South Pacific Region Research Articles

Pacific methodologies in critical disaster studies

PurposeResearch in critical disaster studies stresses the urgency to explore alternative ontological framings (Gaillard and Raju, 2022) that encourages researchers and practitioners, especially Indigenous communities, to nurture spaces where Indigenous voices are well represented. It is imperative that research in the Pacific should be guided by Pacific research methodologies to maximize positive outcomes (Ponton, 2018) and break free from limited Eurocentric ideologies that are often ill-suited in Pacific contexts. Hazards in the South Pacific region have become more frequent and volatile. This has created a growing interest in the study of disasters in the region. However, current disaster studies in the Pacific are often problematic as they often fail to challenge the implicit coloniality of the discipline.Design/methodology/approachThis paper will expand on these arguments, suggesting ways to overcome the limits of common Eurocentric research frameworks in disaster studies and to illustrate the significance and relevance of Pacific methodologies.FindingsIt is pertinent that critical disaster studies encapsulate Pacific worldviews and knowledge as valued and valid to reconstruct Pacific research. Decolonizing disaster research will ultimately liberate the discipline from limitations of its colonial past and allow for truly engaging and critical research practices.Originality/valueThis paper will illustrate and articulate how Talanoa, a pan-Pacific concept, could offer a more culturally appropriate research methodology to disasters, seen through a Samoan lens. Talanoa is an informal conversation that is widely shared among Pacific communities based on pure, authentic and real conversations which are crucial elements in building relationships with Pacific communities (Vaioleti, 2006).

Detection of interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1) loss-of-function Glu386∗ variant by tri-allelic genotyping

Mutations of the human interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1) gene are associated with severe viral infections. Individuals homozygous for the Glu386∗ variant have impaired type I interferon signalling and can suffer severe illness when exposed to certain viruses and live attenuated virus vaccines. Glu386∗ heterozygotes are clinically unaffected, but can pass the variant allele to their descendants. We aimed to develop an assay that can identify IFNAR1 Glu386∗ homozygotes and heterozygotes to support urgent clinical diagnosis, and that can use dried blood spots (DBS) sent at ambient temperature to overcome geographical logistical challenges in the South Pacific region. The tri-allelic genotyping assay interrogates a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs201609461) located in IFNAR1. The reference allele G encodes for wild-type IFNAR1. Minor alleles A (c.1156G>A) and T (c.1156G>T) encode for Glu386Lys and a truncated IFNAR1 protein (p.Glu386∗), respectively. Synthetic oligonucleotides were mixed in equal molar ratio to create six different genotypes which were randomly assigned to 960 genotyping reactions by R software. Three different fluorescence probes were designed to discriminate the three alleles (G, T and A) within a pair of flanking primers in a single genotyping reaction. The assay discriminated all three alleles using DBS from Guthrie cards randomly spiked with synthetic oligonucleotides. We correctly identified all the different genotypes in 960 reactions in these blinded experiments. These findings validate the genotyping assay for rapidly identifying the IFNAR1 Glu386∗ variant from DBS.

Growth rate of farmed Mangrove oysters (Magallana bilineata) at Laucala Bay, Suva, Fiji

The cultivation of oysters has a significant historical background in the South Pacific region. The cultivation of pearls has been a significant source of livelihood for numerous island nations. Despite the significant cultural, dietary, and subsistence value of bivalve molluscs among Pacific Islanders, there has been limited advancement in the aquaculture of edible oysters in To enable a comprehensive assessment of the viability of cultivating edible oysters in Fiji, an estimation was conducted pertaining to the growth rate of mangrove oysters Magallana bilineata. A total of 105 oyster spat were cultured in Laucala Bay, Suva, Fiji, over the course of one year, from January 25th, 2021 to January 26th, 2022. The investigation documented exponential growth in oysters, with measurements of 87.3 ± 1.0 mm in length, 67.4 ± 0.7 mm in width, 49.8 ± 0.6 mm in depth, and 104.90 ± 22.6 g in weight. The findings of the study indicated the occurrence of positive isometric growth in relations to weight, length, width, and depth. The observed survival rate was 94%. The growth rates observed in oyster farming in Fiji exhibit similarities to those documented in other geographical locations, thereby providing a favourable indication for the progress of oyster aquaculture in the region.

