Coral reefs at Ofu, American Samoa, where USGS researchers are studying coral resilience to rising sea-surface temperatures, as well as the influence that submarine groundwater discharge may have on coral reef health.
Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC): Adapting Together
Active
By Climate Adaptation Science Centers
September 21, 2023
Pacific Islands CASC supports Coral Reef Resilience in Guam and American Samoa
Explore data that identify areas where environmental conditions are favorable for coral growth and survival. This information could be combined with current understanding of coral resilience to inform best resilience-based management strategies.
Explore data that identify areas where environmental conditions are favorable for coral growth and survival. This information could be combined with current understanding of coral resilience to inform best resilience-based management strategies.
PI-CASC Builds Education Hub for Climate Resources
Explore the growing online resource for students, teachers, researchers, and other community members to explore place-based learning materials, tools, and data on climate science.
Explore the growing online resource for students, teachers, researchers, and other community members to explore place-based learning materials, tools, and data on climate science.
New Release: American Samoa Sea Level Rise Viewer
Use this interactive map to explore projections for future hazards due to rising sea levels and subsidence. This tool can be used for resilience planning purposes in these coastal areas.
Use this interactive map to explore projections for future hazards due to rising sea levels and subsidence. This tool can be used for resilience planning purposes in these coastal areas.
Growing Resource Supported by PI-CASC: The American Samoa Data Portal
This data portal provides access to new and existing web-based tools that can enable managers and community members to collect, download, and view relevant data, facilitating a wide range of adaptation and management activities.
This data portal provides access to new and existing web-based tools that can enable managers and community members to collect, download, and view relevant data, facilitating a wide range of adaptation and management activities.
Ongoing Work From USGS and PI-CASC Examines Potential of Flooding in Coastal Parks
This project examines the impact of climate change and sea-level rise on future flooding of coastal parks and refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.
This project examines the impact of climate change and sea-level rise on future flooding of coastal parks and refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.
USGS in the American Territories
Learn more about the exciting work the USGS is doing in the American Territories across the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Learn more about the exciting work the USGS is doing in the American Territories across the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Want to Learn More about the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC)?
Check out this interactive narrative!
Check out this interactive narrative!
The Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, or PI-CASC (pronounced “pie-cask”), supports regional climate expertise tailored to the unique challenges faced by island communities and ecosystems. PI-CASC serves communities on Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, supporting resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change.
Pacific Islands CASC
Pacific Islands CASC
PI-CASC is a collaborative partnership between the USGS, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and the University of Guam. Learn more about our consortium and our work below and connect with us on Social Media! You can find us at @usgs_climate (X and Instagram) and at @pacificcasc (X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook).
Exciting Ongoing Work!
Exciting Ongoing Work!
Featured Topic: Strengthening Disaster Resilience in our Communities
From coastal change and sea level rise to drought and wildfires, climate change is profoundly impacting our island communities across Hawaiʻi and the USAPI. Researchers supported by PI-CASC are expanding current knowledges and building up-to-date data tools that provide access to information necessary to prepare for and respond to climate impacts. Watch this featured video to learn more about an example project and explore other ongoing efforts below.
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
Sea-Level Rise Viewer for American Samoa: A Co-Developed Visualization and Planning Tool
Sea-Level Rise Viewer for American Samoa: A Co-Developed Visualization and Planning Tool
Sea-Level Rise Viewer for American Samoa: A Co-Developed Visualization and Planning Tool
The Impact of Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise on Future Flooding of Coastal Parks and Refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
The Impact of Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise on Future Flooding of Coastal Parks and Refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
The Impact of Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise on Future Flooding of Coastal Parks and Refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
Dive Deeper: Addressing Climate-Driven Challenges in the Pacific
The USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) foster relationships between scientists, communities, resource managers, and conservation practitioners to help nature and people adapt to climate change. Our network is made up of one national and nine regional centers. We explore the impacts of climate change on the fish, wildlife, lands, waters, and cultural resources and work with resource managers to develop science-informed adaptation management. Our researchers and partners work together to build climate resilience for nature and people under a changing climate.
The Pacific Islands CASC, or PI-CASC (pronounced “pie-cask”), maintains a rich network of regional expertise to address the unique climate challenges faced by island communities and ecosystems. We serve communities on Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands to support sustainable adaptation in the face of climate change.
The Pacific Island's diverse people and ecosystems face unprecedented challenges related to climate change adaptation. PI-CASC works with Pacific communities to co-develop science-based adaptation strategies, coupling Indigenous Knowledges with emerging science. We support local and regional capacity in climate change adaptation, building resilience while conserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come. We are always open to building new and meaningful relationships with local communities, resource managers, researchers, and others committed to developing strategies to address climate change challenges.
