TY - JOUR
T1 - Seagrass meadows globally as a coupled social-ecological system
T2 - Implications for human wellbeing
AU - Cullen-Unsworth, Leanne C.
AU - Nordlund, Lina Mtwana
AU - Paddock, Jessica
AU - Baker, Susan
AU - McKenzie, Len J.
AU - Unsworth, Richard K F
PY - 2014/6/30
Y1 - 2014/6/30
N2 - Seagrass ecosystems are diminishing worldwide and repeated studies confirm a lack of appreciation for the value of these systems. In order to highlight their value we provide the first discussion of seagrass meadows as a coupled social-ecological system on a global scale. We consider the impact of a declining resource on people, including those for whom seagrass meadows are utilised for income generation and a source of food security through fisheries support. Case studies from across the globe are used to demonstrate the intricate relationship between seagrass meadows and people that highlight the multi-functional role of seagrasses in human wellbeing. While each case underscores unique issues, these examples simultaneously reveal social-ecological coupling that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. We conclude that understanding seagrass meadows as a coupled social-ecological system is crucial in carving pathways for social and ecological resilience in light of current patterns of local to global environmental change.
AB - Seagrass ecosystems are diminishing worldwide and repeated studies confirm a lack of appreciation for the value of these systems. In order to highlight their value we provide the first discussion of seagrass meadows as a coupled social-ecological system on a global scale. We consider the impact of a declining resource on people, including those for whom seagrass meadows are utilised for income generation and a source of food security through fisheries support. Case studies from across the globe are used to demonstrate the intricate relationship between seagrass meadows and people that highlight the multi-functional role of seagrasses in human wellbeing. While each case underscores unique issues, these examples simultaneously reveal social-ecological coupling that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. We conclude that understanding seagrass meadows as a coupled social-ecological system is crucial in carving pathways for social and ecological resilience in light of current patterns of local to global environmental change.
KW - Coupled social-ecological system
KW - Ecological systems
KW - Ecosystem services
KW - Human wellbeing
KW - Seagrass meadows
KW - Social processes
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84902106230&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.06.001
DO - 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.06.001
M3 - Article (Academic Journal)
C2 - 23800460
AN - SCOPUS:84902106230
SN - 0025-326X
VL - 83
SP - 387
EP - 397
JO - Marine Pollution Bulletin
JF - Marine Pollution Bulletin
IS - 2
ER -