Pacific Ocean Coral Island Reveals How Human Settlement Affects Water Quality 17 February 2014, by Niall Byrne

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Pacific Ocean coral island reveals how human settlement affects water quality 17 February 2014, by Niall Byrne sites close to and far from human populations and fishing. They found that greater levels of fishing were associated with bigger differences in dead and live shell types. "At more heavily fished sites, the living population was dominated by foraminifera that thrive in high- nutrient conditions," Jessica says. The relationship suggests that fishing can lead to higher nutrients in the water column, which is generally bad for corals, supporting other research that shows healthy fish populations are important for healthy coral reefs. Kirimati Island was settled in the 1970s when a re- population program in the Republic of Kiribati moved people from the overcrowded capital, Tarawa, to under-populated outer islands. Provided by ANSTO A Pacific Ocean coral island, populated around 40 years ago, reveals how human settlement can quickly degrade water quality and affect the health of coral reefs, Sydney scientists say. Jessica Carilli, of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, and Sheila Walsh, of the Nature Conservancy, used Kirimati Island to examine the shells made by an organism that thrives in high-nutrient conditions, which is considered detrimental to coral. "We used a unique metric to estimate water quality before and after people arrive by comparing types of dead and live microscopic shells in reef sand made by organisms called foraminifera," says Jessica, an ANSTO postdoctoral fellow. Jessica and Shelia collected sand underwater at 1 / 2 APA citation: Pacific Ocean coral island reveals how human settlement affects water quality (2014, February 17) retrieved 29 September 2021 from https://phys.org/news/2014-02-pacific-ocean-coral- island-reveals.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. 2 / 2 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org).

Copy Link

Recommended publications

In Soils of Niue Island, South Pacific
Geochemical Journal, Vol. 24, pp. 371 to 378, 1990 Anomalous Hg contents in soils of Niue Island, South Pacific NEIL E. WHITEHEAD', JOHN BARRIE2 and PETER RANKIN3 Nuclear Sciences Group, Division of Physical Sciences, D.S.I.R. P.O.Box 31-312, Lower Hutt, New Zealand', Avian Mining Ltd., 24 Jindvik Place, Canberra, A.C.T., Australia2 and Division of Land and Soil Sciences, D.S.I.R., Private Bag, Taita, New Zealand3 (Received September 10, 1990; Accepted December 29, 1990) Niue Island, a raised coralline atoll in the South Pacific, has soils that have long been known to have strongly anomalous radioactivity. We now show that there is also a highly anomalous Hg content in the soils. It is associated with the radioactivity and the goethite/gibbsite content and the values are as high as those in soils over known Hg-mineralisation in volcanic settings, though no mineralisation is known on Niue and such an occurrence on this coral island would be geochemically unusual. INTRODUCTION GEOLOGY AND SOILS OF NIUE ISLAND Niue Island in the South Pacific is a raised A detailed description of the geological set coral atoll, located at 19° S and 169° W. The in ting of Niue Is. may be found in Schofield (1959) terior of the island is dolomitised, and is covered and a summary follows. by reddish-brown soils rich in Fe, Al and Niue Island is a raised coral atoll consisting phosphate in the form of goethite, gibbsite and of seaward cliffs rising steeply from the sea but crandallite respectively (the mean soil P205 is girded by a terrace on which sits Alofi, the 4%; Whitehead et al.
[Show full text]
Challenges in Freshwater Management in Low Coral Atolls
Journal of Cleaner Production 15 (2007) 1522e1528 www.elsevier.com/locate/jclepro Challenges in freshwater management in low coral atolls Ian White a,*, Tony Falkland b, Pascal Perez c, Anne Dray c, Taboia Metutera d, Eita Metai e, Marc Overmars f a Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Institute of Advanced Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia b Ecowise Environmental, ACTEW Corporation, PO Box 1834, Fyshwick ACT 2609, Australia c CIRAD Montpellier France and Resource Management in the Asia-Pacific Program, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Institute of Advanced Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia d Public Utilities Board, Betio, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati e Water Engineering Unit, Public Works Department, Betio, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati f South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, Suva, Fiji Received 13 January 2005; accepted 31 July 2006 Available online 13 October 2006 Abstract Population centres in low atoll islands have water supply problems that are amongst the most critical in the world. Fresh groundwater, the major source of water in many atolls, is extremely vulnerable to natural processes and human activities. Storm surges and over-extractions cause seawater intrusion, while human settlements and agriculture can pollute shallow groundwaters. Limited land areas restrict freshwater quantities, particularly in frequent ENSO-related droughts. Demand for freshwater is increasing and availability is extremely limited. At the core of many groundwater management problems are the traditional water ownership rights inherent in land tenure and the conflict between the requirements of urbanised societies and the traditional values and rights of subsistence communities living on groundwater reserves.
