The shallow water (<30m) fish communities on the coral reefs of Vanuatu were examined at 23 locations along the 800km length of the country in 1988. Fish communities were examined in detail on the outer reef slopes of Aneityum, Cook's Reef, Santo, Gaua and the Reef Islands.
Fish abundances were assessed using a visual census technique. Up to five non-overlapping replicate censuses were made at each location, depending on the ship's schedule.
Surveys of other habitats were also made to extend the species checklist. These include locations on Efate and Ureparapara, as well as additional locations on Tanna, Aneityum and Santo.