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Petus C, Waterhouse J, Tracey D, Wolanski E, Brodie J. Using Optical Water-Type Classification in Data-Poor Water Quality Assessment: A Case Study in the Torres Strait. Remote Sensing 2022; 14:2212. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14092212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
For many years, local communities have expressed concerns that turbid plume waters from the Fly River in Papua New Guinea may potentially deliver mine-derived contaminants to the Torres Strait, an ecologically and culturally unique area north of the Australian mainland. Information on suspended sediment transport and turbidity patterns are needed in this data-limited region to identify and manage downstream ecosystems that may be at risk of exposure from the Fly River runoff. This study used MODIS satellite time series and a colour-classification approach to map optical water types around the data-poor Gulf of Papua and Torres Strait region. The satellite data were supported by field data, including salinity and suspended sediment measurements, and used together in qualitative water quality assessments to evaluate the habitats that are likely exposed to Fly River discharge and/or derived sediments. It showed that the Fly River influence in the Torres Strait region is largely limited to the north-east corner of the Torres Strait. The drivers of turbidity vary between locations, and it is impossible to fully separate direct riverine plume influence from wave and tidally driven sediment resuspension in the satellite maps. However, results indicate that coastal habitats located as far east as Bramble Cay and west to Boigu Island are located in an area that is most likely exposed to the Fly River discharge within the region, directly or through sediment resuspension. The area that is the most likely exposed is a relatively small proportion of the Torres Strait region, but encompasses habitats of high ecological importance, including coral reefs and seagrass meadows. Satellite data showed that the period of highest risk of exposure was during the south-east trade wind season and complemented recent model simulations in the region over larger spatial and temporal frames. This study did not evaluate transboundary pollution or the ecological impact on local marine resources, but other recent studies suggest it is likely to be limited. However, this study did provide long-term, extensive but qualitative, baseline information needed to inform future ecological risk mapping and to support decision making about management priorities in the region. This is important for ensuring the protection of the Torres Strait ecosystems, given their importance to Torres Strait communities and turtle and dugong populations, and the Torres Strait’s connectivity with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
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Comeros-Raynal MT, Brodie J, Bainbridge Z, Choat JH, Curtis M, Lewis S, Stevens T, Shuler CK, Sudek M, Hoey AS. Catchment to sea connection: Impacts of terrestrial run-off on benthic ecosystems in American Samoa. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 169:112530. [PMID: 34087665 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Variation in water quality can directly affect the composition of benthic assemblages on coral reefs. Yet, few studies have directly quantified nutrient and suspended particulate matter (SPM) to examine their potential impacts on benthic community structure, especially around high oceanic islands. We assessed the spatio-temporal variation of nutrients and SPM across six sites in American Samoa over a 12-month period and used exploratory path analysis to relate dissolved inorganic nutrients, land use, and natural and anthropogenic drivers to benthic assemblages on adjacent shallow reefs. Multivariate analyses showed clear gradients in nutrient concentrations, sediment accumulation and composition, and benthic structure across watersheds. Instream nutrients and land uses positively influenced reef flat nutrient concentrations, while benthic assemblages were best predicted by wave exposure, runoff, stream phosphate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen loads. Identifying locality-specific drivers of water quality and benthic condition can support targeted management in American Samoa and in other high islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia T Comeros-Raynal
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.