[Show full text]
Evaporation Rates for a Coral Island by Field Observation and Simulation
23rd International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 1 to 6 December 2019 mssanz.org.au/modsim2019 Evaporation rates for a coral island by field observation and simulation S. Han ab, S. Liu bc, S. Hu b, X. Mo bc and X. Song bc a University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China, b Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China, c College of Resources and Environment, Sino- Danish Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China. Email: [email protected] Abstract: Evaporation in coral islands influences their limited freshwater recharge and plays an important role in coral reefs ecology protection under the background of climate changes. From June 20th to August 16th, 2018, a field experiment was carried out in Zhaoshu Island, Xisha Islands, China, using a self-made micro- lysimeter and pan evaporation dish. To understand the whole process of evaporations at the annual scale, we used the Penman-Monteith model and crop coefficient (Kc) method to estimate potential evaporation (ETo) and actual evaporation (ETc) using meteorological data and leaf area index (LAI). The results show (1) ETo reached its peak value earlier than precipitation, causing island vegetations to suffer the highest water stress at the end of the dry season. (2) in the wet season, ETc rose as the precipitation increased, however, the ETo presented a tendency of slowly declining. These phenomena indicate that the vegetation could suffer from strong drought at the end of the dry season because of the maximum ETo and extended low rate of precipitation.
[Show full text]
Global Climate Change and Coral Reefs: Implications for People and Reefs
Global Climate Change and Coral Reefs: Implications for People and Reefs Report of the UN EP-IOC-ASPEI-UCN Global Task Team on the Implications of Climate Change on Coral Reefs — THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE Established in 1972, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is a federally funded statutory authority governed by a Council appointed by the Australian government. The Institute has established a high national and international reputation in marine science and technology, principally associated with an understanding of marine communities of tropical Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Institute’s long-term research into complex marine ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on the marine environment is used by industry and natural resource management agencies to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in these regions. KANSAS GEOLOGICAL SURVEY The Kansas Geological Survey is a research and service organisation operated by the University of Kansas. The Survey’s mission is to undertake both fundamental and applied research in areas related to geologic resources and hazards, and to disseminate the results of that research to the public, policy-makers and the scientific community. THE MARINE AND COASTAL AREAS PROGRAMME IUCN’S Marine and Coastal Areas Programme was established in 1985 to promote activities which demonstrate how conservation and development can reinforce each other in marine and coastal environments; conserve marine and coastal species and ecosystems; enhance aware- ness of marine and coastal conservation issues and management; and mobilise the global conservation community to work for marine and coastal conservation.
[Show full text]
Niue Integrated Strategic Plan – 2003 - 2008
HHaallaavvaakkaa kkee hhee MMoonnuuiinnaa Governance Financial Stability Social Economic Environment Development Niue Integrated Strategic Plan – 2003 - 2008 Niue Ke Monuina – A Prosperous Niue COUNTRY PROFILE Geography Niue is a single coral island of 259 square kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean at latitude 19 south and longitude 169 west. Niue has an Exclusive Economic Zone of 293,988 sq km. It is the largest raised coral island in the world and is known for its unspoilt environment and pristine coastal waters. People, culture and tradition Niueans are of Polynesian descent and are said to be amongst the friendliest people in the world. They speak Niuean, which has close links to other Polynesian languages. Culture, tradition, spirituality and social values play an integral part in the unique Niuean culture. Population In March 2002 the population was 1707. This compares with 20,145 residents of New Zealand who claimed to be of Niuean descent in the 2001 Census. The declining population has created difficulties in maintaining adequate public services but more importantly threatens the existence of Niue’s cultural heritage and sovereignty. The Government Since 1974 Niue has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand. Under this constitutional arrangement New Zealand is responsible for defense and external affairs as well as providing necessary economic and administrative assistance. General elections are held once every three years for the 20 members of the Legislative Assembly. Since 2001 Niue has full diplomatic representation in New Zealand. Economy In 2002 GDP was $14.2m, which equates to $7,470 per capita. The Government is the major employer in Niue.