Empowering Communities
For many in the Pacific, climate change is not a someday threat – it is today’s reality. Yet, these are communities who are well versed in the dynamism of living near and with the ocean, who hold deep place-based knowledge and demonstrate the resilience and respect needed to adapt.
Local and Indigenous communities are priority partners within PI-CASC. Our research embodies the actionable science model, where scientists collaborate with partners at every stage of the research process to ensure results meet on-the-ground needs. Through this model, our scientists work with Pacific Islands communities to understand their information needs and support their communities’ goals. Our work empowers communities to make climate-informed decisions that preserve their coastal industries, natural resources, food and water security, and cultural heritage. We are committed to increasing local capacity and connectivity so that the Pacific islands can share successful climate adaptation strategies with the broader region.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
PI-CASC community collaborations include:
-
Creating an online Agroforestry Dashboard for the Marshall Islands in both English and Marshallese to provide harvesting and planting recommendations based on local Traditional Knowledge and El Niño/La Niña weather patterns. Learn More
-
Developing an interactive, online portal of geospatial (GIS) climate data for American Samoa to inform local resource management and community decisions. Learn More
-
Convening forums of managers, landowners, and stewardship organizations on Hawaiʻi to develop climate adaptation strategies for loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishpond) aquaculture. Learn More
Protecting Vulnerable Ecosystems
The Pacific Islands are home to some of the most beautiful and iconic ecosystems in the world, from colorful coral reefs to lush rainforests. Pacific Islanders are judicious stewards of these precious natural resources and are leaders in marine conservation initiatives. And yet as global temperatures rise, island resource managers are increasingly having to develop new strategies for protecting their natural heritage.
PI-CASC combines the expertise of USGS and university researchers with community and Indigenous Knowledge holders to understand the complex effects of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems in the Pacific. Our researchers develop sophisticated, local-scale (“downscaled”) climate models to map future climate change effects across the region, investigating phenomenon such as droughts, sea-level rise, fire risks, invasive species spread, and coral bleaching. Our scientists use broad observation systems, muddy-boots field work, and mathematical modeling to understand how plants, animals, and ecosystems are changing. Researchers work alongside managers to examine how future climate projections may shape these systems and to develop forward-looking management solutions. We also partner with existing networks of local and Indigenous leaders, including resource managers and community members, to ensure that our science meets the communities’ needs and respectfully encompasses information from diverse knowledge systems. Through these relationships and the actionable science model, we strive to develop research directly usable for island conservation, restoration, and management.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Recent PI-CASC research collaborations include:
-
Using NASA remote sensing technologies (MiDAR) to assess coral bleaching events in reefs along Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Learn More
-
Developing a map-based tool to identify climate-resilient coastal wetlands on Molokaʻi to prioritize restoration efforts. Learn More
-
Modeling future sea-level rise and flooding projections for national parks in Hawaiʻi, Guam, Saipan, and American Samoa and national wildlife refuges on the islands of Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Guam to inform National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adaptation plans. Learn More
Supporting “Ridge to Reef” Management
Solutions to water pollution are found in coordinating the use and management of land and water from source to sea. By linking action and implementation in river basins and coasts, the aim is to support ecosystem services and improve riparian and coastal livelihoods. - The International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN
Everything in nature is connected. Clouds that move across the ocean collide with the islands in the Pacific; rainwater feeds aquifers, streams and rivers; waters flow across the land and into the ocean; the ocean feeds life on the coasts and deep underwater. These linkages across the natural world are deeply ingrained in the cultural identities and stewardship practices of the peoples of the Pacific Islands. Resource flows across land and seascapes are vital for sustaining resilient communities, ecosystems, and cultural practices.
Pacific Islanders have long understood that conservation cannot start on the beach. Inland human land use practices and environmental change can have profound impacts that radiate into and across ocean waters. PI-CASC supports the “Ridge to Reef” management paradigm, helping communities promote sustainable practices from the tops of volcanoes down to the sea floor. Our research combines Western science with the wisdom and experience of Indigenous peoples in the region, understanding that we are all critical partners in developing viable climate solutions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Recent PI-CASC research collaborations include:
-
Assessing future sea-level rise vulnerability for coral reef and mangrove shorelines in the Federated States of Micronesia to support climate-informed watershed management plans. Learn More
-
Using community-collected data to develop sea-level rise inundation exposure assessments for the Marshall Islands. Learn More
-
Mapping land use and climate change threats to nearshore fisheries in Palau and evaluating how Palau’s “ridge to reef” governance practices can promote regional food security. Learn More
Want to learn more about climate change in the Pacific? Check out PI-CASC's website to find resources, funding opportunities, and more!
Learn more about research from the Pacific Islands CASC on climate change effects and climate adaptation efforts in the Pacific Islands.