| | - Jon Brodie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Zoe Bainbridge
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - John Howard Choat
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Meagan Curtis
- American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, AS 96799, USA
| | - Stephen Lewis
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Thomas Stevens
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Christopher K Shuler
- Division of Earth Sciences, Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI 96822, USA
| | | | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
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McKenzie LJ, Yoshida RL, Aini JW, Andréfouet S, Colin PL, Cullen-Unsworth LC, Hughes AT, Payri CE, Rota M, Shaw C, Skelton PA, Tsuda RT, Vuki VC, Unsworth RKF. Seagrass ecosystems of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories: A global bright spot. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 167:112308. [PMID: 33866203 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass ecosystems exist throughout Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Despite this area covering nearly 8% of the global ocean, information on seagrass distribution, biogeography, and status remains largely absent from the scientific literature. We confirm 16 seagrass species occur across 17 of the 22 PICTs with the highest number in Melanesia, followed by Micronesia and Polynesia respectively. The greatest diversity of seagrass occurs in Papua New Guinea (13 species), and attenuates eastward across the Pacific to two species in French Polynesia. We conservatively estimate seagrass extent to be 1446.2 km2, with the greatest extent (84%) in Melanesia. We find seagrass condition in 65% of PICTs increasing or displaying no discernible trend since records began. Marine conservation across the region overwhelmingly focuses on coral reefs, with seagrass ecosystems marginalised in conservation legislation and policy. Traditional knowledge is playing a greater role in managing local seagrass resources and these approaches are having greater success than contemporary conservation approaches. In a world where the future of seagrass ecosystems is looking progressively dire, the Pacific Islands appears as a global bright spot, where pressures remain relatively low and seagrass more resilient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Len J McKenzie
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia; Seagrass-Watch, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia.
| | - Rudi L Yoshida
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia; SeagrassFutures Fiji, Ma'afu St, Suva, Fiji
| | - John W Aini
- Ailan Awareness, Kaselok, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Serge Andréfouet
- UMR-9220 ENTROPIE (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de la Réunion, Ifremer, CNRS, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie), 101, promenade Roger-Laroque Anse Vata, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Patrick L Colin
- Coral Reef Research Foundation, P.O. Box 1765, Koror 96940, Palau
| | - Leanne C Cullen-Unsworth
- Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University, 33 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3BA, UK; Project Seagrass, PO Box 412, Bridgend CF31 9RL, UK
| | - Alec T Hughes
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Munda, Western Province, Solomon Islands
| | - Claude E Payri
- UMR-9220 ENTROPIE (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de la Réunion, Ifremer, CNRS, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie), 101, promenade Roger-Laroque Anse Vata, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Manibua Rota
- Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Christina Shaw
- Vanuatu Environmental Science Society, PO Box 1630, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Posa A Skelton
- Oceania Research Development Associates, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Roy T Tsuda
- Natural Sciences-Botany, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI 96817-2704, USA
| | - Veikila C Vuki
- Oceania Environment Consultants, PO Box 5214, UOG Station, Mangilao 96923, Guam
| | - Richard K F Unsworth
- Project Seagrass, PO Box 412, Bridgend CF31 9RL, UK; Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, College of Science, Swansea University, SA2 8PP, UK
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Devlin MJ, Lyons BP, Johnson JE, Hills JM. The tropical Pacific Oceanscape: Current issues, solutions and future possibilities. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 166:112181. [PMID: 33676108 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems across the world's largest ocean - the Pacific Ocean - are being increasingly affected by stressors such as pollution, overfishing, ocean acidification, coastal development and warming events coupled with rising sea levels and increasing frequency of extreme weather. These anthropogenic-driven stressors, which operate cumulatively at varying spatial and temporal scales, are leading to ongoing and pervasive degradation of many marine ecosystems in the Pacific Island region. The effects of global warming and ocean acidification threaten much of the region and impact on the socio-cultural, environmental, economic and human health components of many Pacific Island nations. Simultaneously, resilience to climate change is being reduced as systems are overburdened by other stressors, such as marine and land-based pollution and unsustainable fishing. Consequently, it is important to understand the vulnerability of this region to future environmental scenarios and determine to what extent management actions can help protect, and rebuild ecosystem resilience and maintain ecosystem service provision. This Special Issue of papers explores many of these pressures through case studies across the Pacific Island region, and the impacts of individual and cumulative pressures on the condition, resilience and survival of ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The papers represent original work from across the tropical Pacific oceanscape, an area that includes 22 Pacific Island countries and territories plus Hawaii and the Philippines. The 39 papers within provide insights on anthropogenic pressures and habitat responses at local, national, and regional scales. The themes range from coastal water quality and human health, assessment of status and trends for marine habitats (e.g. seagrass and coral reefs), and the interaction of local pressures (pollution, overfishing) with increasing temperatures and climate variability. Studies within the Special Issue highlight how local actions, monitoring, tourism values, management, policy and incentives can encourage adaptation to anthropogenic impacts. Conclusions identify possible solutions to support sustainable and harmonious environment and social systems in the unique Pacific Island oceanscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Devlin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR330HT, Suffolk, UK; CCSUS, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norwich, Norfolk, UK; TropWater, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Brett P Lyons
- Cefas, Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, Dorset, UK
