Whether you’re drawn to the ocean’s depths or prefer to admire it from shore, there’s no denying the magic of the marine ecosystem surrounding our island home. It’s been described as thriving, as iridescent in colour, as calming, nurturing, as able to enliven, to heal and to refresh all who bask is its aqua glory. And it is. It’s all of those things because that’s inextricably what Kokomo’s waterway is, but its brilliance isn’t just nature’s doing. Behind the scenes, three dedicated marine biologists - Viviana, Lily, and Alisi - work tirelessly to protect and preserve these waters. One team, one dream: safeguarding Kokomo’s underwater world for generations to come.
Born and raised in Fiji, the women of our Marine Biology team were shaped by the sea, the surrounding waterways their childhood playground, their first teacher. Here, a love for the ocean took root early, growing into a lifelong devotion to its protection and wonder.
ALISI
When I was little since I was raised in a village near the sea. I always wanted to know more about the ocean and the animals in detail. When I saw fish numbers decreasing, I wondered why and what I could do to help increase the numbers again.
LILY
I grew up in a village by the sea, where my grandparents would take me fishing and snorkelling. Over time, I noticed that the coral was not as colourful and it was bare, and that some of my favourite fish were disappearing, which made me want to learn more about marine life and understand what was happening to our oceans.
VIV
My best childhood memories revolve around the ocean; handline fishing, collecting shellfish, crabs for our sustenance and livelihood. I was always curious about different marine animals that I found, and as I grow older I revisit these memories.
When you grow up surrounded by Fiji’s marine life, you’re exposed to the inner workings of the sea and the changes that shape the ocean. For anyone involved in marine biology, there’s an a-ha moment, a defining instance which will set the trajectory for your working life.
ALISI
I would say the defining moment that deepened my connection to the ocean was when I started to learn about the roles (of each marine creature), and the various features of everything within the ocean. Every part helps to continue the natural cycle, to keep it in balance.
LILY
It started when I was a child, spending time on the water with my grandparents. I loved exploring the coral reefs and seeing all the little fish. That experience made me fall in love with the ocean and its beauty.
VIV
When I realized how much my island community depended on the ocean for their survival, as a source of food and income for their families I knew I needed to be part of the solution. When the soil is not fertile for growing root crops it’s the ocean that provides for our needs.
Working for the Kokomo Marine Team is incredibly rewarding. Of course, nature comes with its own set of challenges, but that’s what makes the work so fulfilling. And so, the cycle continues.
ALISI
There is so much that I find rewarding in this role. I get to share some of my knowledge about the ocean to the guests, and it makes me so happy when the kids want to learn more about the ocean – some say they’re inspired to become marine biologists! Not only that, I get to share my knowledge with the staff members, but I also get to learn from the perspectives of my peers about marine life. Together, we’re able to help villages that are affected by coastal erosion, and I continue to learn about the ocean as I go along.
LILY
The best part is seeing marine life thrive from our conservation work and inspiring others to care for the ocean. The challenge is nature’s unpredictable weather and the impact of human actions, but that only pushes me to do more!
VIV
Sharing knowledge about climate change and its effect on our beautiful coral reefs is so rewarding. Helping guests to be more proactive and sharing what we are actively doing for marine conservation is so fulfilling. It’s not always a success story as not all corals survive, and not all methods work, but when it does it…
It’s hard to play favourites in the underwater world – like choosing a favourite child, a Marine Biologist will tell you it can’t be done. But let’s be honest, some marine marvels are just more captivating.
ALISI
Manta Ray are one of the species that I adore the most. From the moment I started working here I have always been so happy and so excited when we start seeing mantas.
LILY
I love everything in the water, but if I had to pick, I would say turtles. They’re adorable, cute and fascinating creatures, and I enjoy learning more about them.
VIV
I’m a sucker for our sea turtles and the gentle giants of the sea - the manta rays! I’m also fascinated by octopus.
The underwater world is full of wonder – and while marine biologists spend a lifetime studying its intricacies, there are a few simple things every Kokomo guest can learn to better understand and protect our reef.
ALISI
The one thing I want everyone to know is that the ocean ecosystem needs balance and that as a population, we need to learn when is enough and how much is enough for us to take from the ocean in order to keep the natural balance of the ocean ecosystem.
LILY
I wish everyone understood how crucial the marine ecosystem is for our planet. Protecting marine life is not only about making big efforts but also the small choices we make every day! It's delicate, and we all need to take care of it to keep the oceans healthy.
VIV
The ocean is under a lot of stress and needs our help in order to maintain its health, biodiversity and productivity. We need to manage our resources responsibly and protect our ecosystem to ensure that it continues to support our families for generations to come.
Our responsibility to protect Kokomo’s waters doesn’t end when we leave the island. Together, we can help safeguard this precious marine sanctuary, no matter where we are in the world.
ALISI
Aside from supporting our conservation projects while guests are here in Kokomo which is an incredible thing to do, guests can spread awareness about taking care of the ocean ecosystem with their friends and families who are planning to come over to Kokomo.
LILY
I would just say that we all need to treat the ocean like it’s our own home. Learn from the marine biology team, then share that knowledge with others. By raising awareness, we can all help protect the ocean, during a visit to Kokomo Private Island and well into the future.
VIV
Practice using reef friendly sunscreen and get your families and friends to do the same! Please put your rubbish in the bin and do not litter as that piece of trash may find itself back in the ocean. And most of all be an advocate for ocean conservation wherever you go!