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Muenzel D, Critchell K, Cox C, Campbell SJ, Jakub R, Suherfian W, Sara L, Chollett I, Treml EA, Beger M. Integrating larval connectivity into the marine conservation decision-making process across spatial scales. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14038. [PMID: 36478610 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Larval dispersal connectivity is typically integrated into spatial conservation decisions at regional or national scales, but implementing agencies struggle with translating these methods to local scales. We used larval dispersal connectivity at regional (hundreds of kilometers) and local (tens of kilometers) scales to aid in design of networks of no-take reserves in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. We used Marxan with Connectivity informed by biophysical larval dispersal models and remotely sensed coral reef habitat data to design marine reserve networks for 4 commercially important reef species across the region. We complemented regional spatial prioritization with decision trees that combined network-based connectivity metrics and habitat quality to design reserve boundaries locally. Decision trees were used in consensus-based workshops with stakeholders to qualitatively assess site desirability, and Marxan was used to identify areas for subsequent network expansion. Priority areas for protection and expected benefits differed among species, with little overlap in reserve network solutions. Because reef quality varied considerably across reefs, we suggest reef degradation must inform the interpretation of larval dispersal patterns and the conservation benefits achievable from protecting reefs. Our methods can be readily applied by conservation practitioners, in this region and elsewhere, to integrate connectivity data across multiple spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Muenzel
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kay Critchell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Raymond Jakub
- Rare, Arlington, Virginia, USA
- Rare Indonesia, Kota Bogor, Indonesia
| | | | - La Sara
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Haluoleo University, Kendari, Indonesia
| | | | - Eric A Treml
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Muenzel D, Critchell K, Cox C, Campbell SJ, Jakub R, Chollett I, Krueck N, Holstein D, Treml EA, Beger M. Comparing spatial conservation prioritization methods with site- versus spatial dependency-based connectivity. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14008. [PMID: 36178033 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Larval dispersal is an important component of marine reserve networks. Two conceptually different approaches to incorporate dispersal connectivity into spatial planning of these networks exist, and it is an open question as to when either is most appropriate. Candidate reserve sites can be selected individually based on local properties of connectivity or on a spatial dependency-based approach of selecting clusters of strongly connected habitat patches. The first acts on individual sites, whereas the second acts on linked pairs of sites. We used a combination of larval dispersal simulations representing different seascapes and case studies of biophysical larval dispersal models in the Coral Triangle region and the province of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, to compare the performance of these 2 methods in the spatial planning software Marxan. We explored the reserve design performance implications of different dispersal distances and patterns based on the equilibrium settlement of larvae in protected and unprotected areas. We further assessed different assumptions about metapopulation contributions from unprotected areas, including the case of 100% depletion and more moderate scenarios. The spatial dependency method was suitable when dispersal was limited, a high proportion of the area of interest was substantially degraded, or the target amount of habitat protected was low. Conversely, when subpopulations were well connected, the 100% depletion was relaxed, or more habitat was protected, protecting individual sites with high scores in metrics of connectivity was a better strategy. Spatial dependency methods generally produced more spatially clustered solutions with more benefits inside than outside reserves compared with site-based methods. Therefore, spatial dependency methods potentially provide better results for ecological persistence objectives over enhancing fisheries objectives, and vice versa. Different spatial prioritization methods of using connectivity are appropriate for different contexts, depending on dispersal characteristics, unprotected area contributions, habitat protection targets, and specific management objectives. Comparación entre los métodos de priorización de la conservación espacial con sitio y la conectividad espacial basada en la dependencia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Muenzel
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kay Critchell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Raymond Jakub
- Rare, Arlington, Virginia, USA
- Rare Indonesia, Bogor, Indonesia
| | | | - Nils Krueck
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Daniel Holstein
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Eric A Treml
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Lavin CP, Jones GP, Williamson DH, Harrison HB. Minimum size limits and the reproductive value of numerous, young, mature female fish. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202714. [PMID: 33715428 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fisheries management relies on various catch and effort controls to preserve spawning stock biomass and maximize sustainable yields while limiting fishery impacts on marine ecosystems. These include species-specific minimum or maximum size limits to protect either small non-reproductive subadults, a portion of reproductively mature adults, or large highly fecund individuals. Protecting size classes of mature fish is expected to yield a viable source of larvae for replenishing populations and reduce the risk of recruitment overfishing, yet size-specific recruitment contributions have rarely been assessed empirically. Here, we apply genetic parentage analysis to measure the reproductive success of a size-structured population of a commercially important species of coral grouper (Plectropomus maculatus-Serranidae) in no-take marine reserves (NTMRs) in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia. Although the per capita reproductive success of individual fish increases rapidly with body length, the numerous young mature female fish, below the minimum size limit (MSL) (38 cm total length), were responsible for generating disproportionately large contributions (36%) towards larval replenishment of both fished and reserve reefs. Our findings indicate that MSLs are an effective harvest control measure to safeguard a portion of the spawning stock biomass for coral grouper and supplement recruitment subsidies assured from NTMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Lavin