| | - Johanna E Johnson
- C2O Pacific, Port Vila, Vanuatu & Cairns, Australia; College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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Smith AJ, Barber J, Davis S, Jones C, Kotra KK, Losada S, Lyons BP, Mataki M, Potter KD, Devlin MJ. Aquatic contaminants in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu: Evidence from passive samplers and Microtox toxicity assessment. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 165:112118. [PMID: 33582422 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Water Quality issues in many Pacific countries are rising, with the increase in coastal populations and associated urban runoff but management requires contamination issues in the aquatic environment to be identified and prioritised. In Vanuatu and Solomon Islands there are few laboratories and resources to assess for the presence or impact of complex chemical contaminants. The extent and impact of chemical contamination of the marine and coastal environment is poorly described. Passive chemical samplers were used to measure a range of aquatic pollutants around the capital cities, Honiara (Solomon Islands) and Port Vila (Vanuatu). We detected a range of chemicals indicative of agricultural and industrial contamination and a few sites had concerning concentrations of specific hydrocarbons and pesticides. The rapid ecotoxicology test, Microtox, indicated toxic impacts in rivers, coastal sites and urban drains This work provides new data on chemical contamination and possible impacts of that contamination for both countries. The techniques could be applied widely across the region to generate critical data for environmental management, guide monitoring efforts and measure the impact of policy or land-use changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Smith
- Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - J Barber
- Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - S Davis
- Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - C Jones
- Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - K K Kotra
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS), The University of the South Pacific, Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - S Losada
- Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - B P Lyons
- Cefas, British Embassy, PO Box 2, 13001 Safat, Kuwait; Cefas, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - M Mataki
- Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, P.O. Box 21, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - K D Potter
- Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - M J Devlin
- Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
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Dutra LXC, Haywood MDE, Singh S, Ferreira M, Johnson JE, Veitayaki J, Kininmonth S, Morris CW, Piovano S. Synergies between local and climate-driven impacts on coral reefs in the Tropical Pacific: A review of issues and adaptation opportunities. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 164:111922. [PMID: 33632532 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs in the tropical Pacific region are exposed to a range of anthropogenic local pressures. Climate change is exacerbating local impacts, causing unprecedented declines in coral reef habitats and bringing negative socio-economic consequences to Pacific communities who depend heavily on coral reefs for food, income and livelihoods. Continued increases in greenhouse gas emissions will drive future climate change, which will accelerate coral reef degradation. Traditional systems of resource governance in Pacific island nations provide a foundation to address local pressures and build reef resilience to climate change. Management and adaptation options should build on the regional diversity of governance systems and traditional knowledge to support community-based initiatives and cross-sectoral cooperation to address local pressures and minimize climate change impacts. Such an inclusive approach will offer enhanced opportunities to develop and implement transformative adaptation solutions, particularly in remote and regional areas where centralized management does not extend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo X C Dutra
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Business Unit, Queensland BioSciences Precinct, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Michael D E Haywood
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Business Unit, Queensland BioSciences Precinct, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Shubha Singh
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Marta Ferreira
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji; CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Johanna E Johnson
- C(2)O Pacific, Vanuatu & Australia; College of Marine & Environmental Studies, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
| | - Joeli Veitayaki
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji; The University of the South Pacific, Alafua Campus, Private Bag, Apia, Samoa
| | - Stuart Kininmonth
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji; Centre for Ecology and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cherrie W Morris
- Institute of Marine Resources, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Susanna Piovano
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
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Graves CA, Powell A, Stone M, Redfern F, Biko T, Devlin M. Marine water quality of a densely populated Pacific atoll (Tarawa, Kiribati): Cumulative pressures and resulting impacts on ecosystem and human health. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 163:111951. [PMID: 33472138 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities to poor environmental and health outcomes is threatened by cumulative anthropogenic pressures. In Kiribati, a developing Pacific Island country where human activities are closely connected with the ocean, both people and environment are particularly vulnerable to coastal pollution. We present a survey of environmental and human health water quality parameters around urban South Tarawa, and an overview of their impacts on the semi-enclosed atoll. Tarawa has significant water quality issues and decisions to guide improvements are hindered by a persistent lack of appropriate and sufficient observations. Our snapshot assessment identifies highest risk locations related to chronic focused and diffuse pollution inputs, and where mixing and dilution with ocean water is restricted. We demonstrate the importance of monitoring in the context of rapidly changing pressures. Our recommendations are relevant to other atoll ecosystems where land-based activities and ocean health are tightly interlinked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Graves
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK; Marine Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Andy Powell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Michelle Stone
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Farran Redfern
- Environment and Conservation Division, Ministry of Environment Lands and Agriculture Developments, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, Kiribati.
