Local rise in sea level has been noticed by the people of Takuu and by Richard Moyle, a University of Auckland ethnomusicologist who studied the atoll for 17 years.

Two scientists (Scott Smithers and John Hunter) who visited the atoll in November and December 2008 say it does not appear to be sinking due to tectonic activity.

While the atoll is likely to persist physically for some time, a variety of problems due to apparent climate-change related phenomena and the political situation are making life on Takuu very difficult.

The ban was only lifted in the last five years, as young islanders who had lived and studied on the Papua New Guinea mainland returned to their homeland.

As a result, the returns from cultivation are diminishing and the people have been forced to appeal to the Papua New Guinea and Bougainville Regional governments for assistance.

In 2001, the community faced a time of great deprivation and hunger when the supply ship that regularly visits the islands was laid up for six months for repairs - and this is not unusual.

In December 2008, a series of tidal surges at high tide over three days washed away kitchens, flooded homes and destroyed a number of churches, terrifying the people.

The population dropped rapidly from around 2010 with the end of regular shipping, and expatriate Takuu chartered open boats to bring off family members, most of whom settled in Buka.