital” (Orimoto, 2014) the Impacts on the Natural Environment
were considered that this project would not cause any undesirable impacts on the natural environment
as the project consisted of development of facilities and the procurement of equipment at the existing
hospital. The report stated that the project had positive impacts on the natural environment. The
Preparatory Survey Report on the Project for the Redevelopment of Vila Central Hospital (JICA, 2012)
included a drainage system as the existing wastewater treatment system was functioning. The plan was
to create a wastewater treatment system complying with legal requirements implemented in Vanuatu
where sewage and gray water would be treated by the wastewater treatment system and then released
to a soak pit. Infectious wastewater and laboratory wastewater should be treated in the disinfection
tank and neutralization tank prior to release.
In addition, tourism and commercial fishing activities have further impacted on the Erakor Lagoon. As a
popular tourist destination, the lagoon faces pollution from cruises, recreational boating, and other
tourism-related activities. Fuel spills, litter from boats, and increased pressure from tourists contribute to
the growing contamination problem.

Past commercial activities also had an impact on the lagoon, such as the overexploitation of sea
cucumbers. According to the Vanuatu National Sea Cucumber Management Plan 2019–2024 (Ministry of
Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity, 2019), sea cucumbers were heavily harvested
for export, primarily to China, leading to a harvesting ban in 2008. However, after Tropical Cyclone Pam
in 2015, the fishery was reopened to provide income for locals, which unfortunately resulted in
overharvesting the resource three-fold. The presence of Escherichia coli and Enterococci in the water
surrounding Erakor Lagoon reached alarming levels by October 2022, leading authorities to impose a ban
on swimming, diving, and fishing, with a 100-meter restriction zone from the shoreline set for four years.
Monitoring data from the coastal water quality program, which has tracked Enterococci levels since
2020, consistently reported values above 500, indicating a significantly increased risk of disease.
In 2024, the average levels at Seaside, a location between the hospital and the informal settlement
community, reached 650, falling into the “Bad” category, further highlighting the ongoing water
contamination issue. The lagoon’s water quality results are categorized according to the following scale
(Costal water database: CoastalWater.vu):

• Good: Less than 41
• Fair: 41 – 200
• Poor: 201 – 500
• Bad: Greater than 500
• TNTC (Too Numerous To Count): Greater than 1000
  Water quality test results in 2024 by location and level of Enterococci levels
  Location Results (2024) Quality Rating
  Ramada Area 23 Good
  Retreat Seaside 108 Fair
  Seaside 650 Bad
  Rowing Club 48 Fair
  Erakor Bridge Area 44 Fair

The Enterococci count of Seaside area was 650 at the time of measurement, significantly above the 500
thresholds, thus clearly falling within the most severe category of “Bad. In contrast, other areas like
Ramada (23) are rated as “Good”, and Retreat Seaside (108) falls into the “Fair” category. These findings
underscore the uneven distribution of pollution across the lagoon, with some areas still maintaining
acceptable water quality while others face critical levels of contamination that pose serious health risks
to nearby communities.
At the same time, the tests only measure Enterococci levels. Pollutants such as antibiotics and other
harmful substances, particularly from untreated wastewater discharged by the hospital, are not
considered. This gap in testing indicates that the full extent of pollution in Erakor Lagoon may be more
severe than currently documented, highlighting the urgent need for broader testing strategy.

Impact on the communities

Vanuatu follows the traditional tribal governance system and the customary law where the community
chiefs play a central role in local governance, cultural preservation, and conflict resolution. They hold
significant authority in decision-making processes, including land disputes, customary laws, and
managing community affairs. Chiefs are seen as custodians of traditions and guide the community during
ceremonies, religious events, and natural disaster preparedness. In times of emergencies, they often
work closely with government agencies and NGOs to ensure the well-being and safety of their
communities.
In the past, traditional decision-making, led by chiefs and the elder council, successfully prevented the
installation of mining companies in the country, showcasing the strength of customary authority.
The Erakor indigenous communities have been witnessing the degradation of the lagoon over time and
have been proactive in safeguarding the lagoon, organizing regular clean-ups, mangrove replanting
initiatives, and raising awareness through various activities. In 2019 the indigenous chiefs used their
customary power to ban fishing in the lagoon due to overfishing in the past and to allow the lagoon’s
recovery. In 2020, as the government was not disclosing the level of pollution at the Lagoon, the
community decided to request an independent water analysis. The results revealed alarming levels of
pollution, prompting a wider public response. It became evident that poor sanitation was a significant
contributor to the problem.
The Erakor Lagoon’s Restoration Plan is an indigenous community initiative that was started by the tribal
chiefs of Erakor, a village in a rural area close to Port Vila in Vanuatu. The main goals are:

1. Stop Pollution;
2. Clean the Lagoon;
3. Restore the Lagoon;
4. Support Livelihoods;
5. Education and Awareness.

The absence of proper diagnostic assessments limits the precise identification of the causes, though local
fisheries officials suggest that such fish kills often signal severe ecological stress and pollution.
This situation raises significant concerns regarding food security for the local community, which relies on
the lagoon’s fish as a critical food source. Prolonged environmental degradation could severely impact
the availability of fish, further threatening the livelihoods and health of residents. The lack of
government funding for proper investigation and mitigation efforts underscores the urgent need for
collaborative action between governmental agencies, community leaders, and environmental
organizations to address both the pollution sources and the broader impacts on food security in the
region.
The degradation of the lagoon is affecting the indigenous communities traditional fishing methods,
which are deeply embedded in their cultural identity. Fishing in the lagoon is more than just a livelihood;
it is a way of life that connects the community to their ancestors and cultural heritage.
As the environmental degradation continues, relocation becomes a possibility. The potential loss of the
lagoon’s ecosystem, combined with increased vulnerability to cyclones and other natural disasters, might
force the community to abandon their ancestral lands. This would lead to a significant cultural shift, as
traditional practices tied to the land and lagoon would be lost or severely altered.

The communities surrounding Erakor Lagoon have been actively raising awareness about the
environmental degradation and pollution affecting the lagoon through a variety of public events. These
activities include organizing theatre performances and exhibitions to highlight the gravity of the situation
and educate the broader public on the environmental and health impacts. In one significant act of
protest, the communities even squatted at a tourism conference, using the platform to denounce the
pollution and lack of government action in protecting the lagoon.
In a more formal response, the communities have now united to take legal action against the
government. They are planning to file a lawsuit, (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2024) holding the
authorities accountable for failing to enforce environmental regulations and adequately protect the
lagoon from ongoing contamination.
To restore the Erakor Lagoon, several integrated strategies and initiatives focusing on ecological
rehabilitation, community engagement, and policy enforcement could be implemented:

1. Reducing pollution in the lagoon is vital. This involves regulating and monitoring waste disposal
   from nearby developments and communities. Proper sewage treatment systems should be
   installed, and efforts to eliminate illegal dumping of waste into the lagoon must be enforced.
2. Government and local authorities must ensure that all existing environmental protection laws
   are strictly enforced. Industries and institutions, such as the hospital, must be held accountable
   for the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater to prevent contamination of the lagoon.
3. Regular monitoring of water testing should be established to track pollution levels and identify
   the sources of contamination. This data can guide future restoration activities and help hold
   polluters accountable.
4. A comprehensive garbage collection system is essential and the municipality should ensure that
   no community is discriminated against in waste management services, as improper disposal
   directly contributes to lagoon pollution.
5. Promoting eco-tourism can provide economic incentives for protecting the lagoon. Visitors can
6. be educated about the importance of the lagoon’s ecosystems, and funds raised from tourism
7. can be reinvested directly to the communities into conservation efforts.
8. To ensure international development and aid agencies use a ‘do no harm approach’1
   throughout
   the implementation of the programmes.
9. Mangroves are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and acting as natural buffers
   against storm surges and erosion. Replanting mangroves, particularly in degraded areas, would
   restore fish habitats and strengthen the natural defenses against cyclones.

The local community should be involved in all stages of restoration efforts. Leveraging their
traditional knowledge of fishing and resource management can guide sustainable practices.
Initiating lagoon clean-up activities and raising awareness of the ecological importance of the
lagoon will foster local ownership.

