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Goetze JS, Wilson S, Radford B, Fisher R, Langlois TJ, Monk J, Knott NA, Malcolm H, Currey‐Randall LM, Ierodiaconou D, Harasti D, Barrett N, Babcock RC, Bosch NE, Brock D, Claudet J, Clough J, Fairclough DV, Heupel MR, Holmes TH, Huveneers C, Jordan AR, McLean D, Meekan M, Miller D, Newman SJ, Rees MJ, Roberts KE, Saunders BJ, Speed CW, Travers MJ, Treml E, Whitmarsh SK, Wakefield CB, Harvey ES. Increased connectivity and depth improve the effectiveness of marine reserves. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:3432-3447. [PMID: 34015863 PMCID: PMC8360116 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine reserves are a key tool for the conservation of marine biodiversity, yet only ~2.5% of the world's oceans are protected. The integration of marine reserves into connected networks representing all habitats has been encouraged by international agreements, yet the benefits of this design has not been tested empirically. Australia has one of the largest systems of marine reserves, providing a rare opportunity to assess how connectivity influences conservation success. An Australia-wide dataset was collected using baited remote underwater video systems deployed across a depth range from 0 to 100 m to assess the effectiveness of marine reserves for protecting teleosts subject to commercial and recreational fishing. A meta-analytical comparison of 73 fished species within 91 marine reserves found that, on average, marine reserves had 28% greater abundance and 53% greater biomass of fished species compared to adjacent areas open to fishing. However, benefits of protection were not observed across all reserves (heterogeneity), so full subsets generalized additive modelling was used to consider factors that influence marine reserve effectiveness, including distance-based and ecological metrics of connectivity among reserves. Our results suggest that increased connectivity and depth improve the aforementioned marine reserve benefits and that these factors should be considered to optimize such benefits over time. We provide important guidance on factors to consider when implementing marine reserves for the purpose of increasing the abundance and size of fished species, given the expected increase in coverage globally. We show that marine reserves that are highly protected (no-take) and designed to optimize connectivity, size and depth range can provide an effective conservation strategy for fished species in temperate and tropical waters within an overarching marine biodiversity conservation framework.
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Knott NA, Williams J, Harasti D, Malcolm HA, Coleman MA, Kelaher BP, Rees MJ, Schultz A, Jordan A. A coherent, representative, and bioregional marine reserve network shows consistent change in rocky reef fish assemblages. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. A. Knott
- Fisheries Research NSW Department of Primary Industries Huskisson New South Wales2540Australia
| | - J. Williams
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Port Stephens Fisheries Institute Taylors Beach Road Taylors Beach New South Wales2316Australia
| | - D. Harasti
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Port Stephens Fisheries Institute Taylors Beach Road Taylors Beach New South Wales2316Australia
| | - H. A. Malcolm
- Fisheries Research NSW Department of Primary Industries Coffs Harbour New South Wales2800Australia
| | - M. A. Coleman
- Fisheries Research NSW Department of Primary Industries Coffs Harbour New South Wales2800Australia
| | - B. P. Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour New South Wales2450Australia
| | - M. J. Rees
- Fisheries Research NSW Department of Primary Industries Huskisson New South Wales2540Australia
| | - A. Schultz
- Fisheries Research NSW Department of Primary Industries Coffs Harbour New South Wales2800Australia
| | - A. Jordan
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Port Stephens Fisheries Institute Taylors Beach Road Taylors Beach New South Wales2316Australia
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Rojo I, Anadón JD, García-Charton JA. Exceptionally high but still growing predatory reef fish biomass after 23 years of protection in a Marine Protected Area. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246335. [PMID: 33556064 PMCID: PMC7870052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) help replenish fish assemblages, though different trophic levels may show diverse recovery patterns. Long-term protection is required to achieve total recovery but poaching events may prevent the achievement of full carrying capacity. Here, we have analysed the effect of long-term protection on the entire reef fish community and the different trophic levels in the Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas MPA (SE Spain; SW Mediterranean Sea) in order to assess their recovery patterns after 23 years of protection. We compared the values for carrying capacity obtained with the maximum values achieved at regional scale, and we assessed the effect of a reduction in the surveillance over a few years, during which poaching events increased, on the recovery patterns. We found that, overall, biomass of fishes increased with time while density diminished. In particular, piscivorous and macro-invertivore fish increased while the other trophic groups remained constant or declined, suggesting top-down processes. For the entire study period, those trophic groups were approaching carrying capacity; however, when accounting only for the period in which enforcement was high and constant, they grew exponentially, indicating that full carrying capacity may have not been achieved yet. When compared to other Mediterranean MPAs, the Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas MPA showed values for biomass that were disproportionately higher, suggesting that local factors, such as habitat structure and associated oceanographic processes, may be responsible for the dynamics found. Our results help to understand the potential trajectories of fish assemblages over a consolidated MPA and highlight empirically how the reduction of surveillance in a period may change the recovery patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rojo
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Daniel Anadón
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Zaragoza, Spain
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4
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Núñez-Regueiro MM, Siddiqui SF, Fletcher RJ. Effects of bioenergy on biodiversity arising from land-use change and crop type. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:77-87. [PMID: 31854480 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how the world's flora and fauna will respond to bioenergy expansion is critical. This issue is particularly pronounced considering bioenergy's potential role as a driver of land-use change, the variety of production crops being considered and currently used for biomass, and the diversity of ecosystems that can potentially supply land for bioenergy across the planet. We conducted 2 global meta-analyses to determine how 8 of the most commonly used bioenergy crops may affect site-level biodiversity. One search was directed at finding data on biodiversity in different production land uses and the other at extracting energy-yield estimates of potential bioenergy crops. We used linear mixed-effect models to test whether effects on biodiversity varied with different individual bioenergy crop species, estimated energy yield, first- or second-generation crops, type of reference ecosystem considered, and magnitude of vertical change in habitat structure between any given crop and the reference ecosystem. Species diversity and abundance were generally lower in crops considered for bioenergy relative to the natural ecosystems they may replace. First-generation crops, derived from oils, sugars, and starches, tended to have greater effects than second-generation crops, derived from lignocellulose, woody crops, or residues. Crop yield had nonlinear effects on abundance and, to a lesser extent, overall biodiversity; biodiversity effects were driven by negative yield effects for birds but not other taxa. Our results emphasize that replacing natural ecosystems with bioenergy crops across the planet will largely be detrimental for biodiversity, with first generation and high-yield crops having the strongest negative effects. We argue that meeting energy goals with bioenergy using existing marginal lands or biomass extraction within existing production landscapes may provide more biodiversity-friendly alternatives than conversion of natural ecosystems for biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio M Núñez-Regueiro
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, U.S.A
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Laboratorio de Ecologia Aplicada, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta, 4400, Argentina
- Universidad Católica de Salta. Campo Castañares S/N, Salta, 4400, Argentina
| | - Sharmin F Siddiqui
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, U.S.A
| | - Robert J Fletcher
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, U.S.A
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5
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Kayal M, Cigala M, Cambra E, Soulat N, Mercader M, Lebras A, Ivanoff P, Sébési L, Lassus-Debat A, Hartmann V, Bradtke M, Lenfant P, Jabouin C, Dubreuil J, Pelletier D, Joguet M, Le Mellionnec S, Brichet M, Binche JL, Payrot J, Saragoni G, Crec’hriou R, Verdoit-Jarraya M. Marine reserve benefits and recreational fishing yields: The winners and the losers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237685. [PMID: 33301445 PMCID: PMC7728224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine reserves constitute effective tools for preserving fish stocks and associated human benefits. However, not all reserves perform equally, and predicting the response of marine communities to management actions in the long run is challenging. Our decadal-scale survey of recreational fishing yields at France's 45-year old Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve indicated significant protection benefits, with 40-50% higher fishing yields per unit effort in the partial-protection zone of the reserve (where fishing is permitted but at a lower level) than in surrounding non-reserve areas. Over the period 2005-2014, catch per unit effort (CPUE) declined both inside and outside the reserve, while weight per unit effort (WPUE) increased by 131% inside and decreased by 60% outside. Different CPUE and WPUE trajectories among fish families indicated changing catch assemblages, with yields increasing for the family most valued by fisheries, Sparidae (the ecological winners). However, reserve benefits were restricted to off-shore fishermen (the social winners), as on-shore yields were ~4 times lower and declining, even inside the reserve. Our study illustrates how surveys of recreational fishing yields can help evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected areas for key social and ecological protagonists. We show that, more than four decades after its establishment, fishing efficiencies at the historical Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve are still changing, but benefits in terms of catch abundance, weight, and composition remain predominantly restricted to off-shore fishermen. Further regulations appear necessary to guarantee that conservation strategies equitably benefit societal groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Kayal
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, IFREMER, CNRS, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Marine Cigala
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Eléonore Cambra
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Nelly Soulat
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Manon Mercader
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Audrey Lebras
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Pauline Ivanoff
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Léa Sébési
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Aurélie Lassus-Debat
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Virginie Hartmann
- Département des Pyrénées-Orientales, Réserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère-Banyuls, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Mélissa Bradtke
