Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
S. Stevenson, K. M. Cobb, M. Merrifield, B. Powell, S. Sanchez, J. Nusbaumer, G. O'Connor, A. Atwood
Summary: This study investigates the reconstruction of El Nino events using oxygen isotopic records from tropical corals, and finds that ocean dynamics play a critical role in influencing the isotopic composition of corals and seawater.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
Hui Zhou, Hengchang Liu, Shuwen Tan, Wenlong Yang, Yao Li, Xueqi Liu, Qiang Ren, William K. Dewar
Summary: This study investigated the structure and variations of the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) in the far western Pacific Ocean during 2014-16, finding that the impact of the 2015/16 El Nino on the NECC was comparable to that of the extreme 1997/98 El Nino, showing baroclinic instability during the developing phase. This differs from traditional understanding and highlights the diverse eddy-mean flow interactions associated with various states of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gemma K. O'Connor, Kim M. Cobb, Hussein R. Sayani, Alyssa R. Atwood, Pamela R. Grothe, Samantha Stevenson, Julia K. Baum, Tianran Chen, Danielle C. Claar, Nicholas T. Hitt, Jean Lynch-Stieglitz, Richard A. Mortlock, Gavin A. Schmidt, Rachel Walter
Summary: The study presents reliable reconstructions of El Nino events using coral delta O-18 records from Kiritimati Island during the 2015/16 strong El Nino event. Results show that approximately 70% of the signal in coral delta O-18 anomalies is from sea surface temperature, while the remaining 30% is from seawater delta O-18 anomalies.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Sulagna Ray, Lydia Stefanova, Bing Fu, Hong Guan, Jiande Wang, Jessica Meixner, Avichal Mehra, Yuejian Zhu
Summary: To improve seasonal forecasting capabilities, a new coupled system within the Unified Forecast System (UFS) framework is being developed by NOAA's Environmental Modeling Center. It is tested on the 2015/16 El Nino and shows improvements compared to the operational systems and NCEP real-time seasonal forecasts. The system uses stochastic physics-based perturbations to represent model uncertainties and suggests further improvement can be achieved by improving coupled system initialization and atmospheric physics.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Shaolei Tang, Jing-Jia Luo, Lin Chen, Yongqiang Yu
Summary: The 2015/16 El Nino displayed relatively modest warm sea surface temperature anomalies in the far eastern Pacific, accompanied by strong southeasterly wind anomalies. This distinct feature differed from the extreme case of the 1997/98 El Nino. The modest SST warming in the 2015/16 event was linked to strong vertical upwelling, westward currents, and enhanced surface evaporation caused by the strong southeasterly wind anomalies in the southeastern Pacific, which were influenced by multiple factors including warm SST anomalies in the equatorial central and eastern Pacific, cold SST anomalies in the southeastern subtropical Pacific, and decadal climate variability.
ADVANCES IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Cong Guan, Feng Tian, Michael J. McPhaden, Shijian Hu, Fan Wang
Summary: Salinity anomalies in the central Pacific induce the strongest surface warming during both types of El Nino, tapering off to the east and west. The distinct sea surface salinity zonal structures between the two El Ninos amplify their difference in sea surface temperature magnitude by about 10%. Salinity effects on vertical mixing and entrainment account for the different eastern Pacific and central Pacific El Nino responses.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Ruikun Hu, Tao Lian, Jie Feng, Dake Chen
Summary: The positive phase of the Pacific meridional mode (PMM) is related to the onset of El Nino. Previous studies suggest that positive sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the central equatorial Pacific (CEP) during positive PMM years primarily originate from the northeastern tropical Pacific (NETP) via positive wind-evaporation-SST feedback. However, our review and coupled model experiments show weak evidence and indicate that the impact of PMM on El Nino might be overestimated. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of the role of the tropical North Pacific on El Nino can only be achieved by considering the impact from the western North Pacific.
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Chengyang Guan, Xin Wang, Haijun Yang
Summary: By comparing the evolutions of different El Nino events, it is found that subtropical westerly anomalies in the North Pacific played an important role in the 2018/19 El Nino event and CP-II El Nino. Although off-equatorial forcing is vital, equatorial forcing has a different role in different seasons.
