Small Island Research Articles

Towards sustainable energy independence: A case study of green hydrogen as seasonal storage integration in a small island

Towards sustainable energy independence: A case study of green hydrogen as seasonal storage integration in a small island

Climate change resilience of freshwater supply on small islands: Research gaps and strategies for a case study in Grand Bahama

Climate change resilience of freshwater supply on small islands: Research gaps and strategies for a case study in Grand Bahama

Protozoan Co-Infection Drives Fish Mortality Event in Crete's Karteros River.

In August 2024, a significant fish kill involving hundreds of flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) was reported in the delta region of the Karteros River, Crete, Greece. The investigation identified the primary cause of mortality as severe parasitic infections, specifically from the protozoan parasites Amyloodinium ocellatum and Trichodina sp., both of which heavily affected the gills of the fish. Concurrently, poor water quality in the area, likely due to reduced water volume and limited water renewal, created favourable conditions for parasite proliferation while weakening the fish's natural defences. This event raised concerns due to the location of the fish kill in the Karteros River delta, a highly protected area designated as a small island wetland.

Development of small island vulnerability index to achieve sustainable development goals: Insight from Ternate Volcanic Island, Indonesia

Development of small island vulnerability index to achieve sustainable development goals: Insight from Ternate Volcanic Island, Indonesia

Evaluating the effects of Cannabis reform on human security: A comparative case study of Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Evaluating the effects of Cannabis reform on human security: A comparative case study of Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Leaching model of an expanding coastal dumpsite considering climate change.

Leaching model of an expanding coastal dumpsite considering climate change.

Disaster Management on Small Islands; Lessons from Flash Flood Disaster in Rua Village, Ternate Island, Indonesia

Small islands have been identified as regions that exhibit susceptibility to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. This arises from a multitude of constraints, such as limited size, geographical isolation, high population density, closeness to the ocean, and reliance on natural resources. The recurrent flash flood calamities on Ternate Island underscore the deficiencies in disaster management strategies for smaller islands. It is imperative to enhance disaster management on small islands, particularly in light of the anticipated escalation in the severity of disasters in the future. This study examines the underlying factors contributing to the flash floods in Rua Village, Ternate Island, as well as assessing the effectiveness of disaster management strategies implemented on Ternate Island. Through the application of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, we meticulously examined the gathered data and represented it in a thematic map. The findings of the study indicated that elements such as precipitation, topography, and river dynamics, along with the properties of rock composition, soil stability, and soil movement characteristics, contribute to the occurrence of flash floods in Rua Village. Moreover, inadequate disaster management challenges all stakeholders in Ternate who are striving to establish a resilient society to disasters.

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through global partnerships: a case of Indian investment in Mauritius

ABSTRACT The Mauritian archipelago has been closely associated with the Indian subcontinent for ages through its cultural, trade, and investment linkages. India is the sixth largest investor in this Small Island Developing State of the Indian Ocean Region. However, the majority of the Indian companies do not have any manufacturing or trading set up in Mauritius; instead, they operate in the form of Global Business Companies formed as tax residents. The study explores the impact of Indian direct investment in Mauritius by qualitatively analyzing twelve companies operating primarily in the services sector. Such investments facilitate the attainment of economic and social prosperity through technology transfer and knowledge spillover, thereby supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Mauritius. Nonetheless, the neglect of the SDGs on climate actions, life below water, and life on land suggest an imbalance as to how investments from India address the environmental aspects of sustainable development.

IMPROVING HURRICANE-INDUCED COMPOUND FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT IN LONG ISLAND, BAHAMAS: THE ROLE OF LOCAL DIGITAL TERRAIN MODELS

The Bahamas has been severely affected by powerful hurricanes, notably Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, which inflicted significant damage, particularly to Long Island. Being part of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Bahamian islands, are vulnerable to flooding, primarily due to their low-lying terrain. These flood hazards cause damage and impact on assets, economic activities and public infrastructure. Moreover, indirect consequences, including inadequate emergency responses and environmental hazards, are integral aspects of the overall disaster risk. Considering the imminent threat of climate change and rising sea levels, accurate flood risk assessments become imperative. A comprehensive flood risk assessment has been conducted, for which an accurate Digital Terrain Model (DTM) has been generated through a special calibration method, integrating global datasets with locally acquired survey data and detailed land use maps.

