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Currents E-News May 2008
IN THIS EDITION:
MARINE AND COASTAL LEGISLATION, POLICY AND PLANNING
1. New legislation in Samoa could see govt own all rivers and streams (Samoa)
2. Leaders Ask For International Assistance On Marine Resources (Palau)
3. Financial agency commits US$63 million to preserve Asia's Coral Triangle (Philippines)
4. Ecosystem approach to fisheries management to be proposed at APEC Summit (Peru)
5. Pacific Prepares For World's Biggest Biodiversity Gathering (Pacific)
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
6. Great Barrier marine reserve application declined (New Zealand)
7. No place for tuna to hide (Pacific)
8. RC&D votes in favour of marine monument (Northern Mariana Islands)
9. Fitial tells Bush of concerns over Pew's proposal (Northern Mariana Islands)
10. Plan to Protect Papahanaumokuakea (Hawai’i)
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
11. How non-compliance hurts (Fiji)
12. People control conservation (Fiji)
13. Two Samoas hold environment summit (Samoa)
14. Regime to buy $1.2m sea survey equipment (Fiji)
FISHERIES
15. Pacific islands act to save threatened tuna (Pacific)
16. The rarest tuna of all - Japan's farmed Kindai (Japan)
17. Cannery forecasts drop in revenue (Fiji)
18. Does Fishing On Drifting Fish Aggregation Devices Endanger The Survival Of Tropical Tuna? (France)
19. Sea change possible with people power (Indonesia)
20. Activists Accuse Philippines Vessel Of ‘Pirate Fishing’ (Pacific)
21. Export Of Live Reef Fish Now Banned In Palau (Palau)
22. 8 ill with ciguatoxin poisoning (Hong Kong)
23. Tuna Species under Threat: Greenpeace (The Solomon Islands)
24. Fish industry wary of high-sea restrictions (New Zealand)
25. Greenpeace vessel targets Taiwanese, US and Korean tuna fishers (Pacific)
AQUACULTURE
26. Tool to improve ocean aquaculture (Australia)
27. Shrimp farms suffer from poor plans (Vietnam)
28. Mega Fishing takes over Tawi-Tawi multi-species hatchery (Philippines)
29. Food Watch: Perak to be region's tilapia centre (Malaysia)
CLIMATE CHANGE
30. Global warming on next APIL agenda (Micronesia)
31. A rising tide (Thailand)
32. Musician highlights issues facing islands (Solomon Islands)
33. $63 million to protect Asia's 'Coral Triangle' (Philippines)
NATURAL HAZARDS
34. Top UN relief official meets Myanmar officials, urging major aid push (Myanmar / Burma)
35. Samoa works towards an efficient tsunami early warning system (Samoa)
36. Map of Pacific with current earthquakes and cylones (Pacific)
MARINE & COASTAL INVASIVE SPECIES
37. Environment: Invasive Species Threatens Biodiversity (Pacific)
38. Pacific Invasives Learning Network in Yap (Federated States of Micronesia)
MARINE SPECIES
39. Coral Sea species facing extinction: WWF (Coral Sea)
40. Life discovered on ocean mountain (New Zealand)
41. Wildlife numbers plummet globally: WWF (International)
42. The number of monk seals born on Oahu in a year hits a record (Hawai’i)
43. Six-month trial for new marine conservation tool (Marshall Islands)
44. Pacquiao joins DENR, Sarangani dads in release of marine turtles (Philippines)
45. Anti-shark tests may save baby seals (Hawai’i)
46. Solomon Islands successfully defends dolphin trade (Solomon Islands)
PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
47. Pacific Countries Race Against Time To Claim Extra Ocean Territory (Pacific)
48. Environment/PNG: Opposition Mounts Against Waste Plan (Papua New Guinea)
SHIPPING AND PORTS
49. Ports: Suva, Lautoka Models of Efficiency (Fiji)
COASTAL WETLANDS
50. Oceania prepares for the Ramsar Convention 10th Conference of the Parties (Pacific)
RECREATION AND TOURISM
51. PICRC comes up with 10 things to protect corals (Palau)
52. NZ tourism may survive climate change, but travel costs a risk (New Zealand)
RESEARCH
53. Halmahera Expedition (Indonesia)
WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
54. Asian Wetland Symposium 2008- Wetlands -The Heart of Asia (Vietnam)
CALL FOR PAPERS & ABSTRACTS
55. 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation (International)
56. Coastal Zone Asia-Pacific Conference (China)
57. International Marine Conservation Congress: call for papers (International)
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MARINE AND COASTAL LEGISLATION, POLICY AND PLANNING
1. New legislation in Samoa could see govt own all rivers and streams (Samoa)
Abridged from: Radio New Zealand International
7 May 2008
Full text: http://www.rnzi.com
In Samoa, villages which own the rivers and streams in their village boundary could be stripped of their authorities on such natural resources if a government bill is passed. The management resource bill from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is now before a parliamentary committee for a final review and consideration. Parliament passed the second reading of the legislation which aims to protect all water resources in the country.
