1
|
Banda LOL, Banda CV, Banda JT, Mwaene E, Munthali GNC, Hlaing TT, Chiwosi B. Unraveling agricultural water pollution despite an ecological policy in the Ayeyarwady Basin. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1562. [PMID: 38858688 PMCID: PMC11165856 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19084-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ayeyarwady Basin in Myanmar, a critical economic zone, faces severe ecological degradation due to unsustainable agricultural practices. These practices pose significant threats to human health and marine biodiversity. Environmental threats persist despite the Myanmar government's efforts to implement biodiversity protection policies. This research explores the limited compliance with environmental protection policies among farmers in the Ayeyarwady Basin and its implications for sustainable agricultural practices and ecological conservation. METHODS This research employs an exploratory phenomenological approach, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews with government officials and farmers (N = 30). The data collected were subjected to thematic analysis using Atlas 23. RESULTS Preliminary findings reveal a gap in farmers' awareness and understanding of these policies, hindered by insufficient financing, poor communication infrastructure, and uncoordinated policy monitoring. These factors and existing unrest contribute to a top-down policy approach that neglects frontline stakeholders. The study suggests the need for clear stakeholder roles, adequate policy financing, and diverse communication strategies to effectively implement environmental policies and protect human and marine life. CONCLUSIONS Environmental policy shortcomings in Myanmar are attributable to governmental oversight and insufficient stakeholder engagement. To mitigate pollution and safeguard river basin ecosystems, the government must delineate stakeholder responsibilities, allocate appropriate policy funding, and adopt varied communication approaches with farmers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jane Thokozani Banda
- Ministry of Education, Directorate of Higher Education, Capital Hill, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Eretia Mwaene
- Beijing Institute of Technology, School of Aerospace Engineering, Zhongguancun, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | | | - Thin Thin Hlaing
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology, College of Public Administration, Wuhan, China
| | - Blessings Chiwosi
- College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agriculture University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Devendrapandi G, Balu R, Ayyappan K, Ayyamperumal R, Alhammadi S, Lavanya M, Senthilkumar R, Karthika PC. Unearthing Earth's secrets: Exploring the environmental legacy of contaminants in soil, water, and sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118246. [PMID: 38278509 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118246] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The Earth's history is documented in human civilizations, soil layers, river movement, and quiet sediments throughout millennia. This investigation explores the significant legacy of environmental toxins in these key planet components. Understanding how ancient activity shaped the terrain is crucial as mankind faces environmental issues. This interdisciplinary study uses environmental science, archaeology, and geology to uncover Earth's mysteries. It illuminates the dynamic processes that have built our globe by studying pollutants and soil, water, and sediments. This research follows human actions, both intentional and unintentional, from ancient civilizations through contemporary industrialization and their far-reaching effects. Environmental destiny examines how contaminants affect ecosystems and human health. This study of past contamination helps solve modern problems including pollution cleanup, sustainable land management, and water conservation. This review studies reminds us that our previous activities still affect the ecosystem in a society facing rapid urbanisation and industrialization. It emphasises the importance of environmental stewardship and provides a framework for making educated choices to reduce toxins in soil, water, and sediments. Discovery of Earth's secrets is not only a historical curiosity; it's a necessary step towards a sustainable and peaceful cohabitation with our home planet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gautham Devendrapandi
- Department of Computational Biology, Institute of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, India.
| | - Ranjith Balu
- Research and Development Cell, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, India.
| | - K Ayyappan
- School of Maritime Studies of Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, Chennai, India
| | - Ramamoorthy Ayyamperumal
- Key Laboratory of Western China's Environmental System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou 13 University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Salh Alhammadi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyongsanbuk-do, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mahimaluru Lavanya
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam.