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Philippe Lenfant
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | | | - Julien Dubreuil
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Dominique Pelletier
- EMH, Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploration de la Mer (IFREMER), Nantes, France
| | - Manon Joguet
- Parc naturel marin du golfe du Lion, Argelès-sur-Mer, France
| | - Solène Le Mellionnec
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Marion Brichet
- Direction Interrégionale de la Mer Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Binche
- Département des Pyrénées-Orientales, Réserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère-Banyuls, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Jérôme Payrot
- Département des Pyrénées-Orientales, Réserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère-Banyuls, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Gilles Saragoni
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Romain Crec’hriou
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
| | - Marion Verdoit-Jarraya
- UPVD-CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins (CREM), Port-Barcarès, France
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6
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Owusu KA, Acevedo-Trejos E, Fall MM, Merico A. Effects of cooperation and different characteristics of Marine Protected Areas in a simulated small-scale fishery. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2020.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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7
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Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) can contribute to protecting biodiversity and managing ocean activities, including fishing. There is, however, limited evidence of ecological responses to blue water MPAs. We conducted the first comprehensive evaluation of impacts on fisheries production and ecological responses to pelagic MPAs of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. A Bayesian time series-based counterfactual modelling approach using fishery-dependent data was used to compare the temporal response in the MPAs to three reference regions for standardized catch rates, lengths, trophic level of the catch and species diversity. Catch rates of bigeye tuna, the main target species (Kingman/Palmyra MPA, causal effect probability >99% of an 84% reduction; 95% credible interval: -143%, -25%), and blue shark (Johnston MPAs, causal effect probability >95%) were significantly lower and longnose lancetfish significantly higher (Johnston MPAs, causal effect probability >95%) than predicted had the MPAs not been established, possibly from closing areas near shallow features, which aggregate pelagic predators, and from ‘fishing-the-line’. There were no apparent causal impacts of the MPAs on species diversity, lengths and trophic level of the catch, perhaps because the MPAs were young, were too small, did not contain critical habitat for specific life-history stages, had been lightly exploited or experienced fishing-the-line. We also assessed model-standardized catch rates for species of conservation concern and mean trophic level of the catch within and outside of MPAs. Displaced effort produced multi-species conflicts: MPAs protect bycatch hotspots and hotspots of bycatch-to-target catch ratios for some at-risk species, but coldspots for others. Mean trophic level of the catch was significantly higher around MPAs, likely due to the aggregating effect of the shallow features and there having been light fishing pressure within MPAs. These findings demonstrate how exploring a wide range of ecological responses supports evidence-based evaluations of blue water MPAs.
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Tang GS, Liang XX, Yang MY, Wang TT, Chen JP, Du WG, Li H, Sun BJ. Captivity Influences Gut Microbiota in Crocodile Lizards ( Shinisaurus crocodilurus). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:550. [PMID: 32390955 PMCID: PMC7190797 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Captivity is an important measure for conservation of an endangered species, and it is becoming a hot topic in conservation biology, which integrates gut microbiota and endangered species management in captivity. As an ancient reptile, the crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is facing extreme danger of extinction, resulting in great significance to species conservation in the reserve. Thus, it is critical to understand the differences in gut microbiota composition between captive and wild populations, as it could provide fundamental information for conservative management of crocodile lizards. Here, fecal samples of crocodile lizards were collected from two wild and one captive populations with different ages (i.e., juveniles and adults) and were analyzed for microbiota composition by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing. This study showed that the lizard gut microbiota was mainly composed of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. The gut microbiota composition of crocodile lizard did not differ between juveniles and adults, as well as between two wild populations. Interestingly, captivity increased community richness and influenced community structures of gut microbiota in crocodile lizards, compared with wild congeners. This was indicated by higher abundances of the genera Epulopiscium and Glutamicibacter. These increases might be induced by complex integration of simple food resources or human contact in captivity. The gut microbiota functions of crocodile lizards are primarily enriched in metabolism, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, and cellular processes based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. This study provides fundamental information about the gut microbiota of crocodile lizards in wild and captive populations. In the future, exploring the relationship among diet, gut microbiota, and host health is necessary for providing animal conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Shuai Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Xi Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting-Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Ping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Guo Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Li
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bao-Jun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Gilman E, Kaiser MJ, Chaloupka M. Do static and dynamic marine protected areas that restrict pelagic fishing achieve ecological objectives? Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Gilman
- Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group & Tuna Program The Nature Conservancy 3661 Loulu Street Honolulu Hawaii 96822 USA
| | | | - Milani Chaloupka
- Ecological Modelling Services Pty Ltd & Marine Spatial Ecology Lab University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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10
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Vanderklift MA, Babcock RC, Boschetti F, Haywood MDE, Pillans RD, Thomson DP. Declining abundance of coral reef fish in a World-Heritage-listed marine park. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15524. [PMID: 31664119 PMCID: PMC6820736 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most robust metrics for assessing the effectiveness of protected areas is the temporal trend in the abundance of the species they are designed to protect. We surveyed coral-reef fish and living hard coral in and adjacent to a sanctuary zone (SZ: where all forms of fishing are prohibited) in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park during a 10-year period. There were generally more individuals and greater biomass of many fish taxa (especially emperors and parrotfish) in the SZ than the adjacent recreation zone (RZ: where recreational fishing is allowed) — so log response ratios of abundance were usually positive in each year. However, despite this, there was an overall decrease in both SZ and RZ in absolute abundance of some taxa by up to 22% per year, including taxa that are explicitly targeted (emperors) by fishers and taxa that are neither targeted nor frequently captured (most wrasses and butterflyfish). A concomitant decline in the abundance (measured as percentage cover) of living hard coral of 1–7% per year is a plausible explanation for the declining abundance of butterflyfish, but declines in emperors might be more plausibly due to fishing. Our study highlights that information on temporal trends in absolute abundance is needed to assess whether the goals of protected areas are being met: in our study, patterns in absolute abundance across ten years of surveys revealed trends that simple ratios of abundance did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew A Vanderklift
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Russell C Babcock
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Fabio Boschetti
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Michael D E Haywood
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Richard D Pillans
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Damian P Thomson
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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11
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Xie X, Zhang H, Wang C, Wu J, Wei Q, Du H, Li J, Ye H. Are river protected areas sufficient for fish conservation? Implications from large-scale hydroacoustic surveys in the middle reach of the Yangtze River. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:42. [PMID: 31554514 PMCID: PMC6760103 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Yangtze River is the third largest river in the world and suffers from extensive anthropogenic impacts. The fishes in the Yangtze River are essential for the sustainable development of freshwater fisheries and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity in China. However, the fishery resources in the Yangtze River Basin have shown rapid decline due to various human activities. In recent years, nature reserves and germplasm resource reserves have become important means to protect fishes in the Yangtze River. However, nature reserves and germplasm resource reserves that regard freshwater fishes as the main object of protection are not common and have been rarely studied in China. In this paper, a hydroacoustic method and systematic conservation planning tool (Marxan) were combined to evaluate the effectiveness of reserves based on the spatial and temporal patterns of mature fishes in the middle reach of the Yangtze River (MRYR) from 2010 to 2017. Results The hydroacoustic survey results indicated that in the longitudinal direction, low densities of mature fish species were observed in the Jingzhou (S2) and Jianli (S4, S5, S6) sections, whereas high densities of fish were observed in other sections, such as the Yichang (S1), Chenglingji to Huangsangkou (S7–S12), and Hukou (S15) sections. Among the regions preferred by fish, S7, S10 and S12 were non-reserves. No significant difference in mature fish density was observed between the non-reserves and nature reserves, and a similar result was obtained between the non-reserves and germplasm resource reserves. In Marxan, the optimal conservation sites selected for habitat restoration, such as the Chenglingji, Dengjiakou, Zhuankou, Hankou, Yangluo, and Huangsangkou sections, which are located in non-reserves, were identified in the MRYR. Conclusions The Chenglingji, Dengjiakou, Zhuankou, Hankou, Yangluo, and Huangsangkou sections, which are located in non-reserves, play equally important roles in the conservation of fish populations in the MRYR. Our results indicated that further optimization is urgently needed for the currently protected areas in this region. These areas should be designated as reserves, and classification protection mechanisms should be adopted to strengthen the effectiveness of fish conservation in the MRYR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xie
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
| | - Chengyou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
| | - Jinming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
| | - Qiwei Wei
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China. .,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China.