Project Spotlight
Project Spotlight
Simulating and Projecting Future Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Majuro Atoll
Project Spotlight
Project Spotlight
Linking Models to Outcomes – How do Hawaiʻi Stakeholders Use and Contribute to Land-to-Sea Ecosystem Service Analyses?
Filter Total Items: 25
A Prioritization Plan for Coastal Wetland Restoration on Moloka‘i
Wetland restoration on Moloka'i is needed to expand habitat for endangered species, improve ecosystem services, increase access to cultural resources including sedges for weaving, and increase opportunities for growing taro. The goal of this project is to assess the current status of wetlands on the island of Moloka‘i, evaluate potential impacts of projected sea level rise on these habitats, and...
Using Oral Histories of Marshallese and Yapese Voyagers to Support the Development of Community Engagement for Sustainable Sea Transport
There is a growing movement in the Pacific to decarbonize sea transportation. The transition to sustainable sea transport is projected to reduce socioeconomic vulnerability to external rises in oil prices while lowering carbon emissions in a period of intensifying climate change. With potential periodic global breakdowns in transport of fuel due to potential hazards such as global pandemics or pol
Unlocking Resilience Drivers to Inform Pacific Coral Reef Management
Coral reefs are threatened by climate change because warming ocean temperatures are causing corals to bleach (i.e. lose the algae that provides them with the majority of their energy) which can lead to coral starvation and death. Local environmental conditions can contribute to either the resilience or susceptibility of corals to the global stress of climate change. One such factor is the local nu
Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise
Continued sea-level rise from a changing climate is expected to result in the loss of many coastal mangrove trees, which, will strongly affect human populations on isolated Western Pacific islands as they rely heavily on mangrove forests for food (fish, shrimp, and crabs), building materials, and firewood. Mangroves also protect local communities from tsunamis and cyclones and are important for cl
Applying a Novel Spatial Prioritization Technique to Support Climate Resilient Conservation Planning for the Recovery of 300 Endangered and At Risk Species in Maui Nui
Hawaiʻi is often referred to as the endangered species capital of the world, with hundreds of species at risk. While Hawaiian forest birds have garnered attention in the global conservation community as they face imminent extinction due to climate change, climate also poses serious challenges to hundreds of other Hawaiian species. Although traditional recovery plans provide meaningful guidance to
Predicting and Mitigating the Threat of Avian Disease to Forest Birds at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Hawaiʻi’s native forest birds are known worldwide for their diversity and beauty. Unfortunately, many species are heading towards extinction because of bird malaria spread by mosquitoes introduced over a century ago. Remaining populations of these highly threatened forest birds tend to be at high elevations near the tree line on mountains, where cooler temperatures limit mosquitoes and malaria dev
Making Regional Climate Model Outputs for Hawaiʻi More Accessible to a Diverse User Community
The Hawaiian Islands are both biologically and ecologically diverse. To better manage and understand this diverse landscape, detailed, reliable projections of future changes in climate are needed by Hawaiʻi resource managers, such as land managers, conservation organizations, and decision makers. Global climate models (or “general circulation models”) produce projections at regional or global scal
Coral Response to Land-to-Ocean Freshwater Flux: A Ridge-to-Reef Perspective
Assessments that incorporate areas from land-to-ocean, or “ridge-to-reef", are critical to examine how land-use practices are altering stream discharge and nearshore marine health and productivity. Stream systems in both Alaska and Hawaiʻi are expected to experience changes in water quality associated with changing environmental conditions and increased human-use. Watershed systems throughout the
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
The territory of American Samoa is highly vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change and there are many local agencies working towards adapting to this problem. These efforts often require organization, interpretation, or presentation of large amounts of data and information. However, those who directly need these data often do not have the time or experience to synthesize them in a form
Ecological and Socio-Cultural Responses to Transplanting Corals to Enhance Reef Resilience Near Oʻahu
Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to a combination of stressors, but climate induced ocean warming is the biggest threat. Warming oceans lead to ‘coral bleaching’ and frequent death, compromising the structure and function of reefs. The increasing frequency and severity of bleaching means that human intervention is needed to support the adaptive capacity of reefs. Most proposed interventions
Linking Models to Outcomes – How do Hawaiʻi Stakeholders Use and Contribute to Land-to-Sea Ecosystem Service Analyses
Pacific Island societies value, depend on, and actively manage terrestrial and marine ecosystems for the multiple benefits they provide, including those associated with plant and animal abundance, resilience to natural disasters, and the flow of water, soil, and nutrients. New ecosystem service models developed for Pacific Island landscapes now integrate land-to-sea connections, allowing us to ass
Effect of Extreme Tidal Events on Future Sea-Level Rise Scenarios for He‘eia Fish Communities undergoing Ahupua‘a Restoration
For the past few years, “king tides,” or the highest tides of the year, have been occurring more frequently and significantly affecting coastal environments across Hawaiʻi. Now, disappearing beaches and waves crashing over roadways are seemingly the “new normal.” In response, the state of Hawaiʻi is implementing adaptation strategies to combat tidal flooding in coastal areas. While flood managemen
Check out some of photos, videos, and webinars showcasing PI-CASC's work supporting Pacific Island communities in the face of climate change.
