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Integrative social–ecological approaches are crucial for addressing sustainability challenges in coastal and marine systems. Among these, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a pivotal approach for integrated management. Often, the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the application of MSP occur in parallel. Given the potential synergies, there is a need to better understand and address barriers to the adoption of MSP approaches for integrative conservation mechanisms. Using São Tomé and Príncipe as a case study, we illustrate how MSP was employed as an operational framework for establishing an MPA network. Drawing on the experiences of people directly involved in this co‐design process, we reflect on the main challenges and opportunities in achieving social–ecological integration, and highlight recommendations for conservation practitioners and planners. Applying MSP was perceived to contribute substantially to multiple project goals, with some (e.g., incorporating perspectives and needs of vulnerable groups) more challenging to achieve. While MSP enhanced conceptual, disciplinary, methodological and functional integration, practical challenges in implementation hindered the extent to which each of these was achieved. Given international commitments to Blue Growth, high fisheries dependence and current patterns of change, developing effective integrative MSP approaches is essential for social–ecological resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal communities have long been at the periphery of human geography. Nonetheless, the coasts present a rich context to understand and deconstruct processes of displacement—enclosure, ocean grabbing, gentrification, and financialization—and the salience of adjacency claims as resistance. While scholars have theorized that the coast's spatial specificity may enable communities to raise adjacency claims, scholarship has not reconciled the degree to which coastal communities should benefit from marine resources and ocean spaces. This displacement-adjacency framework and research agenda provide a lens to study discourses, cases of contestation, and the potency of such protests of interrelated coastal displacement processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People living in coastal communities have some of the worst health outcomes in the UK, driven in part by high smoking rates. Deprived coastal communities include socially disadvantaged groups that struggle to access traditional stop smoking services. The study aimed to seek the views of people who smoke living in coastal communities, to assess the optimal smoking cessation intervention for this population. In addition, the Template for Intervention Description Replication (TIDieR) checklist was adapted as an analytical framework for qualitative data to inform intervention design. Methods: Current or recent ex-smokers (n = 25) were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews from a range of community locations in a deprived English seaside town. A thematic analysis of the interview data was undertaken adapting the TIDieR framework. This analysis was triangulated with relevant literature and notes from stakeholder meetings and observations to map onto the TIDieR checklist to describe the optimal intervention. Results: Barriers to quitting smoking in the target population included low motivation to quit, high anxiety/boredom, normalisation of smoking and widespread illicit tobacco use. There was broad support for combining behavioural support, e-cigarettes and financial incentives, with a strong preference for the intervention to be delivered opportunistically and locally within (non-healthcare) community settings, in a non-pressurising manner, ideally by a community worker specially trained to give stop smoking support. Conclusions: An intensive community-based smoking cessation intervention was acceptable to the target population. Adapting the TIDieR checklist as a deductive qualitative analytical framework offered a systematic approach to intervention development. Combined with other intervention development activities, this ensured that the intervention design process was transparent and the proposed intervention was well defined. It is recommended that prior to intervention development researchers speak to members of the target population who may give valuable insight into the optimal intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural capacity of marine sediments to capture, sequester, and store organic carbon has been recognized by researchers and policy makers for its potential to mitigate against climate change. As a result, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Marine Protected Area (MPA) designation processes increasingly aim to protect "blue carbon" stored in marine sediments by reducing anthropogenic activities that disturb the seabed (e.g., bottom trawling). In this research, we engaged with coastal residents around Dundalk Bay, Ireland to explore public perceptions of the presence and management of carbon-storing marine sediments in the context of the multifaceted relationship between communities and the environment. This has not been previously studied in an empirical setting. Given the largely "unknown" character of this source of blue carbon, we theorized that speculation played a key role in sustaining emerging perceptions of the sediments, by creating a link with existing place meanings. We used interviews (n = 12) and a focus group (n = 7). Reflexive thematic analysis of the data showed that local residents associated multiple, overlapping meanings with Dundalk Bay. We found evidence that speculative mechanisms such as analogy and experiential knowledge were used to bridge between existing place meanings and emerging perceptions of carbon-storing marine sediments, which also helped indicate the valence of people's feelings about the sediments. We found different views about the presence of the sediments, and residents varied in their prioritization of measures to protect either nature or economic activity in the bay. Because of scientific knowledge gaps related to the distribution and character of marine sediments and the impacts of anthropogenic activity, participants stressed the need for further research and a careful approach to the management of the bay and its sediments. Our work reiterates the importance of recognizing existing people-place connections to understand potential responses to changes in the use and/or management of marine environments. This can help achieve a more engaged and socially acceptable MSP process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction People living in coastal communities have some of the worst health outcomes in the UK, driven in part by high smoking rates. Deprived coastal communities include socially disadvantaged groups that struggle to access traditional stop smoking services. The study aimed to seek the views of people who smoke living in coastal communities, to assess the optimal smoking cessation intervention for this population. In addition, the Template for Intervention Description Replication (TIDieR) checklist was adapted as an analytical framework for qualitative data to inform intervention design. Methods Current or recent ex-smokers (n = 25) were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews from a range of community locations in a deprived English seaside town. A thematic analysis of the interview data was undertaken adapting the TIDieR framework. This analysis was triangulated with relevant literature and notes from stakeholder meetings and observations to map onto the TIDieR checklist to describe the optimal intervention. Results Barriers to quitting smoking in the target population included low motivation to quit, high anxiety/boredom, normalisation of smoking and widespread illicit tobacco use. There was broad support for combining behavioural support, e-cigarettes and financial incentives, with a strong preference for the intervention to be delivered opportunistically and locally within (non-healthcare) community settings, in a non-pressurising manner, ideally by a community worker specially trained to give stop smoking support. Conclusions An intensive community-based smoking cessation intervention was acceptable to the target population. Adapting the TIDieR checklist as a deductive qualitative analytical framework offered a systematic approach to intervention development. Combined with other intervention development activities, this ensured that the intervention design process was transparent and the proposed intervention was well defined. It is recommended that prior to intervention development researchers speak to members of the target population who may give valuable insight into the optimal intervention.

