News

An incredibly rare population of orcas with a unique pattern not seen anywhere else in the world has been described for the first time. The elusive pod is so rarely seen it's only been photographed once around its Pacific Island habitat.

Today’s Living Planet Report paints a sobering picture: wildlife populations across the world are in severe decline.  The causes are familiar to us – habitat loss, degradation, and unsustainable practices, particularly in food production.

As two ocean elders, a lifelong oceanographer and a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, we have a deep reverence for the ocean. But unprecedented commercial exploitation of our planet threatens the ocean and humanity.

An environmental assessment of the Tafitoala coast and lagoon found significant damages to the coral reef where the HMNZS Manawanui ran aground posing a threat to marine life. The finding is the initial report from the local Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) charged wit

Invasive species continue to be a costly issue for all countries and particularly for island nations, and with increasing trade and movement of people between countries, the threat of new species arriving is increasing.

The critical role of Indigenous peoples in addressing the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution was recognised at the inaugural Global Nature Positive Summit (GNPS) held in Sydney this week.

The African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) is recognised as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species and ranks among the top 30 terrestrial invasive plants.

In the heart of the Blue Pacific, the island nation of Kiribati is taking bold steps to safeguard its environment while pursuing sustainable development.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Oceania Regional Conservation Forum took place from 16 to 20 September in Suva, Fiji. A representative from our department attended. 

The forum was an opportunity to:

Forests are important to Pacific Island people's lives as they contribute to food, water, and income security and hold significant cultural and social values for them.