abstract
small-scale fisheries make key contribution to food security sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction yet to date the economic value of small-scale fisheries has been poorly quantified. In this study we take a novel approach by characterizing post-landing trends of small-scale fisheries resources and estimating their total economic value including both commercial and subsistence values in a remote rural region in Madagascar we construct annual landings and characterize gear and habitat use post landing trends fishing revenue total market value costs and net income profitability employment and dependence on small-scale fisheries our results show that the small-scale fisheries sector employment 87% of the adult population generates an average of 82% of all household meals with protein. In 2010 an estimated 5524 metric tons of fish and invertebrates were extracted annually by small-scale fisheries in the region primarily from coral reef ecosystems of which 83 % was sold commercially generating fishing revenues of nearly $6.0 million when accounting for subsistence catch total annual landings had an estimated value of $6.9 million ), our results demonstrate the importance of small-scale fisheries for food security livelihoods, and wealth generation for coastal communities and highlight the need for long-term management strategies that aim to enhance their ecological and economic sustainability. Our finding should catalyze national and regional policy makers to re-examine existing fisheries policies that neglect this sector,and spur researchers to better quantify small-scale fisheries globally.