SANDY BEACH DYNAMICS IN ATOLL ENVIRONMENTS UNDER OBLIQUE LOW ENERGY WAVES AND SEA LEVEL RISE: A CASE STUDY IN ADDU CITY, THE MALDIVES

Atoll environments, characterized by their unique geological and ecological features, are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and are often subject to distinct coastal processes (Barnett, 2003). Sandy beaches within atolls can play a pivotal role in ensuring the stability of shorelines, providing habitat for diverse ecosystems, and sustaining the well-being of local communities. Furthermore, the implementation of sandy solutions can minimize the need for rock in coastal protection strategies. However, the interactions between oblique low energy waves, storm conditions, sea level rise and beach morphology in atolls are complex and relatively understudied. This research presents an investigation of the dynamic coastal processes in the context of the recently created land reclamations and sandy beaches in the Small Island Development State (SIDS) of Addu City, the Maldives.

Food Problem in Small Island Developing States of Asia and Oceania

The food problem is particularly critical for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). According to the UN classification, the Maldives, Singapore, and Timor-Leste are categorized as Asian SIDS, while the SIDS of Oceania include 12 island states located in Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. These countries face numerous challenges, including the scarcity and degradation of arable land, declining agricultural output, limited fresh water resources, frequent extreme weather events (such as storms and floods), rising sea levels, reduced rainfall, and prolonged dry spells. Due to these constraints, SIDS are heavily reliant on food imports and thus vulnerable to fluctuations in global food prices. The food insecurity they experience is evident not only in increased levels of undernourishment and deficiencies in essential nutrients, but also in a high prevalence of obesity, driven by unbalanced diet. With support from the international community, Asian and Oceanian SIDS are striving to enhance food security through innovations in the production of agricultural raw materials and processed foods, the development of national distribution networks, and greater integration into global value chains. Their government programs increasingly emphasize the technological modernization of food systems, particularly through digitalization.

Calculating loss and damage from extreme weather events in Small Island Developing States

A functioning Loss and Damage Fund requires a quantification of ‘loss’ and ‘damage’, both retrospectively and prospectively. We present estimates of the impacts of extreme weather events that are attributable to climate change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) since 2000. We use Extreme Event Impact Attribution methods and project the attributed damages from floods and storms to the year 2050. From 2000 to 2022, a total of 10,113 deaths associated with extreme weather events were recorded in SIDS; anthropogenic climate change was responsible, by our estimate, for almost 40% of these deaths. Annual economic losses of US$1.7 billion can also be attributed to climate change, representing 0.8% of the collective gross domestic product (GDP) of SIDS. We show that small and undiversified SIDS economies suffer higher relative levels of climate change–attributed losses and damages than non-SIDS across all country-income groups. In the future to 2050, floods and storms are projected to produce cumulative climate change–attributable loss and damage of $56 billion in SIDS under a 2 °C warming scenario by 2050. This would represent 11% higher average over the next 23 years (2023–2045) than over the past 23 years (2000–2022). These projections underestimate the potential loss and damage that may occur in SIDS, because of limited data about some hazards (esp. slow-onset events such as droughts and sea-level rise), and because indirect economic impacts (e.g. loss of GDP, loss of revenues) and unmonetized damages (e.g., of cultural and environmental assets) have not been included in our analysis.

Maligomish: A History of the Mi’kmaw St. Anne’s Mission

Mi’kmaq have used Maligomish (a small island located in the Northumberland Strait near Pictou, Nova Scotia) for many purposes over time, including fishing, farming, harvesting hardwood, and hosting important social, spiritual, and cultural events. In recent times it has been increasingly associated with the annual Catholic Feast of St. Anne. This article views the missionization of Mi’kmaq through a lens that prioritizes the Mi’kmaw history at Maligomish and recognizes it as a place that has survived attempted colonial erasure of Mi’kmaw culture and spirituality by institutions like the Catholic Church and the Canadian government. The Feast of St. Anne is part of the island’s history that needs to be understood as part of the longer history of Maligomish.

