Protecting Species and Habitats in the Ngerikiil Watershed

The Ngerikiil watershed supports many important species. The reefs support important local fish species including rabbitfish, humphead wrasse and bumphead parrotfish. The mangroves support mangrove crabs and the saltwater crocodile, fish, and invertebrates. High turbidity and bacteria impact the health of the water quality. These populations are impacted by the water quality issues that impact the watershed.

High sedimentation rates also pushes juvenile mangroves seaward into important nearshore seagrass bed habitat.

Each of the 28 projects designed under this watershed plan support the health of the watershed by reducing sedimentation rates and removing pollutants. This was achieved in part by restoring vegetation areas, taro fields, and planting vetiver and lemongrass plants, and establishing a restoration nursery in order to ramp up production of native species and restoration efforts.