Reef and Rainforest: An environmental encyclopedia of Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands

Abstract

Marovo Lagoon is an area of coral reefs and small islands that is part of Solomon Islands, a Melanesian country in the south Pacific (See map). Its name derives from Marovo Island, one of the first localities where European traders and navigators made regular friendly contact with local peoples in the early 19th century. The people of Marovo traditionally make their living by fishing, collecting shells and doing small-scale agriculture, although today they are also involved in logging and tourism. The current population numbers some 12,000 individuals.