Linking seagrass ecosystem services to food security: The example of southwestern Madagascar’s small-scale fisheries

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are crucial for food security and poverty alleviation. Many SSF however under pressure, in need of better management paying special attention to the key seascape ecosystems which supporting them. This study investigates importance seagrass beds households their southwestern Madagascar. The specific aims this were to: i) analyze if how seagrass-associated fish contributes subsistence and/or economy local fishing households, ii) identify compare ecosystem goods services valued by fishers a rural an urban setting, iii) links between people seagrasses terms ecological knowledge, use traditions. results showed that most important habitats fishers. Seagrass-associated species both economically commonly fished species, major source protein region. Further, seagrass-derived sea urchins complements people’s diets. findings illustrate contribute through income generation wellbeing coastal highlights consider towards sustainable ability sustain future generations.