As New Zealand prepares to go to alert level two in the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the attention turns to the recovery of the economy – and we must spare a thought for the economies of the Pacific. Most of the Pacific relies on tourism, as does New Zealand, however devastation of the industry has rendered […]
Tag: Oceans
Tropical cyclone season officially over
Eight tropical cyclones crossed the Exclusive Economic Zones of the South Pacific this 2019 – 2020 tropical cyclone season that officially ended in April. In Meteorological terms, this is known as a ‘near normal’ season. Tropical Cyclones Rita, Sarai, Tino, Uesi, Vicky, Wasi, Gretel and Harold wreaked havoc across the Pacific islands highlighting the need […]
Wallis and Futuna counts FADs washed up on its coasts
Wallis and Futuna is counting the number of lost and stranded fish-aggregating devices (FADs) that wash up on its coasts so it can calculate the damage they cause. The campaign is being run by the Wallis and Futuna Fisheries Service. Bruno Mugneret, from the Department of Fishing and Management of Marine Resources in Wallis, said […]
Climate Change changes the Atolls’ lifestyles
In the past, the women of Ontong Java in Malaita Outer Islands used to harvest sea shells not far from the shores to sell for incomes. Today, the women abandoned their activities because the sea level rise has covered the harvesting areas. Jenny Asua, who comes from the island confirmed to Island Sun in an […]
Threats to Pacific Islands’ Rich Biodiversity a Key Focus of the Conference
Conservation management of the rich biodiversity across the Pacific islands region is at the core of the 10th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas. An important event, this will help protect our valuable ecosystem services that the world depends upon. The conference will take place in New Caledonia at the Tjibaou Cultural […]
Bill to end Palau’s 26-year fishing ban on endangered species faces pushback
A fisheries scientist warns that a move to lift a 26-year ban and allow fishing of an endangered fish species for personal use lacks controls with loopholes that could lead to it being overfished and exported illegally to Asian markets, where the Napoleon Wrasse is a delicacy. It is the most expensive reef fish in […]
The end of Ontong Java?
TWO European filmmakers Guus Schuijl and Iggy Pacanowsk visited Solomon Islands last year to film a documentary about Ontong Java. They were investigating how climate change is affecting the community on the atoll. The filmmakers are now back in Europe and have released a trailer this week for the film which can be found on […]
Hope for a better tomorrow
LIVING in an informal settlement comes with sacrifice, patience and dreams of a better future. Day in and day out is always a challenge when it comes to basic services like water and sanitation as well as simple hygiene practices. External shock and stresses due to adaptation deficit in urban infrastructure, housing and service provision are […]
Pacific island nations at the climate talks: Leave no one behind
Describing climate change as one of the greatest threats to their survival, leaders of the sinking countries in the Pacific region urged the international community at the 25th Conference of Parties (COP25) to urgently act and avert climate crisis. “ We are clearly on the frontline of climate change. They are realities for countries in […]
New diplomat to UN wants more Pacific say over ocean resources
Solomon Islands’ incoming representative to the United Nations wants to ensure Pacific countries gain control over their ocean resources. Transform Aqorau, who was the original chief executive of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, helped turn the group of Pacific Island nations into a force to be reckoned with in the international tuna trade. In […]