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Nalley EM, Pirkle CM, Schmidbauer MC, Lewis CJ, Dacks RS, Thompson MD, Sudnovsky MD, Whitney JL, Donahue MJ. Trophic and spatial patterns of contaminants in fishes from the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the equatorial Pacific. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 314:137593. [PMID: 36572359 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has been affected by marine pollution from militarization and urbanization. To address concerns raised by the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority, this study examined concentrations of dissolved contaminants in reef and pelagic fishes in the RMI and assessed potential associated risks. Metals, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in reef and pelagic fishes from six atolls: Kwajalein, Majuro, Jaluit, Utirik, Rongelap, and Wotje. Clear trophic patterns emerged for metals. Total arsenic was highest in higher trophic level reef fishes, particularly in the camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion) (>100 μg g-1 total As), but inorganic arsenic was negligible in higher trophic levels and showed an inverse trend with the highest percentages present in parrotfishes and herbivores. Copper and mercury were elevated in higher trophic level reef and pelagic fishes, respectively, and the maximum mercury concentrations (6.45 μg g-1 in Gymnosarda unicolor) were among the highest reported in the Pacific. Conversely, cadmium and lead were highest in lower trophic levels, like surgeonfishes and parrotfishes. PCBs were more clearly linked to locations and were highest at two atolls with military history (Kwajalein and Jaluit) (>U.S. EPA Screening Value of 2.5 ppb). PAHs were ubiquitous across taxa (detected in 97% of samples), but the highest concentrations were in lower trophic levels. Organochlorine pesticides were detected at very low concentrations that do not likely pose a risk. We compare concentrations to established thresholds for human health and find that - for specific locations and species - contaminant concentrations may pose a risk to fish and other marine taxa, as well as human consumers. This study provides baseline information that aids the development of marine conservation and public health recommendations and addresses a data gap that persists for marine pollution throughout the Pacific Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Nalley
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA.
| | - C M Pirkle
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Office of Public Health Studies, 1960 East-West Road, BioMed Tower 102, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - M C Schmidbauer
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - C J Lewis
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA; University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, School of Life Sciences, 3190 Maile Way, St. John 101, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - R S Dacks
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA; University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, School of Life Sciences, 3190 Maile Way, St. John 101, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - M D Thompson
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Office of Public Health Studies, 1960 East-West Road, BioMed Tower 102, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - M D Sudnovsky
- University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program, College of the Marshall Islands, P.O. Box 1258, Majuro, 96960, Marshall Islands
| | - J L Whitney
- NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - M J Donahue
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
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Al Nabhani K, Salzman S, Shimeta J, Dansie A, Allinson G. A temporal assessment of microplastics distribution on the beaches of three remote islands of the Yasawa archipelago, Fiji. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114202. [PMID: 36265426 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This is the first study that investigated the presence, distribution, and composition of microplastics, MPs (1-5 mm) on beaches in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji. A temporal assessment over three years on six beaches was undertaken to investigate different beach traits on MP abundance. Average MP concentration was 4.5 ± 11.1 MPs·m-2 with significantly higher concentrations were found on east-facing beaches than west (p < 0.001), and higher on the storm line compared to the high tide line (p < 0.001). No difference was found between tourist and local beaches (p = 0.21). These results demonstrate the role of current-driven ocean transport of plastic pollution in this part of The South Pacific. ATR FT-IR analysis showed that across all sites 34 % of MPs were polypropylene (PP), 33 % polystyrene (PS), 25 % polyethylene (PE), and 8 % other polymer types. Further studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of MPs on Fiji's coral reefs and marine life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Al Nabhani
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Scott Salzman
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, Deakin University, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Andrew Dansie
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Graeme Allinson