| | - Hao Du
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
| | - Junyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
| | - Huan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
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12
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Rojo I, Sánchez-Meca J, García-Charton JA. Small-sized and well-enforced Marine Protected Areas provide ecological benefits for piscivorous fish populations worldwide. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 149:100-110. [PMID: 31271903 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Many piscivorous fish species are depleted and/or threatened around the world. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are tools for conservation and fisheries management, though there is still controversy regarding the best design for increasing their ecological effectiveness. Here, on the basis of a weighted meta-analytical approach, we have assessed the effect of 32 MPAs, distributed worldwide, on the biomass and density of piscivorous fishes. We analysed the MPA features and the biological, commercial and ecological characteristics of fishes that may affect the response of species to protection. We found a positive effect on the biomass and density of piscivores inside MPAs. This effect was stronger for the biomass of medium-sized fishes (in relation to the maximum size reported for the species) and the density of large and gregarious species. The size of the no-take zone had a significant negative impact on both response variables and differed according to the level of enforcement, with smaller no-take zones having higher levels of enforcement. Thus, MPAs help to protect piscivorous fish species, with smaller, but well enforced reserves being more effective for the protection of the local populations of piscivorous fishes throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rojo
- - Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología. Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Julio Sánchez-Meca
- - Departamento de Psicología Básica y Metodología. Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José A García-Charton
- - Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología. Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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13
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Buckley SM, McClanahan TR, Quintana Morales EM, Mwakha V, Nyanapah J, Otwoma LM, Pandolfi JM. Identifying species threatened with local extinction in tropical reef fisheries using historical reconstruction of species occurrence. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211224. [PMID: 30759107 PMCID: PMC6373906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the species that are at risk of local extinction in highly diverse ecosystems is a big challenge for conservation science. Assessments of species status are costly and difficult to implement in developing countries with diverse ecosystems due to a lack of species-specific surveys, species-specific data, and other resources. Numerous techniques are devised to determine the threat status of species based on the availability of data and budgetary limits. On this basis, we developed a framework that compared occurrence data of historically exploited reef species in Kenya from existing disparate data sources. Occurrence data from archaeological remains (750-1500CE) was compared with occurrence data of these species catch assessments, and underwater surveys (1991-2014CE). This comparison indicated that only 67 species were exploited over a 750 year period, 750-1500CE, whereas 185 species were landed between 1995 and 2014CE. The first step of our framework identified 23 reef species as threatened with local extinction. The second step of the framework further evaluated the possibility of local extinction with Bayesian extinction analyses using occurrence data from naturalists’ species list with the existing occurrence data sources. The Bayesian extinction analysis reduced the number of reef species threatened with local extinction from 23 to 15. We compared our findings with three methods used for assessing extinction risk. Commonly used extinction risk methods varied in their ability to identify reef species that we identified as threatened with local extinction by our comparative and Bayesian method. For example, 12 of the 15 threatened species that we identified using our framework were listed as either least concern, unevaluated, or data deficient in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature red list. Piscivores and macro-invertivores were the only functional groups found to be locally extinct. Comparing occurrence data from disparate sources revealed a large number of historically exploited reef species that are possibly locally extinct. Our framework addressed biases such as uncertainty in priors, sightings and survey effort, when estimating the probability of local extinction. Our inexpensive method showed the value and potential for disparate data to fill knowledge gaps that exist in species extinction assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Buckley
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tim R. McClanahan
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Victor Mwakha
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Jatieno Nyanapah
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Levy M. Otwoma
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
| | - John M. Pandolfi
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Movement behaviour of fish, harvesting-induced habitat degradation and the optimal size of marine reserves. THEOR ECOL-NETH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12080-019-0411-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Larsen DA, Welsh R, Mulenga A, Reid R. Widespread mosquito net fishing in the Barotse floodplain: Evidence from qualitative interviews. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195808. [PMID: 29719003 PMCID: PMC5931466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) is a crucial component of malaria control programs, and has prevented many malaria cases and deaths due to scale up. ITNs also serve effectively as fishing nets and various sources have reported use of ITNs for fishing. This article examines how widespread the practice of mosquito net fishing with ITNs is. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with fishery personnel and traditional leadership from the Barotse Royal Establishment in Western Province, Zambia, to better understand the presence or absence of the use of ITNs as fishing nets. We then coded the interviews for themes through content analysis. Additionally we conducted a desk review of survey data to show trends in malaria indicators, nutritional status of the population and fish consumption. RESULTS All those interviewed reported that ITNs are regularly used for fishing in Western Zambia and the misuse is widespread. Concurrently those interviewed reported declines in fish catches both in terms of quantity and quality leading to threatened food security in the area. In addition to unsustainable fishing practices those interviewed referenced drought and population pressure as reasons for fishery decline. Malaria indicators do not show a trend in declining malaria transmission, fish consumption has dropped dramatically and nutritional status has not improved over time. CONCLUSIONS Despite the misuse of the ITNs for fishing all those interviewed maintained that ITN distribution should continue. Donors, control programs and scientists should realize that misuse of ITNs as fishing nets is a current problem for malaria control and potentially for food security that needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Larsen
- Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Rick Welsh
- Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Robert Reid
- Liuwa Plain National Park, African Parks Zambia, Kalabo, Zambia
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16
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Fidler RY, Carroll J, Rynerson KW, Matthews DF, Turingan RG. Coral reef fishes exhibit beneficial phenotypes inside marine protected areas. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193426. [PMID: 29470525 PMCID: PMC5823445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fishing effort is size-selective, preferentially removing the largest individuals from harvested stocks. Intensive, size-specific fishing mortality induces directional shifts in phenotypic frequencies towards the predominance of smaller and earlier-maturing individuals, which are among the primary causes of declining fish biomass. Fish that reproduce at smaller size and younger age produce fewer, smaller, and less viable larvae, severely reducing the reproductive capacity of harvested populations. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are extensively utilized in coral reefs for fisheries management, and are thought to mitigate the impacts of size-selective fishing mortality and supplement fished stocks through larval export. However, empirical evidence of disparities in fitness-relevant phenotypes between MPAs and adjacent fished reefs is necessary to validate this assertion. Here, we compare key life-history traits in three coral-reef fishes (Acanthurus nigrofuscus, Ctenochaetus striatus, and Parupeneus multifasciatus) between MPAs and fished reefs in the Philippines. Results of our analyses support previous hypotheses regarding the impacts of MPAs on phenotypic traits. Asymptotic length (Linf) and growth rates (K) differed between conspecifics in MPAs and fished reefs, with protected populations exhibiting phenotypes that are known to confer higher fecundity. Additionally, populations demonstrated increases in length at 50% maturity (L50) inside MPAs compared to adjacent areas, although age at 50% maturity (A50) did not appear to be impacted by MPA establishment. Shifts toward advantageous phenotypes were most common in the oldest and largest MPAs, but occurred in all of the MPAs examined. These results suggest that MPAs may provide protection against the impacts of size-selective harvest on life-history traits in coral-reef fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Y. Fidler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jessica Carroll
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kristen W. Rynerson
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
| | - Danielle F. Matthews
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ralph G. Turingan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
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17
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Green SJ, Underwood EB, Akins JL. Mobilizing volunteers to sustain local suppression of a global marine invasion. Conserv Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Green
- Reef Environmental Education Foundation; Key Largo FL USA
- Department of Integrative Biology; Oregon State University; Corvallis OR USA
| | | | - John L. Akins
- Reef Environmental Education Foundation; Key Largo FL USA
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18
