Livelihoods Of Coastal Communities Research Articles

The Relevance of Nearshore Marine Space for Blue Economy Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis

The Blue Economy (BE) is increasingly seen as a field of new opportunities. Nearshore Marine Space (NMS) is understood as the area in opposition to offshore space, having a great deal of human activities. While historically significant and culturally valuable, NMS remains underappreciated within the BE context. This study employs bibliometric analysis to explore the key attributes of NMS critical for the sustainability of the BE. By analyzing (i) the social and ecological significance, (ii) spatial characteristics, (iii) the nature of human activities, and (iv) conservation strategies, we aim to stimulate a comprehensive discussion on enhancing BE sustainability through a focus on NMS. The review highlights the need to better address the diversity of human uses and their cumulative impact over marine and coastal ecosystems. Relevant features of the NMS included multiple human uses, terrestrial influence, and ecological value. Moreover, NMS plays a vital role for coastal communities and fishing, supporting cultural heritage, poverty alleviation, and social resilience. In terms of challenges, the review indicated the need for fostering social participation, promoting livelihood of coastal communities, and addressing cumulative impact. Advancing the sustainability of the BE will require innovative approaches that address the interplay between natural processes and human uses, including a collaborative assessment and community-based knowledge.

Fishery Laws Adherence in San Pedro Bay: Insights from Selected Fishing Communities

The preservation of food security and livelihoods in coastal communities faces significant challenges due to illegal fishing activities in San Pedro Bay. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the adherence to fishery laws in the San Pedro municipality, encompassing Tolosa, Tanauan, and Dulag, Leyte. Through purposive sampling, thirty-six informants were engaged, including members of the Fishery Law Enforcement Team (FLET), dedicated police officers, and local fisherfolk. The results revealed widespread violations of fishery laws, notably destructive dynamite and fine fish nets, and fishing in restricted areas. The study identified various motivations behind these infractions, including economic pressures, imitation of illegal practices, and collusion with government entities. This study proposes sustainable livelihood programs, educational seminars, and regular seaborne patrol operations. It underscores the critical need to equip law enforcement agencies with adequate resources for effective policing. In conclusion, this research highlights the urgency of bolstering fishery law enforcement to ensure compliance, promote sustainable marine resource management, and safeguard the well-being of coastal communities in San Pedro Bay. Keywords: Illegal Fishing, Adherence, Fishery Laws, San Pedro Bay

Small-scale Fishermen's Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in Coastal Areas and Small Islands in Pangkep Regency

Climate change is a global challenge that has significant impacts on the fisheries sector. This phenomenon involves increasing global temperatures, changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Climate change not only threatens marine ecosystems but also affects the livelihoods of coastal communities, especially small-scale fishers who depend on fisheries resources for their survival. This study aims to analysis the economic adaptation of small-scale fishers in facing the impacts of climate change. The research was conducted from May to October 2024 in Pangkajene Islands Regency (Pangkep). This research used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection through interviews, questionnaires, field observations, and literature studies. Respondents in this study were 50 fishermen who were selected purposively. Data analysis used with descriptive qualitative. The results show that climate change has a significant impact on fishing patterns and catches. The increase in sea temperature, high waves, and storms cause a decrease in productivity and increase the risk of damage to fishing gear. In facing these challenges, fishers apply economic adaptation strategies such as livelihood diversification, regulation of fishing period/time, improving fishing technology, changing fishing areas, and strengthening community cooperation. This research recommends strengthening the capacity of fishermen through training, access to microfinance, and development of disaster-resistant infrastructure. The results of this study are expected to serve as a basis for the government and stakeholders in formulating community-based adaptation policies to increase the resilience of small-scale fishing communities to the impacts of climate change.

Nonunidirectional Habitat Changes Associated With Global Climate Change: The Example of the Indo‐Pacific King Mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus) in the Taiwan Strait

ABSTRACTClimate change poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, potentially altering the distribution of marine organisms and causing many species to migrate towards the poles. The habitat changes of species targeted for fishing are likely to affect fishing activities and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Hence, the present study analyzed the distribution of Indo‐Pacific king mackerel (IKM) in the Taiwan Strait (TS) by using ensemble modeling and considering two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios (2.6 and 8.5) to assess the implications of predicted climate change. Four species distribution models incorporating sea surface height, chlorophyll, salinity, and temperature were used as inputs to create an ensemble model that replicated IKM distribution under current ocean conditions. The ensemble habitat model does not show monotonic decrease of IKM habitat but reveals more complex change in the 21st century with a hump around 2050. By end of the century, IKM is predicted to decline under RCP 8.5 scenario more seriously than under RCP 2.6. The study highlights the need for adaptation measures in managing IKM fisheries in the TS, emphasizing the importance of considering non‐unidirectional habitat changes in the global oceans as well.