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey P Jones
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David H Williamson
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hugo B Harrison
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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4
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Friesen SK, Martone R, Rubidge E, Baggio JA, Ban NC. An approach to incorporating inferred connectivity of adult movement into marine protected area design with limited data. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01890. [PMID: 30929286 PMCID: PMC6850429 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important conservation tools that can support the resilience of marine ecosystems. Many countries, including Canada, have committed to protecting at least 10% of their marine areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity's Aichi Target 11, which includes connectivity as a key aspect. Connectivity, the movement of individuals among habitats, can enhance population stability and resilience within and among MPAs. However, little is known about regional spatial patterns of marine ecological connectivity, particularly adult movement. We developed a method to assess and design MPA networks that maximize inferred connectivity within habitat types for adult movement when ecological data are limited. We used the Northern Shelf Bioregion in British Columbia, Canada, to explore two different approaches: (1) evaluating sites important for inferred regional connectivity (termed hotspots) and (2) assessing MPA network configurations based on their overlap with connectivity hotspots and interconnectedness between MPAs. To assess inferred connectivity via adult movement, we used two different threshold distances (15 and 50 km) to capture moderate home ranges, which are most appropriate to consider in MPA design. We applied graph theory to assess inferred connectivity within 16 habitat and depth categories (proxies for distinct ecological communities), and used novel multiplex network methodologies to perform an aggregated assessment of inferred connectivity. We evaluated inferred regional connectivity hotspots based on betweenness and eigenvector centrality metrics, finding that the existing MPA network overlapped a moderate proportion of these regional hotspots and identified key areas to be considered as candidate MPAs. Network density among existing MPAs was low within the individual habitat networks, as well as the multiplex. This work informs an ongoing MPA planning process, and approaches for incorporating connectivity into MPA design when data are limited, with lessons for other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Friesen
- School of Environmental StudiesUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaV8W 2Y2Canada
| | - Rebecca Martone
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Province of British ColumbiaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaV8W 9N1Canada
| | - Emily Rubidge
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans CanadaSidneyBritish ColumbiaV8L 4B2Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaV6T 1Z4Canada
| | - Jacopo A. Baggio
- Department of Political ScienceUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFlorida32816USA
- Sustainable Coastal Systems ClusterNational Center for Integrated Coastal ResearchUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFlorida32816USA
| | - Natalie C. Ban
- School of Environmental StudiesUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaV8W 2Y2Canada
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5
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Balbar AC, Metaxas A. The current application of ecological connectivity in the design of marine protected areas. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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6
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Smallhorn-West PF, Bridge TC, Malimali S, Pressey RL, Jones GP. Predicting impact to assess the efficacy of community-based marine reserve design. Conserv Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick F. Smallhorn-West
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture; College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Tom C.L. Bridge
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Queensland Museum Network; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | | | - Robert L. Pressey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Geoffrey P. Jones
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture; College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
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7
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Magris RA, Andrello M, Pressey RL, Mouillot D, Dalongeville A, Jacobi MN, Manel S. Biologically representative and well-connected marine reserves enhance biodiversity persistence in conservation planning. Conserv Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A. Magris
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation; Ministry of Environment; Brasilia DF 70.670-350 Brazil
- School of Environmental Studies; University of Victoria; Victoria BC V8W 2Y2 Canada
| | - Marco Andrello
- PSL Research University, CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Université de Montpellier; Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE, Biogeographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés; Montpellier France
| | - Robert L. Pressey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - David Mouillot
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- MARBEC UMR 9190, CNRS - IRD; Universite Montpellier - Ifremer; 34095 Montpellier France
| | - Alicia Dalongeville