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2. Leaders Ask For International Assistance On Marine Resources (Palau)
Abridged from: Pacific Magazine
6 May 2008
Full text: http://www.pacificmagazine.net
Elected and traditional leaders of Palau’s Ngarchelong State’s have called upon world experts on coastal marine resource management to help them design a program to manage their resources at a leadership summit.
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3. Financial agency commits US$63 million to preserve Asia's Coral Triangle (Philippines)
Abridged from: International Herald Tribune
29 April 2008
Full text: http://www.iht.com
An international fund that aids sustainable environment projects has committed US$63 million to help preserve Southeast Asia's Coral Triangle from overfishing and climate change, the Asian Development Bank said Tuesday. The sprawling triangle, which straddles the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and East Timor, is believed to have the highest marine biodiversity in the world.
Related articles:
http://www.cbd.int
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4. Ecosystem approach to fisheries management to be proposed at APEC Summit (Peru)
Abridged from: Andina website
28 April 2008
Full text: http://www.andina.com.pe
The implementation of the ecosystem approach which promotes both conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources in an equitable way will be proposed at the 16th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting to take place in Lima in November. This was announced by the head of the Peruvian Sea Institute, Hector Soldi, who has recently chaired the 21º Marine Resource Conservation Working Group Meeting in Piura, attended by delegates and officials from the 21 APEC member economies.
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5. Pacific Prepares For World's Biggest Biodiversity Gathering (Pacific)
Abridged from: Pacific Magazine
26 April 2008
Full text: http://www.pacificmagazine.net
The Pacific has come together to develop a united strategy in preparation for the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) 9th Conference of the parties to be held in May this year. A three-day retreat saw nine Pacific islands countries meet to outline their priorities and how they will work together at the CBD’s Conference of the parties.
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Interested in this topic? View MCCN’s website for more: Marine and Coastal Legislation, Policy and Planning
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MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
6. Great Barrier marine reserve application declined (New Zealand)
Abridged from: Scoop.co.nz
16 May 2008
Full text: http://www.scoop.co.nz
Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton today rejected the proposal for a marine reserve covering 495 square kilometres on the northeast coast of Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Jim Anderton said he had flown over the proposed reserve, and met with residents and the local hapu, Ngati Rehua, and the iwi, Ngatiwai on Great Barrier Island itself. “I agree that it is a magnificent area that many value for different reasons. However, I don’t believe the interests of the public would be best served by creating such a large no-take marine reserve in this relatively remote area where access to the sea is a large part of life on the Island.
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7. No place for tuna to hide (Pacific)
Abridged from: Fiji Times
14 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fijitimes.com
There are far less tuna in the sea than there used to be. What we see now is tuna being pursued with more sophisticated technology and there really is no place for fish to hide any longer. That is the observation of Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of York. Dire words of warning by the Pacific's very own marine scientists are still not being heeded by those responsible for managing the region's valuable tuna resource. So Greenpeace is defending pockets of international waters in the Pacific in a bid to have them declared marine reserves and off limits to tuna fishers.
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8. RC&D votes in favour of marine monument (Northern Mariana Islands)
Abridged from: Saipan Tribune
13 May 2008
Full text: http://www.saipantribune.com
The Resource Conservation & Development Council executive board has voted in favour to support the establishment of the Marianas Trench Marine Monument in the far northern islands of Asuncion, Maug, and Farallon De Pajaros....According to Cabrera, the new paradigm in ocean conservation is being led by Ocean Legacy, a program of the Pew Environment Group, "whose goal is to create large ecosystem-sized marine reserves to protect the continuous degradation of our marine ecosystem, and preserve for the future, for ourselves, and our children, a global marine heritage."
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9. Fitial tells Bush of concerns over Pew's proposal (Northern Mariana Islands)
Abridged from: Saipan Tribune
6 May 2008
Full text: http://www.saipantribune.com
Gov. Fitial has asked President Bush to reject a proposal to create a marine national monument in the northern islands. Fitial in a letter to Bush said the designation “would, in my view, greatly reduce or eliminate the ability of the CNMI government to carefully balance cultural, environmental, and economic considerations in the region in an open and inclusive manner.” The governor noted that his position is shared by most lawmakers, who recently adopted a resolution opposing the proposed marine sanctuary. But Angelo Villagomez, a local coordinator of Pew Charitable Trusts, which has made the proposal, said much of the opposition to the marine monument is based on misinformation.
