Open AccessStakeholder‐derived recommendations and actions to support deep‐reef conservation in the Western Indian Ocean
Author(s) -
Stefanoudis Paris V.,
Talma Sheena,
Fassbender Nico,
Swanborn Denise,
Ochieng Christine Nyangweso,
Mearns Kevin,
Komakoma John D.,
Otwoma Levy M.,
Mbije Nsajigwa Emmanuel,
Osuka Kennedy E.,
Samoilys Melita,
Shah Nirmal,
Samaai Toufiek,
Trotzuk Evan,
Tuda Arthur,
Zivane Francisco,
Wagner Daniel,
Woodall Lucy C.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12924
Subject(s) - reef , stewardship (theology) , coral reef , fishery , environmental resource management , marine conservation , food security , stakeholder , geography , marine protected area , environmental stewardship , business , ecology , environmental science , habitat , biology , political science , agriculture , public relations , archaeology , politics , law
Deep reefs below 30 m provide essential ecosystem services for ocean health and human well‐being such as food security and climate change resilience. Yet, deep reefs remain poorly researched and largely unprotected, including in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Here, we assessed current conservation approaches in the WIO focusing on deep reefs, using a combination of online surveys and semi‐structured interviews. Results indicated that deep‐reef data are sparse and commonly stemming from non‐peer‐reviewed or non‐publicly available sources, and are often not used to inform conservation of WIO marine protected areas. Based on those findings, we co‐developed a framework with WIO stakeholders comprising recommendations linked to specific actions to be undertaken by regional actors to improve the capacity of the region to collect and share deep‐reef information. We hope this framework will enhance deep‐reef stewardship and management throughout the WIO and thus aid sustainable blue economic growth in the region.