"Slice of PI-CASC" Series
"Slice of PI-CASC" Series
The “Slice of PI-CASC” seminar series provides a platform for a wide audience to learn about ongoing climate adaptation research and science-to-management applications in Hawaiʻi, the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands, and beyond.
Voice of the Sea
Voice of the Sea
Voice of the Sea, a weekly television series produced by the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant Center for Marine Science Education, has featured a variety of PI-CASC stories. Watch as PI-CASC students discuss their research on traditional Hawai'ian aquaculture and exploring people’s perception of the effects of climate change on a favorite surf spot.
Pacific RISCC Webinar Series
Pacific RISCC Webinar Series
The Pacific RISCC holds webinars to discuss the unique challenges climate change and invasive species pose for their partners across the Hawai’i and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands region. Webinars cover topics such as island bird conservation, managing fire-promoting plants, and the intersection between invasive species and island droughts.
Coral reefs at Ofu, American Samoa
Coral reefs at Ofu, American Samoa, where USGS researchers are studying coral resilience to rising sea-surface temperatures, as well as the influence that submarine groundwater discharge may have on coral reef health.
Stakeholder meeting at Pu'u Wa'awa'a State Forest Reserve in Hawai'i
Researchers associated with the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center meet with potential stakeholders at the Pu'u Wa'awa'a State Forest Reserve in Hawai'i
Researchers associated with the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center meet with potential stakeholders at the Pu'u Wa'awa'a State Forest Reserve in Hawai'i
Ridge-to-Reef and Icefield-to-Ocean: Collaborative Research in Extreme Environments
Steep watersheds with dramatic environmental gradients are common features of both the Pacific Islands and Southeast Alaska.
Steep watersheds with dramatic environmental gradients are common features of both the Pacific Islands and Southeast Alaska.
Hawai'i Island: Voices From Community-Based Climate Adaptation
Hawai'i 'Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens).
Hawai'i 'Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens).
Hawai'i 'Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens).
Hawai'ian forest at Hawai'i in Volcanoes National Park.
Photograph of a Hawai'ian forest near the youngest site along the Hawai'ian Long Substrate Age Gradient used in this study. This forest is on the big island of Hawai'i in Volcanoes National Park.
Photograph of a Hawai'ian forest near the youngest site along the Hawai'ian Long Substrate Age Gradient used in this study. This forest is on the big island of Hawai'i in Volcanoes National Park.
Micronesian mangrove forest with high elevation and generalist species
Mangrove forest in Pohnpei, Micronesia, with Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (sohmw) and Xylocarpus gymnorrhiza (pwulok).
The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
Mangrove forest in Pohnpei, Micronesia, with Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (sohmw) and Xylocarpus gymnorrhiza (pwulok).
The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
Assessing the Functional Equivalency of Hawaiian fishponds
Hawaiian fishponds were important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they were an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership resulted in a decline in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Hawaiian fishponds were important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they were an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership resulted in a decline in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Assessing the Functional Equivalency of Hawaiian fishponds
Hawaiian fishponds are important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they are an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership result in declines in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Hawaiian fishponds are important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they are an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership result in declines in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Resilient Voices: Adaptation Across Worldviews
The Department of the Interior Pacific Islands Climate Science Center and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo developed and hosted a Climate Change Boot Camp that showcased collaborative research efforts within UH Hilo’s Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science graduate program that are driven by local natural resource managers across Hawaiʻi Islan
The Department of the Interior Pacific Islands Climate Science Center and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo developed and hosted a Climate Change Boot Camp that showcased collaborative research efforts within UH Hilo’s Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science graduate program that are driven by local natural resource managers across Hawaiʻi Islan
Breaking waves, Marshall Islands
Waves breaking over offshore reefs on Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, where reefs are protecting developed land from flooding.
Waves breaking over offshore reefs on Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, where reefs are protecting developed land from flooding.
Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Aerial photograph of Kwajalein Atoll showing its low-lying islands and coral reefs.
Aerial photograph of Kwajalein Atoll showing its low-lying islands and coral reefs.
Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Underwater image of a wave breaking over a coral reef on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This image shows how the high hydrodynamic roughness of live, healthy corals causes friction that induces breaking of waves over coral reefs, reducing wave energy at the shoreline that can cause flooding and island overwash.