Optimization of Long Line Management in Seaweed Farming: Strategies for Increasing Farmers' Group Income in Pinrang Regency, Indonesia

This research aims to explore the role of the long-line method in increasing the income of seaweed farmers in Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, while examining the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to overcome them. The study employs a qualitative case study approach, involving 15 seaweed farmers from various coastal villages within Pinrang Regency, representing diverse demographic backgrounds and experiences. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the participants' farming practices and challenges. The findings indicate that seaweed farmers increase their income by optimizing resources, collaborating within farmer groups, and adapting to environmental and market changes. Strategies such as space optimization, material reuse, and knowledge sharing among farming communities significantly enhance productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, farmers employ adaptive techniques to mitigate environmental risks and market volatility, including using durable materials and processing seaweed into higher-value products. The implications of these findings are crucial for policymakers and development organizations, as they highlight the potential of sustainable farming practices in improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. Policymakers are encouraged to develop support programs that promote resource optimization, foster community-driven farming networks, and train farmers in adaptive strategies. However, the study's limitations, including the small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, may affect the generalizability of the results. Future research should incorporate larger, more diverse samples and objective measures to enhance the robustness of the findings, and explore the long-term impacts of the long-line method on income and sustainability.

Krisis Biodiversitas Perairan: Investigasi Solusi Berbasis Komunitas untuk Pemulihan Ekosistem Aquatik

Crisis aquatic biodiversity is a critical environmental issue, triggered by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, which have serious impacts on the stability of ecosystems and the climate change, which has serious impacts on the stability of ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. livelihoods of coastal communities. This research aims to examine community-based solutions in restoring degraded aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on the integration of sustainable aquaculture technologies and aquaponic systems. The methodology used was a comprehensive literature analysis of scientific articles, journals and relevant publications. The research findings show that sustainable fisheries management, habitat restoration, environmental education and awareness, implementation of environmentally education and environmental awareness, the application of environmentally friendly technologies, and the development of supportive policies are the main strategies for sustainable fisheries management. development of supportive policies are key strategies in improve conservation effectiveness. The implications of this research show that a community-based approach is not only effective for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, but also provides practical guidance for policymakers and non-governmental organizations in designing and implementing community-based policy makers and non-governmental organizations in designing and implementing more holistic and effective ecosystem restoration programs that are more holistic and sustainable.

Evaluating the economic impact of distant water fleet activities on small-scale fishers in the South China Sea

This study assesses the economic impact of the People's Republic of China's Distant Water Fleet (DWF) on small-scale fisheries (SSFs) in the South China Sea (SCS), a vital area for marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Through analysis of vessel tracking and local fisheries statistics from 2012 to 2020, the research investigates the effects of DWF activities on marine fish capture rates and socio-economic indicators in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Results indicate that a 1 % increase in PRC DWF activity leads to a 0.1 % decrease in SSF marine capture in Indonesia's FMA 711, a 0.05 % reduction in Malaysia, a 0.01 % drop in the Philippines, and a 0.04 % decrease in Vietnam. These findings highlight the significant negative impact of PRC's DWF presence on local marine fish captures, suggesting adverse effects on SSF livelihoods. The study underscores the importance of implementing sustainable fishing practices and strengthening regional cooperation to mitigate the negative consequences of foreign DWF activities on local economies and ecosystems. This research contributes to the discourse on marine policy and sustainable fisheries management in the SCS, emphasizing the critical need for international collaboration to address the challenges of DWF operations.