Related articles:
http://www.pacificmagazine.net
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10. Plan to Protect Papahanaumokuakea (Hawai’i)
Abridged from: KHNL
23 April 2008
Full text: http://www.khnl.com
In the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, one of our planet's remaining shining examples of marine conservation. A trio of government agencies unveils a plan to manage Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, our country's largest conservation area. This plan will help determine the future of 7,000 species in a 140,000 square mile stretch of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
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Interested in this topic? View MCCN’s website for more: Marine Protected Areas
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COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
11. How non-compliance hurts (Fiji)
Abridged from: Fiji Times
11 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fijitimes.com
Fiji’s marine eco-system is the life of coastal villages that depend on it for their food. Often hiding the rare beauty of marine species and coral reefs, our marine and eco systems play a pivotal role in our survival. There are many reasons for their conservation and preservation. These include ensuring a source of livelihood, tourism benefits, income generation, employment opportunities and foreign exchange. However, marine studies associate professor Dr Joeli Veitayaki says the biggest threat to marine conservation is the lack of compliance.
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12. People control conservation (Fiji)
Abridged from: Fiji Times
4 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fijitimes.com
Communities around Fiji are showing great leadership in protecting their natural resources. A long-running partnership between the Macuata community, government and non-government organisations has resulted in protection of vital natural resources in the area. The success of communities in Macuata has been an inspiration to other parts of Fiji and the Pacific through the Locally Marine Area Network.
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13. Two Samoas hold environment summit (Samoa)
Abridged from: Radio New Zealand International
2 May 2008
Full text: http://www.rnzi.com
Protection of marine and land resources has been the focus of an environment summit between the two Samoas. A six member delegation from the South Pacific Environment Program, Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Ministry of Agriculture, and Fisheries attended the 2 day summit. Faleafaga Tony Tipamaa, leader of the Samoa delegation says the two Samoas share the same environmental challenges.
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14. Regime to buy $1.2m sea survey equipment (Fiji)
Abridged from: Fiji Times
24 April 2008
Full text: http://www.fijitimes.com
The interim Government will buy new hydrographic survey equipment for the Fiji Hydrographic Service at a cost of $1.2million, Cabinet has decided. The equipment will help produce nautical charts and aid in coastal zone management and environmental protection.
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FISHERIES
15. Pacific islands act to save threatened tuna (Pacific)
Abridged from: Reuters
21 May 2008
Full text: http://www.reuters.com
South Pacific nations have taken steps to shore up dwindling tuna stocks, banning licensed tuna vessels from fishing in international waters between their islands and requiring them to always carry observers. The new rules, agreed to at a fisheries meeting in Palau on Tuesday, will take effect from June 15, 2008. "This is an historic moment for the Pacific, its people, marine life and future food security," Lagi Toribau, Greenpeace Australia's Pacific Oceans campaigner said on Wednesday.
Related articles:
http://www.pacificmagazine.net
http://www.pacificmagazine.net
http://www.rnzi.com
http://www.mvariety.com
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16. The rarest tuna of all - Japan's farmed Kindai (Japan)
Abridged from: SFGate
21 May 2008
Full text: http://www.sfgate.com
These days, sit down at a sushi bar for a plate of unctuous, glistening toro, and along with it will come a heap of guilt and grief. Toro, the Kobe beef of fish, is the extremely pricey, highly coveted, fattiest part of a bluefin tuna. The species is so prized for its lush belly meat that in the past century, it has been severely overfished. Of equal concern, it also contains among the highest mercury levels of any seafood. But now a farm-raised bluefin called Kindai - the first ever raised in captivity from the egg - offers what some consider a promising new alternative. Produced by a Japanese university fisheries laboratory, Kindai is being touted as a more healthful and more eco-friendly option.
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17. Cannery forecasts drop in revenue (Fiji)
Abridged from: Fiji Times
20 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fijitimes.com
The removal of duty from imported canned food items will negatively impact Pacific Fishing Company's local canned foods, says the company. Chief operating officer Chandra Prakash said the company would now be a "victim to cheap imports". "Because imported products will be sold cheaper, our local products will remain stagnant," said Mr Prakash.
