Status and trends of coral reefs of the Western Indian Ocean region

Abstract

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region comprises almost 6% (about 15,180 km2) of the total global area of coral reefs, and the region is a globally important hotspot for coral reef biodiversity. The WIO includes sovereign states along the eastern and southern African mainland (Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa), island states (Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles), as well as overseas territories (Reunion, France). The human population has grown considerably during the last century, with the states named now supporting ca. 220 million people, of which some 69 million live within 100 km of the coastline. Coral reef ecosystems underpin the economies of the countries in the region, particularly through the fisheries and tourism sectors, and provide livelihood opportunities and income for local communities estimated at US$ 8.4 billion annually. WIO coral reefs are estimated to have an asset value of U$ 18.1 billion1