Abstract Coastal mangrove-dependent communities face various risks due to climate change, thus rendering them vulnerable. This study explored the vulnerability of these communities in the Tana Delta in Kenya using an indicator-based vulnerability assessment framework to better understand their exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Data was collected through household surveys (n = 377), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). The analysis revealed mean vulnerability indices at the sub-location level ranged from 0.850 for Kipini to − 0.913 for Kilelengwani and − 2.702 for Ozi. The statistically significant indicators of vulnerability were (i) exposure—high temperatures and rainfall changes; (ii) sensitivity—household numbers, head of household’s age, dependents’ education, and dependents’ employment; and (iii) adaptive capacity—ownership of assets, access to community infrastructure and services, condition/quality of houses, total income, and alternative sources of income. The findings highlight the need for adaptation strategies that ensure greater financial assets supported by education and skills enhancement to utilize existing opportunities. Attention to community infrastructure and services is crucial. Policy should focus on financial, physical, and human assets to reduce community vulnerability alongside the continued conservation and management of mangrove resources. The results will help policymakers in addressing the impacts of climate change and benefit households in the study area. These insights can be applied to regions with similar climate conditions and livelihood systems.

This study analyses the factors affecting financial and accounting literacy. The sample in this study was 281 respondents. Quantitative research methods are used to test hypotheses and analyse data using SEM with LISREL software. The results showed that financial attitudes, financial behaviour, locus of control and financial inclusion positively affect financial literacy, and financial attitudes, financial behaviour, locus of control and financial inclusion affect accounting literacy, and financial literacy positively affect accounting literacy.

Madagascar's seagrass meadows are among the least-studied ecosystems in the western Indian Ocean region. To facilitate sustainable management, understanding the traditional uses of seagrass areas in relation to current management policies is necessary. This study assessed the uses of, and policies relevant to, seagrass ecosystems off southwestern Madagascar. We interviewed 131 community members in five coastal villages around the Bay of Ranobe in Toliara Province. Answers to the survey revealed a good level of awareness of seagrass, though 55% of respondents perceived the status of the seagrass areas as deteriorating. Opinions varied on the source or degree of threats to seagrass, but 74.8% of respondents suggested destructive fishing methods or other factors, including natural phenomena and animal grazing. The responses highlight that seagrass meadows serve as areas important for fishing, seaweed cultivation or sea cucumber farming, and the passage of boat/pirogue transportation. There are currently no tangible policies that directly protect or manage the seagrass areas regarding these activities, although some national regulations and local management initiatives are indirectly relevant, notably no-take zones and the local-level codes known as Dina. Development and implementation of a national management plan for seagrass ecosystems is a key gap. This demands the collection of scientific data to support decision-making to ensure long-term provision of the services provided by seagrass meadows. The involvement of coastal communities in the management of seagrass ecosystems will be necessary for the success of any new policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coleostephus myconis (L.) Cass. ex Rchb. subsp. discolor (Guss.) Arrigoni (Asteraceae, Asteroideae, Anthemideae) has been previously reported to occur naturally in western Italy and its Mediterranean islands. In 2013, native populations of Coleostephus myconis subsp. discolor were recorded for the first time in Tunisia. This is also the first report of this taxon to North Africa. In Tunisia, Coleostephus myconis subsp. discolor grows in coastal areas, on open clayey soils, and in communities of thermophilous herbs. The two populations observed are relatively small, covering 1000 m² and 3000 m². Further records of this taxon in other localities in neighbouring countries in North Africa are highly probable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among traditional fishing families in coastal village areas in Indonesia, women play a strategic role in improving the business they are engaged in and their families' welfare. This study aimed to examine the role and involvement of women in the empowerment and improvement of the welfare of poor, traditional fishing families in coastal areas. This study employed a quantitative research method with a descriptive research type. In addition to collecting data from the results of a survey of 500 respondents, this study also collected qualitative data from the results of in-depth interviews with 25 informants. Women in traditional fishing families play a significant role in supporting the family's financial stability by doing side jobs within or outside the fisheries sector. They have become more empowered, seeking various types of work to support the family's economy. Unfortunately, they do not have long-term goals for the work in which they are involved. Most women in traditional fishing families face obstacles such as capital acquisition, marketing issues, and a strong patriarchal culture that has hampered their work opportunities and developing businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 11% of the world’s population lives within 10 km of an ocean coastline, a percentage that is likely to increase during the remainder of the 21st century due to urbanization and economic development. In the presence of climate change, coastal communities will be threatened by increasing damages due to sea-level rise (SLR), accompanied by hurricanes, storm surges and coastal inundation, shoreline erosion, and seawater intrusion into the soil. While the past decade has seen numerous proposals for coastal protection using adaptation methods to deal with the deep uncertainties associated with a changing climate, our review of the potential impact of SLR on the resilience of coastal communities reveals that these adaptation methods have not been informed by community resilience or recovery goals. Moreover, since SLR is likely to continue over the next century, periodic changes to these community goals may be necessary for public planning and risk mitigation. Finally, community policy development must be based on a quantitative risk-informed life-cycle basis to develop public support for the substantial public investments required. We propose potential research directions to identify effective adaptation methods based on the gaps identified in our review, culminating in a decision framework that is informed by community resilience goals and metrics and risk analysis over community infrastructure life cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Arctic marine ecosystems are changing rapidly, largely due to the observed accelerated warming that is associated with ongoing climate change. Environmental DNA (eDNA) combined with metabarcoding has great potential for large-scale biomonitoring of Arctic marine communities. However, important limitations remain, such as understanding the complexity and drivers of spatiotemporal variation in eDNA distribution. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of tidal dynamics on aquatic metazoan (vertebrates and invertebrates) on eDNA metabarcoding results from nearshore estuarine and marine Arctic ports of Churchill (Manitoba) and Milne Inlet (Nunavut), respectively. We collected and sequenced 54 water samples per port at low, middle and high tide across three days, as well as two depths (surface, bottom), using four universal primer pairs (two primers in the COI gene and two in the 18S rRNA gene). Results: We observed a significant transition in the estuarine community structure from low to high tide, whereas the marine community structure was more stable across tides. The eDNA community structure differed between the surface and bottom waters in both the estuarine and marine ecosystems. However, the biodiversity pattern within the water column was significantly different between estuarine and marine ecosystems. Finally, we observed short-term temporal variation of the communities in both systems. Discussion: Altogether, our results highlight the short-term temporal dynamic nature of eDNA derived from coastal communities. This variability should be accounted for in eDNA sampling design to ensure robust characterization of coastal communities and long-term time series, particularly for estuarine environments where the effects of tide and depth are more important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal mangrove-dependent communities face various risks due to climate change, thus rendering them vulnerable. This study explored the vulnerability of these communities in the Tana Delta in Kenya using an indicator-based vulnerability assessment framework to better understand their exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Data was collected through household surveys (n = 377), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). The analysis revealed mean vulnerability indices at the sub-location level ranged from 0.850 for Kipini to − 0.913 for Kilelengwani and − 2.702 for Ozi. The statistically significant indicators of vulnerability were (i) exposure—high temperatures and rainfall changes; (ii) sensitivity—household numbers, head of household's age, dependents' education, and dependents' employment; and (iii) adaptive capacity—ownership of assets, access to community infrastructure and services, condition/quality of houses, total income, and alternative sources of income. The findings highlight the need for adaptation strategies that ensure greater financial assets supported by education and skills enhancement to utilize existing opportunities. Attention to community infrastructure and services is crucial. Policy should focus on financial, physical, and human assets to reduce community vulnerability alongside the continued conservation and management of mangrove resources. The results will help policymakers in addressing the impacts of climate change and benefit households in the study area. These insights can be applied to regions with similar climate conditions and livelihood systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the multifaceted dynamics linking climate change and conflict on Hatiya Island, Bangladesh. Examining perceptions and responses to climate-induced stress, insecurity and potential conflicts, our research draws insights from literature reviews and focus group discussions. Despite the heightened stress resulting from unpredictable climate events, islanders perceive recent improvements in food security. They continue to struggle with periodic shortages and inaccessible health care and education. Many are entrapped in a cycle of poverty, debt and political marginalisation, further compounded by exploitative economic relations, power dynamics and government policies that intensify grievances. Climate change impacts are not perceived locally as an (immediate) threat: other issues seem to have more priority. Our findings emphasise the importance of prioritising social and political dynamics, alongside structural constraints, in understanding the climate--conflict nexus. This should not be taken to mean that climate change is irrelevant, though, as it has an impact on the bedrock of long-term poverty and distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of rapid, consequential changes in coastal conditions, coastal communities and regions must make decisions to address these changes and negotiate pathways towards more sustainable futures. Making just and equitable decisions requires engaging the affected population and influential stakeholders in the process. These processes can be improved by considering and engaging with shared narratives present across both time and location. This paper reviews exemplary instances in which narratives have been employed in facilitating decisions in coastal regions, in particular, future-facing-narratives that reflect the social landscape and dynamics operating in parallel with environmental and geographical conditions. Recognizing and learning from these narratives deepens and facilitates making informed, meaningful decisions on complex, contested, value-laden issues facing coastal communities. This paper argues that decisions at scales from local-to-national can be improved by considering shared narratives of sustainability and social identity as central pillars of the negotiation around both governance processes and desirable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Integrative social–ecological approaches are crucial for addressing sustainability challenges in coastal and marine systems. Among these, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a pivotal approach for integrated management. Often, the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the application of MSP occur in parallel. Given the potential synergies, there is a need to better understand and address barriers to the adoption of MSP approaches for integrative conservation mechanisms. Using São Tomé and Príncipe as a case study, we illustrate how MSP was employed as an operational framework for establishing an MPA network. Drawing on the experiences of people directly involved in this co‐design process, we reflect on the main challenges and opportunities in achieving social–ecological integration, and highlight recommendations for conservation practitioners and planners. Applying MSP was perceived to contribute substantially to multiple project goals, with some (e.g., incorporating perspectives and needs of vulnerable groups) more challenging to achieve. While MSP enhanced conceptual, disciplinary, methodological and functional integration, practical challenges in implementation hindered the extent to which each of these was achieved. Given international commitments to Blue Growth, high fisheries dependence and current patterns of change, developing effective integrative MSP approaches is essential for social–ecological resilience.