The importance of nutrition-sensitive fisheries management: Women's dietary diversity in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands

Feeding a growing global population is one of the most significant challenges currently facing society. Global malnutrition rates remain high, and tackling this problem in the context of global population growth and ecosystem declines will require con­certed effort across many sectors. Fish has been suggested as key to addressing high rates of malnu­trition in the South Pacific region, given that it is a rich source of highly bioavailable micronutrients and is common in traditional diets. Unfortunately, there are predictions that fish catch in this region may decline by more than 20% in the coming decades, threatening food and nutritional security. Women are key to breaking the cycle of malnutri­tion and play important roles in small-scale coastal fisheries in the South Pacific. This study assessed women’s dietary diversity and the importance of fresh fish to women’s diets in a rural coastal com­munity in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands, over four sampling periods. We found that women’s dietary diversity in the community was low (mean MDD-W = 3.03 ± 0.06) and that fresh fish was consumed by more than 70% of the women sur­veyed in three of the four sampling periods. Our results showed some seasonal differences in dietary diversity, highlighting the importance of sampling across seasons to better capture true nutrition. We consider these results in the context of community-based fisheries management and argue for the need to improve fisheries management by including con­sideration of women’s fishing and promoting the importance of fish to human health.

Influence of different Wastewater Treatment Processes on the rate and characteristics of MPs released from WWTPs in Fiji, South Pacific

The global effects of MP (MP) pollution on the environment are concerning, and they are exacerbated by the multiple sources of pollution in aquatic environments such as urban runoff, waste mismanagement, industrial pollution, and so on. South pacific islands host a large diversity of aquatic flora and fauna and given its ecological significance it is necessary to identify the sources of MP pollution in the region. To date, very little attention has been given to identify whether effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are acting as a significant source of MP in the South Pacific region and its countries. Therefore, the present study analyzed and compared the treatment methods and fate of MPs in the country’s two main WWTPs: 1) the Kinoya WWTP (simple secondary clarifier and trickling filter) and 2) Natabua WWTP (secondary pond treatment system). Sampling locations were based on the different treatment stages, and samples were collected from each stage of treatment before effluents were released into the ocean. Kinoya WWTP had an average of 3.45 ± 0.3 particles/L in the inlet stage and released an average of 0.3 ± 0.26 particles/L of MP through the outlet with 91% removal efficiency (RE) with an output equivalent of 4500 particles per day. The initial stage of treatment from the anaerobic pond outlet at Natabua had an average of 2.9 ± 1.05 particles/L, and the maturation outlet had an average of 0.53 ± 0.42 particles/L, a removal efficiency of 81% and thus an output equivalent of 4558 particles/L of MP. Polymer analysis under FTIR confirmed that cellophane or semi-synthetic cellulose and polypropylene were common polymers in the final effluent in Kinoya WWTP, and Natabua plant has cellophane or semi-synthetic cellulose, polypropylene and polyethylene were observed as common polymers. Although there are numerous study that have compared wastewater treatment processes, this is the first study in Fiji that investigates the efficiency of the two methods of water treatment process in the context of microplastic pollution and emphasizes the effectiveness of the treatment stages in determining the concentration of MP released into the ocean.

Does female choice for song complexity drive sexual selection in humpback whales?

Male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) sing a long, stereotyped, and culturally transmitted song display. While song likely functions in sexual selection, whether it is primarily directed at females and/or males is still debated. Most males within a single population sing the same, slowly evolving song type. However, multiple humpback whale song revolutions (where a song introduced from a neighboring population rapidly and completely replaces the existing song) have spread across the South Pacific region from the east coast of Australia to French Polynesia. How cultural evolution and sexual selection interact in this complex vocal display is not well understood. We investigated song-mediated female mate choice in humpback whales using 20 years of paternity data and song recordings from individually identified males in the small, South Pacific population of New Caledonia. As mating has never been observed in humpback whales, we assessed male reproductive success (calf paternity) and song complexity (unit repertoire and song length) of individual males. We found that males who successfully sired offspring had on average higher song complexity than males who did not sire offspring. This suggests females may select mates at least partially based on song complexity, and thus, song being primarily directed at females.

