title: Busting myths on water weeds

authors: de Winton, Mary

abstract: Troublesome aquatic weeds have been an issue for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes for decades, but what do we really know about what drives water weed problems? Some common held beliefs about water weeds are ‘one weed is as bad as another’, ‘waterfowl move water weeds around’ and ’nutrient enrichment drives weed invasion’. However, these assumptions are incorrect or represent an oversimplified view of the problem. Exploring these popular misconceptions on water weeds will help us get a better understanding of weed problems, the role of humans and what we can do about it. This talk will draw evidence from New Zealand and international research findings and
information specific to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.
Weed issues for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes involve just a few species of alien plant species that share characteristics including a high ‘standing crop’ (bulk biomass present at any one time), dense canopy at, or close to the water surface and generation of numerous fragments that can accumulate onshore. Nevertheless, these few species can be further distinguished and ranked in terms of ‘weediness’ and impact. Recognition that some weeds are worse than others allows for more effective and proactive management of
weed threats.
Water fowl are often implicated in spreading the most problematic water weeds that we have in New Zealand and yet there little real evidence that this is the case. Instead there is ample evidence that human activities are primarily responsible for the spread of water weeds between lake catchments. This means that it should be possible to intercept the routes and mechanisms (pathways and vectors) by which these water weeds can enter lakes.
Weed invasions in freshwater systems are suggested to be linked with nutrient enrichment. However, the presence of our worst water weeds and the development of weed-related problems are not limited to eutrophied lakes, but can be equally problematic in oligotrophic New Zealand lakes. Indeed, the most enriched lake systems have very limited submerged vegetation development. Therefore improving water quality does not necessarily flow on to the anticipated improvements in weed problems and there may even be increased weed development as lakes become less enriched.

text: Busting myths on water weeds Troublesome aquatic weeds have been an issue for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes for decades, but what do we really know about what drives water weed problems? Some common held beliefs about water weeds are ‘one weed is as bad as another’, ‘waterfowl move water weeds around’ and ’nutrient enrichment drives weed invasion’. However, these assumptions are incorrect or represent an oversimplified view of the problem. Exploring these popular misconceptions on water weeds will help us get a better understanding of weed problems, the role of humans and what we can do about it. This talk will draw evidence from New Zealand and international research findings and
information specific to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.
Weed issues for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes involve just a few species of alien plant species that share characteristics including a high ‘standing crop’ (bulk biomass present at any one time), dense canopy at, or close to the water surface and generation of numerous fragments that can accumulate onshore. Nevertheless, these few species can be further distinguished and ranked in terms of ‘weediness’ and impact. Recognition that some weeds are worse than others allows for more effective and proactive management of
weed threats.
Water fowl are often implicated in spreading the most problematic water weeds that we have in New Zealand and yet there little real evidence that this is the case. Instead there is ample evidence that human activities are primarily responsible for the spread of water weeds between lake catchments. This means that it should be possible to intercept the routes and mechanisms (pathways and vectors) by which these water weeds can enter lakes.
Weed invasions in freshwater systems are suggested to be linked with nutrient enrichment. However, the presence of our worst water weeds and the development of weed-related problems are not limited to eutrophied lakes, but can be equally problematic in oligotrophic New Zealand lakes. Indeed, the most enriched lake systems have very limited submerged vegetation development. Therefore improving water quality does not necessarily flow on to the anticipated improvements in weed problems and there may even be increased weed development as lakes become less enriched.

year: 2015

title: Human,climatic and oceanographic influences on the marine environment of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

authors: Phillip, Naiten Bradley, Jr.

subjects: coral reefs

abstract: Coral reefs and marine resources are culturally, as well as economically, vital to Pohnpei, situated in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Farming and fishing are the main sources of livelihood for most Pohnpeian communities.  Pohnpei has eleven Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where nine are situated in the Pohnpei Island Lagoon and two MPAs on the outer low-lying atolls.  Like many other Pacific Island countries Pohnpei is on the verge of creating more MPAs.  However, the marine environment continues to be significantly threatened by human and natural influences.  The recognised threats are yet to be methodically investigated.

This thesis used a combination of sediment, coral, fish, climatic, and oceanographic data, and focused on the Pohnpei Lagoon, examining a range of natural and human issues in the marine environment both at the local level (focusing on that within the Pohnpei Lagoon) and regional level (focusing on the western Pacific region).