Climate change's adverse impacts are already evident, particularly in coastal areas. However, local perception that is essential in formulating policies for mitigating its impacts remains limited. Thus, this study evaluated the level of perception of small fishing communities on climate change and its impacts on livelihood and the environment. The data were obtained using a face-to-face survey with the aid of a structured questionnaire. They were interpreted and analyzed using the Likert point scale, descriptive statistics, and chi-square. A total of 308 male fisherfolks participated in the survey. Majority belong to age 51-60 years old (38%) and 61 years old and above (32%). Most of them (65%) finished elementary and generally (94%) rely on fishing for main source of living. As for income, 47% earned an estimated monthly income of Php 2,501-5,000 and 28% got Php 5,001-7,500. Most of the respondents are full-time fishers (89%) for more than 11 years (87%), and fishing within the municipal water (92%). Majority (90%) have an idea about climate change as reflected by their very high score in Likert Perception (24.3±2.3%). The climate change impacts perceived by the respondents include: increasing sea surface temperature (87%); fish are sensitive to changing climate (87%); and fossil fuel consumption contributes to climate change (84%). They said they got the information from TV/ Radio (99%) and social media (10%). The age (p-value < 0.0032) and source of information (p-value < 0.0348) are among the variables with significant relationship to the perception of respondents on climate change impacts. In total, it appears that majority of fishers are aware of the impacts of climates. It is suggested that effective management actions, such as emergency preparedness schemes and livelihood diversification should be explored to address the specific needs of fishing communities that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, an ecosystem-based approach that focuses on socio-economic dynamics and climate-induced changes in assessments and management is essential for the sustainable use of fisheries resources amidst the changing climate.

Abstract Coastal communities and their landscapes are subject to constant change, and today face new challenges as a result of climate change and the sustainable energy transition. To ensure the resilience of coastal communities to ongoing changes in the natural and constructed environment, it is imperative that planners and other decision‐makers understand the importance of local places to residents. We used an interdisciplinary, mixed‐methods approach to study relationships between coastal residents and places in south Co. Wicklow, Ireland, introducing the concept of ‘affective engagement’. Grounded in new materialist theory (notably actor–network theory), this term connects the meaning derived by residents from their relationships with coastal places (‘affect’) to the extent of their material interactions (‘engagement’). ‘Affect’ was determined from thematic analysis of interviews and open questionnaire responses, as well as place attachment scales included in the questionnaire. Measures describing the strength of the relationship between residents and coastal places were used as a proxy for ‘engagement’. To understand how experienced meaning and material interaction interlink, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to join and visually explore the different measures of ‘affect’ and ‘engagement’. Potentially mediating sociodemographic variables were investigated using a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). The majority of self‐selected study participants displayed strong place attachment to their most frequently visited places. We found that affective engagement does not vary with age, gender or type of place. Participants favoured natural and constructed places in equal measure. This implies that constructed places can be of high value due to their different functions for different individuals, and that landscape transformations may impact on coastal residents if they cause a change in functionality. We found two domains comprising affective engagement that are not measurable by quantitative or qualitative data alone. The first of these domains is driven by attachments to places, and the other by meanings relating to either personal or social fulfilment afforded by a place. Our findings may help planners better understand the meanings behind local support for (or resistance against) landscape transformations, and how residents' affective engagement might be impacted by proposed interventions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

AbstractThis study explores conflicts stemming from the intersection of cultural practices, beliefs, and international human rights standards within coastal communities. Through rigorous focus group discussions, it examines the interplay between culture and human rights, identifying colonial legacies, economic disparities, and environmental challenges as primary sources of tension. Concrete examples, such as disputes over fishing access and clashes with regulatory frameworks, underscore the pressing need for resolution. Emphasising the importance of inclusive approaches, the study advocates for strategies that honour cultural diversity while upholding universal human rights principles. It calls for comprehensive measures, including community dialogue, cultural sensitivity training, and the integration of customary laws, alongside education and awareness initiatives and effective policy implementation. Additionally, the study recommends the establishment of robust mediation mechanisms and partnerships with local and international stakeholders to facilitate conflict resolution and capacity-building efforts. Through collaborative efforts with coastal communities, these actions pave the way for a more equitable, inclusive, and rights-respecting future.

