A social-ecological engagement with reef passages in New Caledonia : connectors between coastal and oceanic spaces and species

2022

Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000842686500001

Breckwoldt A., Dombal Y., Sabinot Catherine, David Gilbert, Riera Léa, Ferse S., Fache Elodie

McCormack F. (ed.), Mawyer A. (ed.), Fache Elodie (ed.), Kon Kam King J. (ed.), Riera Léa (ed.), Breckwoldt A. (ed.), Oceania : a sea of connections

Ambio, 2022, 51 (12), 2401-2413 ISSN 0044-7447

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.

Ecologie, systèmes aquatiques [036] ; Ressources halieutiques [040] ; Etudes, transformation, conservation du milieu naturel [082]

Fonds IRD [F A010086594]

fdi:010086005