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18. Does Fishing On Drifting Fish Aggregation Devices Endanger The Survival Of Tropical Tuna? (France)
Abridged from: Science Daily
19 May 2008
Full text: http://www.sciencedaily.com
Biologists studying tropical tuna fisheries aimed to establish if the use of drifting fish aggregation devices, a technique employed increasingly for industrial-scale tuna fishery, could act as just such an ecological trap for these species. Examination revealed that the tuna species caught from under the floating objects were less healthy than those taken from free schools. Results suggested that the tuna, in following the artificial rafts, move away from their usual migration routes, which leads them into ecologically less appropriate waters.
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19. Sea change possible with people power (Indonesia)
Abridged from: The Jakarta Post
14 May 2008
Full text: http://old.thejakartapost.com
There's a war being waged in the oceans of Indonesia with death and destruction to be found along the vast coastline of this country. Cyanide and explosives are being used by unscrupulous fisherman to extract sea life for commercial gain. Trawlers from Taiwan, China and other foreign parts are stealing the nation's fish. Some of the country's most precious marine life is being threatened with extinction. Invaluable mangroves are being ripped out and replaced with shrimp farms.
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20. Activists Accuse Philippines Vessel Of ‘Pirate Fishing’ (Pacific)
Abridged from: Pacific Magazine
12 May 2008
Full text: http://www.pacificmagazine.net
Environmental organization Greenpeace has accused a Philippines-flagged vessel of illegal fishing in international waters between Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia. The organization claims that the Queen Evelyn 168 is not authorized to undertake any fishing activities in this part of the Pacific, and that it believes it prevented an illegal transfer of fish at sea between the vessel and a refrigerated mother ship, the Kenken 888.
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21. Export Of Live Reef Fish Now Banned In Palau (Palau)
Abridged from: Pacific Magazine
11 May 2008
Full text: http://www.pacificmagazine.net
The exportation of live reef fish has now been banned in Palau, following spirited debate over whether it was a matter for state or national government control. Rather than a stand alone bill, the ban on the exporting of live reef fish was this week passed after being attached to a bill to increase the maximum loan amount by the Palau National Development Bank.
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22. 8 ill with ciguatoxin poisoning (Hong Kong)
Abridged from: news.gov.hk
6 May 2008
Full text: http://www.news.gov.hk
The Centre for Health Protection is investigating three suspected ciguatoxin poisoning cases involving eight people who fell ill after eating coral reef fish.
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23. Tuna Species under Threat: Greenpeace (The Solomon Islands)
Abridged from: Solomon Times Online
28 April 2008
Full text: http://www.solomontimes.com
Two migratory Tuna species are seriously under threat of being extinct in the Pacific Ocean, a recent survey by World Conservation Union revealed. Pacific bigeye and Eastern Atlantic bluefin are now listed as critically endangered on the WCU redlist, meaning they are at high risk of extinction in the near future. There are five main commercially harvested tuna species: Skipjack, yellow fin, big eye, albacore, and bluefin. Greenpeace is on a Pacific tour to inform governments and people around the pacific of the dire need to do something about the situation before it is too late.
Related articles:
http://www.pacificmagazine.net
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24. Fish industry wary of high-sea restrictions (New Zealand)
Abridged from: Scoop
26 April 2008
Full text: http://www.stuff.co.nz
More than 112,000 square kilometres of previously fished areas in the South Pacific will be closed to New Zealand deep-sea fishermen under new regulations. But the New Zealand industry says domestic fishermen will be left out in the cold unless all fishing countries comply with the new interim international measures to manage high-seas bottom-trawling. The measures, introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries as part of negotiations to form the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, are designed to ensure trawling does not increase.
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25. Greenpeace vessel targets Taiwanese, US and Korean tuna fishers (Pacific)
Abridged from: ABC Radio National
23 April 2008
Full text: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au
Greenpeace's vessel Esperanza is due to arrive in Honiara, after two weeks campaigning in international waters to the north of Solomon Islands. During the voyage the Esperanza took action against Taiwanese, United States and Korean tuna vessels, daubing them with slogans and ordering them out of the area. It's all a part of Greenpeace's campaign for a 50% cut in tuna fishing and the creation of a Pacific high seas marine reserve where tuna fishing would be banned.
Related articles:
http://www.taipeitimes.com
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Interested in this topic? View MCCN’s website for more: Commercial and Recreational Fishing Impacts
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AQUACULTURE
26. Tool to improve ocean aquaculture (Australia)
Abridged from: Science Alerts, Australian Institute of Marine Science
22 May 2008
Full text: http://www.sciencealert.com.au
A new automated tool that provides support for sea cage aquaculture managers in making crucial decisions about locating their sites and determining the number of fish that can be sustainably farmed is now available. A project undertaken by the Australian Institute of Marine Science in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and funded by the Australian Aid Program through the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research, has developed a user-friendly decision support tool available on CD and the Internet. Cage Aquaculture Decision Support tool is immediately useful to finfish aquaculture in South East Asia but is equally useful in tropical Australia, according to AIMS researcher Dr David McKinnon.