[Show full text]
What Is an Atoll ?
...what is an atoll? by Jan Newhouse It is characteristic of humans that we invested by photosynthetic algae (a) Truncation. This theory is based attempt to define precisely and/or (zooxanthellae) which can only survive, on the supposition that a high, categorise all that surrounds us. It is also grow and complete their role(s) within volcanic island has slowly eroded characteristic that such attempts often the euphotic zone — the water layer away because of atmospheric and lead to difficulty and disagreement (e.g., which is penetrated by sufficient radiant ocean-generated forces. After at what height does a hill become a energy to permit these activities. Though complete erosion had taken place, mountain?). So it is with the application the thickness of this water layer varies the resulting surface was covered of terms to reef types. Definitions and from place to place depending on by reef-building corals. Sufficient classifications have often resulted from turbidity, a generally accepted figure is evidence exists to discount this limited personal experience or bias, rather 80 metres. Hence, relatively shallow reefs theory. than from a consideration of the broad (fringing and barrier) bordering volcanic (b) Antecedent platform. This theory range which exists. Thus it seems wise to islands are automatically excluded, as are supposes that, at some time in the seek an operational definition for "atoll". patch reefs found in atoll lagoons. past, the floor of the ocean was, The word atoll is taken from the In any case, since the interest here is or came, within the euphotic Malayalam atolu, "reef, which is the mainly focused on the primarily cal zone.
[Show full text]
"Coral" Islands: Data from the Bahamas and Oceania
ADAPTATION AND EXCHANGES ON "CORAL" ISLANDS: DATA FROM THE BAHAMAS AND OCEANIA Frank R. Thomas This paper constitutes an attempt at delineating similarities and differences among prehistoric cultural traditions in insular tropical environments. While it has often been suggested that the amount and quality of ethnohistoric and linguistic coverage in the Caribbean area are a poor reflection of the types of information available for Oceania, the interest in subsurface investigations in the latter region (on atolls) is barely two decades old. Until the mid-1970s much of Micronesia was terra- incognita, and there are still many islands, particularly in the atoll/ raised coral categories awaiting the spade of the archaeologist. The fact that "true" atolls are absent in the West Indies should not divert us from the potential contributions that might arise in comparing human adaptation to constraints imposed by calcareous environments. On several occasions, Watters (1981, 1982, 1983) drew attention to the advances made by Pacific archaeologists in the area of subsistence; we might also add social organization and social complexity. Because of various limitations in the use of ethnographic data by their Caribbean counterparts and the benign neglect of a "seaward perspective", it was concluded that much could be learned from the work being accomplished in Oceania. THE INSULAR SETTING In order to select geological units that are comparable, one also needs to consider the quality of both ethnographic and archaeological sequences, as well as the areal distribution of coral islands. In effect, this study focuses on three "Coral Clusters" or "Coral Complexes'' for which there is a fairly adequate record of prehistoric and protohistoric cultural develop ments.
[Show full text]
Coral Reef Condition Status Report for the Pacific Remote Islands
Coral reef condition: 2018 A status report for the GOOD PACIFIC REMOTE ISLANDS Coral reefs are important Healthy coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse, culturally significant, and economically valuable ecosystems Biodiversity is a measure of the variety of living on Earth. They are nursery grounds for fish and other organisms. High biodiversity of corals, fish, and other organisms, provide food and jobs for people, and protect organisms helps keep the ecosystem in balance and coasts against erosion around the world. makes it resilient to environmental impacts. Although we measure biodiversity, the science is not yet The U.S. Pacific Remote Islands encompass seven islands mature enough to score biodiversity in an area. As the and atolls scattered across the central Pacific Ocean science and analysis progress, we will look to include that represent relatively pristine, beautiful, and wild coral biodiversity scores in future status reports. reef ecosystems. Howland, Baker, and Jarvis Islands are geographically situated near the equator. Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll are north of Jarvis Island, and Wake Atoll and Johnston Atoll are farther north and west of Kingman Reef. Each of the islands has a different land area, reef area, and population (see figure below). In general, the Pacific Remote Islands are just that—remote, relatively unimpacted islands with diverse coral and fish populations and low human influence. The condition of the reefs can be used as a baseline from which to draw conclusions about potential impacts, such as coral bleaching, overfishing, and climate change. These islands present an opportunity to study how sea level rise, ocean acidification, and warming waters affect coral reefs in the absence of substantial human influence.