ABSTRACTLocal knowledge and values of coastal communities offer insights into the intricate human-nature relationships in the land-sea interface. Considering a diversity of values unveils how people perceive nature, encompassing both tangible and intangible dimensions, and this understanding is part of how they navigate dynamic environmental challenges by embracing livelihood diversification spanning land-sea activities. Better understanding of these values, relationships and diversification strategies can improve social-ecological systems theory and practice. Here we assess links between local knowledge, values and livelihoods in order to identify emerging tradeoffs. Using semi-structured interviews with qualitative and quantitative methods, we conducted a total of 88 interviews in five communities in Southern Chile. Local knowledge and values were collected as free-listing on terrestrial and marine species. We probed relationships between livelihood diversification and values, classified as relational, intrinsic, and instrumental. Our findings showed that marine species were most associated with instrumental values, while terrestrial species had a balance between relational, intrinsic and instrumental values. We observed that as communities expand their livelihoods and live closer to the city, they showed lower knowledge and values, and in these cases instrumental values predominate. Certain diversification strategies could lead to time constraints, impacting the transmission of knowledge and resulting in less values. Deeper and long-term cooperation between different actors to recover and protect different values is necessary to couple local knowledge and values with livelihood diversification. Our research provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to develop holistic strategies that include relational values and leverage diverse knowledge systems to address contemporary environmental challenges.

This article examines the development of marine tenure in the Maullín River, Chile. It starts with the emergence of artisanal red algae (Gracilaria chilensis) gathering and the changes resulting from the governmental ad hoc allocation of small-scale aquaculture concessions. We aim to track this transition, its drivers, effects on the work organization, gender relations, market relations and the sustainability/equity challenges currently confronting the community. We use a feminist political ecology approach to direct our multi-method data collection strategy and to analyse the empirical material. The State by enabling local tenure for the development of marine aquaculture concessions played an influential role in Maullín community attaining de facto territorial tenure. This led to the establishment of residential aquaculture communities while facilitating the integration of women in aquaculture activities. We see both steps as positive economic and social development opportunities in Maullín. While marine tenure has provided livelihood chances, low prices caused by the producers’ disadvantaged market position and the lack of supportive alliance building pose ongoing problems. We conclude that these factors are serious challenges to the sustainability of aquacultural livelihoods at Maullín River. While the case depicts aspects of women’s empowerment such as their engagement in developing potential post-production innovation ideas, entrepreneurial abilities to conduct market transactions as well as their better competence in literacy, math and financial expertise, there is still a long way to reach gender equality in the male-dominated aquacultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in sea surface temperature have historically impacted the coral reef habitats of giant clams in Kiribati. However, across many islands of Kiribati, the four species of giant clam have largely withstood these environmental changes. We adopted and applied a comprehensive resilience framework to assess attributes conferring and limiting resilience in the Kiribati giant clam data-limited fishery and used knowledge co-production and the precautionary principle approach to better understand resilience. We found that the resilience of the fishery to climate and anthropogenic impacts, as highlighted by local stake- and rightholders, will depend on the ability of fishery actors to act collectively to implement adaptive governance. We used a gradient of human pressure to identify approaches and pathways for improving and operationalising climate resilience. Climate change, coupled with human impacts, have reduced ecological resilience in the urbanised island of South Tarawa. In South Tarawa, governance and social processes are less flexible, leading to declines in the local subsistence clam fishery. Conversely, on several remote outer islands, where the social-ecological system has shown promise in combating these anthropogenic influences, the ecological resilience has improved through adaptive community-based fisheries management, and the subsistence clam fishery has persisted. Our case study demonstrates the importance of a participatory approach and local knowledge when assessing climate resilience and identifies a pathway of resilience in a data-limited small-scale fishery. I-KIRIBATI ABSTRACT Ni boong ma taai aika a bwakanako ao bibitakin kabuebuen taari ea bon tia n roota maiun te were nte aro are ea karika te ane ba ena mainaina. E ngae n anne ao utun te were aika a aua (4) aika a kuneaki i Kiribati, a tia n aitara ma kangangan korakoran bibitakin te enwaromenta. Rinanon aia konabwai ni waaki ma bitaki ao a tia naba ni kona ni kaaitarai aia mwakuri ni kabarekareka ao ni karawawata te bota n aomata. Bibitakin kanoan boong, n raonaki ma rikiraken te bota n aomata, ea tia ni kataia ni kauarerekea te konabai ni kaitarai kanganga iaon Tarawa Teinainano ni kabotauaki ma aban Kiribati ake tabeua are e a raroa riki. E korakora te kerikaki ni mwaitin te were iaon Tawara Teinainano ngkai e korakora anaakina ba te amwarake ao ni marau ke ni karako te baronga n aron anaakina. N aban Kiribati ake tabeua ao ea tia ni kakoauaaki ba te baaronga ma te katei n aroaro rinanon kaawan abamakoro ea tia ni kaoka rikiraken ao teimatoan te were bwa te amwarake, e ngae ngke e korakora ana urubwai bibitakin kanoan bong. N taraakin aron bibitakin kanoan boong i Kiribati ma akawan te were, ao e kuneaki ba aron te were ni kona ni kaitara kabuebuen taari ma rikiraken kakangin taari ena boboto man oioi irouia naake a kabongana ke n akawa te were. Te kamatebai aei e riki ba te katoto n aron taneiei ni kaaitarai bitakin kanoan bong n irekereke ma akawa aika a uarereke. Climate change is a threat to food systems and assessing fisheries' strengths and vulnerabilities remains a challenge. To examine climate resilience in the Kiribati giant clam fishery, we adopt a participatory framework, interpreted in the light of the precautionary principle, to highlight attributes conferring resilience. We demonstrate resilience attributes in practice to identify precautionary measures of climate resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal communities and their landscapes are subject to constant change, and today face new challenges as a result of climate change and the sustainable energy transition. To ensure the resilience of coastal communities to ongoing changes in the natural and constructed environment, it is imperative that planners and other decision‐makers understand the importance of local places to residents.We used an interdisciplinary, mixed‐methods approach to study relationships between coastal residents and places in south Co. Wicklow, Ireland, introducing the concept of 'affective engagement'. Grounded in new materialist theory (notably actor–network theory), this term connects the meaning derived by residents from their relationships with coastal places ('affect') to the extent of their material interactions ('engagement'). 'Affect' was determined from thematic analysis of interviews and open questionnaire responses, as well as place attachment scales included in the questionnaire. Measures describing the strength of the relationship between residents and coastal places were used as a proxy for 'engagement'.To understand how experienced meaning and material interaction interlink, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to join and visually explore the different measures of 'affect' and 'engagement'. Potentially mediating sociodemographic variables were investigated using a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA).The majority of self‐selected study participants displayed strong place attachment to their most frequently visited places. We found that affective engagement does not vary with age, gender or type of place. Participants favoured natural and constructed places in equal measure. This implies that constructed places can be of high value due to their different functions for different individuals, and that landscape transformations may impact on coastal residents if they cause a change in functionality.We found two domains comprising affective engagement that are not measurable by quantitative or qualitative data alone. The first of these domains is driven by attachments to places, and the other by meanings relating to either personal or social fulfilment afforded by a place.Our findings may help planners better understand the meanings behind local support for (or resistance against) landscape transformations, and how residents' affective engagement might be impacted by proposed interventions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionArctic marine ecosystems are changing rapidly, largely due to the observed accelerated warming that is associated with ongoing climate change. Environmental DNA (eDNA) combined with metabarcoding has great potential for large-scale biomonitoring of Arctic marine communities. However, important limitations remain, such as understanding the complexity and drivers of spatio-temporal variation in eDNA distribution.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effect of tidal dynamics on aquatic metazoan (vertebrates and invertebrates) on eDNA metabarcoding results from nearshore estuarine and marine Arctic ports of Churchill (Manitoba) and Milne Inlet (Nunavut), respectively. We collected and sequenced 54 water samples per port at low, middle and high tide across three days, as well as two depths (surface, bottom), using four universal primer pairs (two primers in the COI gene and two in the 18S rRNA gene).ResultsWe observed a significant transition in the estuarine community structure from low to high tide, whereas the marine community structure was more stable across tides. The eDNA community structure differed between the surface and bottom waters in both the estuarine and marine ecosystems. However, the biodiversity pattern within the water column was significantly different between estuarine and marine ecosystems. Finally, we observed short-term temporal variation of the communities in both systems.DiscussionAltogether, our results highlight the short-term temporal dynamic nature of eDNA derived from coastal communities. This variability should be accounted for in eDNA sampling design to ensure robust characterization of coastal communities and long-term time series, particularly for estuarine environments where the effects of tide and depth are more important.