Underwater image of a wave breaking over a coral reef on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This image shows how the high hydrodynamic roughness of live, healthy corals causes friction that induces breaking of waves over coral reefs, reducing wave energy at the shoreline that can cause flooding and island overwash.
Coral reef
Underwater photo of a healthy coral reef.
Underwater photo of a healthy coral reef.
Healthy coral reef in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve
A healthy coral reef in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve off Tumon, Guam, showing a number of different species of fish swimming over a high coral cover reef composed of a number of hard and soft coral species.
A healthy coral reef in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve off Tumon, Guam, showing a number of different species of fish swimming over a high coral cover reef composed of a number of hard and soft coral species.
Hawai'i Creeper
Endangered forest bird, Hawai'i Creeper (Oreomystis mana).
Endangered forest bird, Hawai'i Creeper (Oreomystis mana).
The Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, or PI-CASC (pronounced “pie-cask”), supports regional climate expertise tailored to the unique challenges faced by island communities and ecosystems. PI-CASC serves communities on Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, supporting resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change.
Pacific Islands CASC
Pacific Islands CASC
PI-CASC is a collaborative partnership between the USGS, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and the University of Guam. Learn more about our consortium and our work below and connect with us on Social Media! You can find us at @usgs_climate (X and Instagram) and at @pacificcasc (X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook).
Exciting Ongoing Work!
Exciting Ongoing Work!
Featured Topic: Strengthening Disaster Resilience in our Communities
From coastal change and sea level rise to drought and wildfires, climate change is profoundly impacting our island communities across Hawaiʻi and the USAPI. Researchers supported by PI-CASC are expanding current knowledges and building up-to-date data tools that provide access to information necessary to prepare for and respond to climate impacts. Watch this featured video to learn more about an example project and explore other ongoing efforts below.
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
Sea-Level Rise Viewer for American Samoa: A Co-Developed Visualization and Planning Tool
Sea-Level Rise Viewer for American Samoa: A Co-Developed Visualization and Planning Tool
Sea-Level Rise Viewer for American Samoa: A Co-Developed Visualization and Planning Tool
The Impact of Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise on Future Flooding of Coastal Parks and Refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
The Impact of Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise on Future Flooding of Coastal Parks and Refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
The Impact of Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise on Future Flooding of Coastal Parks and Refuges in Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
Dive Deeper: Addressing Climate-Driven Challenges in the Pacific
The USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) foster relationships between scientists, communities, resource managers, and conservation practitioners to help nature and people adapt to climate change. Our network is made up of one national and nine regional centers. We explore the impacts of climate change on the fish, wildlife, lands, waters, and cultural resources and work with resource managers to develop science-informed adaptation management. Our researchers and partners work together to build climate resilience for nature and people under a changing climate.
The Pacific Islands CASC, or PI-CASC (pronounced “pie-cask”), maintains a rich network of regional expertise to address the unique climate challenges faced by island communities and ecosystems. We serve communities on Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands to support sustainable adaptation in the face of climate change.
The Pacific Island's diverse people and ecosystems face unprecedented challenges related to climate change adaptation. PI-CASC works with Pacific communities to co-develop science-based adaptation strategies, coupling Indigenous Knowledges with emerging science. We support local and regional capacity in climate change adaptation, building resilience while conserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come. We are always open to building new and meaningful relationships with local communities, resource managers, researchers, and others committed to developing strategies to address climate change challenges.
Empowering Communities
For many in the Pacific, climate change is not a someday threat – it is today’s reality. Yet, these are communities who are well versed in the dynamism of living near and with the ocean, who hold deep place-based knowledge and demonstrate the resilience and respect needed to adapt.
Local and Indigenous communities are priority partners within PI-CASC. Our research embodies the actionable science model, where scientists collaborate with partners at every stage of the research process to ensure results meet on-the-ground needs. Through this model, our scientists work with Pacific Islands communities to understand their information needs and support their communities’ goals. Our work empowers communities to make climate-informed decisions that preserve their coastal industries, natural resources, food and water security, and cultural heritage. We are committed to increasing local capacity and connectivity so that the Pacific islands can share successful climate adaptation strategies with the broader region.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
PI-CASC community collaborations include:
-
Creating an online Agroforestry Dashboard for the Marshall Islands in both English and Marshallese to provide harvesting and planting recommendations based on local Traditional Knowledge and El Niño/La Niña weather patterns. Learn More
-
Developing an interactive, online portal of geospatial (GIS) climate data for American Samoa to inform local resource management and community decisions. Learn More
-
Convening forums of managers, landowners, and stewardship organizations on Hawaiʻi to develop climate adaptation strategies for loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishpond) aquaculture. Learn More
Protecting Vulnerable Ecosystems
The Pacific Islands are home to some of the most beautiful and iconic ecosystems in the world, from colorful coral reefs to lush rainforests. Pacific Islanders are judicious stewards of these precious natural resources and are leaders in marine conservation initiatives. And yet as global temperatures rise, island resource managers are increasingly having to develop new strategies for protecting their natural heritage.
