Ecosystem-based Approaches for Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Resources: A Review
Ratnamala S. Jawale *
Veer Wajekar Arts, Science and Commerce College, Mahalan Vibhag, Phunde, Uran, Navi, Mumbai – 400 702, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Coastal and marine ecosystems provide important ecological, economic and social benefits, including food provision, livelihood support, shoreline protection, climate regulation, biodiversity maintenance and cultural services. However, these systems are increasingly affected by overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, ocean acidification and unregulated coastal development. This review examines ecosystem-based approaches for the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources, with emphasis on integrated strategies that consider ecological processes, human use and governance needs. Literature was reviewed from academic databases and relevant institutional sources, with attention to marine spatial planning, marine protected areas, nature-based solutions, ecosystem-based fisheries management and ridge-to-reef management. The review highlights that ecosystem-based management provides a holistic framework for addressing cumulative pressures across linked terrestrial, coastal and marine environments. Marine spatial planning can support coordinated use of ocean space, whereas marine protected areas contribute to habitat conservation, biodiversity protection and resource recovery when supported by effective governance and enforcement. Nature-based solutions offer opportunities for coastal resilience, erosion control, flood mitigation and habitat restoration. Ecosystem-based fisheries management promotes more sustainable harvesting by considering ecological interactions, stakeholder participation and long-term productivity. Ridge-to-reef management further strengthens land-sea connectivity by addressing upstream activities that influence downstream coastal and marine ecosystems. Overall, the review indicates that sustainable management requires coordinated planning, community participation, habitat restoration, pollution control, scientific monitoring and adaptive governance. Integrated ecosystem-based approaches are therefore important for balancing conservation priorities with the socioeconomic needs of coastal communities while maintaining the ecological functions that support long-term resource security in dynamic coastal and marine settings.
Keywords: Coastal and marine resources, ecosystem-based management, ecosystem-based fisheries management, marine biodiversity, marine protected areas, marine spatial planning, nature-based solutions, ridge-to-reef management, sustainable fisheries, blue economy