Tree diversity, vegetation structure and management of mangrove systems on Viti Levu, Fiji Islands

Mangrove forest ecosystems are critical natural resources, particularly in the South Pacific region. Mangrove forests in Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, are threatened by infrastructure development activities and population growth. Consequently, the protection and restoration of mangrove forest are of utmost importance. This study investigated the diversity and structure of mangrove forest on Viti Levu to determine the most appropriate species for use in restoration projects. These species could enhance the management of mangroves in Fiji. Five sites were selected: Ellington Wharf (EW), Naboutini Village (NV), Nasese (NA), Suva City Council Park (SCCP) and the University of the South Pacific Upper Campus (UUC). The variations in the number of tree stumps from site-tosite highlighted differences in the degree of anthropogenic disturbances, EW was classified as an undisturbed site while NA was highly disturbed. The sites were examined using systematic line transects with random starting points. Continuous belt transects were established, along which 10 m × 10 m segments were selected as the primary plots (n = 100 primary plots). Tree species, stand structure, tree diameter and height, stem abundance, stand volume, basal area and natural regeneration were recorded at all sites. Five mangrove species (Rhizophora stylosa Griff., Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam., Excoecaria agallocha (L.), Rhizophora samoensis (Hochr.) Salvoza, and Rhizophora × selala (Salvoza) Toml.) were identified. The species importance value indices were highest for R. stylosa at EW (264.0) and for B. gymnorhiza) at NV (175.2). All sites had at least some level of human disturbance but R. stylosa and B. gymnorhiza thrived regardless of the extent of anthropogenic impacts. Subsequently, R. stylosa and B. gymnorhiza are recommended for mangrove forest ecosystem restoration programmes in Fiji.

Globalisation, crafts, and tourism microentrepreneurship in the South Pacific: economic and sociocultural dimensions

ABSTRACT This research assesses the economic and sociocultural dimensions of the handicraft and souvenir sector from the perspectives of predominantly female market vendors and microbusinesses in the South Pacific region. It focuses on two countries, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, which vary in their levels of tourism development, tourist characteristics, and available research on tourism impacts. Handicraft and souvenir businesses offer economic opportunities in remote and emerging island economies but face challenges from globalisation and tourism. The Solomon Islands prioritise locally crafted artworks, while Vanuatu largely depends on importing souvenirs, particularly for the large cruise-ship market. Such practices often lead to commodification and misrepresentation of local cultures and destinations, as businesses cater to the demands of tourists and engage in broader processes of international exchange and globalisation. While micro-entrepreneurs generally express satisfaction with their income from selling handicrafts and souvenirs before the pandemic, data indicate that benefits, mainly from cruise-ship tourism, are unequally distributed.

High‐Resolution CCAM Simulations Over New Zealand and the South Pacific for the Detection and Attribution of Weather Extremes

AbstractDetection and attribution experiments are designed for the causal diagnosis of features in the climate system, including trends in mean climate and extreme events. While several detection and attribution data sets now exist, the coarse resolution of the climate models used (∼100‐km) often hinders their application to topographically complex regions like Aotearoa New Zealand and small island nations. The coarse atmospheric resolution may also be detrimental for simulating certain features of the atmospheric circulation, including the jets, blocking and cyclones. To address this, here we introduce a new set of climate model runs consisting of high‐resolution atmospheric simulations from the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) non‐hydrostatic global model. The variable‐resolution grid employed by CCAM enables targeted high‐resolution simulations over New Zealand (12‐km) and intermediate resolution over the wider South Pacific region (12–35‐km). Simulations from the historical experiment (years 1982–2021), consisting of ten initial condition ensemble members, are presented and evaluated here. The evaluation focuses on the representation of the large‐scale atmospheric circulation over the Southern Hemisphere including the jet streams, storm tracks, cyclones, blocking and teleconnections, as well as more localized temperature and precipitation variability and extremes specifically over New Zealand. While certain biases are highlighted and discussed for the large‐scale atmospheric circulation, CCAM is found to perform especially well for various precipitation and temperature‐based extreme indices at smaller scales across New Zealand, generally outperforming state‐of‐the‐art reanalysis and coarser resolution global atmospheric models. These results support further application of the CCAM ensemble for studying weather and climate extremes in attribution studies.