PI-CASC combines the expertise of USGS and university researchers with community and Indigenous Knowledge holders to understand the complex effects of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems in the Pacific. Our researchers develop sophisticated, local-scale (“downscaled”) climate models to map future climate change effects across the region, investigating phenomenon such as droughts, sea-level rise, fire risks, invasive species spread, and coral bleaching. Our scientists use broad observation systems, muddy-boots field work, and mathematical modeling to understand how plants, animals, and ecosystems are changing. Researchers work alongside managers to examine how future climate projections may shape these systems and to develop forward-looking management solutions. We also partner with existing networks of local and Indigenous leaders, including resource managers and community members, to ensure that our science meets the communities’ needs and respectfully encompasses information from diverse knowledge systems. Through these relationships and the actionable science model, we strive to develop research directly usable for island conservation, restoration, and management.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Recent PI-CASC research collaborations include:
-
Using NASA remote sensing technologies (MiDAR) to assess coral bleaching events in reefs along Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Learn More
-
Developing a map-based tool to identify climate-resilient coastal wetlands on Molokaʻi to prioritize restoration efforts. Learn More
-
Modeling future sea-level rise and flooding projections for national parks in Hawaiʻi, Guam, Saipan, and American Samoa and national wildlife refuges on the islands of Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Guam to inform National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adaptation plans. Learn More
Supporting “Ridge to Reef” Management
Solutions to water pollution are found in coordinating the use and management of land and water from source to sea. By linking action and implementation in river basins and coasts, the aim is to support ecosystem services and improve riparian and coastal livelihoods. - The International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN
Everything in nature is connected. Clouds that move across the ocean collide with the islands in the Pacific; rainwater feeds aquifers, streams and rivers; waters flow across the land and into the ocean; the ocean feeds life on the coasts and deep underwater. These linkages across the natural world are deeply ingrained in the cultural identities and stewardship practices of the peoples of the Pacific Islands. Resource flows across land and seascapes are vital for sustaining resilient communities, ecosystems, and cultural practices.
Pacific Islanders have long understood that conservation cannot start on the beach. Inland human land use practices and environmental change can have profound impacts that radiate into and across ocean waters. PI-CASC supports the “Ridge to Reef” management paradigm, helping communities promote sustainable practices from the tops of volcanoes down to the sea floor. Our research combines Western science with the wisdom and experience of Indigenous peoples in the region, understanding that we are all critical partners in developing viable climate solutions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Recent PI-CASC research collaborations include:
-
Assessing future sea-level rise vulnerability for coral reef and mangrove shorelines in the Federated States of Micronesia to support climate-informed watershed management plans. Learn More
-
Using community-collected data to develop sea-level rise inundation exposure assessments for the Marshall Islands. Learn More
-
Mapping land use and climate change threats to nearshore fisheries in Palau and evaluating how Palau’s “ridge to reef” governance practices can promote regional food security. Learn More
Want to learn more about climate change in the Pacific? Check out PI-CASC's website to find resources, funding opportunities, and more!
Learn more about research from the Pacific Islands CASC on climate change effects and climate adaptation efforts in the Pacific Islands.
Project Spotlight
Project Spotlight
Simulating and Projecting Future Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Majuro Atoll
Project Spotlight
Project Spotlight
Linking Models to Outcomes – How do Hawaiʻi Stakeholders Use and Contribute to Land-to-Sea Ecosystem Service Analyses?
Filter Total Items: 25
A Prioritization Plan for Coastal Wetland Restoration on Moloka‘i
Wetland restoration on Moloka'i is needed to expand habitat for endangered species, improve ecosystem services, increase access to cultural resources including sedges for weaving, and increase opportunities for growing taro. The goal of this project is to assess the current status of wetlands on the island of Moloka‘i, evaluate potential impacts of projected sea level rise on these habitats, and...
