Evidence of elevated microplastic accumulation in Pacific Island mangrove sediments.

Although microplastics (MPs) in the environment are well-reported, there is a geographical research gap, particularly in Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Recognising the critical role mangroves play in regulating the exchange of sediment and pollutants between land and ocean, we conducted research in Fiji to compare levels of sediment MPs within mangroves with those in surrounding sediments, and to assess differences between urban and rural areas. MPs were found to be significantly higher in sediments collected inside the mangroves (13.

First insights into the impacts of benthic cyanobacterial mats on fish herbivory functions on a nearshore coral reef.

Benthic cyanobacterial mats (BCMs) are becoming increasingly common on coral reefs. In Fiji, blooms generally occur in nearshore areas during warm months but some are starting to prevail through cold months. Many fundamental knowledge gaps about BCM proliferation remain, including their composition and how they influence reef processes.

Positive association between epiphytes and competitiveness of the brown algal genus against corals.

Observations of coral-algal competition can provide valuable information about the state of coral reef ecosystems. Here, we report contact rates and apparent competition states for six shallow lagoonal reefs in Fiji. A total of 81.

Effects of sandfish () removal on shallow-water sediments in Fiji.

Sea cucumbers play an important role in the recycling and remineralization of organic matter (OM) in reef sands through feeding, excretion, and bioturbation processes. Growing demand from Asian markets has driven the overexploitation of these animals globally. The implications of sea cucumber fisheries for shallow coastal ecosystems and their management remain poorly understood.

Fast detection of nutrient limitation in macroalgae and seagrass with nutrient-induced fluorescence.

Background: Rapid determination of which nutrients limit the primary production of macroalgae and seagrasses is vital for understanding the impacts of eutrophication on marine and freshwater ecosystems. However, current methods to assess nutrient limitation are often cumbersome and time consuming. For phytoplankton, a rapid method has been described based on short-term changes in chlorophyll fluorescence upon nutrient addition, also known as Nutrient-Induced Fluorescence Transients (NIFTs).