| | - R Senthilkumar
- Department of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering, AMET University, Chennai, India
| | - P C Karthika
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Breckwoldt A, Dombal Y, Sabinot C, David G, Riera L, Ferse S, Fache E. A social-ecological engagement with reef passages in New Caledonia: Connectors between coastal and oceanic spaces and species. AMBIO 2022; 51:2401-2413. [PMID: 35980514 PMCID: PMC9386666 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01762-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Healthy and protected coral reefs help island systems in the tropics thrive and survive. Reef passages link the open ocean to lagoon and coastal areas in these ecosystems and are home to an exceptionally diverse and abundant marine life, hosting emblematic species and fish spawning aggregations. Their multiple benefits for the islands and their peoples (e.g., for transport, fishing, socio-cultural aspects) remain yet understudied. Drawing from qualitative interviews with fishers, scuba divers, and surfers along the coast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia, this study highlights the multi-faceted importance of these keystone places. It shows that reef passages are locally deemed 'communication zones' between coastal and oceanic spaces and species, and have significant un(der)explored ecological and socio-cultural roles. Understanding and protecting these ecological and cultural keystone places will strengthen both the reef ecosystems and the people dependent on them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Breckwoldt
- Social-Ecological Systems Analysis, Social Science Department, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstrasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Yvy Dombal
- ESPACE-DEV, IRD, Université de Montpellier, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, 6B, 161 Pouembout, route de la forêt sèche, BP 440, 98825 Pouembout, New Caledonia France
| | - Catherine Sabinot
- ESPACE-DEV, IRD, Université de Montpellier, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, 6B, 161 Pouembout, route de la forêt sèche, BP 440, 98825 Pouembout, New Caledonia France
- ESPACE-DEV, Centre IRD de Nouméa, BPA5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia France
| | - Gilbert David
- ESPACE-DEV, IRD, Université de Montpellier, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, 500 rue Jean-François Breton, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Léa Riera
- Social-Ecological Systems Analysis, Social Science Department, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstrasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- SENS, IRD, CIRAD, Université Paul Valery Montpellier 3, Université de Montpellier, Site St Charles 2, 71 rue Professeur Henri Serre, 34086 Montpellier, France
| | - Sebastian Ferse
- Science Management/Social Science Department, Office for Knowledge Exchange (OKE), Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstrasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Elodie Fache
- SENS, IRD, CIRAD, Université Paul Valery Montpellier 3, Université de Montpellier, Site St Charles 2, 71 rue Professeur Henri Serre, 34086 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rational synthesis and characterization of highly water stable MOF@GO composite for efficient removal of mercury (Hg 2+) from water. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10936. [PMID: 36276714 PMCID: PMC9579000 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study is aimed at adsorptive removal of Mercury (Hg2+) using highly functionalized nanomaterials based on Graphene Oxide Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework composite (ZIF-67@GO). Solvothermal methodology was used to synthesize ZIF-67@GO composite. Synthesized compounds were confirmed by FTIR, SEM, PXRD and EDX analysis. The as-prepared ZIF-67@GO was tested as efficient adsorbent for effective removal of Mercury (Hg2+) from aquatic environment. The atomic adsorption spectrophotometer was used to monitor the process of adsorption of Hg+2 on ZIF-67@GO. From the adsorption data, the maximum removal efficiency achieved was 91.1% using 10 mg amount of composite for 50 mL using 20 ppm Mercury (Hg2+) solution. Different parameters like pH, contact time, concentration, adsorption kinetics and isotherm were also examined to explore adsorption process. Adsorption data fitted well for Freundlich Model having R2 value of 0.9925 than Langmuir Isotherm with R2 value of 0.9238. Kinetics were rapid and excellently described via 2nd order model with R2 = 0.99946 than 1st order model with R2 value of 0.8836. Freundlich and pseudo 2nd order models validated that multilayer chemisorption occurs during adsorption process due to the presence of highly functionalized sites on ZIF-67@GO composite. The synthesized composite material has shown excellent reusability. Thus, water stable ZIF-67@GO composites can efficiently be used for Mercury (Hg2+) confiscation from water.