Using Oral Histories of Marshallese and Yapese Voyagers to Support the Development of Community Engagement for Sustainable Sea Transport
There is a growing movement in the Pacific to decarbonize sea transportation. The transition to sustainable sea transport is projected to reduce socioeconomic vulnerability to external rises in oil prices while lowering carbon emissions in a period of intensifying climate change. With potential periodic global breakdowns in transport of fuel due to potential hazards such as global pandemics or pol
Unlocking Resilience Drivers to Inform Pacific Coral Reef Management
Coral reefs are threatened by climate change because warming ocean temperatures are causing corals to bleach (i.e. lose the algae that provides them with the majority of their energy) which can lead to coral starvation and death. Local environmental conditions can contribute to either the resilience or susceptibility of corals to the global stress of climate change. One such factor is the local nu
Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise
Continued sea-level rise from a changing climate is expected to result in the loss of many coastal mangrove trees, which, will strongly affect human populations on isolated Western Pacific islands as they rely heavily on mangrove forests for food (fish, shrimp, and crabs), building materials, and firewood. Mangroves also protect local communities from tsunamis and cyclones and are important for cl
Applying a Novel Spatial Prioritization Technique to Support Climate Resilient Conservation Planning for the Recovery of 300 Endangered and At Risk Species in Maui Nui
Hawaiʻi is often referred to as the endangered species capital of the world, with hundreds of species at risk. While Hawaiian forest birds have garnered attention in the global conservation community as they face imminent extinction due to climate change, climate also poses serious challenges to hundreds of other Hawaiian species. Although traditional recovery plans provide meaningful guidance to
Predicting and Mitigating the Threat of Avian Disease to Forest Birds at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Hawaiʻi’s native forest birds are known worldwide for their diversity and beauty. Unfortunately, many species are heading towards extinction because of bird malaria spread by mosquitoes introduced over a century ago. Remaining populations of these highly threatened forest birds tend to be at high elevations near the tree line on mountains, where cooler temperatures limit mosquitoes and malaria dev
Making Regional Climate Model Outputs for Hawaiʻi More Accessible to a Diverse User Community
The Hawaiian Islands are both biologically and ecologically diverse. To better manage and understand this diverse landscape, detailed, reliable projections of future changes in climate are needed by Hawaiʻi resource managers, such as land managers, conservation organizations, and decision makers. Global climate models (or “general circulation models”) produce projections at regional or global scal
Coral Response to Land-to-Ocean Freshwater Flux: A Ridge-to-Reef Perspective
Assessments that incorporate areas from land-to-ocean, or “ridge-to-reef", are critical to examine how land-use practices are altering stream discharge and nearshore marine health and productivity. Stream systems in both Alaska and Hawaiʻi are expected to experience changes in water quality associated with changing environmental conditions and increased human-use. Watershed systems throughout the
Developing the American Samoa Climate and GIS Data Portal: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Data Availability and Adaptation Capacity
The territory of American Samoa is highly vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change and there are many local agencies working towards adapting to this problem. These efforts often require organization, interpretation, or presentation of large amounts of data and information. However, those who directly need these data often do not have the time or experience to synthesize them in a form
Ecological and Socio-Cultural Responses to Transplanting Corals to Enhance Reef Resilience Near Oʻahu
Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to a combination of stressors, but climate induced ocean warming is the biggest threat. Warming oceans lead to ‘coral bleaching’ and frequent death, compromising the structure and function of reefs. The increasing frequency and severity of bleaching means that human intervention is needed to support the adaptive capacity of reefs. Most proposed interventions
Linking Models to Outcomes – How do Hawaiʻi Stakeholders Use and Contribute to Land-to-Sea Ecosystem Service Analyses
Pacific Island societies value, depend on, and actively manage terrestrial and marine ecosystems for the multiple benefits they provide, including those associated with plant and animal abundance, resilience to natural disasters, and the flow of water, soil, and nutrients. New ecosystem service models developed for Pacific Island landscapes now integrate land-to-sea connections, allowing us to ass
Effect of Extreme Tidal Events on Future Sea-Level Rise Scenarios for He‘eia Fish Communities undergoing Ahupua‘a Restoration
For the past few years, “king tides,” or the highest tides of the year, have been occurring more frequently and significantly affecting coastal environments across Hawaiʻi. Now, disappearing beaches and waves crashing over roadways are seemingly the “new normal.” In response, the state of Hawaiʻi is implementing adaptation strategies to combat tidal flooding in coastal areas. While flood managemen
Check out some of photos, videos, and webinars showcasing PI-CASC's work supporting Pacific Island communities in the face of climate change.
"Slice of PI-CASC" Series
"Slice of PI-CASC" Series
The “Slice of PI-CASC” seminar series provides a platform for a wide audience to learn about ongoing climate adaptation research and science-to-management applications in Hawaiʻi, the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands, and beyond.
Voice of the Sea
Voice of the Sea
Voice of the Sea, a weekly television series produced by the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant Center for Marine Science Education, has featured a variety of PI-CASC stories. Watch as PI-CASC students discuss their research on traditional Hawai'ian aquaculture and exploring people’s perception of the effects of climate change on a favorite surf spot.