- PSL Research University, CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Université de Montpellier; Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE, Biogeographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés; Montpellier France
- MARBEC UMR 9190, CNRS - IRD; Universite Montpellier - Ifremer; 34095 Montpellier France
| | - Martin N. Jacobi
- Complex Systems Group, Department of Energy and Environment; Chalmers University of Technology; SE-412 96 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Stéphanie Manel
- PSL Research University, CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Université de Montpellier; Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE, Biogeographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés; Montpellier France
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8
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Fredston-Hermann A, Gaines SD, Halpern BS. Biogeographic constraints to marine conservation in a changing climate. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1429:5-17. [PMID: 29411385 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The siting of protected areas to achieve management and conservation objectives draws heavily on biogeographic concepts of the spatial distribution and connectivity of species. However, the marine protected area (MPA) literature rarely acknowledges how biogeographic theories underpin MPA and MPA network design. We review which theories from biogeography have been incorporated into marine spatial planning and which relevant concepts have yet to be translated to inform the next generation of design principles. This biogeographic perspective will only become more relevant as climate change amplifies these spatial and temporal dynamics, and as species begin to shift in and out of existing MPAs. The scale of climate velocities predicted for the 21st century dwarfs all but the largest MPAs currently in place, raising the possibility that in coming decades many MPAs will no longer contain the species or assemblages they were established to protect. We present a number of design elements that could improve the success of MPAs and MPA networks in light of biogeographic processes and climate change. Biogeographically informed MPA networks of the future may resemble the habitat corridors currently being considered for many terrestrial regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Fredston-Hermann
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
| | - Steven D Gaines
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
| | - Benjamin S Halpern
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California.,National Center for Ecological Analysis & Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, California.,Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
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9
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Álvarez-Romero JG, Munguía-Vega A, Beger M, Del Mar Mancha-Cisneros M, Suárez-Castillo AN, Gurney GG, Pressey RL, Gerber LR, Morzaria-Luna HN, Reyes-Bonilla H, Adams VM, Kolb M, Graham EM, VanDerWal J, Castillo-López A, Hinojosa-Arango G, Petatán-Ramírez D, Moreno-Baez M, Godínez-Reyes CR, Torre J. Designing connected marine reserves in the face of global warming. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:e671-e691. [PMID: 29274104 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine reserves are widely used to protect species important for conservation and fisheries and to help maintain ecological processes that sustain their populations, including recruitment and dispersal. Achieving these goals requires well-connected networks of marine reserves that maximize larval connectivity, thus allowing exchanges between populations and recolonization after local disturbances. However, global warming can disrupt connectivity by shortening potential dispersal pathways through changes in larval physiology. These changes can compromise the performance of marine reserve networks, thus requiring adjusting their design to account for ocean warming. To date, empirical approaches to marine prioritization have not considered larval connectivity as affected by global warming. Here, we develop a framework for designing marine reserve networks that integrates graph theory and changes in larval connectivity due to potential reductions in planktonic larval duration (PLD) associated with ocean warming, given current socioeconomic constraints. Using the Gulf of California as case study, we assess the benefits and costs of adjusting networks to account for connectivity, with and without ocean warming. We compare reserve networks designed to achieve representation of species and ecosystems with networks designed to also maximize connectivity under current and future ocean-warming scenarios. Our results indicate that current larval connectivity could be reduced significantly under ocean warming because of shortened PLDs. Given the potential changes in connectivity, we show that our graph-theoretical approach based on centrality (eigenvector and distance-weighted fragmentation) of habitat patches can help design better-connected marine reserve networks for the future with equivalent costs. We found that maintaining dispersal connectivity incidentally through representation-only reserve design is unlikely, particularly in regions with strong asymmetric patterns of dispersal connectivity. Our results support previous studies suggesting that, given potential reductions in PLD due to ocean warming, future marine reserve networks would require more and/or larger reserves in closer proximity to maintain larval connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge G Álvarez-Romero
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Adrián Munguía-Vega
- Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C., Guaymas, Sonora, México
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Georgina G Gurney
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert L Pressey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Leah R Gerber
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Hem Nalini Morzaria-Luna
- Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans Inc., Tucson, AZ, USA
- Visiting Researcher at Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Héctor Reyes-Bonilla
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Vanessa M Adams
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Kolb
- Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, México, Distrito Federal, México
- Instituto de Geografía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, Distrito Federal, México
| | - Erin M Graham
- Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- eResearch Centre, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeremy VanDerWal
- Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- eResearch Centre, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Gustavo Hinojosa-Arango
- Centro para la Biodiversidad Marina y la Conservación, A.C., La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Oaxaca, México
| | | | - Marcia Moreno-Baez
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, USA
| | - Carlos R Godínez-Reyes
- Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas: Reserva de la Biosfera Bahía de Los Ángeles, Canales de Ballenas y Salsipuedes, Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California, México
- Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas: Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo, La Ribera, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Jorge Torre
- Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C., Guaymas, Sonora, México
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10
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Weeks R. Incorporating seascape connectivity in conservation prioritisation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182396. [PMID: 28753647 PMCID: PMC5533427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In conservation prioritisation, it is often implicit that representation targets for individual habitat types act as surrogates for the species that inhabit them. Yet for many commercially and ecologically important coral reef fish species, connectivity among different habitats in a seascape may be more important than any single habitat alone. Approaches to conservation prioritisation that consider seascape connectivity are thus warranted. I demonstrate an approach that can be implemented within a relatively data-poor context, using widely available conservation planning software. Based on clearly stated assumptions regarding species’ habitat usage and movement ability, this approach can be adapted to different focal species and contexts, or refined as further data become available. I first derive a seascape connectivity metric based on area-weighted proximity between juvenile and adult habitat patches, and then apply this during spatial prioritisation using the decision-support software Marxan. Using a case study from Micronesia, I present two applications: first, to inform prioritisation for a network of marine protected areas to achieve regional objectives for habitat representation; and second, to identify nursery habitat patches that are most likely to supply juveniles to adult populations on reefs within existing protected areas. Incorporating seascape connectivity in conservation prioritisation highlights areas where small marine protected areas placed on coral reefs might benefit from proximity to other habitats in the seascape, and thus be more effective. Within the context of community tenure over resources, identification of critical nursery habitats to improve the effectiveness of existing marine protected areas indicates where collaboration across community boundaries might be required. Outputs from these analyses are likely to be most useful in regions where management is highly decentralised, imposing spatial constraints on the size of individual protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Weeks
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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11
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Andrello M, Guilhaumon F, Albouy C, Parravicini V, Scholtens J, Verley P, Barange M, Sumaila UR, Manel S, Mouillot D. Global mismatch between fishing dependency and larval supply from marine reserves. Nat Commun 2017; 8:16039. [PMID: 28691710 PMCID: PMC5508853 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms16039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine reserves are viewed as flagship tools to protect exploited species and to contribute to the effective management of coastal fisheries. Yet, the extent to which marine reserves are globally interconnected and able to effectively seed areas, where fisheries are most critical for food and livelihood security is largely unknown. Using a hydrodynamic model of larval dispersal, we predict that most marine reserves are not interconnected by currents and that their potential benefits to fishing areas are presently limited, since countries with high dependency on coastal fisheries receive very little larval supply from marine reserves. This global mismatch could be reversed, however, by placing new marine reserves in areas sufficiently remote to minimize social and economic costs but sufficiently connected through sea currents to seed the most exploited fisheries and endangered ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Andrello
- EPHE, PSL Research University, CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - François Guilhaumon
- UMR 9190 MARBEC, IRD-CNRS-IFREMER-UM, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Camille Albouy
- Landscape Ecology, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.,Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland.,IFREMER, Unité Ecologie et Modèles pour l'Halieutique, 44300 Nantes Cedex 3, France
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Labex 'Corail', University of Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Joeri Scholtens
- MARE Centre for Maritime Research, Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Plantage Muidergracht 14, 1018 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Verley
- IRD, UMR AMAP, TA A51/PS2, Montpellier, 05 34398 Cedex, France
| | - Manuel Barange
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, PL1 3DH Plymouth, UK.,Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - U Rashid Sumaila
- Fisheries Economics Research Unit, Institute for Oceans and Fisheries &Liu Institute for Global Studies, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z
| | - Stéphanie Manel
- EPHE, PSL Research University, CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - David Mouillot
- UMR 9190 MARBEC, IRD-CNRS-IFREMER-UM, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811 Queens Land, Australia
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