ADVANCES IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas T. Hitt, Hussein R. Sayani, Alyssa R. Atwood, Pamela R. Grothe, Christopher Maupin, Gemma K. O'Connor, Rachel M. Walter, Daniel Gebregiorgis, Madeleine E. Hardt, Yanbin Lu, Hai Cheng, R. Lawrence Edwards, Kim M. Cobb
Summary: This study demonstrates the utility of reconstructing twentieth century climate trends using an ensemble of multiple, short coral records, and shows a shift toward warmer and wetter conditions in the central equatorial Pacific since 1970.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Schuyler A. Smith, Patrick L. Barnard
Summary: The El Nino Southern Oscillation is the most dominant mode of interannual climate variability in the Pacific, and the 2015/2016 event caused significant coastal erosion in California, particularly in the northern region. Patterns of erosion and accretion were found, correlating with wave energy flux and driven by a northerly wave direction anomaly, suggesting a shift in El Nino storm patterns possibly influenced by climate change.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matt Fortnam, Molly Atkins, Katrina Brown, Tomas Chaigneau, Ankje Frouws, Kemyline Gwaro, Mark Huxham, James Kairo, Amon Kimeli, Bernard Kirui, Katy Sheen
Summary: The study used innovative methods to analyze the impacts of the 2015-2016 El Nino episode in southern coastal Kenya, revealing overlooked effects. It is not enough to develop national capacities to deal with El Nino events; local vulnerabilities must also be addressed to enhance resilience to climate and weather extremes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li-Chiao Wang, Jui-Lin Frank Li, Kuan-Man Xu, Lan Thi Dao, Wei-Liang Lee, Jonathan H. Jiang, Eric Fetzer, Yi-Hui Wang, Jia-Yuh Yu, Chao-An Chen
Summary: The study examines the impacts of falling ice (snow) radiative effects (FIREs) on simulated surface wind stress and sea surface temperature (SST) in Central Pacific El Nino (CP-El Nino) under a progressive warming climate. Results show that excluding FIREs generates persistent westerly anomalies in surface wind stress and leads to a longer life cycle of CP-El Nino events compared to simulations with FIREs. In contrast, simulations with FIREs produce a shorter CP-El Nino life cycle with stronger easterlies and colder SSTs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Weisheng Yang, Chuanyu Liu, Armin Koehl, Jin Wang, Xin Wang, Fan Wang
Summary: CP El Nino events have become more frequent in recent decades. The effects of wind stress patterns on the generation and evolution of CP El Nino are significant, but the wind patterns differ in different events, making it difficult to generalize previous findings.
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominique G. Maucieri, Julia K. Baum
Summary: Climate change poses a threat to coral reefs, particularly soft corals which have been less studied compared to hard corals. Recent research shows that soft corals are vulnerable to heat stress, with a significant decrease in cover after prolonged heatwaves. However, there is evidence of new growth of soft corals in the years following a heatwave, indicating a potential for recovery.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Youjia Zou, Xiangying Xi
Summary: This study shows that the intensity of westerly winds in the western equatorial Pacific remains relatively unchanged during most El Nino events, while an eastward equatorial current near the equator plays a significant role in causing the phenomenon.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Brae A. Price, Euan S. Harvey, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Benjamin J. Saunders, Marji Puotinen, Jordan S. Goetze
Summary: Tropical cyclones can have significant negative impacts on coral reefs, with the study showing spatial variability in live coral damage and increases in algae post-cyclone. The modelling of cyclone wave dynamics was found to better predict coral damage than proximity to the cyclone path, highlighting the importance of understanding and predicting cyclone impacts on marine habitats for effective mitigation and management strategies.