Croakers in three coastal areas of Lagos state, Nigeria: Sustainability levels and stakeholders’ perceptions on the use of ecosystem-based fisheries management

Croakers are an economically important fish species in Nigeria. Croakers are harvested by artisanal and industrial fisheries, providing a significant source of income and livelihood for coastal communities. Yet, human activities pose a significant threat to the survival of croakers in Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of croakers in the coastal waters of Lagos, Nigeria. The study also examines stakeholders' perceptions of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) as a tool for sustainable fisheries management in Nigeria. Questionnaires are used to collect data, and the Multidimensional Scaling Tool “Rapfish” is used to assess the sustainability level of croakers in three study areas. The results indicate that stakeholders have a positive attitude toward implementing EBFM. The sustainability analysis indicates degrees of sustainability of croakers at the boundary of being “less sustainable”. Specifically, the sustainability scores along the five dimensions analyzed are Ecological sustainability (55.69 %), economic (56.35 %), ethical (54.02 %), social (42.31 %), and technological sustainability (57.51 %). Based on these findings, the study derives several policy recommendations to improve the sustainability of croakers in Nigeria.

Spatial heterogeneity of cyclone induced social psychology in the Indian Sundarbans using empirical data and geospatial techniques

Recurrent cyclones in the Bay of Bengal affect the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. However, studies on the socio-psychological behaviour of cyclone-affected communities in the Indian Sundarbans received less attention in the existing literature. Thus, the present work intends to explore the tropical cyclone induced livelihood vulnerability and spatial heterogeneity of socio-psychological behaviour. The study was systematically carried out considering four selected mouzas (villages) from Indian Sundarbans using robust geospatial and statistical methods. The results depict that during the cyclone, the maximum decrease of monthly per-capita income was recorded for Amrabati mouza due to the southernmost location with comparatively higher perceived socio-psychological threats as portrayed by the interpolation maps and hotspot analysis. Considering all the six cyclones, Dwariknagar mouza recorded a maximum rating for fear/phobia, psychological stress and shock while a minimum rating for physical stress. Thus, income, age, gender, caste and religion also significantly control socio-psychological behaviour as shown by p < 0.05 and principal component analysis. This research calls for a thorough investigation of cyclone-affected victims in the Indo-Bangladesh Sundarban region. This study helps better comprehend the mental health of the cyclone victims which is important before the policymakers for designing the appropriate measures.

Unravelling the signatures of submarine groundwater discharge and seawater intrusion along the coastal plains of Odisha, India: a multi-proxy approach.

Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) and Seawater Intrusion (SWI) are two contrary hydrological processes that occur across the land-sea continuum and understanding their nature is essential for management and development of coastal groundwater resource. Present study has attempted to demarcate probable zones of SGD and SWI along highly populated Odisha coastal plains which is water stressed due to indiscriminate-exploitation of groundwater leading to salinization and fresh groundwater loss from the alluvial aquifers. A multi-proxy investigation approach including decadal groundwater leveldynamics, LANDSAT derived sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and in-situ physicochemical analysis (pH, EC, TDS, salinity and temperature) of porewater, groundwater and seawater were used to locate the SGD and SWI sites. A total of 340 samples for four seasons (85 samples i.e., 30 porewater, 30 seawater and 25 groundwater in each season) were collected and their in-situ parameters were measured at every 1-2km gap along ~ 145km coastline of central Odisha (excluding the estuarine region). Considering high groundwater EC values (> 3000 μS/cm), three probable SWI and low porewater salinities (< 32 ppt in pre- and < 25 ppt in post-monsoons), four probable SGD zones were identified. The identified zones were validated with observed high positive hydraulic gradient (> 10m) at SGD and negative hydraulic gradient (< 0m) at SWI sites along with anomalous SST (colder in pre- and warmer in post-monsoon) near probable SGD locations. This study is first of its kind along the Odisha coast and may act as initial basis for subsequent investigations on fresh-saline interaction along the coastal plains where environmental integrity supports the livelihood of coastal communities and the ecosystem.

Initial Assessment of the Benthic Profile and Reef Fish Composition of the Damilisan Marine Sanctuary, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines

Coral reefs are among the world’s most diverse and productive ecosystems. They provide valuable ecosystem services, including support for fisheries production and the livelihood of coastal communities. However, coral reefs are also threatened by anthropogenic and climate stressors. Establishing a marine protected area (MPA) is a typical coastal management tool widely used in the Philippines for conserving coral reefs and managing the fishing effort. This study presents initial information on the benthic and fish community profiles of the Damilisan Marine Sanctuary (DMS) in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. A modified point-intercept transect method was used to characterize the benthic profile, while the underwater visual census (UVC) was used to determine the fish community profile (diversity and density). The substrate was mainly composed of hard coral (HC) (39.3±18.3%), and the common HC observed were massive Porites and Goniopora, each contributing 12.8% of the total HC cover. Twenty coral reef fish species belonging to 10 families were identified during the UVC and had an overall density of 99±69 ind./1000 m2. Damselfishes (Family Pomacentridae) was the most abundant family (23±0.4 ind./500 m2), while Lutjanus semicinctus was the most abundant species (8.5±1.4 ind./500 m2). It is recommended that regular coral reef monitoring surveys be conducted in the DMS and in other MPAs in Miagao to monitor trends and changes in the HC cover and reef fish density and diversity in the MPA.

Initial Assessment of the Benthic Profile and Reef Fish Composition of the Damilisan Marine Sanctuary, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines

Coral reefs are among the world’s most diverse and productive ecosystems. They provide valuable ecosystem services, including support for fisheries production and the livelihood of coastal communities. However, coral reefs are also threatened by anthropogenic and climate stressors. Establishing a marine protected area (MPA) is a typical coastal management tool widely used in the Philippines for conserving coral reefs and managing the fishing effort. This study presents initial information on the benthic and fish community profiles of the Damilisan Marine Sanctuary (DMS) in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. A modified point-intercept transect method was used to characterize the benthic profile, while the underwater visual census (UVC) was used to determine the fish community profile (diversity and density). The substrate was mainly composed of hard coral (HC) (39.3±18.3%), and the common HC observed were massive Porites and Goniopora, each contributing 12.8% of the total HC cover. Twenty coral reef fish species belonging to 10 families were identified during the UVC and had an overall density of 99±69 ind./1000 m2. Damselfishes (Family Pomacentridae) was the most abundant family (23±0.4 ind./500 m2), while Lutjanus semicinctus was the most abundant species (8.5±1.4 ind./500 m2). It is recommended that regular coral reef monitoring surveys be conducted in the DMS and in other MPAs in Miagao to monitor trends and changes in the HC cover and reef fish density and diversity in the MPA.

Livelihood vulnerability of coastal communities in context of the climate change: A index-based assessment

The livelihoods of coastal communities in Bangladesh are being significantly impacted by climate change and natural hazards, primarily due to their heavy reliance on climate-sensitive natural resources. This study assesses the vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh using two approaches: the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the LVI-IPCC approach. Primary data obtained from household surveys were used to calculate the vulnerability indices, avoiding reliance on secondary data and climate models. The results show that Dhulasar and Dalbuganj unions are extremely vulnerable, with livelihood strategies, water, natural hazards and climate variability, and health being the major contributing factors. The exposure to natural hazards and climate variability is highest in Dhulasar and Dalbuganj, while Lata Chapli union exhibits the lowest adaptive capacity. Interestingly, the LVI and LVI-IPCC approaches yield opposite results, with Dalbuganj being extremely vulnerable and Lata Chapli being the least vulnerable. Exposure to natural hazards and climate variability, sensitivity to health, food and nutrition, water, and land, and adaptive capacity in terms of socio-demographic factors and livelihood strategies were found to influence vulnerability. The study suggests that policy measures should focus on reducing sensitivity, improving adaptive capacity, and addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups in coastal communities. Enhancing socio-demographic profiles, social networks, and diversification of livelihood activities are recommended for reducing vulnerability. Further research is needed to better understand and address the impacts of climate variability and change on coastal livelihood systems.

Escarpments within Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica meadows increase habitat heterogeneity and structural complexity enhancing fish diversity and biomass

Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, coastal protection from erosion, and sustained biodiversity and fisheries thereby improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of coastal communities. The erosion of millenary deposits of intertwined roots and rhizomes of Posidonia results in the formation of three-dimensional structures named escarpments that constitute a biogenic reef habitat. However, the natural history of seagrass escarpments including their formation processes and their role as habitat for reef fauna and flora remains poorly understood. This research located and characterized Posidonia oceanica escarpments in Menorca (Balearic Islands) and compared structural complexity and fish assemblages among seagrass escarpments, seagrass meadows, rocky substrates and bare sand with emphasis on its role as habitat and shelter for typical rocky fish. Fish abundance and biomass were similar between seagrass escarpments and rocky substrates (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but significantly lower in seagrass meadows (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The large number of caves found along seagrass escarpments provide shelter to fish, including species only associated to rocky substrates. Seagrass meadows form a rather homogenous habitat within their canopy, but the presence of seagrass escarpments enhances habitat heterogeneity and structural complexity along with fish abundance and biomass at the seascape level. This study enhances understanding on the ecological importance of seagrass escarpments.

