The latest research on the region's marine environment has been highlighted by a new report card summarising the health of the Pacific Ocean and the impacts of climate change.
Photo: roxichka25/123RF
The card spells out current and projected climate change impacts on the Pacific Islands marine environment, what action had already being taken and what further responses were needed.
The Climate Information Services Officer at the UN environment agency SPREP, said the card and supporting documents stemmed from the analyses and co-ordination of work from 60 international climate change experts and marine scientists focussed on the Pacific.
Sunny Seuseu said there were three major themes.
"First the climate change drivers and this is looking at the sea surface temperature, ocean acidification, sea level rise and extreme events," Mr Seuseu said.
"Number two, the card looks at biodiversity which focuses on the health of corals, mangrove fish and shellfish and seagrass.
"And lastly focusses in on people, settlements, infrastructure and fisheries."
Mr Seuseu said the information would be presented to Pacific leaders with the hope of producing better regulation of pollution, coastal development, fisheries resources and marine protected areas.