Article
Water Resources
Sarah Nelson, Seye Abimbola, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Aaron Jenkins, Stacy Jupiter, Kelera Naivalu, Vilisi Naivalulevu, Joel Negin
Summary: Village water committees play a key role in managing, operating, and maintaining water and sanitation facilities, with both reactive and proactive management approaches. Men dominate membership, roles, and decision-making in the water committees.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sangeeta Mangubhai, Yashika Nand, Chinnamma Reddy, Arundhati Jagadish
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the weaknesses in health, social, and economic systems, particularly affecting small-scale fisheries actors in Indo-Fiji. Many of these actors have experienced a reduction in fish sales and purchasing power, leading to challenges in meeting daily needs. The lack of social security or safety nets has left them vulnerable to the current crisis and other shocks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Cecelia M. Gerstenbacher, Adrien C. Finzi, Randi D. Rotjan, Alyssa B. Novak
Summary: Microplastics have potential impacts on seagrass plants, epiphytes, and sediment processes and functions. They may harm seagrasses and epiphytes through impalement and light/gas blockage, increase toxin concentrations, and disrupt nutrient cycling and sediment characteristics.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Diva J. Amon, Randi D. Rotjan, Brian R. C. Kennedy, Gerard Alleng, Rafael Anta, Eriatera Aram, Thera Edwards, Marcia Creary-Ford, Kristina M. Gjerde, Judith Gobin, Laura-Ashley Henderson, Alexis Hope, Raquel Khan Ali, Sebastian Lanser, Keith Lewis, Hannah Lochan, Scott MacLean, Nabuti Mwemwenikarawa, Brennan Phillips, Betarim Rimon, Stacey-Ann Sarjursingh, Tooreka Teemari, Aranteiti Tekiau, Alan Turchik, Henri Valles, Kareati Waysang, Katherine L. C. Bell
Summary: The deep ocean, constituting over 90% of all habitable space on the planet, faces challenges in knowledge, governance, and global capacity, making its resilience vulnerable. Historically, deep-ocean scientific exploration has been limited to a few nations, resulting in limited understanding of the deep ocean among the majority.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katherine L. C. Bell, Jennifer Szlosek Chow, Alexis Hope, Maud C. Quinzin, Kat A. Cantner, Diva J. Amon, Jessica E. Cramp, Randi D. Rotjan, Lehua Kamalu, Asha de Vos, Sheena Talma, Salome Buglass, Veta Wade, Zoleka Filander, Kaitlin Noyes, Miriam Lynch, Ashley Knight, Nuno Lourenco, Peter R. Girguis, Joao Borges de Sousa, Chris Blake, Brian R. C. Kennedy, Timothy J. Noyes, Craig R. McClain
Summary: Only a small fraction of the deep sea has been scientifically explored and characterized due to various constraints. To address this issue and promote inclusion and accessibility to ocean discovery, low-cost, scalable tools and collaborative research methods are needed. This study focuses on technical capacity needs for equitable deep-sea exploration and identifies opportunities and challenges related to data collection and analysis. It also presents a prototype camera system and an online AI-driven video analysis platform, as well as recommendations for future collaborative design projects in the deep sea.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Camille Mellin, Christina C. Hicks, Damien A. Fordham, Christopher D. Golden, Marian Kjellevold, M. Aaron MacNeil, Eva Maire, Sangeeta Mangubhai, David Mouillot, Kirsty L. Nash, Johnstone O. Omukoto, James P. W. Robinson, Rick D. Stuart-Smith, Jessica Zamborain-Mason, Graham J. Edgar, Nicholas A. J. Graham
Summary: This Perspective discusses the potential effects of ocean warming on the provision of human nutrition from coral reef fish. It explores how altered metabolism, microbiome composition, and trophic interactions may change fish nutrient profiles. Climate change is a key stressor threatening coral reefs and their associated fish services, which affects the sustainability of coral reef fisheries. The response of fish nutrient concentrations to warming oceans is still uncertain, but it is likely influenced by both direct and indirect effects. Assessing the nutritional quality of available food in addition to quantity is crucial for food security and malnutrition research. The study also outlines future research priorities and a framework for sustainable reef fisheries in a warming ocean.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Sangeeta Mangubhai, Sarah Lawless, Anna Cowley, Jayshree P. Mangubhai, Meryl J. Williams
Summary: Gender equality is a universally agreed principle and value, but its implementation varies across different sectors. This study compares the perspectives and investments in gender of the development and fisheries sectors, and explores opportunities to strengthen collaboration and networks between them. The findings reveal divergences in the inclusion of gender in their work and highlight the challenges and potential for knowledge transfer and capacity building. The study suggests strategic partnerships in shifting values, gender mainstreaming, adopting best practices, and investing in gender networks and coalitions to promote gender equality in the fisheries sector.