Collapse
|
5
|
Barnett J, Jarillo S, Swearer SE, Lovelock CE, Pomeroy A, Konlechner T, Waters E, Morris RL, Lowe R. Nature-based solutions for atoll habitability. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210124. [PMID: 35574851 PMCID: PMC9108937 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atoll societies have adapted their environments and social systems for thousands of years, but the rapid pace of climate change may bring conditions that exceed their adaptive capacities. There is growing interest in the use of ‘nature-based solutions' to facilitate the continuation of dignified and meaningful lives on atolls through a changing climate. However, there remains insufficient evidence to conclude that these can make a significant contribution to adaptation on atolls, let alone to develop standards and guidelines for their implementation. A sustained programme of research to clarify the potential of nature-based solutions to support the habitability of atolls is therefore vital. In this paper, we provide a prospectus to guide this research programme: we explain the challenge climate change poses to atoll societies, discuss past and potential future applications of nature-based solutions and outline an agenda for transdisciplinary research to advance knowledge of the efficacy and feasibility of nature-based solutions to sustain the habitability of atolls. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Nurturing resilient marine ecosystems’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Barnett
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sergio Jarillo
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen E Swearer
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew Pomeroy
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Teresa Konlechner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Wildlife Consultants Ltd, 7A Vulcan Place, Middleton, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
| | - Elissa Waters
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ryan Lowe
- Oceans Graduate School, and School of Earth Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Golden CD, Ayroles J, Eurich JG, Gephart JA, Seto KL, Sharp MK, Balcom P, Barravecchia HM, Bell KK, Gorospe KD, Kim J, Koh WH, Zamborain-Mason J, McCauley DJ, Murdoch H, Nair N, Neeti K, Passarelli S, Specht A, Sunderland EM, Tekaieti A, Tekiau A, Tekoaua R, Timeon E. Study Protocol: Interactive Dynamics of Coral Reef Fisheries and the Nutrition Transition in Kiribati. Front Public Health 2022; 10:890381. [PMID: 35719655 PMCID: PMC9198247 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.890381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kiribati 2019 Integrated Household Income and Expenditure Survey (Integrated HIES) embeds novel ecological and human health research into an ongoing social and economic survey infrastructure implemented by the Pacific Community in partnership with national governments. This study seeks to describe the health status of a large, nationally representative sample of a geographically and socially diverse I-Kiribati population through multiple clinical measurements and detailed socio-economic surveys, while also conducting supporting food systems research on ecological, social, and institutional drivers of change. The specific hypotheses within this research relate to access to seafood and the potential nutritional and health benefits of these foods. We conducted this research in 21 of the 23 inhabited islands of Kiribati, excluding the two inhabited islands-Kanton Islands in the Phoenix Islands group with a population of 41 persons (2020 census) and Banaba Island in the Gilbert Islands group with a population of 333 persons (2020 census)-and focusing exclusively on the remaining islands in the Gilbert and Line Islands groups. Within this sample, we focused our intensive human health and ecological research in 10 of the 21 selected islands to examine the relationship between ecological conditions, resource governance, food system dynamics, and dietary patterns. Ultimately, this research has created a baseline for future Integrated HIES assessments to simultaneously monitor change in ecological, social, economic, and human health conditions and how they co-vary over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Golden
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Julien Ayroles
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Jacob G. Eurich
- Marine Sciences Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
- Environmental Defense Fund, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Jessica A. Gephart
- Department of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Katherine L. Seto
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Michael K. Sharp
- Statistics for Development Division, Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia
- Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Prentiss Balcom
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Haley M. Barravecchia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Keegan K. Bell
- Marine Sciences Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Kelvin D. Gorospe
- Department of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joy Kim
- BAO Systems, Washington, DC, United States
| | - William H. Koh
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jessica Zamborain-Mason
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Douglas J. McCauley
- Marine Sciences Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Helen Murdoch
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Nilendra Nair
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kaaro Neeti
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Simone Passarelli
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Aaron Specht
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elsie M. Sunderland
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Aritita Tekaieti
- National Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Aranteiti Tekiau
- Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Tarawa, Kiribati
| | | | - Eretii Timeon
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Tarawa, Kiribati
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Faivre G, Sami E, Mackey B, Tomlinson R, Zhang H, Kotra KK, Aimbie J, Maniel M, da Silva GV, Rand E. Water circulation and impact on water quality in the southwest of Efate Island, Vanuatu. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112938. [PMID: 34534934 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In Small Island Developing States (SIDS), water pollution is not monitored or assessed frequently enough to fully understand the processes, impacts of water quality issues and what solutions are available This study investigated flushing time in Erakor lagoon and Port Vila Bay, Vanuatu using a numerical model developed in Delft3D. Microbial contamination by Escherichia coli was detected in multiple locations in the lagoon system with counts exceeding thresholds related to human health concerns. Modelling demonstrated a poor flushing time overall with a further decrease as the influence of waves and wind increased, especially in Vila Bay. Sea level rise resulted in an increase in flushing time downstream of the lagoon near the open sea, while with a decrease upstream and in Vila Bay. Based on these results, we recommend long-term continuous monitoring and identification of higher risks areas to prioritise decisions around wastewater management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Faivre
- Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Erie Sami
- Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Brendan Mackey
- Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rodger Tomlinson
- Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Krishna Kumar Kotra
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Jim Aimbie
- Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Michael Maniel
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
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. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 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] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|