Beneficial biological effects of Flavokawain A, a chalcone constituent from kava, on surgically induced endometriosis rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceShrub kava has long been grown and utilized, primarily in the South Pacific region, for ceremonial, religious, and social occasions. It has been used as a pain reliever and muscle relaxant in medicinal practices from the eighteenth century. Interestingly, relatively low incidence of lung cancer may attribute to the high consumption of kava products in this region. Aim of the studyKava extracts were used to produce the kava chalcones Flavokawain A, B and C, which have a variety of bioactivities. In the present study, we show that Flavokawain A has positive effects on endometriosis. Materials and methodsThe endometriosis rat model was surgically induced by the autologous transplantation of endometrial tissue. Rats were evaluated for clinical ratings and lesion volume following a 6-week Flavokawain A therapy. Peritoneal fluid and blood samples were taken and ELISA assay was used to measure the cytokines and chemokines levels. Transcriptional and expression levels of Akt, PI3K, NF-kB, iNOS, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were evaluated by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Implanted tissue sections of the rats were also analyzed by immunofluorescent and histopathological staining. ResultsLesion volumes and adhesion scores were successfully decreased. Blood and peritoneal fluid levels of associated cytokines and chemokines were markedly down-regulated. Besides, Flavokawain A also mediated cell apoptosis of endometrial implants. Additionally, VEGF expression was reduced, which inhibited the angiogenesis process. As for the expression of Akt, p-Akt, PI3K, p-PI3K, and NF-kB in endometriosis lesions, Flavokawain A significantly reduced them. ConclusionFlavokawain A has beneficial effects on the surgically induced endometriosis rat model, by reducing inflammation, promoting apoptosis, and decreasing angiogenesis. Our findings suggest that these effects may be mediated through the regulation of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways.

The Impact of the Aukus Trilateral Security Pact on South Pacific Regional Security

The AUKUS Trilateral Security Pact is a form of collective security cooperation, and this study examines its effects on South Pacific regional security. To stabilize regional security in the South Pacific, which is a main target of China’s maritime ambitions, the authors emphasize the urgency of AUKUS’s presence. To shed light on the issue, the authors used the collective security concept to dissect the framework of cooperation, the motives of AUKUS, and the Security Dilemma concept to explain how geopolitical shifts affect the security stability of the South Pacific. This research employed qualitative methods with an explanatory type of research. In this type of research, the formulated hypothesis was tested to see how the variables under study affected one another. According to this research’s findings, AUKUS’s approach to military confrontation as a partnership for collective security actually encourages an aggressive coalition and poses a security risk, thereby increasing the likelihood of further conflict in the South Pacific region.

Motif Bantuan Australia Terkait Isu Perubahan Iklim Di Pasifik Selatan Pada Masa Pemerintahan Scott Morrison

This article analyzes Australia's motives under Scott Morrison's administration regarding its climate fund for the South Pacific countries. Under Scott Morrison's leadership, Australia has been fundamentally skeptical about climate change issues, such as his policy of developing the coal and gas industries, which produce high emissions, until it withdrew as a global climate fund donor. On the other hand, Australia increased its climate fund, especially in the South Pacific region. This research used a qualitative method with a descriptive analysis approach. The data was collected through library research and then analyzed using the concept of foreign aid motives developed by John Degnbol-Martinussen and Poul Engberg-Pedersen. This study found that, behind moral and humanitarian motives, there are Australia's efforts to reduce poverty levels in the South Pacific region caused by climate change. Through political motives, it found that this climate fund was used as Australia's strategy in its battle with China to gain influence and improve security in the South Pacific region. Meanwhile, the environmental motive is based on the responsibility to help mitigate and adapt to climate change in developing countries. Based on these findings, political motives became the dominant and most significant motives behind Australia's climate fund for the South Pacific countries.

