Exploring coral reef benefits: A systematic SEEA-driven review

Area of Science:

• Marine Ecology
• Environmental Economics
• Ecosystem Accounting

Background:

• Coral reefs are vital ecosystems providing significant benefits like fisheries and coastal protection.
• Understanding the economic value of coral reef ecosystem services is crucial for effective management and conservation.
• The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) offers a framework for valuing natural environments, but its application to coral reefs is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolution of coral reef ecosystem service research within the SEEA framework over nearly three decades.
• To identify trends, research gaps, and methodological integration in this field.
• To provide a comprehensive dataset for understanding the value of coral reef ecosystems.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of research on coral reef ecosystem services and SEEA.
• Review of interdisciplinary methodologies including remote sensing, environmental science, ecology, economics, computer science, and citizen science.
• Temporal analysis of research focus shifts from human impacts to climate change.

Main Results:

• Significant interdisciplinary integration in coral reef research.
• A notable shift in research focus from direct human impacts to the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
• Identification of key trends and gaps in SEEA application to coral reef ecosystems.

Conclusions:

• Coral reef ecosystem service research has evolved significantly, integrating diverse methodologies.
• Climate change is an increasingly central theme in understanding coral reef value and sustainability.
• Further application of the SEEA framework is essential for comprehensive coral reef management and conservation.