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Varea R, Paris A, Ferreira M, Piovano S. Multibiomarker responses to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and microplastics in thumbprint emperor Lethrinus harak from a South Pacific locally managed marine area. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17991. [PMID: 34504212 PMCID: PMC8429447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97448-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine the baseline threat of microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an important seafood fish from Vueti Navakavu locally managed marine area, a multibiomarker risk assessment was conducted on the thumbprint emperor fish Lethrinus harak. Condition factor, a measure of relative general health condition of fish, was significantly lower in samples from the wet season compared to the dry season but no significant differences were observed for hepatosomatic index, a measure of relative stored energy/nutrition, between seasonal groups. PAHs levels of four metabolites in emperor fish from Fiji waters are reported here for the first time; seasonal groups showed no significant differences, but all samples presented levels of biliary PAHs. Each specimen also contained at least one microplastic in its gastrointestinal system; fibres were the predominant form-type and ingestion levels showed that more than 80% of fragment sizes were below 1.0 mm. Biochemical responses were observed for ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and glutathione S-transferase biotransformation activity, oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity; lipid peroxidation) and genotoxicity (micronuclei assay). Though there were no statistically significant differences found, there were biological significances that were important to note; relatively low levels of pollutant exposure and low levels of biochemical responses showed enzymes response in thumbprint emperor were as expected to their roles in the body. In this multibiomarker approach, the observation of pollutants presence and histopathological injuries are considered biologically relevant from a toxicological perspective and serve as a baseline for future pollution studies in seafood fishes in Fiji, with site differences and the inclusion of fish species comparison. We recommend adopting a suite of biomarkers in future regional biomonitoring studies to develop holistic baseline information for other marine settings in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufino Varea
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Andrew Paris
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Marta Ferreira
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Susanna Piovano
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
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Dehm J, Singh S, Ferreira M, Piovano S, Fick J. Screening of pharmaceuticals in coastal waters of the southern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, South Pacific. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130161. [PMID: 34088082 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The global reliance on pharmaceuticals coupled with the lack of effective treatment methods has resulted in pseudo-persistence of pharmaceuticals within the environment. Globally, efforts to quantify and monitor pharmaceuticals within the environment have been well underway, however few studies have been made within small Pacific Islands. This study aims at screening for the occurrence and concentration of pharmaceutical residues within the southern coastal waters of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. Water samples were collected from a depth of ca. 0.6 m from seven sites and were analyzed for 80 pharmaceuticals via a combination of chromatography and heated electrospray ionization. Seventy-two pharmaceuticals were quantified at least once with average concentrations ranging between 0.04 ng/L (diltiazem) and 19 ng/L (ketoconazole), and with all but two pharmaceuticals (trimethoprim and biperiden) being present in less than 50% of the samples. Findings suggest that even though the release of pharmaceuticals into the marine environment is sporadic and pharmaceuticals are diluted via turbulent mixing, there are measurable concentrations of pharmaceuticals in Fiji and these pollutants are not necessarily restricted to highly populated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasha Dehm
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Shubha Singh
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Marta Ferreira
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Susanna Piovano
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Jerker Fick
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
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Tlili S, Mouneyrac C. New challenges of marine ecotoxicology in a global change context. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112242. [PMID: 33706213 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Currently, research agenda in marine ecotoxicology is facing new challenges with the emergence of newly and complex synthetized chemicals. The study of the fate and adverse effects of toxicants remains increasingly complicated with global change events. Ecotoxicology had provided for a decades, precious scientific data and knowledge but also technical and management tools for the environmental community. Regarding those, it is necessary to update methodologies dealing with these issues such as combined effect of conventional and emergent stressors and global changes. In this point of view article, we discuss one hand the new challenges of ecotoxicology in this context, and in the other hand, the need of updating agenda and methodologies currently used in monitoring programs and finally recommendations and future research needs. Among recommendations, it could be cited the necessity to perform long-term experiments, the standardization of sentinel species and taking benefit from baseline studies and omics technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiene Tlili
- Laboratoire Mer, Molécules, Santé (MMS, EA 2160), Université Catholique, de l'Ouest, 49000 Angers, France.
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Laboratoire Mer, Molécules, Santé (MMS, EA 2160), Université Catholique, de l'Ouest, 49000 Angers, France
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6
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Devlin MJ, Lyons BP, Johnson JE, Hills JM. The tropical Pacific Oceanscape: Current issues, solutions and future possibilities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 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] [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. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 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] [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. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:111922. [PMID: 33632532 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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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