Article
Biology
Randi D. Rotjan, Nicholas E. Ray, Ingrid Cole, Kurt G. Castro, Brian R. C. Kennedy, Tina Barbasch, Kathryn C. Lesneski, Karina Scavo Lord, Anjali Bhardwaj, Madeleine Edens, Ioanna Karageorge, Caitlynn Klawon, Hallie Kruh-Needleman, Gretchen McCarthy, Raziel Perez, Christopher Roberts, Isabela F. Trumble, Aryanna Volk, Javon Torres, Joshua Morey
Summary: Coral reefs are ecologically destabilized due to climate change. A study found that parrotfish changed their grazing behavior in response to bleaching, selectively avoiding bleached corals. While short-term respite from corallivory may temporarily buffer coral energy budgets, heavily grazed corals are more susceptible to bleaching, increasing mortality risk. These interactions and behavioral shifts can fundamentally alter ecological outcomes in vulnerable ecosystems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Sangeeta Mangubhai, Kate M. Barclay, Sarah Lawless, Natalie Makhoul
Summary: Attention to the human dimensions of capture fisheries is important in understanding the experience and distribution of harms and benefits among different groups. We found that gender-based violence (GBV) is pervasive and reinforced by fisheries policies, practices, and institutions. Our synthesis demonstrates the various forms of GBV present in capture fisheries, including physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and cultural violence. We provide seven recommendations for addressing GBV in capture fisheries, such as investing in gender-sensitization, forming partnerships, and improving policies and coordination among regulatory bodies.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tanya O'Garra, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Arundhati Jagadish, Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, Alifereti Tawake, Hugh Govan, Morena Mills
Summary: Understanding the mechanisms and impacts of community-based initiatives in environmental management is crucial, but such evaluations are rare. This study presents a national-scale evaluation of a locally managed marine areas network in Fiji, showing that it improves participation, knowledge, management, and financial support. However, these mechanisms do not lead to significant social outcomes or perceived ecological health improvement.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Randi D. Rotjan, Katherine L. C. Bell, Julie A. Huber, Charles Geoffrey Wheat, Andrew T. Fisher, Rosalynn Lee Sylvan, James Mcmanus, Katharine T. Bigham, Sergio Cambronero-Solano, Tristan Cordier, Savannah Goode, Juliana Leonard, Sheryl Murdock, Fabiana S. Paula, Leandro Ponsoni, Adela Roa-Varon, Sarah Seabrook, Russell Shomberg, Loic Van Audenhaege, Beth N. Orcutt
Summary: Leading deep-sea research expeditions requires comprehensive training and experience. To address the lack of leadership training in this field, the Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Accelerator launched a virtual Master Class aimed at empowering Early Career Researchers with the necessary skills and tools for successful deep-sea oceanographic field research. The Master Class covered various topics, including expedition planning, funding sources, and team science, and has shown promising initial outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nabeela Nasim, Shylett Anthony, Thompson Daurewa, Sikeli Gavidi, Pierre Horwitz, Aaron Jenkins, Stacy Jupiter, Shuang Liu, Kinikoto Mailautoka, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Kelera Naivalu, Timoci Naivalulevu, Vilisi Naivalulevu, Sikeli Naucunivanua, Joel Negin, Mereia Ravoka, Andrew Tukana, Donald Wilson, Jacqueline Thomas
Summary: Rural communities in Fiji rely on on-site sanitation systems, which have been found to be unsafe and contribute to faecal-oral diseases. This study aimed to assess the safety of existing sanitation infrastructure and estimate the proportion of safely managed systems. The findings revealed discrepancies between self-reported back-end category and actual observations, highlighting the need for improved sanitation practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian R. C. Kennedy, Randi D. Rotjan
Summary: Despite substantial efforts in mapping and exploring the oceans using new technologies, our knowledge about the oceans is still limited. Future work needs to prioritize areas of greatest need and be more targeted to keep up with the rate and impact of environmental and biodiversity changes in the ocean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna E. Gauthier, Randi D. Rotjan, Jonathan C. Kagan
Summary: This review examines the history of LPS as a mammalian PAMP protein, recent data on LPS structure and its role in mammalian immune activation, and compares these activities across different eukaryotes. The authors discuss the reasons why LPS has immune-stimulatory effects in some organisms but not others, and propose two hypotheses about the evolution of PAMP structure.