[Show full text]
Hot Spots & Activities
top 50 Insta HOT SPOTS & ACTIVITIES and where to find them! PAGE TITLE | 00 ANGSANA.COM Did You Know!? MALDIVES COOL FACTS It’s the flattest country in the world, with the average ground level measuring only 1.5 meters! 99% of the country is made up of water! There are 1,190 coral islands and 26 atolls over 90,000 sq An atoll km! is a ring-like coral island surrounding a lagoon. PAGE TITLE | 00 Legend Top Maldives has it that the Maldives was established by an exiled Indian prince! The weekend Hashtags is on Friday and Saturday! #FriYay They used to #SensingTheMoment use shells as money! #AngsanaMoments #SunnySideOfLife #visitmaldives #beautifulmaldives #maldives_ig At least 23 #MaldivesBuzz different species of #indulgemaldives dolphins and whales can #maldiveslovers be seen in the ocean waters of Maldives. #maldivesmania #maldivesislands #maldivestrip #maldivesresort 00 | PAGE TITLE InOcean Sunset Capture magical sunsets from the roof top terrace at InOcean villas. Don’t forget to drop by Angsana Gallery to chose your favourite inflatable prop! If you are staying in beach villas, talk to our Guest Services to get exclusive upgrade rates to experience the best of both worlds! Hot Spots 00 | PAGE TITLE INOCEAN SUNSET | 01 Beach Swings Castaway Island Discover picture perfect lagoon swings at Complete with authentic Maldivian dwelling, Angsana Velavaru Kuredhi beach. Sit back, relax & bathe in pristine private Castaway Island offers a truly unique Robinson Crusoe turquoise waters of Angsana Velavaru lagoon. experience! Chose among a variety of dining options to complete this memorable and authentic Maldivian adventure. Variety of dining experiences available.
[Show full text]
Republic of Maldives
National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) Republic of Maldives GEF Prepared by The Government of Maldives Ministry of Environment Energy and Water National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) Republic of Maldives GEF Prepared by The Government of Maldives Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water i Maldives NAPA Team: Ms. Mariyam Saleem (Marine Research Centre) Lead Author and Project Manager: Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed (Department of Ms. Lubna Moosa Public Health) Dr. Mohamed Shareef (Ministry of Planning and Co-Authors: National Development) Dr. Simad Saeed Ms. Hafeeza Abdulla (NAPA National Consultant) Dr. Mohamed Shiham Adam Ms. Mizna Mohamed (Ministry of Environment, Energy Dr. Abdulla Naseer and Water) Dr. Sheena Moosa Mr. Hussain Naeem (Ministry of Environment, Energy Mr. Ahmed Shaig and Water) Contributors: Editors: Mr. Ahmed Jameel (Ministry of Environment, Energy Dr. Simad Saeed and Water) Mr. Ahmed Shaig Mr. Amjad Abdulla (Ministry of Environment, Energy Ms. Lubna Moosa and Water) Mr. Ibrahim Shaheen (Maldives Transport and Support Staff: Contracting Company) Ms. Aminath Zumeena Ms. Fathmath Shafeega (Ministry of Planning and Mr. Ibrahim Hamza Khaleel National Development) Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Didi Mr. Mohamed Aslam (LaMer) Ms Athira Ali Mr. Hussain Zahir (Marine Research Centre) © Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water, 2006 The contents of this report may be reproduced in parts with acknowledgment of source. ISBN Published by: Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water, 2006 Fen Building Male', Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 3324861 Fax: +960 3322286 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.gov.mv Cartography, design and layout by: Ahmed Shaig Photos courtesy of: Portrait Gallery Printed by: National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives ii Foreword By President of the Republic of Maldives 27 December 2006 Our world is today faced with many mitigate against climate change, there is serious threats to the prospect of life and no local-level fix to this global problem.
