About us

Reef Explorer's mission is to conserve Fiji's natural and cultural resources through research, education, and by assisting with the development of sustainable livelihood opportunities in local communities. Our programs provide information, training, and other resources to assist local communities in developing and implementing effective resource management plans, establishing sustainable fisheries, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Reef Explorer is involved in a broad range of collaborative research and development activities with both local and international partners that assist local communities with resource management efforts.

Our Eco-Corps program allows international volunteers to participate in and support community-based conservation efforts in Fiji. We offer packaged Expeditions, Internship opportunities, and can also cater to Study Abroad programs.

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Victor Bonito
Director / Head Scientist

Joe Kanabicibici
Eco-Corps Program Coordinator

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Victor is a coral reef ecologist (M.S. Biology) from the United States who has studied and explored reefs worldwide. His long-term interest is applying his knowledge of coral reefs to achieve conservation objectives and promote sustainable economic development for coastal populations. Victor has a broad knowledge of the ecology and taxonomy of corals, other marine invertebrates, and coral reef fishes. Projects that he has conducted or collaborated on include: biodiversity and biogeography studies; designing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of marine protected areas; invasive species surveys; and ecological studies and environmental impact assessments. Victor has an underlying interest in sharing his knowledge and love of coral reefs with others and has been a teaching assistant for coral reef management and marine invertebrate courses, as well as given educational presentations about coral reefs and associated fauna to school groups (kindergarten to university level), tourists, and divers. He has traveled extensively, enjoys gardening, cooking, water activities, and hiking, and is an accomplished musician and photographer.

Joe is from Malevu village on Fiji's beautiful Coral Coast. Before joining Reef Explorer, he served as Project Coordinator for community-based conservation efforts conducted by an International NGO in Fiji. Joe has worked in villages across several of Fiji's provinces to improve the local community's understanding of coral reef conservation and teach and assist them to plant mangroves and cultivate corals to support reef conservation efforts. Before he began with community-based marine conservation work, Joe was involved in agriculture production on his family farm and worked in forestry services. He still enjoys cultivating Fiji's rich land and is a hard-working farmer in addition to his community-based conservation work. When he's not on the farm or working in the community, Joe can often be found singing and playing Fijian guitar songs.