Livelihoods Of Coastal Communities Research Articles

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 > 0.05), but significantly lower in seagrass meadows (P < 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Potential Development of Sea Cucumber Farming in Tablolong Beach, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

Tablolong Beach, Kupang, West Nusa Tenggara, has significant potential for sea cucumber aquaculture development. This study examines the environmental conditions, climatic factors, and local natural resources that support sea cucumber farming in this area. The results showed that Tablolong Beach has very suitable environmental characteristics for sea cucumber growth, including suitable water temperature and sufficient natural food availability. In addition, the local community has strong traditional knowledge on sea cucumber collection and cultivation. the purpose of this study was to determine the potential and types of sea cucumbers found around Tablolong beach. This research method is an experimental method where samples are taken by diving in the waters of Tablolong beach. Sea cucumber species found consisted of H. atra, H. leucospilota, H. fuscocinerea, and S. monoturbeculatus. This research provides an important basis for designing a sustainable sea cucumber aquaculture development plan in Tablolong Beach, integrating ecological, economic, and social aspects. By utilizing the natural potential and local knowledge, the development of sea cucumber aquaculture in this area can become a model for sustainable utilization of marine resources and support the livelihoods of coastal communities

Social harvest control rules for sustainable fisheries

AbstractFisheries are supposed to be for the benefit of society, producing food, providing livelihoods and enabling cultural continuity. Biological productivity goals for fish stocks operationalised through Harvest Control Rules (HCRs) are central to contemporary fisheries management. While fisheries policies often state socio‐economic objectives, such as enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities, those are rarely, if ever, incorporated into operationalised management procedures. The lack of articulation of social objectives and lack of monitoring of social outcomes around HCRs amounts to poor public policy. In this article, we explore the potential for social HCRs (sHCRs) with reference points and agreed predefined actions to make the social dimensions of fisheries explicit. sHCRs cannot cover all social dimensions, so should be considered as one tool within a broader framework of fisheries governance. Moreover, successful sHCRs would require sound deliberative and participatory processes to generate legitimate social objectives, and monitoring and evaluation of fisheries management performance against those objectives. We introduce two potential types of sHCRs, one based on allocation of catch within biological limit reference points, and one for when fishing exceeds biological limit reference points. The application of sHCRs, we argue, can foster accountability and help avoid non‐transparent negotiations on size and distribution of the catch. Our proposal is a call to action for policy makers and fisheries managers to properly integrate social criteria into fisheries governance, and for both biophysical fisheries scientists and social scientists to do better in practical collaboration for methods and knowledge development to support this integration.

LEGAL PROTECTION FOR KENJERAN BEACH FISHERMEN IN THE ERA OF INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION 4.0

Background. The reduction in the number of fishermen over the last 3-5 years has affected the fish catch in Surabaya, for the last 5 years it has continuously decreased. The uncertainty of the income obtained by fishermen from fishing and the limited fishing gear and the current increase in fuel prices add to the heavy burden on fishermen. In addition, the influence of the west wind season. The purpose of this research was to create a problem-solving strategy and develop community skills on the Kenjeran coastline both in the management of fish, and catch of the sea around the Kenjeran coastline. Research Method. This research was a type of Community Based Research. The research was conducted from March to June 2021, location was in Nambangan- Cumpat Fishermen Village, Kedung Cowek, Bulak, Surabaya City. The population in this study were members of the Fishermen's Group from each village, totaling 115 people. The research analysis approach is through Islamic eco-theology. Findings. Fishing activity is the main livelihood of coastal communities so when they cannot go to sea it means they cannot fulfill their daily needs. The results of this activity found several descriptions, situations of social structure, conditions, and problems faced by fishing communities, including population density, sanitation, slum environments, natural weather which is also an obstacle for fishermen to catch fish, narrow employment opportunities, and other social inequality. Conclusion. Efforts to understand Islamic eco-theology in the Kenjeran coastal fishing community are one of the means to conserve the coastal environment.