Quantifying Mechanisms Responsible for Extreme Coastal Water Levels and Flooding during Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold in Tonga, Southwest Pacific

The South Pacific region is characterised by steep shelves and fringing coral reef islands. The lack of wide continental shelves that can dissipate waves makes Pacific Island countries vulnerable to large waves that can enhance extreme total water levels triggered by tropical cyclones (TCs). In this study, hindcasts of the waves and storm surge induced by severe TC Harold in 2020 on Tongatapu, Tonga’s capital island, were examined using the state-of-the-art hydrodynamic and wave models ADCIRC and SWAN. The contributions of winds, atmospheric pressure, waves, and wave-radiation-stress-induced setup to extreme total water levels were analysed by running the models separately and two-way coupled. The atmospheric pressure deficit contributed uniformly to the total water levels (~25%), while the wind surge was prominent over the shallow shelf (more than 75%). Wave setup became significant at locations with narrow fringing reefs on the western side (more than 75%). Tides were dominant on the leeward coasts of the island (50–75%). Storm surge obtained from the coupled run without tide was comparable with the observation. The wave contribution to extreme total water levels and inundation was analysed using XBEACH in non-hydrostatic mode. The model (XBEACH) was able to reproduce coastal inundation when compared to the observed satellite imagery after the event on a particular coastal segment severely impacted by coastal flooding induced by TC Harold. The coupled ADCIRC+SWAN underestimated total water levels nearshore on the reef flat and consequently inundation extent as infragravity waves and swash motion are not resolved by these models. The suite of models (ADCIRC+SWAN+XBEACH) used in this study can be used to support the Tonga Meteorological Service Tropical Cyclone Early Warning System.

Role of environmental conditions in structuring the stock trajectory of Thunnus albacares, Th. alalunga and Th. obesus in the South Pacific Region

The lifestyle and culture of South Pacific Island countries have been long intertwined with oceanic resources. These countries are heavily dependent on tuna resources for their economies and socioeconomic livelihoods. Despite their importance, the mechanisms behind tuna stock trajectory patterns need to be better understood. With changing climatic and environmental conditions, it has become vital to understand the impact of these changes on tuna resources and if possible include them in long-term tuna harvest and management plans. A significant portion of the stock dynamics of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), albacore tuna (Th. alalunga) and bigeye tuna (Th. obesus) in the South Pacific Region may possibly be explained only by the environmental factors of sea surface temperature (SST) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation AMO. The relationship of monthly SST and AMO was investigated with time series stock patterns of Th. albacares, Th. alalunga and Th. obesus in the Eastern and Western Pacific Ocean for the years 1972 to 2019. Monthly variables that exhibited significant correlation with CPUE variables were used in the Generalised Linear Model and Generalized Additive Model to reproduce the CPUE trajectory of the three tuna species from 1972 to 2019. Results showed that a significant portion of stock dynamics of Th. albacares, Th. alalunga and Th. obesus can be explained well by two environmental conditions of SST and AMO. This shows that a large portion of tuna variation in the Eastern and Southern Pacific is related to environmental conditions. Models with single variables are evidence of the significant individual effect of SST and AMO on stock time series of each tuna species. Models with two variables had a better fit in comparison to models with a single variable for all tuna stocks. Possibilities of two significantly different patterns in the trajectory of the three tuna species and environmental conditions used in the models were also observed. The trajectory patterns seemed to change around the 1990s and had significantly different means, indicating possible regime shifts. Environmental conditions play a highly significant role in structuring tuna stock trajectory in the South Pacific and need to be included in tuna management / harvest plans to ensure sustainability of this important resource. The importance of regime shifts should be recognised and further investigated for possible inclusion in tuna sustainability plans due to their influence on long-term tuna trajectory patterns.