Evidence from historical, archaeological, and modern experience has influenced various marine impacts that have altered the coastline and the marine environment of the Pohnpei Lagoon.  Humans have greatly impacted on the coral diversity and fish populations in the Pohnpei Lagoon by over-fishing and contributing to accelerated sediment inputs. My study findings shows that that increased sea surface temperature (SST) caused by El Ni o events is not the only cause of coral bleaching, but also cooling of SST, and other human factors.  However, when corals bleach they recover by  symbiont shuffling .  This is an ingenious way in which corals host one or more varieties of their zooxanthelle (Symbiodinium symbiont clades) that are more tolerant of the stress caused by increased SST and human factors.

The recognised natural climatic variability, particularly the El Ni o/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), may pose a significant threat to the Pohnpei Lagoon. El Ni o events are associated with: a change in trade winds and stronger wind gusts attributed to typhoons; lower rainfall causing drought; a decrease in SST attributed to cooling of the marine environment; increase of salinity in marine estuaries affecting development and recruitment of marine species communities; and a steep fall in sea level exposing corals to other elements.  The various on-going human threats and El Ni o-like conditions have caused giant clams (Tridacna gigas) to become extinct, have endangered herbivorous fish populations, and caused coral bleaching by cooling of SST.  

Although high SSTs are normally blamed for coral bleaching, the last major bleaching event in Pohnpei (2002) was likely to be due to a reduction in salinity (freshwater runoff and lower sea level), and there has been strong recovery. However, decreasing water temperatures rather than increases of SSTs may contribute to coral bleaching in the Pohnpei Lagoon and the Micronesian region. The Micronesian region appears to have suffered relatively few episodes of regional coral bleaching events. This is due to the  Western Pacific Warm Pool  (WPWP) where sea surface temperatures exceed 29 C but also where various feedback mechanisms limit the maximum SSTs.

The management aims of Pohnpei's MPAs are to move forward, while still respecting traditional practices. However, a lack of scientific monitoring, technical support and funding restricts our understanding of human and natural influences on the existing MPAs and the Pohnpei Lagoon. With respect to our policy makers the findings of the present research have implications on the future work in Pohnpei's marine environment and for policy makers, to make more-informed decisions before establishing new MPAs.

My key recommendations were:  1.) Integrate coral and fish monitoring during and after El Ni o events to understand El Ni o effects on the Pohnpei environment.  2.)  Undertake herbivorous fish investigation into their populations inside and outside the MPAs.  3.) Do not cut down vegetation along coastline areas, as it prevents erosion 4.)  Investigate Symbiodinium coral clades in Pohnpei Lagoon and the outer low-lying atolls.

text: Human,climatic and oceanographic influences on the marine environment of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Coral reefs and marine resources are culturally, as well as economically, vital to Pohnpei, situated in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Farming and fishing are the main sources of livelihood for most Pohnpeian communities.  Pohnpei has eleven Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where nine are situated in the Pohnpei Island Lagoon and two MPAs on the outer low-lying atolls.  Like many other Pacific Island countries Pohnpei is on the verge of creating more MPAs.  However, the marine environment continues to be significantly threatened by human and natural influences.  The recognised threats are yet to be methodically investigated.

This thesis used a combination of sediment, coral, fish, climatic, and oceanographic data, and focused on the Pohnpei Lagoon, examining a range of natural and human issues in the marine environment both at the local level (focusing on that within the Pohnpei Lagoon) and regional level (focusing on the western Pacific region).

Evidence from historical, archaeological, and modern experience has influenced various marine impacts that have altered the coastline and the marine environment of the Pohnpei Lagoon.  Humans have greatly impacted on the coral diversity and fish populations in the Pohnpei Lagoon by over-fishing and contributing to accelerated sediment inputs. My study findings shows that that increased sea surface temperature (SST) caused by El Ni o events is not the only cause of coral bleaching, but also cooling of SST, and other human factors.  However, when corals bleach they recover by  symbiont shuffling .  This is an ingenious way in which corals host one or more varieties of their zooxanthelle (Symbiodinium symbiont clades) that are more tolerant of the stress caused by increased SST and human factors.

