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Assessments of the general condition, stocking, composition, and growth of mangroves on the islands of Pohnpei and Yap and at one area on Kosrae were undertaken at the request of these states. Methods used included: reconnaissance on foot, by air and by boat; use of 1976 aerial photographs; remeasurement of forest inventory plots installed by the US Forest Service in 1983; and installation of new inventory plots, examination of public records, and reviews of published data (Pohnpei). Average annual increment of mangroves on all islands was 6.9 m3 per hectare per year; increments on individual plots ranged from 0.9-16.7 m3 per hectare per year. The wide variation in growth rates suggests that management could do much to boost productivity. Production appears adequate to meet present consumption except for a few specific locations and products. Problems affecting mangroves on these islands include uncontrolled exploitation, excessive sedimentation, and alteration of natural drainage. Actions to conserve mangroves are recommended.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) through its Pacific sub-regional office are joining forces to provide support to Pacific delegates to the international UN Oceans Conference.

Coastal and marine ecosystems are amongst the most productive ecosystems in the world and provide many services to human society; however, many of these ecosystems have become degraded. Food provisioning in the form of fisheries catch is one of the most important services derived from coastal and marine ecosystems. With more than a billion people relying on fish as their main or sole source of animal protein, fisheries in developing countries are a particularly important source of protein. Fisheries and fish products provide direct employment to 38 million people, with a further 162 million people indirectly involved in the fisheries industry (FAO 2004). The state of industrial fisheries is of concern as many people depend on their existence for food and employment, with many fisheries being overexploited. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food producing sector, accounting for 30% of total fish consumption.

Coastal areas and oceans are complex and fragile environments with many different functions linked to public health, food security, and other economic and social benefits. These are also decisive elements in the alleviation of poverty. Healthy estuarine, near-shore and oceanic systems provide cultural heritage, food, building materials, traditional livelihoods, tourism opportunities, transportation routes, storm protection, organisms for biotechnology and many more benefits that are frequently overlooked or abused.