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27. Shrimp farms suffer from poor plans (Vietnam)
Abridged from: Viet Nam News
16 May 2008
Full text: http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com
Lack of funding and poor management is being blamed for the failure of shrimp farms in Hai Phong City and Thai Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces. Four out of six aquaculture projects in Hai Phong, occupying a total area of 2,000ha and carrying an investment of VND400 billion (US$25 million), this year either failed or are on the brink of closing.
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28. Mega Fishing takes over Tawi-Tawi multi-species hatchery (Philippines)
Abridged from: Philippines Information Agency
6 May 2008
Full text: http://www.pia.gov.ph
Tawi-Tawi has leased its multi-species hatchery to sardine industry leader Mega Fishing Corporation, under an agreement by Governor Sadikul Sahali and MFC president William Lim. The hatchery, which will produce up to 400,000 fingerlings of grouper and 1.6 to 3.4 million abalone spats annually, will help to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of high-value marine species for grow-out by fish farmers selling to Asian markets.
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29. Food Watch: Perak to be region's tilapia centre (Malaysia)
Abridged from: The New Straits Times
29 April 2008
Full text: http://www.nst.com.my
As part of the project, some 200 hectares of the state's Temenggor and Kenering lakes have been turned into aquaculture industrial zones which are expected to produce between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes of tilapia annually by 2013. Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub said the mammoth aquaculture project would be carried out based on the contract farming concept and would provide some 2,000 job opportunities.
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Related articles:
http://www.bernama.com.my
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Interested in this topic? View MCCN’s website for more: Aquaculture
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CLIMATE CHANGE
30. Global warming on next APIL agenda (Micronesia)
Abridged from: guampdn.com
8 May 2008
Full text: http://www.guampdn.com
Pacific island lawmakers ended their three-day general assembly on Guam yesterday with a plan to further discuss global warming when they meet again as a smaller group in November. The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures' 27th general assembly addressed a wide range of issues that affect islands in the region, said Speaker Judith Won Pat of the Guam Legislature.
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31. A rising tide (Thailand)
Abridged from: Bangkok Post
8 May 2008
Full text: http://www.bangkokpost.com
Sediment is killing this coral reef. Thailand's coral reefs, which have attracted tourists since the 1960s, could be lost in 50 years if carbon dioxide emissions continue at current rates over the next eight to 10 years. The warning came from Dr Marea Hatziolos, senior coastal and marine specialist at the World Bank, who was one of the scientists who warned of the impact of climate change on coral reefs around the world at the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia, last December.
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32. Musician highlights issues facing islands (Solomon Islands)
Abridged from: Solomon Star
2 May 2008
Full text: http://solomonstarnews.com
A Solomon Islander attending the 7th Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Ian Roni Gina, has highlighted the vulnerability of small islands developing states. Mr Gina told the meeting that climate change is threatening the survival of indigenous people...He also sought international assistance and partnership to equip his organisation with the right tools to initiate studies in traditional early warning systems for natural disasters. Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Ambassador to New York Collin Beck told the forum that more than 90 per cent of our country’s population is socially and economically connected to environment.
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33. $63 million to protect Asia's 'Coral Triangle' (Philippines)
Abridged from: msnbc
30 April 2008
Full text: http://www.msnbc.msn.com
An international fund that aids sustainable environment projects has committed $63 million to help preserve Southeast Asia's Coral Triangle from overfishing and climate change, the Asian Development Bank said. The sprawling triangle, which straddles the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and East Timor, is believed to have the highest marine biodiversity in the world. But excessive fishing, including the use of cyanide and dynamite, has destroyed large swathes of coral reef and depleted marine activity in the area. A rise in sea levels, ocean temperatures and water acidity because of climate change may also hasten the damage, the ADB said in statement.
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Interested in this topic? View MCCN’s website for more: Climate Change
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NATURAL HAZARDS
34. Top UN relief official meets Myanmar officials, urging major aid push (Myanmar / Burma)
Abridged from: UN News Centre
20 May 2008
Full text: http://www.un.org
United Nations relief official met in Myanmar today with key Government officials, including the Prime Minster, and said that a major push was required to assist victims of the cyclone that has devastated large areas of the country. Speaking to the press, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes said he had noted the need for early recovery in agriculture and fisheries, in parallel with the emergency relief effort, in his discussions with Prime Minister Thein Sein.
