Gomez, Richard, Mamauag, Samuel, Fabinyi, Michael, dela Cruz, Dexter, McLeod, Ian M., Cabaitan, Patrick, and Harrison, Peter L. (2024) Implications of fisher perceptions on coral restoration in Tondol, northwestern Philippines. Ocean and Coastal Management, 255. 107233.

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Abstract

Increasing coral restoration efforts globally have been aimed at improving reef status and the ecosystem functions and services they provide, including enhancing reef fish communities and fisheries production on nearby reefs. However, empirical evidence showing the influence of coral restoration on fish stocks is limited. In Barangay Tondol, a small-scale fishing village in the northwestern Philippines, fisher knowledge and perception studies were completed through individual interviews to provide insights into the perceived impacts of local restoration efforts on coral reef conditions and fishery outputs. The influence of fishers’ social demographics and fishery information to their held perceptions were also explored. Fishers’ responses showed a perceived decline in fish stocks over the last 5–10 years mainly attributed to overharvesting, and a slight improvement in coral reef condition due to a reduction in destructive fishing. Out of 53 fisher respondents, 72% were aware of coral restoration efforts in their area and held positive perceptions that theoretically, conducting coral restoration can improve their fish stocks and local reef conditions through the provision of habitat functions. Perceived actual effectiveness of the local efforts was also positive, but with a lower number of responses. Multiple hierarchical regression tests showed that, among social demographics, fishery information, and perceptions on fish stocks, perceived improvement in coral condition was associated with stronger support for coral restoration activities. These findings indicate that fishers perceive positive effects of coral restoration to local coral status and fisheries, and highlight the need for restoration practitioners to engage early on with key stakeholders to assess local fisheries status and local priorities to inform restoration strategies.

Item ID:	84741
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1873-524X
Keywords:	Coral restoration, Fisher perception, Local Ecological Knowledge, Small-scale fisheries, Fish catch
Copyright Information:	© 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Date Deposited:	24 Feb 2025 23:49
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410404 Environmental management @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180505 Measurement and assessment of marine water quality and condition @ 100%
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