PROMOTING CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS AMONG COASTAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH ECOLITERACY

Climate change has continued to impact on the lives and livelihood of coastal communities in Rivers State. Most of the dwellers are unaware of the roles they are playing towards contribution to the climate change impact. They are oblivious of their actions on the environment as part of the anthropogenic cause of climate change. In other to create the awareness of their contribution towards climate change, it requires development of a new systemic thinking called ecoliteracy, that defines human interrelationship, interdependent and connectedness to the environment. This will amount to a necessary step toward mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting healthy and sustainable coastal community environments. Ecoliterate residents of coastal communities, however, are more likely to take action to protect the environment.

Small-Scale Fisher's Livelihood Strategies: Findings from Case Studies in Several Indonesian Coastal Areas

Globally, small-scale fisheries have a substantial impacts on food security, nutrition, and well-being as well as the main livelihood for coastal communities. Due to widespread environmental changes, some 2.67 million Indonesia fishers who depend on small-scale fishing are vulnerable to poverty and environmental deterioration. This study summarizes the results of studies related to the analysis of the livelihoods of small-scale fishers through several case studies conducted by the Fisheries Socioeconomic Laboratory at the Department of Fisheries UGM, during 2015 to 2020. Such literature review was employed as the primary methodology in this study and it is essential for developing conceptual models for synthesizing research findings and identifying the areas for further investigation. The study examines the livelihoods of small-scale fishers with a focus on livelihood resources, responses to pressure on livelihood resources, and survival strategies. The study discusses on the livelihoods of small-scale fishers who actively engage in fishing activities with boats of approximately 10 GT, with 2 to 5 fishers per boat. The study found that most small-scale fishersonly have a basic education particularly elementary school, have no other employment options during bad weather, and are under pressure from a variety of environmental change factors. Small-scale fishers are particularly exposed to pressures from the weather, gear bans, rising fuel prices, and low levels of education, and overfishing. Small-scale fishing households adapt by reorganizing household tasks, utilizing various technology, and developing group organizations to avoid problems like territory disputes. The fishers also do this by requesting support and subsidies and actively partaking in religious activities. Local customs that forbid fishing on particular days are said to aid in the replenishment of fish stocks, making sea alms a safety net for fisher communities.

Remote sensing monitoring of mangrove growth rate at selected planted sites in Mauritius

Mangroves are highly productive and rich ecosystems that thrive at the interface of land and sea. They provide a wide range of essential goods and services, contribute highly to coastal protection and the livelihood of coastal communities, and are also carbon-rich biomes contributing to carbon sequestration. Mangroves are primarily threatened by anthropogenic activities; a loss in biodiversity has been observed in the past years in many countries including Mauritius. Given their value to the ecosystem, it is important to have effective continuous monitoring of mangrove dynamics. We studied the rate of increase of canopy coverage of planted Rhizophora mucronata forests in two selected sites (Le Morne and Grande Rivière Noire) on a southern African island – Mauritius – using Google Earth Pro historical Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 images. Data were processed using ImageJ software. To our knowledge, this technique has not yet been applied for monitoring mangrove growth. The mangrove sites were classified into four zones based on water level and tidal variations. On average, the rate of increase of canopy coverage expressed by a coefficient ‘b’ at Le Morne (b = 1.901) was higher than that at Grande Rivière Noire (b = 1.823). The coefficient ‘b’ positively correlated with the zonations (r ~ 0.8). Higher ‘b’ values (2.319–2.886) were observed in Zone 1, where the substrate is always covered with water at low tide. The use of remote sensing data along with image processing analysis proved to be an effective tool to obtain relevant information, not only for mapping mangroves but also for monitoring the canopy growth rates of planted mangroves.Significance: We describe a novel technique whereby remote sensing data are processed through image processing using ImageJ software, to effectively monitor planted mangrove canopy growth by pixel count. This study highlights the successful application of the technique to obtain relevant information for mapping and monitoring the canopy growth rates of planted mangroves. This technique can be further extended to identify potential areas for mangrove propagation worldwide based on tidal level variations.