Related articles:
http://www.planetark.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.enn.com
http://www.enn.com
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au
http://www.sciam.com
http://www.planetark.com
http://www.planetark.com
http://www.reliefweb.int
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35. Samoa works towards an efficient tsunami early warning system (Samoa)
Abridged from: SOPAC Website
28 April 2008
Full text: http://www.sopac.org
Samoa will receive a boost to its existing tsunami warning and mitigation system, with the support of an international team who will lead a week long tsunami warning and mitigation system workshop.
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36. Map of Pacific with current earthquakes and cylones (Pacific)
Abridged from: SOPAC Website
View website and maps: http://www.sopac.org
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MARINE & COASTAL INVASIVE SPECIES
37. Environment: Invasive Species Threatens Biodiversity (Pacific)
Abridged from: Islands Business, Asterio Takesy
May 2008
Full text: http://www.islandsbusiness.com
Our culture, traditions, economy, diet, health and living standards revolve around Pacific biodiversity, which helps contribute to the individuality of the Pacific Islands.... One of the major threats to our biodiversity is “invasive species”, which are often called pests and weeds. These are plants, animals and other organisms taken beyond their natural range by people, deliberately or unintentionally, and which become destructive to the environment or human interests.
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38. Pacific Invasives Learning Network in Yap (Federated States of Micronesia)
Abridged from: SPREP
16 April 2008
Full text: http://www.sprep.org
The Federated States of Micronesia is a very active member of the Pacific Invasives Learning Network with three of its four states currently members: Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap...Yap has four priority invasive species projects; a group of terrestrial weeds, the invasive fish tilapia, urban cats and dogs, and rats in the urban environment.
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MARINE SPECIES
39. Coral Sea species facing extinction: WWF (Coral Sea)
Abridged from: The Age
21 May 2008
Full text: http://news.theage.com.au
The Coral Sea must be declared a protected zone to save sharks and some other marine species from rapid extinction, says the conservation group WWF. The organisation says two separate reports show many Coral Sea marine species are isolated and vulnerable to overfishing. It is home to populations of whitetip and grey reef sharks, nautilus, maori wrasse and other fish species, which WWF says have been decimated in similar habitats around the world.
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40. Life discovered on ocean mountain (New Zealand)
Abridged from: Science Alerts, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
20 May 2008
Full text: http://www.sciencealert.com.au
Census of Marine Life-affiliated scientists, plumbing the secrets of a vast underwater mountain range south of New Zealand, captured the first images of a novel “Brittlestar City” that colonized against daunting odds the peak of a seamount – an underwater summit taller than the world’s tallest building. Its cramped starfish-like inhabitants, tens of millions living arm tip to arm tip, owe their success to the seamount’s shape and to the swirling circumpolar current flowing over and around it at roughly four kilometres per hour.
Related articles:
http://www.stuff.co.nz
http://environment.newscientist.com
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41. Wildlife numbers plummet globally: WWF (International)
Abridged from: AFP
17 May 2008
Full text: http://afp.google.com
The world's wildlife populations have reduced by around a quarter since the 1970s, according to a major report published Friday by the WWF conservation organization. Marine species have been particularly hard hit as the human population booms, while numbers of birds and, fish and animals have also gone down, said the WWF in a report. The study comes ahead of next week's UN convention on biological diversity in the former West German capital Bonn, which will discuss aims to achieve a "significant reduction" in the current rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.
Further information: http://www.panda.org
Related articles:
http://environment.newscientist.com
http://ukpress.google.com
http://www.foxnews.com
http://www.dailymail.co.uk
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42. The number of monk seals born on Oahu in a year hits a record (Hawai’i)
Abridged from: Star Bulletin
16 May 2008
Full text: http://starbulletin.com
Two monk seals were born this week on Oahu, delivering a new record - three - for seals born within a year on the island, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The young seals also raised the total number of pups born in the main Hawaiian Islands since the beginning of the year to 10, compared to seven at this time last year, which saw a total of 13 newborn pups...Endangered monk seals, which have a population estimated at fewer than 1,200, usually give birth between February and July, with a peak between April and June.
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43. Six-month trial for new marine conservation tool (Marshall Islands)
Abridged from: SPREP
16 May 2008
Full text: http://www.sprep.org
A five-day assessment training workshop recently concluded in Republic of Marshall Islands, initiating a six-month trial of a new approach to socio-economic monitoring in the Pacific islands. The workshop was attended by 17 marine conservationists from five Pacific island countries and territories who were trained in the use of the new SEM-Pasifika Guidelines for designing and conducting needs-specific socio-economic surveys, data analysis, and interpreting and using information.
