A review of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems and their linkage to fisheries and fisheries management

Mangrove and seagrass ecosystems are widespread coastal and estuarine environments found in tropical and subtropical latitudes. These ecosystems provide habitat, shelter and food for numerous organisms, including some species that support important nearshore fisheries. Over the past 50 years, approximately 30 percent of global mangrove cover and 30 percent of seagrass areas have been lost. Much of this loss has occurred in the Asian region. These declines are cause for concern because mangroves and seagrasses have long been considered important habitats for coastal fisheries. This publication sets out to analyze the relationship between fisheries production and mangrove and seagrass habitats. Conclusions as well as recommendations for further study are included in the report.