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Gonson C, Pelletier D, Alban F, Giraud-Carrier C, Ferraris J. Influence of settings management and protection status on recreational uses and pressures in marine protected areas. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 200:170-185. [PMID: 28578267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Coastal populations and tourism are growing worldwide. Consequently outdoor recreational activity is increasing and diversifying. While Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are valuable for mitigating anthropogenic impacts, recreational uses are rarely monitored and studied, resulting in a lack of knowledge on users' practices, motivation and impacts. Based on boat counts and interview data collected in New Caledonia, we i) explored factors affecting user practices and motivations, ii) constructed fine-scale pressure indices covering activities and associated behaviors, and iii) assessed the relationships between user practices and site selection. User practices were found to depend on protection status, boat type and user characteristics. Pressure indices were higher within no-take MPAs, except for fishing. We found significant relationships between user practices and settings characteristics. In the context of increasing recreational uses, these results highlight options for managing such uses through settings management without jeopardizing the social acceptance of MPAs or the attainment of conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Gonson
- IFREMER, UR Lagons, Ecosystèmes et Aquaculture Durable en Nouvelle Calédonie (LEAD-NC), 101 promenade Roger Laroque, BP 2059, 98846, Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia; IRD, UMR ENTROPIE, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex 9, France.
| | - Dominique Pelletier
- IFREMER, UR Lagons, Ecosystèmes et Aquaculture Durable en Nouvelle Calédonie (LEAD-NC), 101 promenade Roger Laroque, BP 2059, 98846, Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia; Laboratoire d'Excellence LABEX Corail, France
| | - Frederique Alban
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, UMR 6308, AMURE, IUEM, 29280, Plouzane, France
| | - Charlotte Giraud-Carrier
- IFREMER, UR Lagons, Ecosystèmes et Aquaculture Durable en Nouvelle Calédonie (LEAD-NC), 101 promenade Roger Laroque, BP 2059, 98846, Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Jocelyne Ferraris
- IRD, UMR ENTROPIE, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex 9, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence LABEX Corail, France
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19
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Sánchez Meador A, Springer JD, Huffman DW, Bowker MA, Crouse JE. Soil functional responses to ecological restoration treatments in frequent-fire forests of the western United States: a systematic review. Restor Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sánchez Meador
- Ecological Restoration Institute; Northern Arizona University; PO Box 15017 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
- School of Forestry; Northern Arizona University; PO Box 15018 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
| | - Judith D. Springer
- Ecological Restoration Institute; Northern Arizona University; PO Box 15017 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
| | - David W. Huffman
- Ecological Restoration Institute; Northern Arizona University; PO Box 15017 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
| | - Matthew A. Bowker
- School of Forestry; Northern Arizona University; PO Box 15018 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
| | - Joseph E. Crouse
- Ecological Restoration Institute; Northern Arizona University; PO Box 15017 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
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20
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Valdivia A, Cox CE, Bruno JF. Predatory fish depletion and recovery potential on Caribbean reefs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1601303. [PMID: 28275730 PMCID: PMC5332153 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The natural, prehuman abundance of most large predators is unknown because of the lack of historical data and a limited understanding of the natural factors that control their populations. Determining the supportable predator biomass at a given location (that is, the predator carrying capacity) would help managers to optimize protection and would provide site-specific recovery goals. We assess the relationship between predatory reef fish biomass and several anthropogenic and environmental variables at 39 reefs across the Caribbean to (i) estimate their roles determining local predator biomass and (ii) determine site-specific recovery potential if fishing was eliminated. We show that predatory reef fish biomass tends to be higher in marine reserves but is strongly negatively related to human activities, especially coastal development. However, human activities and natural factors, including reef complexity and prey abundance, explain more than 50% of the spatial variation in predator biomass. Comparing site-specific predator carrying capacities to field observations, we infer that current predatory reef fish biomass is 60 to 90% lower than the potential supportable biomass in most sites, even within most marine reserves. We also found that the scope for recovery varies among reefs by at least an order of magnitude. This suggests that we could underestimate unfished biomass at sites that provide ideal conditions for predators or greatly overestimate that of seemingly predator-depleted sites that may have never supported large predator populations because of suboptimal environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Valdivia
- Center for Biological Diversity, 1212 Broadway Suite 800, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Courtney Ellen Cox
- National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - John Francis Bruno
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wilson Hall, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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21
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Shipley ON, Howey LA, Tolentino ER, Jordan LKB, Ruppert JLW, Brooks EJ. Horizontal and vertical movements of Caribbean reef sharks ( Carcharhinus perezi): conservation implications of limited migration in a marine sanctuary. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017. [PMID: 28386422 DOI: 10.5061/dryad.cm184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ecological and economic importance of the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), little data exist regarding the movements and habitat use of this predator across its range. We deployed 11 pop-up satellite archival tags on Caribbean reef sharks captured in the northeast Exuma Sound, The Bahamas, to assess their horizontal and vertical movements throughout the water column. Sharks showed high site fidelity to The Bahamas suggesting Bahamian subpopulations remain protected within the Bahamian Shark Sanctuary. Depth data indicate that Caribbean reef sharks spent a significant proportion (72-91%) of their time above 50 m in narrow vertical depth bands, which varied considerably on an individual basis. This may be indicative of high site fidelity to specific bathymetric features. Animals exhibited three broadly categorized sporadic off-bank excursions (more than 50 m excursions) down to a depth of 436.1 m, which were more frequent during the night. These deeper excursions during night may be indicative of foraging in relation to prey on mesophotic reefs, as well as diel-vertically migrating prey from the deeper meso- and bathypelagic zones. These vertical movements suggest that Caribbean reef sharks can be significant vectors of ecosystem connectivity further warranting holistic multi-system management and conservation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver N Shipley
- Shark Research and Conservation Program, The Cape Eleuthera Institute, PO Box EL-26029, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Lucy A Howey
- Microwave Telemetry, Inc. , 8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K & L, Columbia, MD 21045 , USA
| | - Emily R Tolentino
- Microwave Telemetry, Inc. , 8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K & L, Columbia, MD 21045 , USA
| | - Lance K B Jordan
- Microwave Telemetry, Inc. , 8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K & L, Columbia, MD 21045 , USA
| | - Jonathan L W Ruppert
- Department of Renewable Resources , University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta , Canada T6G 2H1
| | - Edward J Brooks
- Shark Research and Conservation Program , The Cape Eleuthera Institute , PO Box EL-26029, Rock Sound, Eleuthera , The Bahamas
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22
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Shipley ON, Howey LA, Tolentino ER, Jordan LKB, Ruppert JLW, Brooks EJ. Horizontal and vertical movements of Caribbean reef sharks ( Carcharhinus perezi): conservation implications of limited migration in a marine sanctuary. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160611. [PMID: 28386422 PMCID: PMC5367288 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ecological and economic importance of the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), little data exist regarding the movements and habitat use of this predator across its range. We deployed 11 pop-up satellite archival tags on Caribbean reef sharks captured in the northeast Exuma Sound, The Bahamas, to assess their horizontal and vertical movements throughout the water column. Sharks showed high site fidelity to The Bahamas suggesting Bahamian subpopulations remain protected within the Bahamian Shark Sanctuary. Depth data indicate that Caribbean reef sharks spent a significant proportion (72-91%) of their time above 50 m in narrow vertical depth bands, which varied considerably on an individual basis. This may be indicative of high site fidelity to specific bathymetric features. Animals exhibited three broadly categorized sporadic off-bank excursions (more than 50 m excursions) down to a depth of 436.1 m, which were more frequent during the night. These deeper excursions during night may be indicative of foraging in relation to prey on mesophotic reefs, as well as diel-vertically migrating prey from the deeper meso- and bathypelagic zones. These vertical movements suggest that Caribbean reef sharks can be significant vectors of ecosystem connectivity further warranting holistic multi-system management and conservation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver N. Shipley
- Shark Research and Conservation Program, The Cape Eleuthera Institute, PO Box EL-26029, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Lucy A. Howey
- Microwave Telemetry, Inc., 8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K & L, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
| | - Emily R. Tolentino
- Microwave Telemetry, Inc., 8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K & L, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
| | - Lance K. B. Jordan
- Microwave Telemetry, Inc., 8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K & L, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
| | - Jonathan L. W. Ruppert
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6G 2H1
| | - Edward J. Brooks
- Shark Research and Conservation Program, The Cape Eleuthera Institute, PO Box EL-26029, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
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23
