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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to We Are All Alive: Understanding Connections between People and Coral Reefs in Samoa
ClearA screening-level human health risk assessment for microplastics and organic contaminants in near-shore marine environments in American Samoa
Researchers conducted a screening-level human health risk assessment for microplastics and associated organic contaminants in near-shore marine environments of American Samoa, evaluating exposure pathways relevant to Pacific Island communities with limited waste disposal options.
Distribution and biological implications of plastic pollution on the fringing reef of Mo’orea, French Polynesia
This study documented the distribution and biological impacts of plastic pollution on the fringing coral reef of Mo'orea in French Polynesia, finding plastics throughout the ecosystem including entanglement of corals with macroplastics. The results show that even remote, protected coral reefs are affected by the global plastic pollution crisis.
The Distribution and Impact of Microplastics on Coral Reefs: an Ecosystem Approach
This study examines the distribution and ecological impact of microplastics on coral reef ecosystems, providing a Ph.D.-level ecosystem approach to understanding how microplastic pollution affects reef health and biodiversity.
Impact of Marine Debris on Coral Reef Ecosystem and Effectiveness of Removal of Debris on Ecosystem Health – Baseline Data From Palk Bay, Indian Ocean
Researchers assessed the impact of marine debris, including plastic, on coral reef ecosystems and evaluated the effectiveness of debris removal efforts. The study found that marine debris causes significant physical and ecological harm to reefs, and that removal interventions can provide measurable ecological benefits.
Source, sea and sink—A holistic approach to understanding plastic pollution in the Southern Caribbean
Researchers took a holistic approach to characterizing plastic pollution across surface water, subsurface, sediment, and biota in the Southern Caribbean, finding that despite heavy tourism and fishing reliance, quantitative plastic data for the region had been largely absent.
Plastic threats to coral reefs: A strategic management perspective from Bali's marine protected areas
Researchers assessed plastic debris levels in coral reef ecosystems at two marine protected areas in Bali, finding both macroplastics and microplastics present despite their protected status. Coral health was evaluated using underwater photo transects, and plastic particles were identified through Raman spectroscopy. The study highlights that marine protected areas alone are insufficient to prevent plastic pollution from reaching vulnerable reef ecosystems.
Distribution and biological implications of plastic pollution on the fringing reef of Mo’orea, French Polynesia
This study quantified both macro- and microplastic pollution on the coral reef of Mo'orea in French Polynesia, finding plastic at every sampled beach and in reef sediments. The research demonstrates that even remote Pacific island coral reefs receive significant plastic contamination from oceanic gyres and local sources.
Traditional Dimensions of Seabed Resource Management in the Context of Deep Sea Mining in the Pacific: Learning From the Socio-Ecological Interconnectivity Between Island Communities and the Ocean Realm
This study examines how traditional Pacific Island knowledge and customary marine management practices relate to deep-sea mining proposals in the region. Researchers found that local communities hold deep cultural and spiritual connections to the sea that existing legal frameworks do not fully protect. The study argues that traditional dimensions of seabed resource management should be better integrated into decision-making around deep-sea mining to ensure sustainable and equitable ocean governance.
Unveiling the hidden threat of microplastics to coral reefs in remote South Atlantic islands
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination of coral reefs on remote South Atlantic islands, finding widespread microplastic presence in reef environments and raising concerns about the physiological and ecological harm to coral ecosystems far from human population centers.
Plastics are a new threat to Palau’s coral reefs
Researchers detected microplastics in seawater, sediments, and beach sand around the pristine coral reef system of Palau, confirming that even remote, well-protected marine environments are not free from plastic pollution and highlighting the global reach of this contamination.
Impacts of marine debris on coral reef ecosystem: A review for conservation and ecological monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem
This review examines how marine debris, especially microplastics, threatens coral reef ecosystems by causing physical damage, spreading disease, and disrupting coral biology. Microplastics can stick to coral polyps and block their feeding, while also carrying harmful bacteria that cause coral diseases. Healthy coral reefs are vital for fisheries and coastal protection, so their decline from plastic pollution indirectly affects the millions of people who depend on reef ecosystems for food and livelihoods.
