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Mendoza JN, Hanazaki N, Prūse B, Martini A, Bittner MV, Kochalski S, Macusi E, Ciriaco A, Mattalia G, Sõukand R. Ethnobotanical contributions to global fishing communities: a review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2023; 19:57. [PMID: 38042774 PMCID: PMC10693712 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-023-00630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnobotanical knowledge about the role of plants in fisheries provides valuable ecological information vital for sustainable management of local resources; however, it is diluted and understudied globally. This literature review aims to map the knowledge of plant use within traditional fishing communities. METHODS Through the PRISMA method, we identified and selected 34 articles reporting the use of plants in fisheries, and including 344 taxa of plants and algae. Uses of plants and algae were grouped into different categories. RESULTS In the novel categorization of fishery-related uses we proposed, the most mentioned were for fishing and building/repair of fishing artifacts and habitat-related uses, while the records of plants related to fiber uses, providing aid in fishing management and species causing problems, were among the least mentioned. Semi-structured interview is most commonly used with local resource users, especially fishery experts, in exploring perceptions on plant use within traditional fishing communities. Diversity was high in all the recorded families, but most were reported locally. CONCLUSION Ethnobotanical studies with fishers are not common in the documented literature but they provide a large number of use reports. On the basis this review, in most of the world, the information is of a casual and sporadic nature. Fishers can provide information on aquatic plants and algae that create problems and aid in fishing management, which are crucial in understanding the ecosystem of a region experiencing environmental challenges. This knowledge is greatly understudied globally and undergoing a rapid decline, as highlighted in several of the reviewed articles. Thus, further systematic research on fishery-related uses of plants by fisherfolk is needed considering its potential contribution to the sustainable management of fishery resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimlea Nadezhda Mendoza
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy.
- Tagalog Fisher Community of Mabato Asufre Pangil, Pangil, Laguna, Philippines.
| | - Natalia Hanazaki
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Baiba Prūse
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agnese Martini
- Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Maria Viktoria Bittner
- Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Sophia Kochalski
- CRETUS, Department of Applied Economics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Edison Macusi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Davao Oriental State University, Mati, Philippines
| | - Aimee Ciriaco
- Tagalog Fisher Community of Mabato Asufre Pangil, Pangil, Laguna, Philippines
- Kabulusan Integrated National High School, Pakil, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Giulia Mattalia
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- New York Botanical Garden, New York, USA
| | - Renata Sõukand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
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Barnett J, Jarillo S, Swearer SE, Lovelock CE, Pomeroy A, Konlechner T, Waters E, Morris RL, Lowe R. Nature-based solutions for atoll habitability. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210124. [PMID: 35574851 PMCID: PMC9108937 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atoll societies have adapted their environments and social systems for thousands of years, but the rapid pace of climate change may bring conditions that exceed their adaptive capacities. There is growing interest in the use of ‘nature-based solutions' to facilitate the continuation of dignified and meaningful lives on atolls through a changing climate. However, there remains insufficient evidence to conclude that these can make a significant contribution to adaptation on atolls, let alone to develop standards and guidelines for their implementation. A sustained programme of research to clarify the potential of nature-based solutions to support the habitability of atolls is therefore vital. In this paper, we provide a prospectus to guide this research programme: we explain the challenge climate change poses to atoll societies, discuss past and potential future applications of nature-based solutions and outline an agenda for transdisciplinary research to advance knowledge of the efficacy and feasibility of nature-based solutions to sustain the habitability of atolls. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Nurturing resilient marine ecosystems’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Barnett
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sergio Jarillo
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen E Swearer
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew Pomeroy
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Teresa Konlechner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Wildlife Consultants Ltd, 7A Vulcan Place, Middleton, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
| | - Elissa Waters
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ryan Lowe
- Oceans Graduate School, and School of Earth Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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3
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Quevedo JMD, Uchiyama Y, Kohsaka R. Understanding rural and urban perceptions of seagrass ecosystem services for their blue carbon conservation strategies in the Philippines. Ecol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jay Mar D. Quevedo
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies Nagoya University Nagoya Japan
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yuta Uchiyama
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Ryo Kohsaka
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies Nagoya University Nagoya Japan
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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4