IntroductionDiarrheal disease is a global public health concern, particularly in low-income countries. In Ghana, widespread issues like inadequate sanitation, unsafe drinking water, malnutrition, and poor hygiene practices contribute to the high incidence of diarrhea. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by increasing the frequency and severity of conditions that spread diarrheal diseases. This study explores households’ knowledge, understanding, and management practices for diarrhea in climate change-vulnerable coastal communities.MethodsThe study is set in Ghana’s central (Mumford, Opetekwei) and eastern (Anyako, Anyanui-Atiteti) coastlines. Using a cross-sectional study design, a structured questionnaire was administered to randomly sampled households (n = 419) to collect quantitative data. The study collected qualitative data from focus group discussions (n = 8), with groups separated into men and women, key informant interviews, and observations of food, water, and sanitation conditions across the studied communities.Results and discussionThe study found significant variations between the studied communities and socio-demographic variables except for the respondents’ gender. Multivariate regression analyses identified significant associations between socio-demographic variables (especially gender and educational status) and perceptions of diarrhea causes. The most used first management action against diarrhea is ‘over-the-counter drugs’, followed by home-made traditional remedies. Significant differences were observed in the usage of management practices across the studied communities. Trust, affordability, and availability were identified as the main factors influencing households’ use of approved pharmaceutical drugs and traditional herbal remedies for managing behavior, with significant differences being observed across communities. The study recommends a multi-sectoral approach, including improved access to regularly flowing, safe water and sanitation facilities, education on preventing diarrhea, and adequate healthcare services. Community-based interventions such as promoting good hygiene practices at homes and community settings such as schools, lorry parks, funeral grounds, and recreational areas can also effectively reduce the burden of diarrhea.

The natural capacity of marine sediments to capture, sequester, and store organic carbon has been recognized by researchers and policy makers for its potential to mitigate against climate change. As a result, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Marine Protected Area (MPA) designation processes increasingly aim to protect “blue carbon” stored in marine sediments by reducing anthropogenic activities that disturb the seabed (e.g., bottom trawling). In this research, we engaged with coastal residents around Dundalk Bay, Ireland to explore public perceptions of the presence and management of carbon-storing marine sediments in the context of the multifaceted relationship between communities and the environment. This has not been previously studied in an empirical setting. Given the largely “unknown” character of this source of blue carbon, we theorized that speculation played a key role in sustaining emerging perceptions of the sediments, by creating a link with existing place meanings. We used interviews (n = 12) and a focus group (n = 7). Reflexive thematic analysis of the data showed that local residents associated multiple, overlapping meanings with Dundalk Bay. We found evidence that speculative mechanisms such as analogy and experiential knowledge were used to bridge between existing place meanings and emerging perceptions of carbon-storing marine sediments, which also helped indicate the valence of people’s feelings about the sediments. We found different views about the presence of the sediments, and residents varied in their prioritization of measures to protect either nature or economic activity in the bay. Because of scientific knowledge gaps related to the distribution and character of marine sediments and the impacts of anthropogenic activity, participants stressed the need for further research and a careful approach to the management of the bay and its sediments. Our work reiterates the importance of recognizing existing people–place connections to understand potential responses to changes in the use and/or management of marine environments. This can help achieve a more engaged and socially acceptable MSP process.