DISCOURSE ANALYSIS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE OF FISH INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN

The research article outlines Pakistan's fisheries industry output from 1950 to therecent past and fishery product trading from 1980 to 2011. Based on economic research, the findingsshow that fish output and export continuously rose year after year. Despite this, the pace ofdevelopment in fish output over the previous two decades has been quite modest compared to otheremerging nations. The research also shows that inland aquaculture output in Pakistan is quicklyoutpacing marine aquaculture. On the contrary, no marine aquaculture methods exist or are supportedto improve fish output. The article discusses and measures for fisheries sector security and futuredevelopment potential for coastal and non-coastal regions. In Pakistan, aquaculture has emerged as themost promising option to address fish demand, food security, livelihood, employment, and nationalGDP. Furthermore, it is critical to focus on marine aquaculture to restore marine fishing resources,which may generate livelihoods in coastal communities. Finally, the main idea of this article is toprovide developmental techniques for authorities to grow and expand the aquaculture industry, whichmight provide numerous options for livelihood support in Pakistan. The research uses methodologicaltriangulation for evaluating the on ground reality on a broader perspective and also an online surveywill be presented in it to evaluate the output of fish industry of Pakistan.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impacts on Malaysian Fisheries Sectors: Lesson Learned from the Movement Control Order (MCO)

Highlight Research The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the price of marine resources and the income of coastal communities has been affected. The government and the authorities need to come out with several incentives to control this condition and the request for fish markets can be met customarily without rising prices and declining marine resources. Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) a body that has a direct link to the fishing industry needs to ensure that all fishermen's associations participate in the purchase and marketing of fishermen's catch. Adaptation of fish producers will pave the way for all coastal communities to develop more organized fishing systems and sufficient food sources   Abstract COVID-19 has a significant impact on the fishery industry, economy, and food supply. The government of Malaysia imposes a Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of COVID-19 infection. Although the MCO implementation has benefits in terms of public health, it has affected the fishery industry and the livelihood of coastal communities in Malaysia. This study aimed to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fishery industry and their livelihoods during that period of calamity. Qualitative research and thematic analysis were employed to seek deeper information on the real situation that retards the fishing activities to the opt stage. COVID-19 has already revealed gaps in health care, the economy, and food systems. The findings obtained can provide recommendations to the government to provide initiatives to fishermen to help them maintain and improve their livelihood. However, this study has limitations as the number of respondents is relatively small due to the restrictions of movement allowed by the government. Future studies could be further enhanced in terms of the impact of COVID-19 after movement restrictions have been loosened and could use a quantitative approach to obtain significant data.

Trends and Impacts of Climate Change on the Livelihoods of Coastal Communities in North ‘A’ District, Zanzibar

This article examines the trends and impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of coastal communities in Zanzibar. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Quantitative data was collected through household questionnaires, while qualitative data was collected through key informants interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and review of documents. Data on rainfall, temperature, and sea level pressure was acquired from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) in Zanzibar. Moreover, remote sensing data of the medium-resolution Landsat 8 image was also used. Data was collected from 400 heads of household in the study area. Results show that most of the households admitted that there has been climate change as testified by rise in sea level, increase in temperature, and a decrease in the amount of rainfall. Moreover, the research findings indicate that climate change has affected coastal areas and the livelihoods of the community as a whole. Some of the impacts of climate change have been coastal erosion and destruction of agriculture and fishing activities. Therefore, it is concluded that climate change is a major environmental problem that affects people’s livelihood, especially for those with low adaptive capacity. It is recommended that strong measures be taken to address the problem of climate change. Furthermore, the government should facilitate the realization of global sustainable development goals by addressing the challenges brought forth by climate change through designing policies that aim to create solutions to climate change, and challenges faced in coastal communities such as Zanzibar.

FISH INDUSTRY: A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE FUTURE PERSPECTIVE OF PAKISTAN

The research article outlines Pakistan's fisheries industry output from 1950 to the recent past and fishery product trading from 1980 to 2011. Based on economic research, the findings show that fish output and export continuously rose year after year. Despite this, the pace of development in fish output over the previous two decades has been quite modest compared to other emerging nations. The research also shows that inland aquaculture output in Pakistan is quickly outpacing marine aquaculture. On the contrary, no marine aquaculture methods exist or are supported to improve fish output. The article discusses and measures fisheries sector security and future development potential for coastal and non-coastal regions. In Pakistan, aquaculture has emerged as the most promising option to address fish demand, food security, livelihood, employment, and national GDP. Furthermore, it is critical to focus on marine aquaculture to restore marine fishing resources, which may generate livelihoods in coastal communities. Finally, the main idea of this article is to provide developmental techniques for authorities to grow and expand the aquaculture industry, which might provide numerous options for livelihood support in Pakistan. The research uses methodological triangulation to evaluate the on-ground reality from a broader perspective. Moreover, an online survey will be presented to evaluate the output of the fish industry of Pakistan.