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Smith ANH, Anderson MJ. Marine reserves indirectly affect fine-scale habitat associations, but not overall densities, of small benthic fishes. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:6648-6661. [PMID: 27777737 PMCID: PMC5058535 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many large, fishery-targeted predatory species have attained very high relative densities as a direct result of protection by no-take marine reserves. Indirect effects, via interactions with targeted species, may also occur for species that are not themselves targeted by fishing. In some temperate rocky reef ecosystems, indirect effects have caused profound changes in community structure, notably the restoration of predator-urchin-macroalgae trophic cascades. Yet, indirect effects on small benthic reef fishes remain poorly understood, perhaps because of behavioral associations with complex, refuge-providing habitats. Few, if any, studies have evaluated any potential effects of marine reserves on habitat associations in small benthic fishes. We surveyed densities of small benthic fishes, including some endemic species of triplefin (Tripterygiidae), along with fine-scale habitat features in kelp forests on rocky reefs in and around multiple marine reserves in northern New Zealand over 3 years. Bayesian generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate evidence for (1) main effects of marine reserve protection, (2) associations with habitat gradients, including complexity, and (3) differences in habitat associations inside versus outside reserves. No evidence of overall main effects of marine reserves on species richness or densities of fishes was found. Both richness and densities showed strong associations with gradients in habitat features, particularly habitat complexity. In addition, some species exhibited reserve-by-habitat interactions, having different associations with habitat gradients inside versus outside marine reserves. Two species (Ruanoho whero and Forsterygion flavonigrum) showed stronger positive associations with habitat complexity inside reserves. These results are consistent with the presence of a behavioral risk effect, whereby prey fishes are more strongly attracted to habitats that provide refuge from predation in areas where predators are more abundant. This work highlights the importance of habitat structure and the potential for fishing to affect behavioral interactions and the interspecific dynamic attributes of community structure beyond simple predator-prey consumption and archetypal trophic cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam N. H. Smith
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical SciencesMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Marti J. Anderson
- New Zealand Institute for Advanced StudyMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
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24
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Marra S, Coppa S, Camedda A, Mazzoldi C, Wrachien F, Massaro G, de Lucia GA. Recovery Trends of Commercial Fish: The Case of an Underperforming Mediterranean Marine Protected Area. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146391. [PMID: 26741959 PMCID: PMC4704826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal trends in the recovery of exploited species in marine protected areas (MPAs) are useful for a proper assessment of the efficacy of protection measures. The effects of protection on the fish assemblages of the sublittoral rocky reefs in the “Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di Ventre” MPA (W. Sardinia, Italy) were evaluated using a multi-year series of data. Four surveys, conducted 7, 10, 13 and 15 years after the area was designated as an MPA and carried out in the period spanning June and July, were used to estimate the abundance and biomass of commercial species. The surveys were carried out in zones with decreasing levels of fishing restrictions within the MPA (zones A, B, C) and in unprotected zones (OUT1 and OUT2), and underwater video visual census techniques were used. Protected zones only occasionally showed higher levels of abundance or biomass, and the trajectories of those metrics were not consistent across the years. In addition, the zone with the highest level of protection (zone A) never presented levels of abundance and biomass higher than those in zones B and C. This study shows that even 15 years after designation, protection has had no appreciable effect in the MPA studied. It is argued that this is emblematic of several shortcomings in the planning, regulation and enforcement frameworks of the MPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Marra
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Stefania Coppa
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Wrachien
- Marine Protected Area “Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di Ventre”, Cabras, Italy
| | - Giorgio Massaro
- Marine Protected Area “Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di Ventre”, Cabras, Italy
| | - G. Andrea de Lucia
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
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25
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O’Connor CM, Cooke SJ. Ecological carryover effects complicate conservation. AMBIO 2015; 44:582-91. [PMID: 25678024 PMCID: PMC4552714 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-015-0630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ecological carryover effects occur when an individual's previous history and experiences explain their current performance. It is becoming clear that ecological carryover effects are a common phenomenon across taxa, and have the potential to play an important role in governing individual fitness and population dynamics. Carryover effects may reduce the success of conservation efforts aimed at slowing or reversing biodiversity loss. Failure to consider carryover effects might lead to erroneous conclusions about the effectiveness of conservation measures. We suggest that carryover effects are considered explicitly in threat assessment and conservation planning, in order to understand the long-term consequences of stressors, target efforts more effectively, and ensure that the success or failure of conservation efforts is tracked more accurately. We encourage proactive research focused on the proximate mechanisms underlying carryover effects, so that predictive measures of carryover effects in wild populations can be developed and refined. Finally, we suggest that in some cases, positive carryover effects could be exploited for conservation benefit. We conclude that the failure to consider carryover effects in conservation science and practice may put imperiled populations at further risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance M. O’Connor
- />Aquatic Behavioural Ecology Lab, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- />Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
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26
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Terres MA, Lawrence E, Hosack GR, Haywood MDE, Babcock RC. Assessing Habitat Use by Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) from Baited Underwater Video Data in a Coastal Marine Park. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136799. [PMID: 26317655 PMCID: PMC4552837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Baited Underwater Video (BUV) systems have become increasingly popular for assessing marine biodiversity. These systems provide video footage from which biologists can identify the individual fish species present. Here we explore the relevance of spatial dependence and marine park boundaries while estimating the distribution and habitat associations of the commercially and recreationally important snapper species Chrysophrys auratus in Moreton Bay Marine Park during a period when new Marine National Parks zoned as no-take or “green” areas (i.e., areas with no legal fishing) were introduced. BUV studies typically enforce a minimum distance among BUV sites, and then assume that observations from different sites are independent conditional on the measured covariates. In this study, we additionally incorporated the spatial dependence among BUV sites into the modelling framework. This modelling approach allowed us to test whether or not the incorporation of highly correlated environmental covariates or the geographic placement of BUV sites produced spatial dependence, which if unaccounted for could lead to model bias. We fitted Bayesian logistic models with and without spatial random effects to determine if the Marine National Park boundaries and available environmental covariates had an effect on snapper presence and habitat preference. Adding the spatial dependence component had little effect on the resulting model parameter estimates that emphasized positive association for particular coastal habitat types by snapper. Strong positive relationships between the presence of snapper and rock habitat, particularly rocky substrate composed of indurated freshwater sediments known as coffee rock, and kelp habitat reinforce the consideration of habitat availability in marine reserve design and the design of any associated monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Terres
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Emma Lawrence
- Digital Productivity Flagship, CSIRO, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey R. Hosack
- Digital Productivity Flagship, CSIRO, Castray Esplanade, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Russell C. Babcock
- Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, CSIRO, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
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27
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Advani S, Rix LN, Aherne DM, Alwany MA, Bailey DM. Distance from a fishing community explains fish abundance in a no-take zone with weak compliance. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126098. [PMID: 25950815 PMCID: PMC4423979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are numerous examples of no-take marine reserves effectively conserving fish stocks within their boundaries. However, no-take reserves can be rendered ineffective and turned into ‘paper parks’ through poor compliance and weak enforcement of reserve regulations. Long-term monitoring is thus essential to assess the effectiveness of marine reserves in meeting conservation and management objectives. This study documents the present state of the 15-year old no-take zone (NTZ) of South El Ghargana within the Nabq Managed Resource Protected Area, South Sinai, Egyptian Red Sea. Previous studies credited willing compliance by the local fishing community for the increased abundances of targeted fish within the designated NTZ boundaries compared to adjacent fished or take-zones. We compared benthic habitat and fish abundance within the NTZ and the adjacent take sites open to fishing, but found no significant effect of the reserve. Instead, the strongest evidence was for a simple negative relationship between fishing pressure and distance from the closest fishing village. The abundance of targeted piscivorous fish increased significantly with increasing distance from the village, while herbivorous fish showed the opposite trend. This gradient was supported by a corresponding negative correlation between the amount of discarded fishing gear observed on the reef and increasing distance from the village. Discarded fishing gear within the NTZ suggested decreased compliance with the no-take regulations. Our findings indicate that due to non-compliance the no-take reserve is no longer functioning effectively, despite its apparent initial successes and instead a gradient of fishing pressure exists with distance from the nearest fishing community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahir Advani
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura N. Rix
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle M. Aherne
