Overfishing, dredging, filing, construction, sand mining, sewage, industry, and nuclear testing are detrimental factors in certain areas. The Cook Islands are disturbed naturally by tropical cyclones. Airport, hotel, and port construction have contributed to soil runoff and degraded some reefs. Tuvalu is a region consisting of low coral islands. The major source of natural disturbance is tropical storms.
Islands are extremely small and are dependent on the fishing and shellfish industry.
Coral communities around the islands of New Zealand are not under much stress naturally or anthro-pogenically. The loss of coral reef resources in this region would have detrimental effects on the tourist and fishing industries. In addition, the exploitation of coral reef resources by foreigners could harmfully impact indigenous cultures who are closely tied to and dependent upon local coral reef resources. The Pacific Island Network, a consortium which coordinates various agencies efforts and improves communications between U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands, promotes sustainable economic development through wise use of resources. Initiated by the Commonwealth Science Council, the South Pacific Coastal Zone Management Program provides training in coastal zone management and develops capacities to assess resources and monitor change.