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44. Pacquiao joins DENR, Sarangani dads in release of marine turtles (Philippines)
Abridged from: Philippines Information Agency
7 May 2008
Full text: http://www.pia.gov.ph
World Boxing Council Super Featherweight Champion Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao together with officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources released more than a hundred hatchlings of marine turtles to Sarangani Bay in Barangay Suli, a coastal village of the Municipality of Kiamba. The baby marine turtles belong to the endangered Olive Ridley (Lepidopchelys olivaceae) species, 71 of which just hatched from a nest in Barangay Suli while 30 of which came from the Pawikan Center in the neighbouring town of Maitum.
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45. Anti-shark tests may save baby seals (Hawai’i)
Abridged from: Honolulu Advertiser
28 April 2008
Full text: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com
Federal marine biologists yesterday received state approval to begin testing magnets, boat engine recordings and other nonlethal deterrents to protect Hawaiian monk seal pups from sharks in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. That's because Galapagos sharks prowling the nearshore waters of the monument's French Frigate Shoals have foiled attempts to reduce their numbers under a controversial culling program.
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46. Solomon Islands successfully defends dolphin trade (Solomon Islands)
Abridged from: People First Network
25 April 2008
Full text: http://www.peoplefirst.net
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon Nollen Leni and a local expert in Dolphins Dr Baddley Anita had successfully defended Solomon Islands position on the export of live dolphins overseas during a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland this week. This defense was necessary following Isreal's submission to the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species Animal Committee to review Significant Trade in Specimens of Appendix II Species which included the dolphin species Torsiops aduncus that is exported by Solomon Islands.
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Interested in this topic? View MCCN’s website for more: Marine Species
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PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
47. Pacific Countries Race Against Time To Claim Extra Ocean Territory (Pacific)
Abridged from: Pacific Magazine
12 May 2008
Full text: http://www.pacificmagazine.net
With only one year remaining to the May 2009 deadline, Fiji and six other pacific island countries are beginning to feel the pressure to complete their submissions to the United Nations to claim extra ocean space. Fiji along with Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have a credible claim to more than 1.5 million square kilometres of additional space beyond their current 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. This is being made possible under article 76 of the International Law of the Sea.
Further information:
Listen to podcast ABC Radio Pacific Beat: http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au
Related articles:
http://www.sopac.org
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48. Environment/PNG: Opposition Mounts Against Waste Plan (Papua New Guinea)
Abridged from: Islands Business
May 2008
Full text: http://www.islandsbusiness.com
Opposition to the tailings disposal plans of the multi-million kina Ramu Nickel project is mounting in PNG. The PNG Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination in the country, has joined growing chorus of protest calling for a review of Ramu’s environmental plans....PNG’s Fisheries Minister Ben Semri and Minister for Environment and Conservation Benny Allen have opposed Ramu Nickel’s plans during grievance debate in Parliament last month. Semri told parliament he was particularly concerned that the dumping of waste may affect the PNG National Fisheries Authority’s recent accreditation into the European and Japanese fish markets. He said PNG would lose out if its fish were found to have high levels of toxins in them.
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SHIPPING AND PORTS
49. Ports: Suva, Lautoka Models of Efficiency (Fiji)
Abridged from: Islands Business
9 May 2008
Full text: http://www.islandsbusiness.com
Following help from ADB via the Fiji Ports Development Project, Fiji's main ports in Suva and Lautoka are now models of efficiency. Not only did the project finish on time, within budget, and showcase some specialised engineering features, it also included a climate-adaptation component that guards against earthquakes and tsunamis.
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COASTAL WETLANDS
50. Oceania prepares for the Ramsar Convention 10th Conference of the Parties (Pacific)
Abridged from: SPREP
14 May 2008
Full text: http://www.sprep.org
The relationship between healthy wetlands and healthy communities is a critical issue for the Oceania region. Pacific communities rely on wetlands for their cultural and physical well being, with wetlands being a main contributor for livelihoods and the standard of living in the region. This was one of the key points raised during a preparatory meeting of Oceania parties to the Ramsar Convention in Samoa in April....Australia, Fiji, Republic of Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea and Samoa participated discussed national and regional priorities for wetlands conservation in preparation for the Ramsar Convention 10th Conference of the Parties which will be held in October this year.
