Coral reefs, one of the most diverse and biologically productive ecosystems in the world, play an integral part in the lives of the people of the South Pacific and in the economies of the region. This report details the status of the reefs in Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu in 2004 and is based on surveys undertaken under the auspices of the SW Pacific node of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network.

The report provides a detailed snapshot of the health of reefs throughout the SW Pacific and comment on the threats to and management of many of the most significant areas. The information provided in the report will contribute to the sustainable use and management of coral reefs and reef resources in the South Pacific.