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Marine resources and their value in Kadavu, Fiji
Simon Harding1,2, Kalisiana Marama3,4,5, Annette Breckwoldt6
1Institute of Marine Resources, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Private Mailbag, Suva, Fiji. simonharding@yahoo.com.
This study quantifies the economic and subsistence value of marine resources harvested by coastal communities in Fiji. Findings highlight the need to include sociocultural importance in marine resource management.
Area of Science:
- Marine resource management
- Fisheries science
- Socioeconomics
Background:
- Sustainable management of marine and coastal habitats requires understanding the diverse values of marine resources.
- Data on marine resource harvesting and its economic/non-economic value in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) are scarce.
- Existing assessments often overlook the multifaceted value of marine ecosystems to local communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the monetary, subsistence, and sociocultural value of marine resources in Kadavu province, Fiji.
- To estimate the annual catch and economic value of marine resources harvested by local communities.
- To emphasize the integration of sociocultural significance into marine resource value assessments.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a household survey and semi-structured interviews in Kadavu province, Fiji, in 2019.
- Collected in situ catch and effort data from local fishers and gleaners.
- Analyzed data to estimate annual catch and monetary value at district and provincial levels.
Main Results:
- Provided estimates for the annual catch and monetary value of harvested marine finfish and invertebrates.
- Quantified the economic contribution of marine resources to the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Documented the importance of specific marine resources beyond their economic worth.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing the multiple values of marine resources is essential for designing effective, locally relevant management strategies.
- Integrating sociocultural values alongside economic and subsistence values offers a more holistic approach to marine resource management.
- This study provides crucial data for sustainable fisheries management in Fiji and other PICTs.
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