| | - Teema Biko
- Environment and Conservation Division, Ministry of Environment Lands and Agriculture Developments, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, Kiribati.
| | - Michelle Devlin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK; Marine Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Lincoln S, Vannoni M, Benson L, Engelhard GH, Tracey D, Shaw C, Molisa V. Assessing intertidal seagrass beds relative to water quality in Vanuatu, South Pacific. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 163:111936. [PMID: 33360525 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses are globally important, but their extent is decreasing due to the impact of human activities and changing climatic conditions. Seagrass meadows provide vital services, but their condition and distribution are not yet well known, particularly in many small tropical Pacific islands. In 2018, observations and samples were collected from intertidal seagrasses of Efate Island, Vanuatu (South Pacific). Observations included canopy height, percentage cover, growth rate and species variety. Water quality samples were also collected in some locations. Our seagrass metrics suggested more challenging conditions for the seagrasses near Port Vila, the main urban area in the island, where water quality analyses indicated higher levels of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and suspended solids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lincoln
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Marta Vannoni
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Lisa Benson
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Georg H Engelhard
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Dieter Tracey
- Science Graphics, 28 Dalziel Street, Stratford, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Christina Shaw
- Vanuatu Environmental Science Society (VESS), PO Box 1630, Anchor House, Kumal Highway, Port Vila, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
| | - Vatumaraga Molisa
- Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, PMB 9063, Port Vila, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
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Binetti U, Silburn B, Russell J, van Hoytema N, Meakins B, Kohler P, Desender M, Preston-Whyte F, Fa'abasu E, Maniel M, Maes T. First marine litter survey on beaches in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, South Pacific: Using OSPAR protocol to inform the development of national action plans to tackle land-based solid waste pollution. Mar Pollut Bull 2020; 161:111827. [PMID: 33213857 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing abundance of marine litter is impacting the environment, human health and economies in the South Pacific. Small Islands Developing States are particularly affected by marine litter, primarily due to insufficient waste management systems. For the first time, marine litter was quantified and characterised on 13 beaches in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in the South Pacific region using the OSPAR beach litter monitoring guidelines. A total of 1053 (±1017) and 974 (±745) items of litter per 100 m beach were recorded in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu respectively. Litter composition and distribution show that the majority of the litter comes from local land-based sources and large quantities of fragments and single use plastics were found by cities and river mouths. Actions to reduce single use plastic, improve collection, reuse and recycling, together with outreach campaigns would reduce marine litter significantly in these countries. Furthermore, there is great potential to develop a more circular economy to manage the substantial quantities of recyclable items that were found stranded on the beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Binetti
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - B Silburn
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - J Russell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - N van Hoytema
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - B Meakins
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK; Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough, UK
| | - P Kohler
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - M Desender
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - F Preston-Whyte
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - E Fa'abasu
- Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Disaster Management and Meteorology, Environment and Conservation Division, P.O. Box 21, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - M Maniel
- University of South Pacific, Vanuatu
| | - T Maes
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK; GRID-Arendal, Teaterplassen 3, 4836, Arendal, Norway
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