Niue sustainable coastal fisheries pilot project: literature review and pilot baseline survey

Abstract

The climate of Niue is hot and moderately wet in the summer months (October to April), and drier and cooler in the winter months (May to September). Annual rainfall averages around 2000 mm but varies widely from year to year (from a high of 3175 mm in 1924 to a low of 1070 mm in 1931). Maximum daily temperatures vary seasonally from 27°-31° C. Niue lies well within the tropical cyclone belt and significant cyclones have occurred with an average 10-year frequency. More recent cyclones include Ofa in 1990, with recorded wind speeds of 185 km per hour (kph), or 100 knots. Cyclone Heta struck in early January 2004, and was among the most destructive cyjclones in living memory. Previously unheard of wave heights extended destructive waves above the western cliff heights; unconfirmed reports indicate wind gusts were up to 300 kph. The southeast trade winds blow steadily for most of the year but particularly between April and October, maintaining a steady breeze of between 10 kph and 20 kph during the day. The tidal range is on the order of 1.5 m, with a corresponding fluctuation of 100 mm in the groundwater table.