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Devlin MJ, Lyons BP, Johnson JE, Hills JM. The tropical Pacific Oceanscape: Current issues, solutions and future possibilities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112181. [PMID: 33676108 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems across the world's largest ocean - the Pacific Ocean - are being increasingly affected by stressors such as pollution, overfishing, ocean acidification, coastal development and warming events coupled with rising sea levels and increasing frequency of extreme weather. These anthropogenic-driven stressors, which operate cumulatively at varying spatial and temporal scales, are leading to ongoing and pervasive degradation of many marine ecosystems in the Pacific Island region. The effects of global warming and ocean acidification threaten much of the region and impact on the socio-cultural, environmental, economic and human health components of many Pacific Island nations. Simultaneously, resilience to climate change is being reduced as systems are overburdened by other stressors, such as marine and land-based pollution and unsustainable fishing. Consequently, it is important to understand the vulnerability of this region to future environmental scenarios and determine to what extent management actions can help protect, and rebuild ecosystem resilience and maintain ecosystem service provision. This Special Issue of papers explores many of these pressures through case studies across the Pacific Island region, and the impacts of individual and cumulative pressures on the condition, resilience and survival of ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The papers represent original work from across the tropical Pacific oceanscape, an area that includes 22 Pacific Island countries and territories plus Hawaii and the Philippines. The 39 papers within provide insights on anthropogenic pressures and habitat responses at local, national, and regional scales. The themes range from coastal water quality and human health, assessment of status and trends for marine habitats (e.g. seagrass and coral reefs), and the interaction of local pressures (pollution, overfishing) with increasing temperatures and climate variability. Studies within the Special Issue highlight how local actions, monitoring, tourism values, management, policy and incentives can encourage adaptation to anthropogenic impacts. Conclusions identify possible solutions to support sustainable and harmonious environment and social systems in the unique Pacific Island oceanscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Devlin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR330HT, Suffolk, UK; CCSUS, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norwich, Norfolk, UK; TropWater, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Brett P Lyons
- Cefas, Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, Dorset, UK
| | - Johanna E Johnson
- C2O Pacific, Port Vila, Vanuatu & Cairns, Australia; College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Dutra LXC, Haywood MDE, Singh S, Ferreira M, Johnson JE, Veitayaki J, Kininmonth S, Morris CW, Piovano S. Synergies between local and climate-driven impacts on coral reefs in the Tropical Pacific: A review of issues and adaptation opportunities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:111922. [PMID: 33632532 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs in the tropical Pacific region are exposed to a range of anthropogenic local pressures. Climate change is exacerbating local impacts, causing unprecedented declines in coral reef habitats and bringing negative socio-economic consequences to Pacific communities who depend heavily on coral reefs for food, income and livelihoods. Continued increases in greenhouse gas emissions will drive future climate change, which will accelerate coral reef degradation. Traditional systems of resource governance in Pacific island nations provide a foundation to address local pressures and build reef resilience to climate change. Management and adaptation options should build on the regional diversity of governance systems and traditional knowledge to support community-based initiatives and cross-sectoral cooperation to address local pressures and minimize climate change impacts. Such an inclusive approach will offer enhanced opportunities to develop and implement transformative adaptation solutions, particularly in remote and regional areas where centralized management does not extend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo X C Dutra
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Business Unit, Queensland BioSciences Precinct, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Michael D E Haywood
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Business Unit, Queensland BioSciences Precinct, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Shubha Singh
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Marta Ferreira
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji; CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Johanna E Johnson
- C(2)O Pacific, Vanuatu & Australia; College of Marine & Environmental Studies, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
| | - Joeli Veitayaki
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji; The University of the South Pacific, Alafua Campus, Private Bag, Apia, Samoa
| | - Stuart Kininmonth
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji; Centre for Ecology and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cherrie W Morris
- Institute of Marine Resources, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Susanna Piovano
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment, School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
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Graves CA, Powell A, Stone M, Redfern F, Biko T, Devlin M. Marine water quality of a densely populated Pacific atoll (Tarawa, Kiribati): Cumulative pressures and resulting impacts on ecosystem and human health. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111951. [PMID: 33472138 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities to poor environmental and health outcomes is threatened by cumulative anthropogenic pressures. In Kiribati, a developing Pacific Island country where human activities are closely connected with the ocean, both people and environment are particularly vulnerable to coastal pollution. We present a survey of environmental and human health water quality parameters around urban South Tarawa, and an overview of their impacts on the semi-enclosed atoll. Tarawa has significant water quality issues and decisions to guide improvements are hindered by a persistent lack of appropriate and sufficient observations. Our snapshot assessment identifies highest risk locations related to chronic focused and diffuse pollution inputs, and where mixing and dilution with ocean water is restricted. We demonstrate the importance of monitoring in the context of rapidly changing pressures. Our recommendations are relevant to other atoll ecosystems where land-based activities and ocean health are tightly interlinked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Graves
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK; Marine Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Andy Powell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Michelle Stone
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Farran Redfern
- Environment and Conservation Division, Ministry of Environment Lands and Agriculture Developments, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, Kiribati.
| | - Teema Biko
- Environment and Conservation Division, Ministry of Environment Lands and Agriculture Developments, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, Kiribati.
