A review of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems and their linkage to fisheries and fisheries management

RAP PUBLICATION 2013/09

A review of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems and their linkage to fisheries and fisheries management

by P. Saenger, D. Gartside, and S. Funge-Smith

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok 2013

ABSTRACT

Mangrove and seagrass ecosystems are widespread coastal and estuarine environments found in tropical and subtropical latitudes. These ecosystems provide habitat, shelter and food for numerous organisms, including some species that support important nearshore fisheries. Over the past 50 years, approximately 30 percent of global mangrove cover and 30 percent of seagrass areas have been lost. Much of this loss has occurred in the Asian region. These declines are cause for concern because mangroves and seagrasses have long been considered important habitats for coastal fisheries. This publication sets out to analyze the relationship between fisheries production and mangrove and seagrass habitats. Conclusions as well as recommendations for further study are included in the report.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Summary
Introduction
Elements of the conundrum
    The nursery area concept
    The “single habitat” approach
    The challenge
Mangroves as a structural fisheries habitat
    Mangrove habitat
    Fisheries values of mangrove habitats
    Factors underpinning mangrove habitat value
    Larval entrapment
Seagrasses as a structural fisheries habitat
    Definitions and limitations
    Fisheries values of seagrass meadows/beds
    Factors that underpin seagrass habitat value
The importance of mangroves in nearshore food webs
    The Florida mode
    Beyond the Florida model
    Internal cycling
    Mangrove outwelling: hydraulic and biotic export
The importance of seagrasses in nearshore food webs
Estuarine habitat connectivity
    The importance of variety and connectivity of habitats
    Importance of mangroves and seagrass for reef associated species
Loss of mangroves and seagrasses: causes and extent
Expansion of mangroves and seagrasses: causes and extent
    Expanding mangrove habitats through rehabilitation
    Ecosystem function in restored mangrove habitats
    Ecosystem function in rehabilitated seagrass habitats
Other means of enhancing existing habitat
    Retaining mangrove functionality
    Maximizing fishery benefits from fishing reserves/notake zones
Is there a link between fisheries production and changes in the extent of
    mangrove and seagrass habitat?
    Case studies which illustrate these points
Principal findings and conclusions
    Information needs
    Conclusions
Bibliography and references

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO.

ISBN 978-92-5-107773-3 (print)
E-ISBN 978-92-5-107774-0 (PDF)

FAO encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of FAO as the source and copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, products or services is not implied in any way.

All requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be made via www.fao.org/contact-us/licence-request/en.

FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/publications) and can be purchased through [email protected].


For copies write to:	Simon Funge-Smith
	Senior Fishery Officer
	FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
	Maliwan Mansion, 39 Phra Atit Road
	Bangkok 10200, Thailand
	Tel: (+66) 2 697 4000
	Fax: (+66) 2 697 4445
	E-mail: [email protected]