Humans and seagrass: a complex and intertwining links - an illustration from North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Interactions between humans and seagrasses in a rural area in North Sulawesi (North Minahasa) were determined by applying the ecosystem goods and services concept and related social-ecological system. The main role in the villages is small-scale fishermen and the general public. By conducting interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, community immersion, and field surveys, we discovered complex social-ecological ties that are essential for local society and the ecosystem. Nursery ground and habitat for fish and invertebrates, traditional medicine, indicative for Ramadan season-opening, and sites for bait collection were within the significant seagrass meadow ecosystem services for the local coastal people. We identified 183 traditional fish names that are associated with seagrass. Gleaning (banyare) and trapping fisheries (“soma”, “sero” and “bubu”) in the areas captured seagrass-associated fishes (Siganidae) that contribute a major livelihood source for the fishermen. The seagrass meadow overlaps with species habitats, for instance, dugongs and sea turtles. Out of 90 fishing grounds, 13 overlapped with seagrass beds, which also have dugong feeding trails. Most of the seagrass beds are open and free for all areas, except around LMMAs managed by villages, which likely create positive effects on seagrass meadows.