| | - Michelle Devlin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK; Marine Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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7
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Lincoln S, Vannoni M, Benson L, Engelhard GH, Tracey D, Shaw C, Molisa V. Assessing intertidal seagrass beds relative to water quality in Vanuatu, South Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111936. [PMID: 33360525 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses are globally important, but their extent is decreasing due to the impact of human activities and changing climatic conditions. Seagrass meadows provide vital services, but their condition and distribution are not yet well known, particularly in many small tropical Pacific islands. In 2018, observations and samples were collected from intertidal seagrasses of Efate Island, Vanuatu (South Pacific). Observations included canopy height, percentage cover, growth rate and species variety. Water quality samples were also collected in some locations. Our seagrass metrics suggested more challenging conditions for the seagrasses near Port Vila, the main urban area in the island, where water quality analyses indicated higher levels of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and suspended solids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lincoln
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Marta Vannoni
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Lisa Benson
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Georg H Engelhard
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Dieter Tracey
- Science Graphics, 28 Dalziel Street, Stratford, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Christina Shaw
- Vanuatu Environmental Science Society (VESS), PO Box 1630, Anchor House, Kumal Highway, Port Vila, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
| | - Vatumaraga Molisa
- Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, PMB 9063, Port Vila, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
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8
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Devlin M, Smith A, Graves CA, Petus C, Tracey D, Maniel M, Hooper E, Kotra K, Samie E, Loubser D, Lyons BP. Baseline assessment of coastal water quality, in Vanuatu, South Pacific: Insights gained from in-situ sampling. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111651. [PMID: 33181931 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nearshore deterioration of water quality in Pacific coastal waters is a growing problem, associated with increasing urban and industrial sewage discharges, and agricultural runoff. Published water quality studies in the Pacific region are limited in both number and scope, making it difficult to resolve the extent of the issue or quantify the variability of water quality across Pacific islands and countries. This study collected water quality measurements over three years in the coastal waters around the Island of Efate (Vanuatu) with majority of work carried out in Port Vila, its capital. Port Vila is the key urban centre for Vanuatu where the increasing population and pollution inputs are placing substantial pressure on the coastal environment. Highest concentrations of dissolved nutrients and suspended sediments were measured adjacent or near the urban drains that enter the coastal areas along the capital's seafront, highlighting many of the issues around anthropogenic inputs are linked to the increasing urbanisation in Port Vila Bay. We provide baseline data that explores variability of coastal water quality and these types of datasets for Pacific islands are a first step towards facilitating development of long-term monitoring programmes and informing coastal zone management decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Devlin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK; Marine Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK; Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Research (TropWATER), Townsville, Australia.
| | - Andy Smith
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Carolyn A Graves
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK; Marine Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS), School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Caroline Petus
- Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Research (TropWATER), Townsville, Australia
| | - Dieter Tracey
- Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Research (TropWATER), Townsville, Australia
| | - Michael Maniel
- Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Eryn Hooper
- C(2)O Pacific, Port Vila, Vanuatu & Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Krishna Kotra
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, The University of the South Pacific, Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Erie Samie
- Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - David Loubser
- Ecosystem Services Ltd, P.O. Box 25126, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Brett P Lyons
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK
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Brodie G, Holland E, N'Yeurt ADR, Soapi K, Hills J. Seagrasses and seagrass habitats in Pacific small island developing states: Potential loss of benefits via human disturbance and climate change. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111573. [PMID: 32916440 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses provide a wide range of services including food provision, water purification and coastal protection. Pacific small island developing states (PSIDS) have limited natural resources, challenging economies and a need for marine science research. Seagrasses occur in eleven PSIDS and nations are likely to benefit in different ways depending on habitat health, habitat cover and location, and species presence. Globally seagrass habitats are declining as a result of anthropogenic impacts including climate change and in PSIDS pressure on already stressed coastal ecosystems, will likely threaten seagrass survival particularly close to expanding urban settlements. Improved coastal and urban planning at local, national and regional scales is needed to reduce human impacts on vulnerable coastal areas. Research is required to generate knowledge-based solutions to support effective coastal management and protection of the existing seagrass habitats, including strenghened documentation the socio-economic and environmental services they provide. For PSIDS, protection of seagrass service benefits requires six priority actions: seagrass habitat mapping, regulation of coastal and upstream development, identification of specific threats at vulnerable locations, a critique of cost-effective restoration options, research devoted to seagrass studies and more explicit policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilianne Brodie
- Institute of Applied Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Elisabeth Holland
- School of Marine Studies, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Antoine De Ramon N'Yeurt
- Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Katy Soapi
- Research Office, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Jeremy Hills
- Research Office, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
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