Breckwoldt, Annette ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5976-4537, Dombal, Yvy, Sabinot, Catherine, David, Gilbert, Riera, Léa, Ferse, Sebastian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0930-5356 and Fache, Elodie (2022) A social-ecological engagement with reef passages in New Caledonia: Connectors between coastal and oceanic spaces and species. Ambio . DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-022-01762-8.

Text Breckwoldt 2022-2.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB)

Abstract

Healthy and protected coral reefs help island systems in the tropics thrive and survive. Reef passages link the open ocean to lagoon and coastal areas in these ecosystems and are home to an exceptionally diverse and abundant marine life, hosting emblematic species and fish spawning aggregations. Their multiple benefits for the islands and their peoples (e.g., for transport, fishing, socio-cultural aspects) remain yet understudied. Drawing from qualitative interviews with fishers, scuba divers, and surfers along the coast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia, this study highlights the multi-faceted importance of these keystone places. It shows that reef passages are locally deemed ‘communication zones’ between coastal and oceanic spaces and species, and have significant un(der)explored ecological and socio-cultural roles. Understanding and protecting these ecological and cultural keystone places will strengthen both the reef ecosystems and the people dependent on them.

Document Type:	Article
Programme Area:	PA4
Research affiliation:	Social Sciences > Social-Ecological Systems Analysis Science Management > Office for Knowledge Exchange
Refereed:	Yes
Open Access Journal?:	No
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-022-01762-8
ISSN:	0044-7447
Date Deposited:	25 Aug 2022 13:08
Last Modified:	26 Mar 2024 13:31
URI:	http://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/5001

Actions (login required)

View Item