Conclusion
Human activities, including land development, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices, have
severely impacted the ecosystem of Erakor Lagoon, leading to growing concerns about environmental
degradation. This deterioration affects both the lagoon’s biodiversity and the traditional livelihoods of
local communities reliant on fishing and tourism. The Erakor Lagoon community, long dependent on the
lagoon for essential resources, faces sharp declines in fish populations and worsening environmental
conditions, threatening food security and altering their way of life. As the lagoon’s environment
continues to degrade, urgent conservation efforts and sustainable management practices are needed to
protect both the lagoon’s ecological integrity and the community’s way of life.
In response to ongoing issues, the Erakor Council of Chiefs recently decided to sue the government over
its failure to address lagoon pollution (Vanuatu Daily Post, 2024). Meanwhile, Vanuatu, alongside Fiji and
Samoa, submitted a proposal in September 2024 to the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking to
recognize environmental destruction as a crime of ecocide (The Guardian, 2024). If accepted, this
initiative could allow for the international prosecution of those responsible for severe environmental
harm. However, while international accountability mechanisms could apply to major polluters,
addressing localized pollution cases, like that of Erakor Lagoon, may depend on enforcing national
environmental regulations and immediate governmental intervention.

Bibliography

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). (2024, April 10). Polluted lagoon threatens Vanuatu
communities. ABC Pacific Beat. Retrieved October 20, 2024, retrieved 21 October 2-24from
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/polluted-lagoon/103688890

2. Coastal Water Quality Database. (n.d.). Quality of coastal water. Retrieved 10 October 2024,
   from https://coastalwater.vu/coastal-water-quality-data-base/
3. Faivre, G., Sami, E., Mackey, B., Tomlinson, R., Zhang, H., Kotra, K. K., Aimbie, J., Maniel, M.,
   Vieira da Silva, G., & Rand, E. (2021). Water circulation and impact on water quality in the
   southwest of Efate Island, Vanuatu. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 173 (Part A), 112938. Retrieved 15
   October 2024, from
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X21009723?via%3Dihub
4. Japan International Cooperation Agency, Nihon Sekkei, Inc., Nihon Sekkei International Inc., &
   Earl Consultants, Inc. (2012). Preparatory survey report on the project for the redevelopment of
   Vila Central Hospital in the Republic of Vanuatu. Ministry of Health, Republic of Vanuatu.
5. Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs. (n.d.). Malvatumauri structure. Ministry of Justice and
   Community Services. Retrieved 17 October 2024, from
   https://mjcs.gov.vu/index.php/malvatumauri-council-of-chiefs
6. Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity. (2019). Vanuatu National
7. Sea Cucumber Fishery Management Plan 2019–2024: A national policy for the management and
8. development of Vanuatu’s sea cucumber fishery.
9. Orimoto, A. (2017). Ex Post Evaluation of Japanese Grant Aid Project: The Project for the
   Redevelopment of Vila Central Hospital in the Republic of Vanuatu. Japan Economic Research
   Institute Inc.
10. Republic of Vanuatu. (2022, October 4). Prohibition of use of water notice no. 154 of 2022.
    Official Gazette, No. 78.
11. Storian i Vanuatu. (2023, October 19). Erakor chief of Solwota at the global initiative against
    transnational organised crime. Storian i Vanuatu. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from
    https://storian.invanuatu.net/2023/10/19/erakor-chief-of-solwota-at-the-global-initiative￾against-transnational-organised-crime/
12. The Guardian. (2024, June 20). How the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu drastically cut
    plastic pollution. The Guardian. Retrieved 10 October 2024 from
    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/20/how-the-small-pacific-island￾nation-of-vanuatu-drastically-cut-plastic-pollution
13. The Guardian. (2024, September 9). Pacific islands call for environmental destruction to be made
    international crime of ecocide. The Guardian. Retrieved 9 September from
    https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/sep/09/pacific-islands-ecocide-crime-icc￾proposal
14. Vanuatu Census (2009, 2016, 2020). Census Results. Retrieved from:
    https://www.citypopulation.de/en/vanuatu/admin/shefa/40__erakor/
15. Vanuatu Daily Post. (2024, October 29). Erakor Council of Chiefs to sue government over lagoon
    pollution. Vanuatu Daily Post. Retrieved from https://www.dailypost.vu/news/erakor-council-of￾chiefs-to-sue-government-over-lagoon-pollution/article_a385fcd2-108a-5cab-b8cf￾c9f545541cdf.html
16. Vanuatu Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation. (n.d.). Plastic ban. Waste
    Management Regulations Order No. 15 of 2018 and the Waste Management (Penalty Notice)
    Regulation Order No. 17 of 2018. Retrieved 11 October from
    https://environment.gov.vu/index.php/environmental-protection/plastic-ban