Occurrence

Tuvalu reef-associated food fishes observed under the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research project

Latest version published by The University of the South Pacific on 10 December 2024 The University of the South Pacific
Publication date:
10 December 2024
License:
CC-BY 4.0

Download the latest version of this resource data as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A) or the resource metadata as EML or RTF:

Data as a DwC-A file download 201 records in English (14 KB) - Update frequency: not planned
Metadata as an EML file download in English (21 KB)
Metadata as an RTF file download in English (9 KB)

Description

This dataset contains fish occurrence data collected in Tuvalu during a collaborative research project funded by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research. The project, lead by The University of the South Pacific, focused on the essential role of coral reef fisheries in supporting subsistence and artisanal fishers across four Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), namely, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Given the increasing threats posed by land-based pollution, changing fishing practices, and habitat degradation, this research aims to gather regionally representative data that enhances fisheries management and informs conservation efforts.

This Tuvalu dataset includes 43 fish species representing 10 families. Sampling locations for this dataset include sites in Funafuti.

This research initiative was made possible through the invaluable support of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department, The University of the South Pacific Tuvalu Campus, and the communities in Funafuti.

Data was collected by Lavata Nivaga, Paeniu Lopati, Filipo Makoli and Semese Alefaio.

Data Records

The data in this occurrence resource has been published as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), which is a standardized format for sharing biodiversity data as a set of one or more data tables. The core data table contains 201 records.

1 extension data tables also exist. An extension record supplies extra information about a core record. The number of records in each extension data table is illustrated below.

Occurrence (core)
201
MeasurementOrFacts 
402

This IPT archives the data and thus serves as the data repository. The data and resource metadata are available for download in the downloads section. The versions table lists other versions of the resource that have been made publicly available and allows tracking changes made to the resource over time.

Versions

The table below shows only published versions of the resource that are publicly accessible.

How to cite

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

Nivaga L, Kaitu L P, Lopati P, Makolo F, Alefaio S (2024). Tuvalu reef-associated food fishes observed under the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research project. Version 1.1. The University of the South Pacific. Occurrence dataset. https://ipt.sprep.org/resource?r=usp_apnford_tv&v=1.1

Rights

Researchers should respect the following rights statement:

The publisher and rights holder of this work is The University of the South Pacific. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) License.

GBIF Registration

This resource has been registered with GBIF, and assigned the following GBIF UUID: 66fcd4fc-56a0-4a49-8c59-7fa9ca96ac59.  The University of the South Pacific publishes this resource, and is itself registered in GBIF as a data publisher endorsed by Participant Node Managers Committee.

Keywords

Occurrence; Observation; Tuvalu; APN

Contacts

Lavata Nivaga
  • Metadata Provider
  • Originator
  • Point Of Contact
Research Assistant
The University of the South Pacific
Funafuti
TV
Lotokufaki Paka Kaitu
  • Originator
  • Point Of Contact
Senior Fisheries Officer - Coastal Fisheries Management (Ois 1)
Tuvalu Fisheries Department
Funafuti
TV
Paeniu Lopati
  • Originator
  • Point Of Contact
Fisheries Officer - Coastal Resources Assessment and Monitoring
Tuvalu Fisheries Department
Funafuti
TV
Filipo Makolo
  • Originator
  • Point Of Contact
Asst. Fisheries Officer - Resource Assessment and Monitoring
Tuvalu Fisheries Department
Funafuti
TV
Semese Alefaio
  • Originator
  • Point Of Contact
Principal Fisheries Officer - Coastal Fisheries 
Tuvalu Fisheries Department
Funafuti
TV
Kelly Brown
  • Curator
Curator - USP Marine Collection
The University of the South Pacific
Suva
FJ

Geographic Coverage

Localities in proximity to Funafuti.

Bounding Coordinates South West [-9.9, 175.1], North East [-5.4, 178.7]

Taxonomic Coverage

43 species from 10 families.

Family Acanthuridae, Caesionidae, Epinephelidae, Holocentridae, Lethrinidae, Lutjanidae, Mullidae, Scaridae, Siganidae, Sphyraenidae

Temporal Coverage

Start Date / End Date 2024-07-03 / 2024-09-16

Project Data

Coral reef fisheries are vital for supporting subsistence and artisanal fishers across the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). However, they are increasingly threatened by land-based pollution, changing fishing practices, and habitat degradation. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for research that provides regionally representative data on fisheries changes and pollution exposure, integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into management strategies, and enhances local capacity to support conservation efforts. This project will be conducted in four geographically diverse PICTs: Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, with four distinct objectives: (i) enhance capacity in PICTs; (ii) establish a regional baseline for microplastics (MP) in reef-associated food fishes; (iii) document TEK concerning reef-associated food fishes and pollution using social science methodologies; and (iv) inform national and regional conservation initiatives. The project concentrates on important reef-associated food fish species, identified by local stakeholders and spanning various trophic and functional groups. By fostering the co-production of research and knowledge with local partners, this project aims to establish a critically needed regional baseline of MP contamination in common food fishes (highlighting risks to human health and nutrition). Additionally, TEK will reveal preferences and catch trends, providing essential biological data to inform management tools that enhance food security.

Title Establishing baselines for marine plastics and bridging indigenous knowledge with ocean policy to improve livelihood security in the Pacific.
Identifier CRRP2022-05MY-Ford
Funding Funded by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research.
Study Area Description Coastal communities in Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Design Description Fish were identified at the species taxonomic level. Total length and, when possible, weight were measured. The gastrointestinal tract of each fish was removed for microplastic analysis.

The personnel involved in the project:

Amanda Ford

Additional Metadata

Alternative Identifiers 66fcd4fc-56a0-4a49-8c59-7fa9ca96ac59
https://ipt.sprep.org/resource?r=usp_apnford_tv