Carbon Stock and Potential for Carbon Absorption by Mangrove Forests on Maspari Island: The Outermost Small Island in South Sumatra

Maspari Island is the only small outermost island located in the southern part of Bangka Strait, included in the coastal area of Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, South Sumatra. The island harbors a mangrove ecosystem that is believed to play a significant role in climate change mitigation through carbon storage. This study aims to identify mangrove species and measure carbon stock estimates in upper-stand biomass, lower-stand/root biomass, and sediment. Identification of mangrove species using a vegetation analysis approach. Transect plots measuring 10 m × 10 m were parallel to the coastline at 6 observation station points. The diameter of vegetation at the tree and sapling levels was measured at a height of 1.3 m from the ground surface. Carbon stock estimates were calculated using allometric equations and sediment carbon analysis methods. The results identified seven mangrove species: Avicennia marina, Bruguiera sexangula, Ceriops tagal, Excoecaria agallocha, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora stylosa, and Sonneratia alba. Estimated carbon stocks of mangrove stands at all stations reached 3,443.42 tC/ha, with an average of 573.90 tC/ha, while carbon stocks in roots amounted to 862.96 tC/ha, with an average of 143.83 tC/ha. The total estimated carbon stock of mangrove sediment at all stations was 240.71 tC/ha, with an average of 40.12 MgC/ha. Sonneratia alba provided the highest carbon absorption, reaching 3,059 tC/ha for the upper stand and 697.80 tC/ha for the lower stand. Considering the contribution of the carbon storage potential in Maspari Island, this study suggests extending the investigation of the mangrove carbon fixation in other small islands in Indonesia, especially for the S. alba species. Keywords: carbon stock, mangrove, Maspari Island, sediment, carbon stock, Sonneratia alba

Mangrove Tracking Ecotourism Feasibility in Marisa, Pohuwato Regency, Tomini Bay Area

The mangrove environment is a distinctive sort of forest ecosystem that is primarily located in tidal areas along coastlines, including beaches and small islands. It possesses significant potential as a natural resource. The exploration of the potential of natural resources, particularly mangrove forest ecosystems, for the purpose of mangrove ecotourism is a topic of great interest. One of the areas in Gorontalo Province that has quite extensive mangrove resources is in Pohuwato Regency. In order to enhance mangrove tourism, a village in Pohuwato Regency has designated a specific area for mangrove tracking ecotourism. This area is situated in East Pohuwato Village, Marisa District. This study was conducted between December 2018 and April 2019, employing a random sample procedure. The collected data was subsequently subjected to quantitative analysis, using the Guidelines for Analysis of Areas of Operation of Natural Tourism Objects and Attractions (ADO-ODTWA). This study examines four variables: attractiveness, accessibility, accommodation, and facilities and infrastructure. The findings indicated that the mangrove tracking ecotourism area in Pohuwato Timur Village possesses the potential to be transformed into a nature tourism destination. The feasibility assessment was conducted based on the established criteria for each category, which demonstrated that each category met the required standards. Specifically, the power pull scored 960, accessibility scored 600, accommodation scored 150, andfacilities and infrastructure scored 300, thereby affirming their suitability for their respective categories.

NEVER STOP AT THE SURFACE: A STRANGE CASE OF SYSTEMIC THROMBOEMBOLISM

NEVER STOP AT THE SURFACE: A STRANGE CASE OF SYSTEMIC THROMBOEMBOLISM

Does military spending really support economic growth in small island countries? a comparative study of five small island countries

ABSTRACT We investigate the long-run and short-run relationship between military spending and economic growth, using the augmented Solow framework for five small island countries. We apply Pesaran, et al’s ARDL bounds procedure and the Toda and Yamamoto’s Granger non-causality procedure, respectively. Structural break is identified from the Bai and Perron’s multiple break test. A positive contribution of capital per worker is noted for all five countries. We note that military expenditure is positive and significant in both the long and short run for Mauritius only, whereas for smaller countries like Fiji and Seychelles, the association is positive in the long run only. For the Dominican Republic, military expenditure is positive but not significant in the short-run, and there is a significant negative association in the long-run, indicating a growth-retarding effect. For Singapore, the coefficient of military expenditure per worker is positive but not statistically significant. Furthermore, capital stock causes military expenditure for the Dominican Republic, Fiji, and Mauritius, reverse causality is noted for Seychelles, and a bidirectional causality between the two is noted for Singapore. Capital causes output for Fiji and Mauritius, and a reverse causality is noted for Singapore. For Mauritius, military expenditure and output are mutually reinforcing each other.

