Balancing ecological stability and economic growth under oceanographic variability and coastal interventions in fisheries systems

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The advancement of coastal fisheries can lead to improved livelihoods, yet it may also heighten fishing pressure and create hidden ecological risks, particularly in data-limited small-scale systems where ecological responses are not immediately detectable. The study objectives were to assess the trade-offs and synergies between economic development and ecological health in a small-scale coastal fisheries system under the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih intervention in Samber–Binyeri Village, Biak Numfor, Indonesia.METHODS: An integrated framework combining the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management, pressure-response analysis, field observations, interviews, secondary data, satellite-derived environmental indicators, and Generalized Additive Model analysis was applied to evaluate fisheries performance, fishing pressure, ecological conditions, and governance responses. To capture the environmental drivers impacting fisheries dynamics, oceanographic variability, such as sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a, was taken into consideration.FINDINGS: The intervention improved economic performance, with fisher income increasing by ۸۸.۸ percent in peak seasons, production by ۱۲۱.۲ percent, and fishing trips by ۴۴.۴ percent. The overall Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management composite index reached ۷۸ percent, indicating good sustainability performance. Economic, social, and fishing technology domains scored highly, while habitat and ecosystem conditions remained moderate at ۶۰ percent. The mean catch per unit effort recorded was ۴۲.۷۸ kilograms per trip, which did not display a steady decline. Nevertheless, factors such as juvenile catch, habitat restrictions, and increased effort point to developing ecological pressure. These patterns suggest a potential hyperstability condition, where stable catch rates may not fully reflect changes in stock condition. Consequently, management should therefore focus on controlling efforts, restoring habitats, monitoring adaptive Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management monitoring, strengthening institutional coordination, and integrating local knowledge systems.CONCLUSION: Economic development in Samber–Binyeri has generated clear livelihood benefits, but stable catch per unit effort may mask underlying ecological risks caused by increasing fishing pressure. Indicators suggest the system is in a state of short-term ecological stability. To ensure long-term coastal fisheries sustainability amidst rising environmental variability and development, management must prioritize habitat restoration, adaptive strategies, and stronger institutional coordination.

کلیدواژه ها:

Coastal fisheries ، Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management ، Fishing pressure ، Small-scale fisheries ، Socio-ecological system.