The number of global disasters per year is projected to increase 40% by 2030. In part, this increase can be tied to climate change which is exasperating existing hazards and contributing to new hazards. The specific type of hazard response that communities employ varies, dependent on demographics such as location, socioeconomic statis, governance quality, risk perception, and infrastructure, leading to a need to understand how specific communities, with their unique characteristics, respond to hazards. The main objective of this paper was to highlight hazards of concern to small coastal communities, and to determine what actions can be taken to alleviate concern. This study incorporates a hazard survey conducted across 20 coastal communities in Nova Scotia, Canada. For each community, municipal documents (bylaws/policies/plans) were compared with the lived experience of community representatives. Overall, four key insights were observed: (1) There was a general tendency that the more experience a community has had with a given hazard, the greater the concern, and the more likely the municipality was to have developed corresponding plans, policies or bylaws; (2) there were exceptions to the links between experience with hazards, concerns about them, and governmental response; (3) significant uncertainties and gaps in awareness need to be addressed in order for hazards to be dealt with effectively at community and municipal levels; (4) while municipalities engage in a certain level of responses to some specific hazards, there is a clear tendency to adopt a multi-hazard approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Iron Age IIA Philistine cemetery at Ashkelon (modern Israel), roughly 11% of individuals exhibit severe and highly variable dental wear, which we explore here at two timescales: wear that accumulates over days and weeks (microwear) and wear that accumulates over months and years (macrowear). Using teeth from both adult and nonadult individuals, we first established categories of dental macrowear patterns and sorted individuals within them. We then made replicas of the teeth from 27 individuals having both typical and atypical dental wear and performed metrology by noncontact profilometry on a reflected light microscope. We then calculated each tooth's surface roughness (Sa) and collected qualitative observations of teeth within each macrowear category. Our findings show no macrowear or microwear pattern exclusive to sex or age group. Likewise, there are no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in Sa between adult males and females, and sampled nonadults fall within two standard deviations of the pooled adult means. The microscopic surfaces of all teeth show a wide variety of textures on the occlusal surfaces, including wavy striations, deep parallel striations, globular pitting, and newly described rectangular pits. These results indicate that individuals used their teeth as a third hand while manipulating objects and that children also participated in these activities. Due to the similarities in dental wear between Ashkelon and other coastal populations, we conclude that the observed wear patterns arose from the performance of specialized tasks for a marine‐based economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the ecological and social dimensions of fisheries are being affected by climate change. As a result, policymakers, managers, scientists and fishing communities are seeking guidance on how to holistically build resilience to climate change. Numerous studies have highlighted key attributes of resilience in fisheries, yet concrete examples that explicitly link these attributes to social‐ecological outcomes are lacking. To better understand climate resilience, we assembled 18 case studies spanning ecological, socio‐economic, governance and geographic contexts. Using a novel framework for evaluating 38 resilience attributes, the case studies were systematically assessed to understand how attributes enable or inhibit resilience to a given climate stressor. We found population abundance, learning capacity, and responsive governance were the most important attributes for conferring resilience, with ecosystem connectivity, place attachment, and accountable governance scoring the strongest across the climate‐resilient fisheries. We used these responses to develop an attribute typology that describes robust sources of resilience, actionable priority attributes and attributes that are case specific or require research. We identified five fishery archetypes to guide stakeholders as they set long‐term goals and prioritize actions to improve resilience. Lastly, we found evidence for two pathways to resilience: (1) building ecological assets and strengthening communities, which we observed in rural and small‐scale fisheries, and (2) building economic assets and improving effective governance, which was demonstrated in urban and wealthy fisheries. Our synthesis presents a novel framework that can be directly applied to identify approaches, pathways and actionable levers for improving climate resilience in fishery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Coastal communities of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have been affected by atypical influxes of pelagic macroalgae (Sargassum genus) since 2011, entailing ecological, economic and social impacts in need of characterization. We compiled and documented local ecological knowledge (LEK) and perceptions across diverse stakeholder groups from coastal communities in Mexico (Quintana Roo) (n=50 participants) and the United States (Florida) (n=36 participants) through on-site and online interviews and workshops undertaken from January to March of 2022, to understand how the knowledge of this phenomenon varies among communities and to characterize ecological and well-being impacts. Participants in Quintana Roo associated these influxes with both global phenomena (e.g., climate change) and local scale processes (e.g., currents/wind patterns) while Florida participants associated these events more with the latter. The communities in both regions perceived that the economy and the environment were the most impacted well-being categories. While influxes effects were mostly negative (80%) according to Quintana Roo participants (e.g., affected fisheries), Florida participants considered many positive effects of Sargassum (40%) on several well-being and ecological components (e.g., nursery habitat for marine species). In general, the perception of Sargassum as a problem was less pronounced in Florida, and these differences in perception are related to the magnitude of these influxes' effect on the daily life of these communities. Overall, macroalgae management is still mainly focused on beach cleanup. Documenting LEK is important to delineate scientific research priorities and to provide decision makers with resources to develop efficient public policies and coastal management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa has vigorously embraced the concept of the ‘blue economy’ and is aggressively pursuing a blue growth strategy to expand the ocean economy, create jobs, and alleviate poverty. However, many of these ‘blue initiatives’ are leading to conflicts amongst various stakeholders with different histories, relationships with resources and areas, worldviews, and values. Investment in the ocean economy is being prioritized by government and planning, environmental assessment, and decision-making processes are being fast-tracked. Consequently, historical inequities as well as environmental and social justice considerations are not being given due consideration. Communities are not being effectively consulted. This has resulted in tensions and conflicts amongst proponents of these projects and local communities living in areas affected by these initiatives. We examine the drivers of conflict and then explore the strategies that local communities and their social partners have employed in these case studies to challenge contentious developments, defend coastal and marine areas, and make their voices heard. The cases involve conflicts over air quality in an expanding marine industrial zone at Saldanha Bay, prospecting and mining applications in the vicinity of the Olifants Estuary in the Western Cape, and the expansion of the Richard’s Bay Port, mining activities, and conservation initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal. The barriers and potential opportunities to opening up deliberative spaces, shifting values and views, and co-producing knowledge, in contexts that are characterised by structural inequality, poverty, and power asymmetries, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal waters off Peru are among the world's most productive, thanks to the Humboldt Current and its strong coastal upwelling. Fisheries and an ever-expanding mariculture sector provide millions of Peruvians livelihoods, income, and nutrition. Coastal communities engaging with these sectors face a volatile environment they have historically adapted to. But when the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in 2020, affecting all aspects of life, challenges for the fisheries and mariculture sectors emerged to a yet unprecedented extent. This work applies a mixed-method approach for documenting and analysing the effects of the pandemic on the Peruvian seafood sector and seafood worker's economy in particular. Mobility restrictions and market closures disrupted seafood supply chains, altering access to nutrition and income for many people involved. Interviewees aimed to diversify livelihood strategies and use personal networks to withstand the crisis, while some established adaptation strategies, such as migration towards other fishing grounds, were largely impeded. Our results highlight the vulnerability of seafood value chains—mainly artisanal and small-scale fisheries—in the face of such a global crisis. The implications of the pandemic for the long-term sustainability of Peruvian coastal–marine activities are discussed and set into the context of previously experienced crises in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the mitigation strategies employed in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Aimed at understanding how the city, prone to natural disasters, has enhanced its resilience and recovery capabilities, the study meticulously evaluates the implementation of various mitigation measures ranging from ecosystem-based coastal protections to advanced early warning systems, community education, and infrastructural resilience. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, including surveys with high Cronbach's Alpha values indicating strong reliability and consistency, the research delves into the effectiveness of these strategies. It also considers the roles of various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and international partners, in fostering a collaborative disaster recovery effort. The findings highlight the critical importance of community engagement and the integration of local knowledge into disaster management practices. Furthermore, the study underscores the necessity of continuous improvement in disaster management strategies to cope with the evolving nature of natural threats. By comprehensively analyzing Banda Aceh's post-tsunami mitigation efforts, this research offers valuable insights for other regions globally vulnerable to natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, community resilience, and sustainable recovery strategies.

