Exploring Water Quality as a Determinant of Small-Scale Fisheries Vulnerability

Abstract

Water quality is a fundamental indicator of coastal ecosystem health. Maintaining appropriate levels of water quality is critical for the growth of aquatic species and the livelihoods of dependent small-scale fishery (SSF) communities. However, natural (e.g., cyclones, floods) and hu-man-induced (e.g., hydrological changes, varied fishing techniques) factors create cumulative stress on these systems, leading to environmental and socioeconomic challenges. This often manifests as food insecurity, occupational displacement, and biodiversity loss. Despite existing research on coastal sustainability and resilience, the intricate connection between water-quality variations and social–ecological vulnerabilities remains understudied. This paper addresses this gap, focusing on the interplay between water quality changes and the vulnerabilities faced by SSF communities. Using the Chilika Lagoon in India as a case study, this synthesis paper examines water-quality processes and their impact on community vulnerabilities over three decades. It analyses various coping and adaptive responses of the fisher communities and the potential of their actions for creating viable small-scale fisheries. Our findings suggest ways in which SSF communities can respond to these vulnerabilities and help foster knowledge for their transition to viability.