The Role of Atmospheric Noise in Decadal SST Variability

Abstract A substantial role for atmospheric noise in simulations of decadal internal variability of SST is demonstrated by a comparison of a multicentury climate model control and a corresponding interactive ensemble (IE) simulation. The IE is designed to reduce atmospheric noise in the heat flux, wind stress, and freshwater flux at the air–sea interface. This comparison suggests that nearly all SST variability on decadal time scales is forced by internal atmospheric variability. The results are examined to determine the relative roles of atmospheric surface heat flux noise and ocean dynamics in the decadal volume-averaged heat budget of the upper ocean. The regional heat budgets in two regions, the South Pacific and the midlatitude North Atlantic, show the net atmospheric surface heat flux to be approximately in equilibrium with the ocean dynamics forcing. The IE and control results are used in the equilibrium heat budget approximation to infer the atmospheric heat flux response to SST, as well as the time series of the control atmospheric noise surface heat flux and ocean dynamics forcings for several regions. The South Pacific region SST is found to be primarily forced by the atmospheric noise surface heat flux and the North Atlantic region SST is forced by the ocean dynamics. Similar strengths for the atmospheric heat flux noise and ocean dynamics forcing, with an interdecadal atmospheric heat flux noise time scale and a centennial ocean dynamics time scale, are found for an Atlantic multidecadal variability region SST.

VLF and Ionospheric D‐Region Perturbations Associated With WWLLN‐Detected Lightning in the South Pacific Region

AbstractThe subionospheric early very low frequency (VLF) perturbations observed on NWC (19.8 kHz) navigational transmitter signal monitored at a low‐latitude station, Suva (18.1°S, 178.5°E), Fiji, during campaign periods of November 2011, 2012, and 2014 and December 2014, are presented. Early VLF events are associated with D‐region conductivity changes mainly produced by lightning‐generated transient luminous events (TLEs). Early VLF events occurred both during daytime and nighttime, with a considerably higher occurrence at nighttime. VLF perturbations caused by lightning strokes located up to 100 km off the transmitter‐receiver great circle path (TRGCP) are attributed to narrow‐angle scattering, while lightning strokes 100–500 km off the TRGCP are considered to cause early VLF events by wide‐angle scattering. Using the World Wide Lightning Location Network data, for the first time, we have studied the relationship between the energy of lightning strokes and the level of VLF perturbations. Greater is the energy of lightning, greater would be the strength of the VLF perturbation. However, the low‐energy lightning stroke can also produce a comparable level of perturbation to that of strong lightning. The modeling results of scattered amplitude (M) and echo phase (ϕE) of the unusually long recovery early/fast VLF event showed a better exponential fit (r ∼ 0.9) than the logarithmic fit. Long‐wavelength propagation capability (LWPC) code modeling of nighttime early VLF events considering causative TLE width of 50 km column indicated a decrease in the D‐region reference height (Hʹ) by up to 30 km and an increase in the sharpness factor (β) by 0.25 km−1.

From Jakarta to Oceania: Indonesia’s Cultural Diplomacy with the South Pacific

The South Pacific region has become a top foreign policy priority for Jakarta. This essay explains Indonesia’s utilisation of the cultural approach in its diplomatic engagement with the South Pacific. Cultural dissemination as a tool of international relations is scantly studied even though its use in diplomacy has successfully forged mutual understanding between people of discrete backgrounds. Indonesia uses a cultural approach to catch up diplomatically in its neighbouring, but previously overlooked, region and to address its ‘poor image’ problem that has persisted there for more than three decades. The cultural approach is intended to complement political and economic approaches. This study aims to bridge the gap in the literature vis-à-vis the role of culture in shaping foreign policy goals. Indonesia undertakes this ‘soft diplomacy’ based on its long-term orientation toward its national identity, politico-business and strategic interests. The Indonesian government is optimistic that cultural diplomacy will succeed in enhancing Indonesia’s status in this zone.