Seaweed farming is one of the aquaculture industries with the greatest growth rate worldwide, with an annual production of over 33 billion tonnes, and a value of USD$11.8 billion which is predicted to treble by 2024. The current study was conducted in the Bakkhali River estuary and set out to survey the seaweed cultivation, processing, marketing status of the seaweed farmers and evaluate its financial benefits. Gracilaria lemaneiformis and Ulva intestinalis were cultured using the rope methods. The yield of G. lemaneiformis and U. intestinalis was good (Ten 15 m long ropes were used in each of the 45 plots, produced 7770 kg of G. lemaneiformis in the first 15 days while using ten 15 m long ropes were in each of the plots of U. intestinalis produced 2300 kg). Water parameters viz. temperature, salinity, pH, DO and transparency were checked every 15 days. According to previous literature, winter was determined to be the most productive time for seaweed development in Bangladesh. Seaweed was processed by the sun drying method and sold to retail clients, neighborhood shops and markets, and representatives in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari district, where G. lemaneiformis attracting the higher price. The income of seaweed farmers has increased more than in the previous years to maintain their family. Most of the farmers used raw seaweed as traditional medicine for the treatment of gastric problem (80%), diabetes (5%), blood pressure (3%) and cancer (2%). They also used seaweed as an additive with other vegetables, mutton and chicken. Education for coastal people is very difficult, but after cultivating seaweed, about 60% of farmers can afford their children’s education cost and about 85% of the households had electric fans, while the majority had mobile phones. The cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that seaweed cultivation is highly profitable.

This research aims to assess the vulnerability to cyclones in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, employing a comprehensive framework derived from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007). The study considers a total of eighteen factors, categorized into three critical dimensions: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. These factors are crucial in understanding the potential impact of cyclones in the region. In order to develop a cyclone vulnerability map, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied, primarily focusing on the dimensions of sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The findings of this analysis revealed that sensitivity and adaptive capacity components accounted for a significant percentage of variance in the data, explaining 90.00 % and 90.93 % of the variance, respectively. Despite the lack of details about data collection, the study identified specific factors contributing significantly to each dimension. Notably, proximity to the coastline emerged as a highly influential factor in determining cyclone exposure. The results of this research indicate that certain areas, such as Jessore, Khulna, Narail, Gopalgonj, and Bagerhat, exhibit low exposure to cyclones, whereas regions like Chandpur and Lakshmipur face a high level of exposure. Sensitivity was found to be high in most areas, with Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Chandpur being the most sensitive regions. Adaptive capacity was observed to vary significantly, with low values near the sea, particularly in locations like Cox's Bazar, Shatkhira, Bagerhat, Noakhali, and Bhola, and high values in regions farther from the coast. Overall, vulnerability to cyclones was found to be very high in Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, and Bhola, low in Jessore and Khulna, and moderate in Barisal, Narail, Gopalgonj, and Jhalokati. These findings are expected to provide valuable insights to inform decision-makers and authorities tasked with managing the consequences of cyclones in the region.

Climate change research on fisheries is often focused on changes in species abundance and distribution, yet the impacts of severe weather events are also important. Climate models indicate that storm frequency and intensity may increase in the North Atlantic; however, uncertainties remain and consequences in Iceland are not well studied. This research represents a first attempt to understand local to regional implications of storminess on Icelandic fisheries industries. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the analysis (1) provides regional future wind speed projections in Iceland and surroundings under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 3–7.0 scenario, (2) documents current local experiences using exploratory interviews with various stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture, and (3) explores research priorities for understanding climate-change adaptations in coastal communities. Projections show that whereas areas of the west, south, and east of Iceland may experience fewer storm days, the region north/northeast of Iceland features an increase in storm days. Potential adaptations include a flexible management system that does not punish fishers for lost time due to bad weather, cooperative market arrangements among sectors, and job security considerations for fishers and fish processing workers. Future projections are needed for other variables such as precipitation, and future socioeconomic studies should address the predictions and impacts of storminess.

AbstractThis article presents a novel approach to estimate multi-hazard loss in a post-event situation, resulting from cascading earthquake and tsunami events with machine learning for the first time. The proposed methodology combines the power of random forest (RF) with data that are simulated at seismic and tsunami monitoring locations. The RF model is well-suited for predicting highly nonlinear multi-hazard loss because of its nonparametric regression and ensemble learning capabilities. The study targets the cities of Iwanuma and Onagawa in Tohoku, Japan, where seismic and tsunami monitoring networks have been deployed. To encompass a diverse range of future multi-hazard loss estimation, an RF model is constructed based on 4000 simulated earthquake events with peak ground velocity and tsunami wave amplitude captured at ground-motion monitoring sites and offshore wave monitoring sensors, respectively. The incorporation of 10 ground-motion monitoring sites and five offshore wave monitoring sensors significantly enhances the model’s forecasting power, leading to a notable 60% decrease in mean squared error and 20% increase in the [Formula: see text] value compared to scenarios where no monitoring sensors are utilized. By harnessing the capabilities of RF and leveraging detailed sensing data, RF achieves [Formula: see text] values over 90%, which can contribute to enhanced disaster risk management.