From the Masthead to the Map: an Experimental and Digital Approach to Viking Age Seafaring Itineraries

The Viking Age (c. 800–c. 1050 ad) was characterised by a widespread rise in maritime mobility and interaction, as is made clear by an increasing range of evidence. However, this evidence provides limited information about the sailors and the sailing voyages that connected and transformed the Viking world. This paper presents an approach to reconstruct Viking Age maritime itineraries through the combined use of experimental and digital methods. This approach is grounded in a series of experimental voyages conducted by the author along the Norwegian coast onboard square-rigged, clinker boats built in the descendant Åfjord tradition. The experimental voyages are used to reconstruct the preferences and requirements of Viking Age sailors, helping to define practice-based criteria for evaluating which natural harbours and anchorages might have been favoured during this period. These criteria are complemented by digital reconstructions of historical topographies accounting for changes in relative sea-level since 800 ad. From this combined evaluation, a selection of four possible Viking Age havens is presented. The characteristics and locations of these havens are discussed in relation to contemporary power centres and later seafaring routes. The results suggest that Viking Age seafaring networks along the Norwegian coast may have been more decentralised than their medieval counterparts, and may have relied on relatively outlying nodes on small islands and headlands. The approach highlights the potential of critically combining experimental and digital methods and aims to promote maritime perspectives as an alternative to conventionally terrestrial academic approaches.

A systematic review on the relationship between marine pollution and human health in small island developing states

Abstract Introduction: The global ocean is a vital source of resources crucial for human well-being, supplying oxygen, food, livelihoods, medications, and serene blue spaces. Pollution and deterioration of the marine environment have widespread impacts on economic, social, and healthcare systems worldwide, with the most significant impacts being on sea-dependent nations like small island developing states (SIDS). Framed within the One Health framework’s dedication to optimizing human, animal, and environmental health, this systematic review seeks to identify all established connections between marine pollution and human health in SIDS and then offers a visual tool adapted from the Planetary Boundaries framework to underscore the relationship between disruptors of the marine ecosystem and the resulting health consequences for humans. Methods: This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were included if they were set in SIDS and investigated human health issues caused by marine pollution and were published from inception to 2022 in English. Results: Most studies investigate the effects of biological contaminants, chemical pollutants, climate change, and global warming, with the main channel of exposure to humans consuming seafood. In relation to the Planetary Boundaries, seven out of nine are of interest, with climate change and biochemical flows being linked to the highest number of caused pathologies. Conclusions: Our findings corroborate the relation between disruption of the marine ecosystem and human health, emphasizing the need for protective interventions tailored to SIDS’ vulnerabilities, through the establishment of interdisciplinary workgroups involving stakeholders at all levels. Effective pollution control policies can play a pivotal role in this, fostering prosperity and resilience that optimizes the health of the environment as a whole.

Local Ecological Knowledge and Fishing Practices of Fishermen on Barrang Lompo Island, Makassar City

Marine ecosystems in small coastal and island communities play a vital role in sustaining local livelihoods. This study adopts a phenomenological approach, following the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method, to examine the forms of local ecological knowledge (LEK) held by fishermen on Barrang Lompo Island and how this knowledge informs their fishing practices. Drawing on Coleman’s Rational Choice Theory, the findings demonstrate that fishing behavior is shaped by ecological knowledge acquired through prolonged environmental interaction and passed down through generations. Rituals, traditions, and the use of ecologically responsive fishing gear are not merely cultural expressions; they are part of rational decision-making shaped by factors such as financial resources, anticipated returns, type of catch, availability of labor and equipment, market demand, pricing, and risk assessment. The choice to use or refrain from using fish bombs, for instance, reflects deliberate reasoning grounded in both experience and ecological insight. This study offers a sociological perspective on fishermen’s motivations and knowledge systems, contributing to the broader conservation discourse and highlighting the importance of knowledge transmission for fostering sustainability within fishing communities.