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Magdy A. Alwany
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - David M. Bailey
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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28
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Emslie MJ, Logan M, Williamson DH, Ayling AM, MacNeil MA, Ceccarelli D, Cheal AJ, Evans RD, Johns KA, Jonker MJ, Miller IR, Osborne K, Russ GR, Sweatman HPA. Expectations and Outcomes of Reserve Network Performance following Re-zoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Curr Biol 2015; 25:983-92. [PMID: 25819564 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.01.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Networks of no-take marine reserves (NTMRs) are widely advocated for preserving exploited fish stocks and for conserving biodiversity. We used underwater visual surveys of coral reef fish and benthic communities to quantify the short- to medium-term (5 to 30 years) ecological effects of the establishment of NTMRs within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP). The density, mean length, and biomass of principal fishery species, coral trout (Plectropomus spp., Variola spp.), were consistently greater in NTMRs than on fished reefs over both the short and medium term. However, there were no clear or consistent differences in the structure of fish or benthic assemblages, non-target fish density, fish species richness, or coral cover between NTMR and fished reefs. There was no indication that the displacement and concentration of fishing effort reduced coral trout populations on fished reefs. A severe tropical cyclone impacted many survey reefs during the study, causing similar declines in coral cover and fish density on both NTMR and fished reefs. However, coral trout biomass declined only on fished reefs after the cyclone. The GBRMP is performing as expected in terms of the protection of fished stocks and biodiversity for a developed country in which fishing is not excessive and targets a narrow range of species. NTMRs cannot protect coral reefs directly from acute regional-scale disturbance but, after a strong tropical cyclone, impacted NTMR reefs supported higher biomass of key fishery-targeted species and so should provide valuable sources of larvae to enhance population recovery and long-term persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Emslie
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - Murray Logan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - David H Williamson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Anthony M Ayling
- Sea Research, 20 Rattray Avenue, Hideaway Bay, QLD 4800, Australia
| | - M Aaron MacNeil
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Daniela Ceccarelli
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Alistair J Cheal
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Richard D Evans
- Department of Parks and Wildlife, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, Perth, WA 6151, Australia; Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Kerryn A Johns
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Michelle J Jonker
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Ian R Miller
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Kate Osborne
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Garry R Russ
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Hugh P A Sweatman
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
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29
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Harmelin-Vivien M, Cottalorda JM, Dominici JM, Harmelin JG, Le Diréach L, Ruitton S. Effects of reserve protection level on the vulnerable fish species Sciaena umbra and implications for fishing management and policy. Glob Ecol Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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30
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Pina-Amargós F, González-Sansón G, Martín-Blanco F, Valdivia A. Evidence for protection of targeted reef fish on the largest marine reserve in the Caribbean. PeerJ 2014; 2:e274. [PMID: 24688853 PMCID: PMC3932734 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine reserves can restore fish abundance and diversity in areas impacted by overfishing, but the effectiveness of reserves in developing countries where resources for enforcement are limited, have seldom been evaluated. Here we assess whether the establishment in 1996 of the largest marine reserve in the Caribbean, Gardens of the Queen in Cuba, has had a positive effect on the abundance of commercially valuable reef fish species in relation to neighboring unprotected areas. We surveyed 25 sites, including two reef habitats (reef crest and reef slope), inside and outside the marine reserve, on five different months, and over a one-and-a-half year period. Densities of the ten most frequent, highly targeted, and relatively large fish species showed a significant variability across the archipelago for both reef habitats that depended on the month of survey. These ten species showed a tendency towards higher abundance inside the reserve in both reef habitats for most months during the study. Average fish densities pooled by protection level, however, showed that five out of these ten species were at least two-fold significantly higher inside than outside the reserve at one or both reef habitats. Supporting evidence from previously published studies in the area indicates that habitat complexity and major benthic communities were similar inside and outside the reserve, while fishing pressure appeared to be homogeneous across the archipelago before reserve establishment. Although poaching may occur within the reserve, especially at the boundaries, effective protection from fishing was the most plausible explanation for the patterns observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Pina-Amargós
- Centro de Investigaciones de Ecosistemas Costeros , Cayo Coco , Morón , Ciego de Ávila , Cuba
| | - Gaspar González-Sansón
- Department of Studies for Sustainable Development of the Coastal Zone, University of Guadalajara , Jalisco , Mexico
| | - Félix Martín-Blanco
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute , Tequesta , FL , USA
| | - Abel Valdivia
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
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31
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Kelaher BP, Coleman MA, Broad A, Rees MJ, Jordan A, Davis AR. Changes in fish assemblages following the establishment of a network of no-take marine reserves and partially-protected areas. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85825. [PMID: 24454934 PMCID: PMC3893262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Networks of no-take marine reserves and partially-protected areas (with limited fishing) are being increasingly promoted as a means of conserving biodiversity. We examined changes in fish assemblages across a network of marine reserves and two different types of partially-protected areas within a marine park over the first 5 years of its establishment. We used Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) to quantify fish communities on rocky reefs at 20–40 m depth between 2008–2011. Each year, we sampled 12 sites in 6 no-take marine reserves and 12 sites in two types of partially-protected areas with contrasting levels of protection (n = 4 BRUV stations per site). Fish abundances were 38% greater across the network of marine reserves compared to the partially-protected areas, although not all individual reserves performed equally. Compliance actions were positively associated with marine reserve responses, while reserve size had no apparent relationship with reserve performance after 5 years. The richness and abundance of fishes did not consistently differ between the two types of partially-protected areas. There was, therefore, no evidence that the more regulated partially-protected areas had additional conservation benefits for reef fish assemblages. Overall, our results demonstrate conservation benefits to fish assemblages from a newly established network of temperate marine reserves. They also show that ecological monitoring can contribute to adaptive management of newly established marine reserve networks, but the extent of this contribution is limited by the rate of change in marine communities in response to protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan P. Kelaher
- New South Wales Fisheries, Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour 2450, New South Wales, Australia
- National Marine Science Centre & Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Melinda A. Coleman
- New South Wales Fisheries, Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour 2450, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Allison Broad
- Institute for Conservation Biology & Environmental Management, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Rees
- Institute for Conservation Biology & Environmental Management, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alan Jordan
- New South Wales Fisheries, Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour 2450, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew R. Davis
- Institute for Conservation Biology & Environmental Management, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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32
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Speed CW, Babcock RC, Bancroft KP, Beckley LE, Bellchambers LM, Depczynski M, Field SN, Friedman KJ, Gilmour JP, Hobbs JPA, Kobryn HT, Moore JAY, Nutt CD, Shedrawi G, Thomson DP, Wilson SK. Dynamic stability of coral reefs on the west Australian coast. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69863. [PMID: 23922829 PMCID: PMC3726730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring changes in coral cover and composition through space and time can provide insights to reef health and assist the focus of management and conservation efforts. We used a meta-analytical approach to assess coral cover data across latitudes 10-35°S along the west Australian coast, including 25 years of data from the Ningaloo region. Current estimates of coral cover ranged between 3 and 44% in coral habitats. Coral communities in the northern regions were dominated by corals from the families Acroporidae and Poritidae, which became less common at higher latitudes. At Ningaloo Reef coral cover has remained relatively stable through time (∼28%), although north-eastern and southern areas have experienced significant declines in overall cover. These declines are likely related to periodic disturbances such as cyclones and thermal anomalies, which were particularly noticeable around 1998/1999 and 2010/2011. Linear mixed effects models (LME) suggest latitude explains 10% of the deviance in coral cover through time at Ningaloo. Acroporidae has decreased in abundance relative to other common families at Ningaloo in the south, which might be related to persistence of more thermally and mechanically tolerant families. We identify regions where quantitative time-series data on coral cover and composition are lacking, particularly in north-western Australia. Standardising routine monitoring methods used by management and research agencies at these, and other locations, would allow a more robust assessment of coral condition and a better basis for conservation of coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad W Speed
- Science Division, Department of Environment and Conservation, Marine Science Program, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia.