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RECREATION & TOURISM
51. PICRC comes up with 10 things to protect corals (Palau)
Abridged from: Marianas Variety
9 May 2008
Full text: http://www.mvariety.com
The Palau International Coral Reef Center came up with “10 things you can do” to protect corals. PICRC said that souvenirs made from coral or any threatened or endangered marine species should not be purchased. Another thing that can be done is to support the establishment of coral reef protected areas and encourage better protection and management for those that exist. The PICRC also asked travelers to choose resorts and tour operators that properly treat all sewage and wastewater. For those operating the boat, PICRC said it can be navigated carefully to avoid contact with coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems such as seagrass beds and maintain engine equipment to prevent oil and gas spills.
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52. NZ tourism may survive climate change, but travel costs a risk (New Zealand)
Abridged from: NZ Herald
6 May 2008
Full text: http://www.nzherald.co.nz
Climate change due to global warming will help determine a new crop of winners and losers - in tourism. And a report from Deutsche Bank Research says some of the biggest polluters will be among the biggest winners - with New Zealand among the countries which will initially be better off. The Deutsche Bank report said that the countries responsible for the most greenhouse gas emissions will be least influenced by the predicted storms, droughts or rising seas.
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RESEARCH
53. Halmahera Expedition (Indonesia)
Abridged from: Reefbase
13 April – 11 May 2008
Full text: http://www.reefbase.org/halmahera/
A team of top marine scientists is embarking on a month-long journey to uncharted waters on the outer edge of the Coral Triangle, a region renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity. Reefs here harbor an astounding 76 percent of the world's coral species. The expedition left aboard the Seven Seas on April 12th 2008, returning a month later, on May 12th after circumnavigating the main island and adjoining islets....The expedition, which is co-sponsored by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, includes 16 experts from these organizations as well as Indonesian partners and the World Wildlife Fund.
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WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
COMING UP (June 2008)
54. Asian Wetland Symposium 2008- Wetlands -The Heart of Asia (Vietnam)
22- 25 June 2008
A symposium to reflect on the importance of wetlands to the daily life of people in Asia and to look into the progress and challenges in wetlands management and conservation. The Asian Wetland Symposium provides a single platform for discussions among various sectors including, national and local governments, NGOs, scientific experts, the private sector, and local and indigenous people engaged in wetland management to discuss issues, approaches and priorities in wetland management in the Asian Region.
Further information: http://www.aws2008.net/
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CALL FOR PAPERS & ABSTRACTS
55. 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation (International)
17-19 February 2009, Brisbane, Australia.
Creating Community Collaboration. This will be the first time the symposium has been held in Australia and the southern hemisphere. The symposium will explore themes such as building communication and networking at local, regional, and global scales. It aims to create linkages between communities and to connect policy-makers at all levels with the latest information coming out of sea turtle research and conservation programs. Abstract submissions are due by 15 September 2008. Further information: http://www.turtlesbrisbane2009.org/ or Email: info@turtlesbrisbane2009.org
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56. Coastal Zone Asia-Pacific Conference (China)
Held in Qingdao, China, 19-22 October, 2008.
The conference theme is 'Sustainable Coasts and Better Life,' with a focus on how to manage coasts to cope with climate change and expanding populations. The conference will be hosted by Professor Guifang (Julia) Xue at Ocean University of China, Qingdao. Further information can be found on conference website: http://www.czapa.org and now open for on-line abstract submission. The deadline for submission is 15 June 2008.
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57. International Marine Conservation Congress: call for papers (International)
The Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology will be hosting its first stand-alone meeting, the International Marine Conservation Congress from 20-24 May 2009 at George Mason University near Washington D.C. This will be an interdisciplinary meeting that will engage natural and social scientists, managers, policy-makers, and the public.
1st Call for symposia and workshops: by 1 June 2008, decisions by 15 July 2008. Further information on submitting papers: http://www.conbio.org/IMCC ; E: IMCCprogram@conbio.org
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View full calendar of events on MCCN website: Workshops, conferences and events
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While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.
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Marine Coastal Community Network (MCCN) is a national, not-for-profit Network that facilitates government, industry & community involvement in marine and coastal conservation and sustainability initiatives. Marine Coastal Community Network is supported by the Australian Government.
Currents E-News is compiled by Anne Briggs for Marine Coastal Community Network.
MCCN acknowledge the valuable support of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme’s – Pacific Environment Information Network (PEIN) Digest
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Anne Briggs
Marine Coastal Community Network
PO Box 709
Spit Junction NSW 2088
Sydney, Australia
E: anne@mccn.org.au
W: http://www.mccn.org.au
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