Shipping-related introduced marine pests in the Pacific Islands: A regional strategy (Draft)

Abstract

The importance of coastal and marine environments to every aspect of the lives of Pacific Islanders cannot be overstated. Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) maintain resource rights and management responsibilities over 30 million square kilometers of ocean, equivalent to the total land area of Canada, China and the USA combined. The total population of coastal Pacific Islanders is only 2.6 million. There are 11 square kilometers of ocean for each Pacific Islander. Jurisdictionally, the ocean is 200 times more significant to the average Pacific Islander than it is to the average global citizen (Adams et al 1995). Anthropogenic impacts on coastal and marine resources and ecosystems are a major concern for Pacific Island peoples.