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33
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Götz A, Kerwath SE, Attwood CG. A step-by-step framework to assess benefits of established temperate marine protected areas. S AFR J SCI 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/sajs.2013/1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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34
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Exploring the effects of spatial closures in a temperate marine ecosystem in Western Australia: A case study of the western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) fishery. Ecol Modell 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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35
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Vanderklift MA, Babcock RC, Cook K. The effects of protection from fishing on species richness: distinguishing between alternative explanations. Oecologia 2012; 171:309-15. [PMID: 22776907 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-012-2408-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Marine reserves that prohibit fishing often result in greater densities of individuals and more species than adjacent fished areas. However, simple conclusions about their effects on species richness are confounded, because more species are expected to occur wherever there are more individuals. Here, there is an important distinction between the number of species per sampling unit (species density), and species richness measured as the number of species per given number of individuals. When conservation of species richness is an important goal, analyses need to discriminate between the alternative explanations for differences in the number of species. We used rarefaction to test whether species richness was higher in two 'no-take' marine reserves after controlling for differences in the density of individuals. We surveyed each reserve in three different years. There was a higher density of individuals and species in each reserve than in adjacent fished areas. However, rarefaction analyses indicated that effects on species richness were weak after controlling for the number of individuals: slightly higher species richness was recorded inside each reserve in one of three surveys, but the difference was small, and was apparent only when the maximum number of individuals was approached. Our results therefore indicate that patterns in species density were not reflected by patterns in species richness-the application of rarefaction methods is needed to determine the responses of species richness to protection elsewhere. The distinction between species density and species richness will not be important in all situations, but when it is important, inferences about species richness cannot be reliably deduced from measurements of species density.
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Colléter M, Gascuel D, Ecoutin JM, Tito de Morais L. Modelling trophic flows in ecosystems to assess the efficiency of marine protected area (MPA), a case study on the coast of Sénégal. Ecol Modell 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kellner JB, Litvin SY, Hastings A, Micheli F, Mumby PJ. Disentangling trophic interactions inside a Caribbean marine reserve. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2010; 20:1979-1992. [PMID: 21049884 DOI: 10.1890/09-1217.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent empirical studies have demonstrated that human activities such as fishing can strongly affect the natural capital and services provided by tropical seascapes. However, policies to mitigate anthropogenic impacts can also alter food web structure and interactions, regardless of whether the regulations are aimed at single or multiple species, with possible unexpected consequences for the ecosystems and their associated services. Complex community response to management interventions have been highlighted in the Caribbean, where, contrary to predictions from linear food chain models, a reduction in fishing intensity through the establishment of a marine reserve has led to greater biomass of herbivorous fish inside the reserve, despite an increased abundance of large predatory piscivores. This positive multi-trophic response, where both predators and prey benefit from protection, highlights the need to take an integrated approach that considers how numerous factors control species coexistence in both fished and unfished systems. In order to understand these complex relationships, we developed a general model to examine the trade-offs between fishing pressure and trophic control on reef fish communities, including an exploration of top-down and bottom-up effects. We then validated the general model predictions by parameterizing the model for a reef system in the Bahamas in order to tease apart the wide range of species responses to reserves in the Caribbean. Combining the development of general theory and site-specific models parameterized with field data reveals the underlying driving forces in these communities and enables us to make better predictions about possible population and community responses to different management schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie B Kellner
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
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39
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Claudet J, Osenberg CW, Domenici P, Badalamenti F, Milazzo M, Falcón JM, Bertocci I, Benedetti-Cecchi L, García-Charton JA, Goñi R, Borg JA, Forcada A, De Lucia GA, Perez-Ruzafa A, Afonso P, Brito A, Guala I, Le Diréach L, Sanchez-Jerez P, Somerfield PJ, Planes S. Marine reserves: fish life history and ecological traits matter. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2010; 20:830-839. [PMID: 20437967 DOI: 10.1890/08-2131.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Marine reserves are assumed to protect a wide range of species from deleterious effects stemming from exploitation. However, some species, due to their ecological characteristics, may not respond positively to protection. Very little is known about the effects of life history and ecological traits (e.g., mobility, growth, and habitat) on responses of fish species to marine reserves. Using 40 data sets from 12 European marine reserves, we show that there is significant variation in the response of different species of fish to protection and that this heterogeneity can be explained, in part, by differences in their traits. Densities of targeted size-classes of commercial species were greater in protected than unprotected areas. This effect of protection increased as the maximum body size of the targeted species increased, and it was greater for species that were not obligate schoolers. However, contrary to previous theoretical findings, even mobile species with wide home ranges benefited from protection: the effect of protection was at least as strong for mobile species as it was for sedentary ones. Noncommercial bycatch and unexploited species rarely responded to protection, and when they did (in the case of unexploited bentho-pelagic species), they exhibited the opposite response: their densities were lower inside reserves. The use of marine reserves for marine conservation and fisheries management implies that they should ensure protection for a wide range of species with different life-history and ecological traits. Our results suggest this is not the case, and instead that effects vary with economic value, body size, habitat, depth range, and schooling behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Claudet
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Zoology, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, 1-73100 Lecce, Italy.
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40
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Keller BD, Gleason DF, McLeod E, Woodley CM, Airamé S, Causey BD, Friedlander AM, Grober-Dunsmore R, Johnson JE, Miller SL, Steneck RS. Climate change, coral reef ecosystems, and management options for marine protected areas. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2009; 44:1069-88. [PMID: 19636605 PMCID: PMC2791481 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-009-9346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Accepted: 06/28/2009] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) provide place-based management of marine ecosystems through various degrees and types of protective actions. Habitats such as coral reefs are especially susceptible to degradation resulting from climate change, as evidenced by mass bleaching events over the past two decades. Marine ecosystems are being altered by direct effects of climate change including ocean warming, ocean acidification, rising sea level, changing circulation patterns, increasing severity of storms, and changing freshwater influxes. As impacts of climate change strengthen they may exacerbate effects of existing stressors and require new or modified management approaches; MPA networks are generally accepted as an improvement over individual MPAs to address multiple threats to the marine environment. While MPA networks are considered a potentially effective management approach for conserving marine biodiversity, they should be established in conjunction with other management strategies, such as fisheries regulations and reductions of nutrients and other forms of land-based pollution. Information about interactions between climate change and more "traditional" stressors is limited. MPA managers are faced with high levels of uncertainty about likely outcomes of management actions because climate change impacts have strong interactions with existing stressors, such as land-based sources of pollution, overfishing and destructive fishing practices, invasive species, and diseases. Management options include ameliorating existing stressors, protecting potentially resilient areas, developing networks of MPAs, and integrating climate change into MPA planning, management, and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Keller
- Southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Region, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA.