Fisher perceptions of catch and trade of sharks and rays in Angolan small‐scale fisheries

AbstractSmall‐scale fisheries ensure food security and employment in Angolan coastal communities. These dynamic, widespread fisheries remain mostly unregulated, with limited data available despite their likely significant impact on marine megafauna. We used an interview‐based survey to investigate local fisher interactions with elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) and gather information on utilization, trade and perceptions. All fishers (n = 83) landed elasmobranchs. Most fishers considered sharks as bycatch (74.7%, n = 62), while 100% targeted rays (Order Myliobatiformes), and 62.8% (n = 52) targeted guitarfishes (Order Rhinopristiformes). Over 80% of fishers reported declining catches and sizes of elasmobranchs over the last 30 years, raising concerns about the sustainability of these fisheries. Utilization and trade routes varied depending on elasmobranch products, with exports to China (fins) and local market sales (meat). Specifically, 8.4% (n = 5) of fishers confirmed meat and fin exports to China (4.8%, n = 3). The protection of sharks was considered by 32.5% (n = 30) of respondents, while 21.7% (n = 18) believed only certain shark species should be protected. Most respondents reported that rays (80.5%, n = 67) and guitarfishes (61%, n = 51) should not be protected. Regarding the ban on fishing, none considered it for ray species, with only 6.1% (n = 5) supporting this idea for guitarfishes. We highlight the lack of elasmobranch‐specific conservation measures and the need for a multi‐pronged approach to inform policy. Considering the scale of these fisheries, management actions need to be urgently developed and implemented to ensure the sustainability of elasmobranch fisheries while securing the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Transforming Coastal Communities to Adapt Climate Change through Corporate Social Responsibility

This paper explores the impact of CSR initiatives in transforming coastal communities to adapt to climate change. The study uses a qualitative method to describe the initiatives’ social effects and elucidate the community transformation process. Quantitative data is also employed to measure the contribution of CSR to the economy and the environment. The findings demonstrate that the company introduces solar panel-based fish finder and aquaponics technology, enabling communities to achieve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and production costs, and increase income. The company also strives for sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities through quail, catfish, and eel cultivation, supported by organic waste management. The evidence shows that the CSR initiatives have been able to convert 744 kilograms of waste into maggot feed, processing 2,634,490 liters of liquid waste to reduce water pollution, generating 3,579 kilowatt-hours of energy from solar panels, resulting in cost savings of IDR 59,199,167, and income growth of IDR 360,947,840. Moreover, the implementation of climate-friendly technologies has led to a reduction in emissions by approximately 12.77 tons CO2e. Overall, this research highlights the significant role of CSR initiatives in transforming coastal communities that are adaptive to climate change while providing tangible economic and environmental benefits.

Climate Change: A bibliometric study of the Great Lakes Basin

The Great Lakes region of North America is experiencing climate-driven disturbances that threaten the safety and livelihoods of coastal communities and people. Limitations to the spatial and temporal coverage of research have the potential to hamper the ability to predict site-specific conditions and responses to climatic events. In this paper, we contextualize these spatial and temporal limitations of climate change research. Our summary reveals an uneven spatial distribution of research across the basin and publication outlets, with research focused on Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron, and the increasing availability of biological and ecological data to forecast future conditions. The spatial and temporal limitations related to historical data, region-wide monitoring efforts, research during the winter season, and the technological and methodological developments in natural resource management that can overcome these limitations are explored. Future research and emerging data needs are discussed, including the need for increased inclusion of the social sciences and improving relationships with Indigenous and First Nation communities in terms of research, data sharing, and governance.