Contamination of microplastics in tropical coral reef ecosystems of Sri Lanka
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across ten coral reef ecosystems in Sri Lanka, finding microplastics in corals, water, and sediments with fibers and fragments being the dominant types, representing a previously unquantified threat to tropical reef systems.
The pressures and opportunities for coral reef preservation and restoration in the Maldives
Researchers reviewed the pressures facing coral reefs in the Maldives, including climate change, pollution, and human activities, and outlined opportunities for preservation and restoration. The study highlights the high vulnerability of Maldivian coral reef ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of marine ecosystem services for human wellbeing in island nations.
Coastal Pollution, Cross-Sector Collaboration and a New Way Forward for Coral Reef Conservation
This commentary discusses how coral reef degradation is being driven by multiple stressors including plastic pollution, climate change, and poor coastal management. It calls for cross-sector collaboration among scientists, governments, and local communities to better protect these critical marine ecosystems.
Distribution and biological implications of plastic pollution on the fringing reef of Mo’orea, French Polynesia
This study found plastic pollution at every sampled site on the fringing coral reef of Mo'orea in French Polynesia, with microplastics distributed throughout the reef and lagoon sediments. The research documents plastic contamination of a remote Pacific reef ecosystem and discusses possible effects on reef-building corals and associated species.
Can Coral Reef Restoration Programmes Facilitate Changes in Environmental Attitudes? A Case Study on a Rural Fisher Community in North Bali, Indonesia
This paper is not directly about microplastics — it is a qualitative study of how a coral reef restoration programme in north Bali, Indonesia influenced environmental attitudes and waste management behaviors among local fishing communities.
Plastics’ circular economy for the Galapagos Islands? Exploring plastics governance with implications for social and ocean equity in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Researchers explored the feasibility of implementing a plastics circular economy in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site facing significant marine plastic pollution. They examined the governance structures needed to address plastic waste while balancing conservation goals with the needs of local communities. The study highlights how remote island communities in the global South face unique challenges in managing plastic pollution equitably.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of coral reef conservation among Terengganu community of Malaysia
Researchers investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Terengganu community in Malaysia regarding coral reef conservation, identifying sociodemographic variables associated with conservation-oriented behavior. The study evaluated community engagement alongside a coral transplantation program on Geluk Island designed to restore and strengthen reef ecosystems facing threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health
This paper presents a strategic framework for community engagement in the Oceans and Human Health field, reviewing how participatory research approaches can connect coastal communities with scientists to address marine environmental threats including plastic pollution. The framework emphasizes co-production of knowledge as essential for translating ocean health research into effective public health responses.
Effect of community participation on sustainable development: an assessment of sustainability domains in Malaysia
This paper is not relevant to microplastics — it investigates how community participation in coral reef conservation programs affects sustainable development outcomes in Malaysia.
Microplastic as an invisible threat to the coral reefs: Sources, toxicity mechanisms, policy intervention, and the way forward
This review examines how microplastics threaten coral reefs by causing physical damage, chemical toxicity, and disruption to coral biology. Microplastics can block coral feeding, carry harmful chemicals, and promote disease-causing bacteria on coral surfaces. While focused on coral ecosystems, the findings matter for human health because healthy reefs support fisheries and coastal communities that millions of people depend on.
Tangled Waters: Equity-based Study of Plastic Pollution Impacts on Indigenous Communities in Fiji
Researchers examined the impacts of plastic pollution on Indigenous communities at three case study locations in Fiji, blending Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary research methods and equity frameworks to assess distributional, procedural, and recognitional dimensions of plastic pollution. The year-long fieldwork-based study found that plastic pollution disproportionately burdens Indigenous communities and recommended improved waste management solutions grounded in community agency.
Macro- and microplastics as complex threats to coral reef ecosystems
This review summarizes the growing threat that plastic pollution, from large debris down to nanoplastics, poses to coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Researchers found that microplastics can impair coral feeding, skeletal formation, and nutrition, weakening reef health. The study calls for including plastic monitoring in reef conservation programs and promoting a circular economy to reduce plastic waste entering oceans.
Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in Coral Reefs at Penimbangan Waters
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance and characteristics in coral reef tissues and sediments at Penimbangan Beach, finding MPs in all 12 coral samples analyzed. Fiber and fragment types dominated, with polymers matching common fishing and packaging materials, reflecting local pollution inputs to the reef ecosystem.