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41
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Stewart GB, Kaiser MJ, Côté IM, Halpern BS, Lester SE, Bayliss HR, Pullin AS. Temperate marine reserves: global ecological effects and guidelines for future networks. Conserv Lett 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-263x.2009.00074.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Molloy PP, McLean IB, Côté IM. Effects of marine reserve age on fish populations: a global meta-analysis. J Appl Ecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Paddack MJ, Reynolds JD, Aguilar C, Appeldoorn RS, Beets J, Burkett EW, Chittaro PM, Clarke K, Esteves R, Fonseca AC, Forrester GE, Friedlander AM, García-Sais J, González-Sansón G, Jordan LKB, McClellan DB, Miller MW, Molloy PP, Mumby PJ, Nagelkerken I, Nemeth M, Navas-Camacho R, Pitt J, Polunin NVC, Reyes-Nivia MC, Robertson DR, Rodríguez-Ramírez A, Salas E, Smith SR, Spieler RE, Steele MA, Williams ID, Wormald CL, Watkinson AR, Côté IM. Recent Region-wide Declines in Caribbean Reef Fish Abundance. Curr Biol 2009; 19:590-5. [PMID: 19303296 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2009.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Revised: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Paddack
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Cowlishaw G, Pettifor RA, Isaac NJB. High variability in patterns of population decline: the importance of local processes in species extinctions. Proc Biol Sci 2009; 276:63-9. [PMID: 18765345 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.0767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental goal of conservation science is to improve conservation practice. Understanding species extinction patterns has been a central approach towards this objective. However, uncertainty remains about the extent to which species-level patterns reliably indicate population phenomena at the scale of local sites, where conservation ultimately takes place. Here, we explore the importance of both species- and site-specific components of variation in local population declines following habitat disturbance, and test a suite of hypotheses about their intrinsic and extrinsic drivers. To achieve these goals, we analyse an unusually detailed global dataset for species responses to habitat disturbance, namely primates in timber extraction systems, using cross-classified generalized linear mixed models. We show that while there are consistent differences in the severity of local population decline between species, an equal amount of variation also occurs between sites. The tests of our hypotheses further indicate that a combination of biological traits at the species level, and environmental factors at the site level, can help to explain these patterns. Specifically, primate populations show a more marked decline when the species is characterized by slow reproduction, high ecological requirements, low ecological flexibility and small body size; and when the local environment has had less time for recovery following disturbance. Our results demonstrate that individual species show a highly heterogeneous, yet explicable, pattern of decline. The increased recognition and elucidation of local-scale processes in species declines will improve our ability to conserve biodiversity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Cowlishaw
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.
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Higgins R, Vandeperre F, Pérez-Ruzafa A, Santos R. Priorities for fisheries in marine protected area design and management: Implications for artisanal-type fisheries as found in southern Europe. J Nat Conserv 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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46
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McClanahan TR, Graham NAJ, Calnan JM, MacNeil MA. Toward pristine biomass: reef fish recovery in coral reef marine protected areas in Kenya. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2007; 17:1055-67. [PMID: 17555218 DOI: 10.1890/06-1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the rates of recovery of fish in no-take areas is fundamental to designing protected area networks, managing fisheries, estimating yields, identifying ecological interactions, and informing stakeholders about the outcomes of this management. Here we study the recovery of coral reef fishes through 37 years of protection using a space-for-time chronosequence of four marine national parks in Kenya. Using AIC model selection techniques, we assessed recovery trends using five ecologically meaningful production models: asymptotic, Ricker, logistic, linear, and exponential. There were clear recovery trends with time for species richness, total and size class density, and wet masses at the level of the taxonomic family. Species richness recovered rapidly to an asymptote at 10 years. The two main herbivorous families displayed differing responses to protection, scarids recovering rapidly, but then exhibiting some decline while acanthurids recovered more slowly and steadily throughout the study. Recovery of the two invertebrate-eating groups suggested competitive interactions over resources, with the labrids recovering more rapidly before a decline and the balistids demonstrating a slower logistic recovery. Remaining families displayed differing trends with time, with a general pattern of decline in smaller size classes or small-bodied species after an initial recovery, which suggests that some species- and size-related competitive and predatory control occurs in older closures. There appears to be an ecological succession of dominance with an initial rapid rise in labrids and scarids, followed by a slower rise in balistids and acanthurids, an associated decline in sea urchins, and an ultimate dominance in calcifying algae. Our results indicate that the unfished "equilibrium" biomass of the fish assemblage > 10 cm is 1100-1200 kg/ha, but these small parks (< 10 km2) are likely to underestimate pre-human influence values due to edge effects and the rarity of taxa with large area requirement, such as apex predators, including sharks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R McClanahan
- Marine Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 10460-1099, USA.
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WYNNE STUARTP, CÔTÉ ISABELLEM. Effects of habitat quality and fishing on Caribbean spotted spiny lobster populations. J Appl Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2007.01312.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lewin WC, Arlinghaus R, Mehner T. Documented and Potential Biological Impacts of Recreational Fishing: Insights for Management and Conservation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/10641260600886455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Nagayi-Yawe KJ, Ogutu-Ohwayo R, Kizito YS, Balirwa JS. Population characteristics of Oreochromis esculentus in the Victoria and Kyoga lake basins. Implications for conservation and improvement of the stocks. Afr J Ecol 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2006.00645.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Guidetti P. Marine reserves reestablish lost predatory interactions and cause community changes in rocky reefs. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2006; 16:963-76. [PMID: 16826995 DOI: 10.1890/1051-0761(2006)016[0963:mrrlpi]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, marine reserves have dramatically increased in number worldwide. Here I examined the potential of no-take marine reserves to reestablish lost predatory interactions and, in turn, cause community-wide changes in Mediterranean rocky reefs. Protected locations supported higher density and size of the most effective fish preying on sea urchins (the sea breams Diplodus sargus and D. vulgaris) than unprotected locations. Density of sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula) was lower at protected than at unprotected locations. Size structure of P. lividus was bimodal (a symptom of predation on medium-sized urchins) only at the protected locations. Coralline barrens were less extended at protected than at unprotected locations, whereas turf-forming and erect-branched algae showed an opposite pattern. Erect-unbranched and erect-calcified algae and conspicuous zoobenthic organisms did not show any pattern related to protection. Tethering experiments showed that predation impact on urchins was (1) higher at protected than at unprotected locations, (2) higher on P. lividus than on A. lixula, and (3) higher on medium-sized (2-3.5 cm test diameter) than large-sized (>3.5 cm) urchins. Sea urchins preyed on by fish in natural conditions were smaller at unprotected than at protected locations. The analysis of sea urchin remains found in Diplodus fish stomachs revealed that medium-sized P. lividus were the most frequently preyed upon urchins and that size range of consumed sea urchins expanded with increasing size of Diplodus fish. These results suggest that (1) depletion and size reduction of predatory fish caused by fishing alter patterns of predation on sea urchins, and that (2) fishing bans (e.g., within no-take marine reserves) may reestablish lost interactions among strongly interactive species in temperate rocky reefs with potential community-wide effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Guidetti
- Laboratory of Zoology and Marine Biology, DiSTeBA, University of Lecce, Via Prov. le Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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