Coral reefs of Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands in the Pacific have some of the world’s most diverse and extensive coral reefs. The country includes six main islands and more than 986 smaller ones, located east of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu. The Santa Cruz Islands lie farther north and are quite isolated. The Solomons cover a large marine area and sit at the edge of several tectonic plates, which helps shape their islands and reefs.
Coral reefs and biodiversity
- Reefs span about 6,750 square kilometers (2,610 square miles) and contribute to rich marine life, including seagrass meadows.
- It is part of the Coral Triangle, a world hotspot for coral diversity.
- Common reef types include fringing reefs (most common), patch reefs, barrier reefs, and atoll reefs.
- In a 2004 marine survey, the Solomons were found to have very high coral diversity (about 494 coral species) and a large number of reef fish (about 1,019 species). Six giant clam species and several pearl oyster species are also found here.
- The largest coral reef systems occur in big lagoons protected by reefs or raised islands, such as Marovo Lagoon and Roviana Lagoon.
Communities and protection
- More than 90% of inshore reefs and islets are owned and managed by local communities under customary marine tenure. This system is recognized in the Solomon Islands constitution.
- Local practices include limited entry, closed seasons and areas, size limits, species protections, and restrictions on gear.
- There are many locally managed marine areas (LMMA): about 113 LMMA areas with roughly 155 zones where fishing is restricted.
- The largest no-take area is a 13-kilometer (8-mile) zone on Tetepare Island.
- Important biodiversity sites (Key Biodiversity Areas, KBAs) include 12 offshore and 53 inshore locations; Marovo Lagoon and the Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area score highest for biodiversity value.
Interesting reefs and lagoons
- Marovo Lagoon is one of the world’s largest saltwater lagoons and is protected by barriers and nearby islands.
- Other notable reef areas include Lau Lagoon and the Langa Langa Lagoon (both on Malaita), and numerous lagoons around New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Choiseul, and Malaita.
- Sikaiana is a small atoll formed from an oceanic volcano; it has a circular reef around a central lagoon.
- Rennell and Bellona are large raised coral atolls, with Rennell being one of the world’s largest.
Threats and health of reefs
- Reefs face threats from climate change (warmer seas, coral bleaching) and local pressures such as pollution, overfishing, blast fishing, coral mining, sediment from logging, and plastic waste.
- The reefs were deeply affected by a 36-month bleaching event from 2014 to 2017 due to higher sea temperatures. Some areas showed resilience, while others suffered.
- Surveys in 2016 and 2018 found that many reefs in parts of the Western Province remained relatively healthy and capable of building new coral, but conditions varied by site.
- In January 2021, a widespread coral bleaching event affected reefs around Marovo Lagoon and nearby areas.
Why reefs matter
- Coral reefs support huge biodiversity, protect coastlines, provide food and livelihoods for local communities, and attract tourism.
- The future health of Solomon Islands reefs depends on protecting water quality, reducing damaging fishing practices, and addressing climate change while supporting community-led conservation.
Key facts
- Location: Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea, northwest of Vanuatu.
- Islands: 6 main islands, 986+ smaller ones.
- Major reefs: Fringing, patch, barrier, and atoll reefs; Marovo Lagoon is a standout.
- Biodiversity: Hundreds of coral and reef fish species; several pearl oyster and giant clam species.
- Community management: Customary marine tenure; numerous LMMA and no-take zones; many coastal reefs owned by local groups.
- Threats: Climate change, bleaching, pollution, overfishing, destructive practices, sediment from logging, plastics.
- Notable events: 2014–2017 coral bleaching; varied reef resilience in 2016–2018; widespread bleaching around Marovo in 2021.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 19:15 (CET).