Nancy Naawi - Before Coral Bleaching

It is common practice for families to go reef walking for food on the fringing reef around Erub. During the monthly low tides, families walk along all the reef surrounding Erub. Silhouettes can be seen from the beach and higher ground of people scattered all around Erub reef walking.    

When I was little, the fringing reef in front of Egriu village was very colourful and full of life. It was filled with marine life and colourful corals. Rockpools during the low tides were occupied with marine animals; that patiently waited for the tide to come in, whilst hiding under corals.   

During my time on Erub, I have seen firsthand the effects of coral bleaching. The fringing reef in front of Egriu village where I live is no longer as colourful and full of life as it once was when I was little.  It breaks my heart to see the impact of coral bleaching on the reef. Unfortunately, it is also one of the reasons I no longer go reef walking.    

Reminiscing on the days of my youth where I would go reef walking at Egriu, this piece is what the fringing reef in front of Egriu village used to look like when I used to go reef walking with my parents.