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Surface ozone profiles were studied at Fiji (18.1oS, 178.2oE), Samoa (14.3oS, 170.6oW), Tahiti (18.0oS, 149.0oW), and San Cristobal, Galapagos (0.9oS, 89.6oW) from 1997-2003. Surface ozone levels at these Pacific sites showed a wintertime maximum and a summertime minimum with the lowest mixing ratios occurring at Tahiti and Galapagos, while the highest mixing ratios occurred at Fiji. The seasonal trends at each site were found to be dependent on the varying photochemical sink strength and the changing transport regimes in each season. It was established that the reduced photochemical sink strength in winter was one of the major reasons for the observed increase in surface ozone levels at each site in that season. The presence of the South Pacific Convergence Zone particularly for the Western Pacific (Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti) is the other factor contributing to the observed seasonality and variability in surface ozone levels. The changing frequency of transport from the southern mid-latitude (from high altitudes) is the only transport regime at the boundary layer having the most significant influence on the surface ozone levels at these Pacific sites.

Both Samoa and American Samoa have relatively diverse shark and ray communities with management plans in place to protect chondrichthyans. These include participation in Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission initiatives, spatial protections, and community-based management programs. Implications. Current management approaches have the potential to provide significant protection to sharks and rays, however, their effectiveness may be hindered by a lack of proper enforcement, or compliance at the national and community levels.

Marine litter is a growing global problem that impacts biodiversity and human societies alike. South-east Asis suffers significant impacts due to high biodiversity, dense human populations, and larger volumes of plastics entering the marine environment, primarily through rivers.

Traditional Ecological knowledge (TEK) is lost due to the increase of urbanisation and the lack of transfer of this knowledge to younger generations. The aim of this study was to examine TEK of the Koiari Indigenous People of Central province, Papua New Guinea (PNG) concerning the Vanate (Paradisaea raggiana) which is the national bird of PNG.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, a significant threat to biodiversity, conservation efforts and Indigenous cultural identity is the unwanted introduction of invasive pests, plants and pathogens. Currently methods to control invasive species in Aotearoa New Zealand, in particular mammalian pests (i.e. possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)) have had decreasing public support. This has likely come about for a number of reasons, including lack of social engagement and concerns over impacts combined with an increasing distrust of top-down initiatives. Aims and methods. We analysed opinions towards existing and emerging technologies to manage invasive species. Data were obtained from 1015 respondents who identified as Indigenous Maor ¯ i from a national survey of 8199 respondents. Utilising psychological frameworks to investigate underlying beliefs of social acceptance, we analysed the responses using exploratory and latent class analysis methods to summarise the main perspectives.

Stranding are an important source of information for estimating marine mammals biodiversity, particularly in data-space ocean basins such as Oceania. Here we report on knowledge acquired from 218 stranding events recorded in the waters of New Caledonia.

Until recently,very little was known about the species diversity and occurrence of cetaceans in the Republic of Palau. A dedicated scientific investigation into the occurrence and distribution of island associated cetaceans in Palau was conducted in 2012 and 2012.

In an age of dramatic environmental and ecological challenges, the dynamics of sovereignty associated with the conservation of natural resources in Oceania are in flux. This article draws on the transformative work of Tongan anthropologist and political philosopher Epeli Hau‘ofa to articulate characteristics of an Oceanian Sovereignty that illuminate ongoing conceptual shifts around conservation in this region. In the wake of intensifying and accelerating environmental challenges from global warming and other hazard drivers, understanding Indigenous peoples and local communities’ deeply rooted and emerging perceptions and conceptions of rights over, responsibilities towards, and respect for, nature is a critical context for necessary transformations within conservation science, policy and practice

Resource sustainability requires and recognising and developing pathways to integrate local and indigenous knowledge alongside conservation and sustainability sciences within management practices and governance. However, knowledge never occurs in a vacuum, and is always mediated by the beliefs, values or stances towards its possession or use within particular contexts.

A major driver of global biodiversity loss is disease. One of the most devastating wildlife diseases known is chytridimycosis, which is caused by amphibian chytrid fungus.