[Show full text]
Island Formation, Constructing a Coral Island
cean Literacy Essential Principle 2 Ã>`ÊÀ>Ì ÃÌÀÕVÌ}Ê>Ê À>ÊÃ>` i>Ì iÀÊÕÃÌÊ>`Êi>Ê `` !BSTRACT 4HE PROCESS OF CORAL ISLAND FORMATION IS OFTEN TABLE ASWELLASPICTURESOFCORALISLANDSFROMALLOVERTHE DIFFICULTFORMIDDLESCHOOLSTUDENTSTOCOMPREHEND#ORALISLAND WORLD HADIMMEDIATELYCAPTIVATEDTHESTUDENTS1UESTIONS FORMATIONISADYNAMICPROCESS ANDSTUDENTSSHOULDHAVETHE SUCHASh7HATISCORALMADEOFvANDh(OWCANCORALBE OPPORTUNITYTOEXPERIENCETHISPROCESSINASYNERGISTICCONTEXT PART OF AN ISLANDv CIRCULATED THROUGH THE CLASSROOM4HE 4HE AUTHORS PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTING STUDENTSCOMMENTSANDQUESTIONSINCLUDEDSEVERALMISCON ACORALISLAND3TUDENTSPLAYANINTERACTIVEROLEINTHISACTIVITY CEPTIONS SUCH AS ONE STUDENTS THEORY THAT hCORAL ISLANDS WHICH GIVES THEM BOTH VISUAL AND TACTILE EXPERIENCES 4HE AREFORMEDFROMWHITEMETEORSTHATFALLOUTOFTHESKYAND ACTIVITYWASDESIGNEDFORTH GRADESTUDENTS!FTERCOMPLETING INTOTHEOCEANv THEACTIVITY THESTUDENTSCOULDACCURATELYDESCRIBETHESIGNIFICANT 4HE CORALS BEAUTIFUL YET ALIEN QUALITY ALREADY HAD STU COMPONENTSANDPROCESSOFCORALISLANDFORMATION!DDITIONALLY DENTSMESMERIZED4HEIDEATHATTHESEALIENOBJECTSCOULD STUDENTSUNDERSTOODTHATTHISISANONGOINGGEOLOGICPROCESS FORMANISLANDFURTHERPIQUEDTHEIRCURIOSITY4HEFORMATION OFACORALISLANDISTHERESULTOFADYNAMICBUTSLOWPROCESS +EYWORDSATOLL CORALISLAND ISLANDFORMATION LAGOON THAT INVOLVES THE GROWTH OF CORAL ON AN OCEANIC VOLCANO )NQUIRY INTO AUTHENTIC QUESTIONS GENERATED FROM STUDENT ANDTHESUBSEQUENTSUBSIDENCEOFTHEVOLCANOANDCREATION EXPERIENCESISTHECENTRALSTRATEGYFORTEACHINGSCIENCE OF A CORAL ATOLL 'RIGG
[Show full text]
Forgotten Islands
AUSTRALIA’S Forgotten Islands http://www.metromagazine.com.au http://theeducationshop.com.au A STUDY GUIDE BY © ATOM 2018. ISBN: 978-1-76061-159-0 ROBERT LEWIS OVERVIEW Australia’s Forgotten Islands (Chemical Media, 2018), is a 47-minute documentary exploring some significant issues facing the people of the Australian External Territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands were originally settled in the 1820s by private merchants, who imported labourers from across South East Asia to work on coconut plantations. Although annexed by the British Empire and later trans- ferred to Australia, the islands were effectively ruled by a single Scottish family for over 150 years. In 1984, the islanders ended this colonial arrangement by voting to fully integrate with Australia, paving the way for the Cocos Islands to become an Australian External territory. Only two of the 27 islands that make up the Cocos Cover: Young women from the two very different Cocos Island communities celebrate Australia Day together. Above: John archipelago are inhabited - and they are home to two Clunies-Ross, a direct descendant of the Scottish sea captain starkly different communities. whose family effectively ruled the Cocos Islands for more than 150 years. West Island has a mostly transient population of con- tract workers, military personnel and voluntary casta- ways from the Australian mainland who enjoy all the benefits of sun, sea and duty-free living. While Home Island has a permanent Malay-speaking CONTENT HYPERLINKS Muslim population,
[Show full text]