Pacific RISCC Webinar Series
Pacific RISCC Webinar Series
The Pacific RISCC holds webinars to discuss the unique challenges climate change and invasive species pose for their partners across the Hawai’i and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands region. Webinars cover topics such as island bird conservation, managing fire-promoting plants, and the intersection between invasive species and island droughts.
Coral reefs at Ofu, American Samoa
Coral reefs at Ofu, American Samoa, where USGS researchers are studying coral resilience to rising sea-surface temperatures, as well as the influence that submarine groundwater discharge may have on coral reef health.
Coral reefs at Ofu, American Samoa, where USGS researchers are studying coral resilience to rising sea-surface temperatures, as well as the influence that submarine groundwater discharge may have on coral reef health.
Stakeholder meeting at Pu'u Wa'awa'a State Forest Reserve in Hawai'i
Researchers associated with the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center meet with potential stakeholders at the Pu'u Wa'awa'a State Forest Reserve in Hawai'i
Researchers associated with the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center meet with potential stakeholders at the Pu'u Wa'awa'a State Forest Reserve in Hawai'i
Ridge-to-Reef and Icefield-to-Ocean: Collaborative Research in Extreme Environments
Steep watersheds with dramatic environmental gradients are common features of both the Pacific Islands and Southeast Alaska.
Steep watersheds with dramatic environmental gradients are common features of both the Pacific Islands and Southeast Alaska.
Hawai'i Island: Voices From Community-Based Climate Adaptation
Hawai'i 'Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens).
Hawai'i 'Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens).
Hawai'i 'Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens).
Hawai'ian forest at Hawai'i in Volcanoes National Park.
Photograph of a Hawai'ian forest near the youngest site along the Hawai'ian Long Substrate Age Gradient used in this study. This forest is on the big island of Hawai'i in Volcanoes National Park.
Photograph of a Hawai'ian forest near the youngest site along the Hawai'ian Long Substrate Age Gradient used in this study. This forest is on the big island of Hawai'i in Volcanoes National Park.
Micronesian mangrove forest with high elevation and generalist species
Mangrove forest in Pohnpei, Micronesia, with Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (sohmw) and Xylocarpus gymnorrhiza (pwulok).
The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
Mangrove forest in Pohnpei, Micronesia, with Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (sohmw) and Xylocarpus gymnorrhiza (pwulok).
The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
Assessing the Functional Equivalency of Hawaiian fishponds
Hawaiian fishponds were important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they were an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership resulted in a decline in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Hawaiian fishponds were important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they were an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership resulted in a decline in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Assessing the Functional Equivalency of Hawaiian fishponds
Hawaiian fishponds are important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they are an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership result in declines in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Hawaiian fishponds are important cultural and economic resources for native Hawaiians as they are an important component of a sophisticated, integrated food production system. However, changing demographics and systems of land ownership result in declines in the use and upkeep of Hawaiian fishponds throughout the 19th century.
Resilient Voices: Adaptation Across Worldviews
The Department of the Interior Pacific Islands Climate Science Center and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo developed and hosted a Climate Change Boot Camp that showcased collaborative research efforts within UH Hilo’s Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science graduate program that are driven by local natural resource managers across Hawaiʻi Islan
The Department of the Interior Pacific Islands Climate Science Center and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo developed and hosted a Climate Change Boot Camp that showcased collaborative research efforts within UH Hilo’s Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science graduate program that are driven by local natural resource managers across Hawaiʻi Islan
Breaking waves, Marshall Islands
Waves breaking over offshore reefs on Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, where reefs are protecting developed land from flooding.
Waves breaking over offshore reefs on Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, where reefs are protecting developed land from flooding.
Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Aerial photograph of Kwajalein Atoll showing its low-lying islands and coral reefs.
Aerial photograph of Kwajalein Atoll showing its low-lying islands and coral reefs.
Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Underwater image of a wave breaking over a coral reef on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This image shows how the high hydrodynamic roughness of live, healthy corals causes friction that induces breaking of waves over coral reefs, reducing wave energy at the shoreline that can cause flooding and island overwash.
Underwater image of a wave breaking over a coral reef on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This image shows how the high hydrodynamic roughness of live, healthy corals causes friction that induces breaking of waves over coral reefs, reducing wave energy at the shoreline that can cause flooding and island overwash.
Coral reef
Underwater photo of a healthy coral reef.
Underwater photo of a healthy coral reef.
Healthy coral reef in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve
A healthy coral reef in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve off Tumon, Guam, showing a number of different species of fish swimming over a high coral cover reef composed of a number of hard and soft coral species.
A healthy coral reef in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve off Tumon, Guam, showing a number of different species of fish swimming over a high coral cover reef composed of a number of hard and soft coral species.
Hawai'i Creeper
Endangered forest bird, Hawai'i Creeper (Oreomystis mana).
Endangered forest bird, Hawai'i Creeper (Oreomystis mana).