Economic and Ecological Insights into Aquatic Ecosystem Services: Exploring Multifunctional Benefits
Prabhutva Chaturvedi *
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125 004, India.
Binal Rajeshbhai Khalasi
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
T.S. Annappaswamy
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Sheethal K.U
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Padmanabha A
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125 004, India.
Ritesh V. Borichangar
College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Navsari, Gujarat, 396450, India.
Shruthi HU
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125 004, India.
Chonyo Shinglai
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Bipina Biju
Faculty of Fisheries Science, Kerela University of Fisheries and Oceanographic Studies, Kochi, Kerala, 682506, India.
Narendra Kumar Maurya
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Vaijnath Aitwar
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Shiwam Dubey
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Bhooleshwari
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Lakshmipathi M.T.
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems are fundamental to sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting human societies and economies. However, these systems are increasingly threatened by pollution, habitat degradation, overexploitation, and climate change. The paper synthesizes the current literature and information about the various ecosystem services, and summarizes the state of knowledge about the categorization, economic assessment, and policy frameworks supporting the various advantages that aquatic ecosystems offer. It highlights the application of both market-based and non-market valuation methods, which have revealed the immense-yet often underappreciated-economic value of these environments. Innovative approaches such as blue carbon credits and payment for ecosystem services are gaining traction, offering new pathways for conservation finance. Achieving sustainable management will require not only improved data collection and more robust valuation techniques, but also the meaningful integration of local and Indigenous knowledge into policy and decision-making. Safeguarding aquatic ecosystems is essential for long-term ecological resilience and human well-being.
Keywords: Aquatic ecosystems, ecosystem services, economic valuation, environmental policy, sustainability, biodiversity, aquatic habitats, threats, cultural services, provisioning services, regulating services