CARIBE WAVE: A Decade of Exercises for Validating Tsunami Preparedness in the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions

ABSTRACT The year 2021 marked a decade of CARIBE WAVE (CW) exercises organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Coordination Group for Tsunamis and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG CARIBE/EWS). This region has had a long history of devastating tsunamis, and over the years the risk to lives and livelihoods of coastal communities has continued to increase. The tsunami threat in the Caribbean provides a strong incentive for countries to prepare and participate in annual tsunami exercises. The CW exercise is carried out with the purpose of validating and advancing tsunami resilient communities in the region. As a result of these exercises, countries have been able to test and improve communications between the Tsunami Service Provider and their National Tsunami Warning Centers (NTWC) and Tsunami Warning Focal Points (TWFP), as well as practice their emergency response plans. Participation of the public (including mass media communications, social media engagements, tsunami walks, etc.) and regional government beyond TWFP and NTWC has played a critical role in developing tsunami awareness in the greater community. This study collates the history and background of exercises since 2011, resulting in enhancing tsunami preparedness and awareness. Ongoing CW exercises should continue and be strengthened so that the region is prepared as possible to respond and recover when the next tsunami strikes the shores of the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions.

Analyzing the multi-hazard coastal vulnerability of Matla–Bidya inter-estuarine area of Indian Sundarbans using analytical hierarchy process and geospatial techniques

In the current global climate change era, the Indian Sundarbans Delta (ISD) is severely exposed to multiple environmental disasters especially high-intensity tropical cyclones, storm surges and flood inundation. These disasters threaten the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. To formulate a disaster risk reduction strategy, it is necessary to identify priority areas based on their level of vulnerability. Therefore, this research aims to assess the multi-hazard coastal vulnerability of the Matla–Bidya Inter-estuarine (MBI) area of ISD considering exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability. The coastal vulnerability was derived in this study based on a total of 26 indicators using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in combination with remote sensing data and geospatial techniques. To better understand the impacts of recent natural disasters, a field survey was conducted in each village from 2020 to 2021 to collect information directly from households regarding the effects of recent disasters on the different aspects of livelihoods. The present study found that the coastal villages in the Basanti and Gosaba Blocks located within the southern MBI are the most vulnerable due to coastal proximity, tropical cyclones, storm surges and flooding incidents. The high exposure and sensitivity cause potential effects on coastal environments and a lack of resistance to environmental disasters, leading to a considerable increase in coastal vulnerability. Local people's livelihoods are at risk in almost 33% of MBI villages. In contrast, villages in the northern MBI, in the Canning II Block are less susceptible to the effects of extreme events due to better resilience. This village-level multi-hazard vulnerability study helps to identify priority areas considering the vulnerability level of each village and accordingly proposed effective strategic planning for environmental and socio-economic resilience.

Fish functional diversity is modulated by small-scale habitat complexity in a temperate ecosystem

Rocky reefs and kelp forests form conspicuous habitats that promote species diversity and support livelihoods in coastal communities. However, taxonomic approaches often disregard biological identity and differences between species. In this study, we explore the relationship between functional diversity of fish communities and habitat complexity in temperate reefs and test if greater habitat complexity, such as rugosity or kelp three-dimensional structure, would result in higher functional diversity. We conducted fish surveys using SCUBA in four kelp forest sites and rocky reef sites. Although the rocky reef and kelp forest sites showed differences in habitat complexity, no significant differences in fish taxonomic or functional diversity were found between the two habitat types. However, we did find differences at smaller spatial scales for the kelp forest sites, where number of stipes, stipe bundle diameter, and kelp density influenced functional richness, but not species richness, highlighting the importance of functional approaches in certain ecosystems. The differences found among kelp forest sites may be linked with small-scale spatiotemporal oceanographic drivers of productivity such as upwelling exposure or nutrient availability. We recommend considering small-scale spatial drivers when aiming to understand how habitat characteristics link with functional diversity.