ABSTRACTCoastal communities of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have been affected by atypical influxes of pelagic macroalgae (Sargassum genus) since 2011, entailing ecological, economic and social impacts in need of characterization. We compiled and documented local ecological knowledge (LEK) and perceptions across diverse stakeholder groups from coastal communities in Mexico (Quintana Roo) (n=50 participants) and the United States (Florida) (n=36 participants) through on-site and online interviews and workshops undertaken from January to March of 2022, to understand how the knowledge of this phenomenon varies among communities and to characterize ecological and well-being impacts. Participants in Quintana Roo associated these influxes with both global phenomena (e.g., climate change) and local scale processes (e.g., currents/wind patterns) while Florida participants associated these events more with the latter. The communities in both regions perceived that the economy and the environment were the most impacted well-being categories. While influxes effects were mostly negative (80%) according to Quintana Roo participants (e.g., affected fisheries), Florida participants considered many positive effects of Sargassum (40%) on several well-being and ecological components (e.g., nursery habitat for marine species). In general, the perception of Sargassum as a problem was less pronounced in Florida, and these differences in perception are related to the magnitude of these influxes’ effect on the daily life of these communities. Overall, macroalgae management is still mainly focused on beach cleanup. Documenting LEK is important to delineate scientific research priorities and to provide decision makers with resources to develop efficient public policies and coastal management decisions.

For centuries resource economists have persistently debated and discussed the potential of the green economy and how it should be protected and used sustainably. Most studies to date on the economic value of natural resources have thus concentrated on the green economy and how countries could harness its resources to achieve growth and development. However, perhaps the blue economy (i.e., ocean resources) could also help achieve growth and development. Studies on the blue economy are concept notes, reports and literature reviews on the evolving definition of the concept. Therefore, we examine the blue economy in the context of marine communities' socioeconomic characteristics that could lead to changing patterns in the use of ocean resources. Using household survey data (Ghana Living Standard Survey – GLSS 7) and regression analysis, we investigate the socioeconomic lives and welfare of marine communities amidst blue economy principles. We found that most marine households enjoy a reasonably high standard of living, which bodes well for blue economy principles as livelihood diversification could reduce pressure on fishing as the only job in these communities. However, we also found that many rural coastal communities have more appalling socioeconomic living conditions than their urban counterparts, with poor amenities (like toilet facilities and waste disposal). These are potential threats to the achievement of a blue economy. Thus, policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this introduction to the special section, "The Economics of Coastal Communities," we emphasize lesser-known or understudied connections between marine resources and communities in an effort to extend the lens of study beyond the economics of seafood. Facing pressure from all sides, resource managers, government agencies, and other entities have been calling for greater attention to these issues among researchers across disciplines. We provide a snapshot of how different organizations funding research and other innovation initiatives prioritize addressing current and future challenges in coastal regions. We summarize the complex setting of coastal communities as presented in the four papers in this section and outline points of departure for future research in the context of marine industries moving forward along the green transition path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privatized fishery management schemes, alongside other cultural and social changes, have led to a high average age in some fisheries, where youth and newcomers are not meaningfully present in the industry. This research explored the current and future opportunities and constraints for youth and newcomers in Icelandic fisheries, which are managed by an Individual Transferable Quota system. Data were collected through participant observation and 25 semi-structured interviews with key individuals in fisheries. Inductive qualitative analysis of interview data determined recurrent themes that illustrate how rural outmigration, cost, and changing social expectations have led to a decrease of youth and newcomers in Icelandic fisheries. Results show that the perception of fishers in Iceland by the general society fluctuates as the economic and cultural climate of the country changes. The ageing of the fleet in small-scale fisheries is explained by the limited access to consolidated fisheries rights, and the inability for youth to secure capital and invest in a fishery operation. Large-scale fisheries, on the other hand, have a different set of barriers for youth, such as lack of career advancement opportunities and a heavy workload. This research also documents how the absence of youth in small-scale fisheries is partially linked to a high turnover of youth in large-scale fisheries. Youth have more opportunities in large-scale fisheries, but over time, they do not receive adequate training or support to further an independent career, thereby creating a negative feedback loop leading to further reduction of recruitment in small-scale fisheries. Findings from the study support the continued call from academics and practitioners to include issues of access for newcomers in fishery management goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue Growth is gaining momentum, opening up new frontiers for economic development, with potentially negative impacts on coastal communities and seascapes. The impact of Blue Growth projects on communities and seascapes is generally understood through narrow technical or economic approaches that focus on the potential loss of coastal views or the depreciating impacts on property values, ignoring the complex relationships communities have with seascapes. These approaches often dislodge non-quantifiable community-seascape relationships from Blue Growth strategies, leading to community frustration and contestation. Understanding community-seascape relationships is key to developing more locally attuned Blue Growth strategies. We conceptualise seascapes as a triadic space incorporating perceived, conceived and lived dimensions. These dimensions have an impact on how communities experience and respond to contestation. We use a participatory photo-elicitation methodology with two community groups on the west coast of Ireland to understand how contestation occurs in places faced with multiple Blue Growth pressures and the mechanisms communities deploy in response. We find that although communities care deeply about changes taking place at the coast and sea and frame their ‘common’ landscapes as cultural assets that are worthy of defence, community practices remain impotently emotional or focused on ephemeral oppositions to specific Blue Growth developments. Such responses, however, are not strong enough for sufficiently mobilising a sustainable solution to dominant growth models. We suggest that if communities are properly supported to invest in knowledge, skills, networks and assets, they can mobilise more sustainable solutions to dominant growth models that threaten their coastal seascapes and cultural heritage. Finally, we highlight the transformative potential of the lived space of communities, not as a descriptor of a different typology of coastal landscape, but rather as a resource to understand how communities affected by multiple pressures can understand their options, capacity to resist and what their goal might be for the future of the coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local communities' perception on how ecosystems such as mangroves contribute to their resilience to climate change is essential to effectively engage them in adaptation and mitigation actions. This study assessed the perceptions of coastal communities on climate change, and the contribution of mangroves in their resilience to climate change in the southern Côte d'Ivoire. Individual interviews (n = 120) were conducted in four coastal villages, selected based on their proximity to mangroves. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test simple correspondence analysis. Informants' knowledge on climate change was low. However, the scarcity of rainfall (62%), increased temperature (heat) (32%), and the high frequency of high winds (6%) have been cited as indicators of changes in the climate. More than half of respondents (63.3%) agreed that mangroves help people adapt to climate change because they produce more fish, shield people from poverty, and lessen flooding, storms, and erosion in their communities. This study has demonstrated a substantial relationship between the level of mangrove significance knowledge and the profession practiced in terms of whether it is affected by climate change. People with higher levels of education and members of particular professions frequently know more about climate change. The profession is a key driver in the knowledge of the contribution of mangroves in protecting fish fauna against climate change. Mangroves reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities to the effects of climate change through their ecosystem services which include fish productivity (which provides income to fishermen and fish sellers as well as alternative income to farmers), protection against flooding and erosion, and more. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to conserve this ecosystem at all costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]