The recognised natural climatic variability, particularly the El Ni o/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), may pose a significant threat to the Pohnpei Lagoon. El Ni o events are associated with: a change in trade winds and stronger wind gusts attributed to typhoons; lower rainfall causing drought; a decrease in SST attributed to cooling of the marine environment; increase of salinity in marine estuaries affecting development and recruitment of marine species communities; and a steep fall in sea level exposing corals to other elements.  The various on-going human threats and El Ni o-like conditions have caused giant clams (Tridacna gigas) to become extinct, have endangered herbivorous fish populations, and caused coral bleaching by cooling of SST.  

Although high SSTs are normally blamed for coral bleaching, the last major bleaching event in Pohnpei (2002) was likely to be due to a reduction in salinity (freshwater runoff and lower sea level), and there has been strong recovery. However, decreasing water temperatures rather than increases of SSTs may contribute to coral bleaching in the Pohnpei Lagoon and the Micronesian region. The Micronesian region appears to have suffered relatively few episodes of regional coral bleaching events. This is due to the  Western Pacific Warm Pool  (WPWP) where sea surface temperatures exceed 29 C but also where various feedback mechanisms limit the maximum SSTs.

The management aims of Pohnpei's MPAs are to move forward, while still respecting traditional practices. However, a lack of scientific monitoring, technical support and funding restricts our understanding of human and natural influences on the existing MPAs and the Pohnpei Lagoon. With respect to our policy makers the findings of the present research have implications on the future work in Pohnpei's marine environment and for policy makers, to make more-informed decisions before establishing new MPAs.

My key recommendations were:  1.) Integrate coral and fish monitoring during and after El Ni o events to understand El Ni o effects on the Pohnpei environment.  2.)  Undertake herbivorous fish investigation into their populations inside and outside the MPAs.  3.) Do not cut down vegetation along coastline areas, as it prevents erosion 4.)  Investigate Symbiodinium coral clades in Pohnpei Lagoon and the outer low-lying atolls.

year: 2010

title: RE-AUTHORISING BICULTURAL EXPERIENCES: Listening to previously silenced voices

authors: Stubbings, Mary Ann

subjects: Education

abstract: "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence."
Leonardo de Vinci

The principles of the Doctrine of Discovery, conceived 500 years ago, advocated absolute power and authority for European invaders to conquer and claim indigenous land. This shaped the converging of Māori/Settler relationships and validated the colonisation of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

This thesis contends that the historic and taken for granted power and privilege that has benefitted Pākehā, transpired through a reimagined, fabricated version of our separate and combined past. The study unearths ingrained Pākehā perspectives and stereotypes about Māori, and a rejection of their disparate culture and identity. It highlights the role of schooling in Aotearoa New Zealand as a tool of colonisation to erase the culture and identity of Māori and to maintain a world view that authorised power and privilege for the Settlers. 

The study challenges Pākehā to 'step up' by shattering the sphere of silence around our combined historical narratives. It urges us [Pākehā] to develop critical consciousness so we may reflect on the world, and our position within it.

Inherent in this research is the premise that for Aotearoa, New Zealand to devise a future based on respectful and equitable sharing of social, financial, cultural, spiritual, and physical resources and opportunities, our silenced history, authorised by the State through the procedures of colonisation, must be acknowledged.

text: RE-AUTHORISING BICULTURAL EXPERIENCES: Listening to previously silenced voices "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence."
Leonardo de Vinci

The principles of the Doctrine of Discovery, conceived 500 years ago, advocated absolute power and authority for European invaders to conquer and claim indigenous land. This shaped the converging of Māori/Settler relationships and validated the colonisation of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

This thesis contends that the historic and taken for granted power and privilege that has benefitted Pākehā, transpired through a reimagined, fabricated version of our separate and combined past. The study unearths ingrained Pākehā perspectives and stereotypes about Māori, and a rejection of their disparate culture and identity. It highlights the role of schooling in Aotearoa New Zealand as a tool of colonisation to erase the culture and identity of Māori and to maintain a world view that authorised power and privilege for the Settlers. 

The study challenges Pākehā to 'step up' by shattering the sphere of silence around our combined historical narratives. It urges us [Pākehā] to develop critical consciousness so we may reflect on the world, and our position within it.

Inherent in this research is the premise that for Aotearoa, New Zealand to devise a future based on respectful and equitable sharing of social, financial, cultural, spiritual, and physical resources and opportunities, our silenced history, authorised by the State through the procedures of colonisation, must be acknowledged.

year: 2023