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We are a central Pacific nation comprising three atolls lying to the north of Samoa and south of the Phoenix Islands of Kiribati, and centred on latitude 9o S. The areas of the atolls are roughly similar – Atafu c.350 ha, Nukunonu c.500 ha and Fakaofo c.400 ha – and each gaining only a few meters elevation. All three islands are classic atolls being at the summit of ancient, raised seamounts projecting upward about 5000 m from the seabed, and with large open lagoons which have shallow passages to the sea in many places. The climate is moderated by the ocean currents and easterly trade winds that blow steadily throughout the year and the wet season occurs in November-April. Cyclones and storm surges sometimes inundate much of the land as occurred at Fakaofo in the early 2000s.

Water lettuce is a free floating aquatic plant in rosettes of green leaves, rosettes occuring singly or connected to others by short stolons whose origins are uncertain. It forms large, dense floating mats. The plant can adapt to life in ponds, dams, lakes and quiet areas of rivers and streams, but cannot withstand salt water. Still continue with observation whether it is to survive in winter.