Intertidal Zone Management in the Western Indian Ocean: Assessing Current Status and Future Possibilities Using Expert Opinions

• Published in: Ambio Vol. 43; no. 8; pp. 1006 - 1019
• Main Authors: Nordlund, Lina Mtwana, de la Torre-Castro, Maricela, Erlandsson, Johan, Conand, Chantal, Muthiga, Nyawira, Jiddawi, Narriman, Gullström, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer-Verlag 01.12.2014; Springer; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agricultural management; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Anthropogenic factors; Applied ecology; Atmospheric Sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Climate Change; Closures; Coastal; Coastal management; Coastal zone; Coastal zone management; coasts; Communication; Conservation; Conservation of Natural Resources; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Crustaceans; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Ecosystem function; Ecosystem-based management; Ecosystems; education programs; Environment; Environment management; Environmental conservation; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Environmental Management; Environmental monitoring; Erosion; expert opinion; Expert opinions; Expert Testimony; Experts; fish; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Habitat conservation; Harbors; Indian Ocean; Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM); Intertidal environment; Intertidal zone; Intertidal zones; Invertebrates; Management; managers; Marine ecology; monitoring; Ocean currents; Overexploitation; Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking; Physical Geography; pollution; Proxy reporting; Proxy statements; Questionnaires; recreation; Scientists; Sea water ecosystems; Species; Surveys and Questionnaires; Synecology; Threats; Water Pollution - adverse effects; Indian Ocean; ISW, Indian Ocean; Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM); Ecosystem-based management; Environmental monitoring; Closures; Ecosystem function; Expert opinions; Status; Environmental management; Integrated management; Coastal zone; Marine environment; Intertidal zone; Sea current; Ecosystem; Ecosystem functioning; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0044-7447; 1654-7209; 1654-7209
• DOI: 10.1007/s13280-013-0465-8

This expert opinion study examined the current status of the intertidal zone in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and ranked and discussed future management approaches. Information was gathered from scientists, practitioners, and managers active in the WIO region through a questionnaire and a workshop. The experts stated that the productive intertidal environment is highly valuable for reasons such as recreation, erosion protection, and provision of edible invertebrates and fish. Several anthropogenic pressures were identified, including pollution, harbor activities, overexploitation, and climate change. The experts considered the WIO intertidal zone as generally understudied, undermanaged, and with poor or no monitoring. The most important management strategies according to the expert opinions are to develop and involve local people in integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), to increase knowledge on species–environment relationships, and to develop awareness campaigns and education programs. To improve coastal environmental management and conservation, we argue that the intertidal zone should be treated as one organizational management unit within the larger framework of ICZM.