Farmer and market vendor perceptions of COVID-19 impacts on horticultural fresh food systems in Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa

BackgroundWhen the global COVID-19 pandemic and state of emergency was declared in early 2020, South Pacific Island nations rapidly closed their borders resulting in significant socio-economic upheaval. With the South Pacific region highly vulnerable to external shocks, there was concern amongst Pacific governments and international donors as to the implications of COVID-19 restrictions on the local food system.MethodsHorticultural farmers and market vendors (n = 825) were surveyed in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, using local enumerators, over a five-month period (July to November 2020), which represented the initial phase of COVID-19 restrictions in the region. Data were disaggregated based on location, farmer and vendor impacts, and postharvest loss.ResultsFarmers in Fiji (86%) were more likely to experience difficulties in selling their crops during the initial stages of COVID-19 restrictions, compared to farmers on the smaller Pacific Island nations of Tonga (10%) or Samoa (53%). While market vendors in Fiji (73.2%) and Tonga (56.8%) were similarly impacted, few vendors (22%) in Samoa were affected. Farmers and market vendors on the islands of Viti Levu (Fiji) and Upolu (Samoa), specifically those supplying or located in the key urban centres were more likely to experience elevated postharvest loss. Elevated postharvest loss due to COVID-19 was more prevalent amongst municipal market vendors, peri-urban farms and vendors sourcing from larger commercial farms. Road-side vendors and vendors in the rural areas were less likely to incur elevated loss.ConclusionsWhile fresh horticultural food systems in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa were all adversely effected by COVID-19 restrictions, these impacts were more acute in Fiji. Given value chains associated with main urban centres were more likely to incur elevated postharvest loss, this would imply consumers were avoiding town centres and alternatively sourcing fresh fruit and vegetable from rural road-side vendors. Pacific road-side vendors appear to have provided an important fresh food distribution capacity during local COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Vulnerability of Estuarine Systems in the Contiguous United States to Water Quality Change Under Future Climate and Land‐Use

AbstractChanges in climate and land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) are expected to influence surface water runoff and nutrient characteristics of estuarine watersheds, but the extent to which estuaries are vulnerable to altered nutrient loading under future conditions is poorly understood. The present work aims to address this gap through the development of a new vulnerability assessment framework that accounts for (a) estuarine exposure to projected changes in total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loads as a function of LULC and climate change under several scenarios, (b) sensitivity, and (c) adaptive capacity. The framework was applied to 112 estuaries and their contributing watersheds across the contiguous U.S., specifically to look at regional variability in estuarine vulnerability to nutrient loading. Study findings revealed that the largest increases in estuarine nutrient loads are expected in the North and South Atlantic regions and eastern Gulf of Mexico, while the lowest increases are expected in the North and South Pacific regions and the western Gulf of Mexico. However, the North Atlantic and the South Pacific had the highest adaptive capacity, which could potentially counteract the effects of LULC and climate change on nutrient loads. Strong variation in predicted estuarine nutrient loads was observed as a function of climate model projections, while projected LULC changes were more consistently associated with elevated loads. Our findings illustrate the benefits of integrating natural and socio‐ecological factors to identify opportunities to develop adaptation plans and policies to mitigate ecological degradation in vitally important estuaries.

Indonesia's Interest in The South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) Policy to Fiji during Joko Widodo’s 2014-2019 Government

This study was conducted to explain Indonesia's interests in the South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) policy towards Fiji in the Joko Widodo administration in 2014-2019. This study uses the theory of national interest and foreign policy. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. The research method is used to explain and explore Indonesia's interests through the SSTC's policy towards Fiji with three interests, namely economic, political and security interests. The results showed that Indonesia chose Fiji as a country to implement the SSTC policy because Fiji is one of the south Pacific countries, especially Melanesian countries and Indonesia still failed to carry out diplomacy with Vanuatu. Fiji is a country that has an important role in the internal organization of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Fiji's involvement is very large in making MSG policies, because Indonesia's goal of being included in the MSG requires a major country that has an important role in the MSG, Besides Indonesia having economic interests, Fiji provides opportunities big for economic development and new market share for Indonesia in the south Pacific region, considering that this region is very strategic, this region has become the location of a trade war between China and the United States. Indonesia's strategy to gain economic, political and security interests by providing through the implementation of the SSTC policy is a form of great concern for Fiji.