Preliminary assessment of the impacts of reef uplift on the aquactic environment in the Rarumana lagoon

Abstract

In April, 2007, a major earthquake resulted in uplifting of the southern shore of Parara Island in the Western Province of Solomon Islands. One of the areas most affected was the lagoon to the south of the island, upon which villagers from Rarumana depend. The uplift of the fringing reef meant that channels were no longer navigable and water exchange, between the lagoon and the open sea, reduced.