Abstract
ABSTRACTCoral reefs of Mayotte (342 km2), seagrass beds (7.6 km2) and mangroves (8.5 km2) provide important ecosystem services of which the most important are the coastal protection, fish biomass production, carbon sequestration and water purification. The quantity and quality of these services have been decreasing steadily for several years and should continue to do so if no action is taken to contain anthropogenic pressures. The coral cover of the fringing reefs and the barrier reef has thus declined, respectively, by 60% in 15 years and 15% in 8 years. The pioneer front of Sonneratia for mangroves has declined by 13% in 6 years, and for seagrass beds, the water quality suggests a degraded state. The estimated annual value of these services amounts to EUR 124 million. It would be EUR 162 million if the ecosystems were in pristine conditions. The article shows that the preservation of coastal ecosystems is essential from an economic point of view.EDITED BY Sebastian Villasante
Highlights
Coral reefs are among the most productive marine ecosystems, especially in terms of biodiversity (Wilkinson 2008)
The results show the health status of Mayotte coastal ecosystems selected production functions are described before addressing the weighting factors to refine the level of services provided
This amount is significant to the local economy of Mayotte since it is higher than the added value generated by the agriculture: 95 M€, the industrial: 57 M€ or the construction sector: 135 M€ (INSEE, 2014)
Summary
Coral reefs are among the most productive marine ecosystems, especially in terms of biodiversity (Wilkinson 2008). A fifth has been destroyed and half of the remaining reefs are endangered (Wilkinson 2008, Burke et al 2011, Bridge et al 2013, Hoegh-Guldberg 2014). Beyond their ecological importance (habitats, spawning areas, etc.) and coastal protection dimension, coral reefs and associated ecosystems (seagrass beds, mangroves and mudflats), have important economic and social scopes in the French overseas territories, for fishing, tourism and recreation. A methodology was developed and approved by the ministry of the Environment These guidelines have been included in the terms of reference for the Mayotte assessment. Non-use values refer to the spiritual dimension and existence of the nature (Corvalan et al 2005)
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