Socioeconomic Importance of the Small-Scale Mud Crab Fishing (Scylla Serrata, Forskall 1775) in the Bons Sinais Estuary—Mozambique

Mud crab fishing (Scylla serrata) is an important activity contributing to the livelihood of coastal communities in Mozambique. The abundance of this crab and the increase in international companies in the region that exclusively buy crabs and export to the Asian market have caused fisheries to gain local importance in recent years. The present study evaluates the socioeconomic importance of mud crab fishing and the contribution of this activity to the quality of life (QoL) of the local communities along the Bons Sinais Estuary (BSE)—Mozambique. The study was conducted in three fishing villages of the BSE (Mucupia, Carungo, and Inhangulue) to collect information on the economic and sociocultural structure conditions of the local crab families. Field data collection focuses on direct observation and a semi-structured questionnaire divided into four categories/dimensions: fishing activity (FA), family structure (FS), typology of household expenditure (HE), and other activities (OTA). The socioeconomic conditions of fishers’ families were analyzed based on the fishery contribution index (FCI), which comprises different indicators related to FA, HE, and OTA. The monthly fishing revenue ranged from MZN 2.500 (EUR ≈ 35) to MZN 30.000 (EUR ≈ 417), with an average of around MZN 10.796 (EUR ≈ 150) per fisher, slightly exceeding the minimum wage set for public service in Mozambique, which is around MZN 8000 (EUR ≈ 112). The contribution of mud crab fishing is low and is not directly related to enhancement of QoL, meaning that the fishing revenue of mud crabs is barely enough to cover the basic needs of fishers’ families, such as basic services and basic goods. Investments are mainly for transport, including bicycles. The FCI was also low, standing at the alert level (FCI = 0.26–0.50) in all three communities. As the crab market is still growing in the country, it is important that the government, through competent authorities, creates public policies to ensure sustainable exploitation, regulates the selling price of mud crabs according to size, as happens in other countries, and promotes basic services that facilitate the self-development of the fishing communities.

Coral health assessment of two marine national parks (takabonerate and wakatobi) in southern sulawesi

Coral reef ecosystems carry out a wide range of ecological functions and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities through fisheries, coastal protection, and tourism. However, the coral condition has declined recently due to climate changes and anthropogenic activities. This study was undertaken in May 2019 to assess reef health status in Takabonerate and Wakatobi Marine National Park based on three components: live coral cover, resilience component (macroalgae and rubble cover), and fish biomass. The highest coral cover was 45.53% (Wanci), with an average cover of 24.6% and 29.48% in Takabonerate and Wakatobi. The average biomass of reef fish in Wakatobi was higher in Wakatobi (1.26 kg/ha) than in Takabonerate (0.70 kg/ha). For the resilience score, the average cover of macroalgae and rubble was 0.11% and 6.35% in Takabonerate and 1.64% and 0.51% in Wakatobi. Based on the coral, resilience, and biomass fish score, the Coral Health Index scored 5 (fair) and 9 (good) for Takabonerate and Wakatobi. The data suggested that reefs in both locations could recover from disturbance. However, the low biomass of targeted fish in the Takabonerate shows high fishing activities, which might lead to a direct/indirect impact on coral health.

Unveiling the Wrath of Erosion: Assessing the Impacts of Soil Erosion on the Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Study on soil erosion in the coastal region of Bangladesh is crucial due to its severe environmental and socio-economic impacts. Understanding erosion patterns, identifying vulnerable areas, and developing effective conservation strategies are essential to safeguard agricultural productivity, preserve coastal ecosystems, and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities. This study focuses on soil erosion in the low-lying, flood-prone coastal regions of Bangladesh. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) technique was used to calculate soil erosion rates. The southern section of the study area, characterized by high rainfall erosivity (R) and soil erodibility (K), exhibited the highest erosion rates at 1446 t/ha/year. The region experiences significantly higher rainfall erosivity than other parts of the world. Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Feni, and Patuakhali receive over 3000 mm/yr of precipitation, while Teknaf and Hatiya surpass 4000 mm/yr. The vulnerability of the soft, sand-rich topsoil to water-driven gully and rill erosion contributes to the high erodibility factor. Conversely, the northwest and low-lying marshy areas exhibit low erosion rates due to the flat terrain and deposition of eroded soil mass from the hinterland. The hilly areas of Chittagong, Teknaf, and Cox’s Bazar experience above-average erosion rates. Effective soil conservation and management strategies are essential for reducing soil erosion in Bangladesh’s coastal regions, considering local environmental conditions such as precipitation and soil type. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for future studies and policies on soil erosion management in the coastal districts of Bangladesh. By guiding efficient conservation efforts, this information can help mitigate the adverse impacts of soil erosion on the environment and economy. IUBAT Review, 6(2): 1-24