Wetlands International returned to Tetepare with the financial and technical support of the National Geographic Committee for Research and Exploration to complete the inventory of rivers and to begin the inventory of reefs surrounding the island, including population estimates for endangered species such as the Humphead Wrasse and several species of sharks.

Simultaneously, TDA rangers, Solomon Island Department of Environment, Department of Fisheries, World Wildlife Fund staff and Solomon Island Community Conservation Partnership staff were trained in species identification and survey techniques which will allow the long term monitoring of these important species and habitats.

Also of importance to promoting the conservation values of the island is the collection of additional specimens of a new fish genus for complete scientific description. The entire expedition was filmed using high definition cameras and underwater in fresh, estuarine and marine realms using the latest re-breather technology. This film and the associated unique classification data will help promote Tetepare in its bid for long term conservation of the island and certainly further highlight the island's importance on the world stage.

The TDA welcomes researchers to visit Tetepare to conduct field work. In recent years, the TDA has hosted researchers studying fish, bats, turtles, vertebrates, forests and cultural sites.

TDA rangers and guides are available to assist researchers with data collection and are keen to learn new skills from such visitors.

We ask that all researchers who wish to work on Tetepare sign a memorandum of understanding with the TDA, and arrange their visit with TDA management in writing, prior to their arrival.

All researchers must also obtain proper authorisation from the government of the Solomon Islands. The TDA can provide assistance in obtaining research permits through the Solomon Islands Department of Education, if needed.

For more information, please contact TDA Programme Coordinator Allan Tippet Bero