Small Islands – Marine Science and Sustainable Development

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Coastal and Estuarine Studies, Volume 51.

Small tropical and subtropical islands are particularly attuned to the effects of the surrounding ocean and atmosphere. Frequently, these islands are densely populated and rely on the sea for sustenance and economic viability. Oftentimes too, individual island nations do not have the resources to address issues in oceanography and marine meteorology that are central to their future well-being. United Nations agencies, government and non-government organizations, and universities are dimly aware of their role to enhance collaboration between natural scientists and resource managers, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Accordingly, a meeting entitled "Small Island Oceanography in Relation to Sustainable Economic Development and Related Coastal Area Management" was held in Martinique, French Antilles, November 8-10, 1993.