The current application of ecological connectivity in the design of marine protected areas

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 17, P. e00569 - e00569

Published: Jan. 1, 2019

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an area-based conservation strategy commonly used to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Ecological connectivity governs the exchange of individuals among spatially fragmented habitats is often highlighted as important element in design MPAs. However, degree which measured or modelled representations applied management decisions worldwide remains unclear. We reviewed scientific literature explore application MPAs located six countries regions with advanced spatial planning. Only 11% 746 we examined considered ecological criterion, increasingly so since 2007. Landscape measures such habitat linkages were most frequently by managers genetic modelling approaches scientists. Of that connectivity, 71% for state reserves California commonwealth Australia. This pattern indicates substantial geographic bias. propose incorporation planning needs become more accessible practitioners provide four recommendations together will allow scientists bridge this gap: 1. determine whether prioritize 2. identify role MPA supporting 3. appropriate temporal scale 4. improve regional knowledge patterns. also a framework facilitate communication metrics patterns between apply best available information adaptive networks

Language: Английский

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Demystifying ecological connectivity for actionable spatial conservation planning

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(12), P. 1079 - 1091

Published: Sept. 28, 2022

There is a disconnect between global high-level conservation goals and on-the-ground actions such as maintaining ecosystem services or persistence local planning of protected areas.Dynamic processes ecological connectivity underpin species resilience but are difficult to represent in mathematical spatial problems for areas.Quantitative SMART (specific – measurable action-oriented realistic time-bound) objectives can provide link regional design implementation functionally connected area networks.With current gaps commitments increasing climate change threats, there tremendous opportunity use quantifiable vehicle future-proof networks help achieve goals. Connectivity underpins the life; it needs inform biodiversity decisions. Yet, when prioritising areas developing actions, not being operationalised planning. The challenge translation flows associated with into that lead actions. nebulous, be abstract mean different things people, making include problems. Here, we show how included mathematically defining objectives. We path forward linking goals, species’ persistence. propose ways management gain benefit from connectivity. In world dwindling natural resources human pressures, aim ensure habitats persist future. Most notably, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) SDG14 (life below water) SDG15 on land), Convention Biological Diversity’s (CBD) post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework halt loss services. A dominant mechanism these will through area-based [1.Pressey R.L. et al.The mismeasure conservation.Trends Ecol. Evol. 2021; 36: 808-821Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar, 2.Garibaldi L.A. al.Working landscapes need at least 20% native habitat.Conserv. Lett. 14e12773Crossref (109) 3.Nicholson E. al.Scientific foundations an goal, milestones indicators framework.Nat. 5: 1338-1349Crossref (42) Scholar], specific achieving protection ‘well-connected systems’. (see Glossary) populations, species, communities, ecosystems, thus play pivotal role strategies (e.g., [4.Wood S.L.R. al.Missing interactions: state multispecies analysis.Front. 2022; 10830822Crossref (7) 5.Magris R.A. al.Biologically representative well-connected marine reserves enhance planning.Conserv. 2018; 11e12439Crossref (71) 6.Riginos C. Beger M. Incorporating genetic measures adaptation corals.in: van Oppen Aranda Lastra M.I. Coral Reef Conservation Restoration ‘Omics’ Age. Springer, 2022Crossref Scholar]). conceptual advancements tools quantitatively integrate across land, freshwater, systems still developed [5.Magris Scholar,7.Tulloch V.J.D. al.Minimizing cross-realm threats land-use change: national-scale framework connecting freshwater systems.Biol. Conserv. 254108954Crossref (13) 8.Hermoso V. al.Conservation realms: enhancing multi-realm species.J. Appl. 58: 644-654Crossref (10) 9.Daigle R. al.Operationalizing Marxan Connect.Methods 2020; 11: 570-579Crossref (52) 10.Heino J. al.Integrating dispersal proxies environmental research realm.Environ. Rev. 2017; 25: 334-349Crossref (81) Scholar]), only implemented fraction existing [11.Balbar A.C. Metaxas A. application areas.Global 2019; 17e00569PubMed Scholar,12.Ward al.Just ten percent terrestrial network structurally via intact land.Nat. Commun. 4563Crossref (87) Scholar]. this opinion article, define flow energy, materials, organisms space. At level, includes adult propagule dispersal, movement migration, interactions, ontogenetic linkages. Flow dynamic, variable, often spatially unconstrained (Box 1), generating considerable formulating both suitable metrics useful traditional approaches [9.Daigle Scholar,13.Keeley A.T.H. al.Connectivity monitoring.Biol. 255109008Crossref (41) Scholar,14.Jafari N. al.Achieving full sites multiperiod reserve problem.Comput. Oper. Res. 81: 119-127Crossref (16) variable characteristics scale have led diverse characterisations conservation, ranging wetland linkages amphibians [15.Heard G.W. al.Refugia sustain amphibian metapopulations afflicted by disease.Ecol. 2015; 18: 853-863Crossref (65) Scholar] recent exchange among populations [16.Xuereb al.Individual-based eco-evolutionary models understanding changing seas.Proc. Soc. Lond. Ser. B Biol. Sci. 288: 20212006PubMed (Table 1). Assessments estate highlight shortfalls capturing dynamic processes, connectivity, where 9.7% land [12.Ward two thirds critical animals conserved [17.Brennan al.Functional world’s areas.Science. 376: 1101-1104Crossref (35) 17% free-flowing rivers [18.Opperman J.J. al.Safeguarding rivers: extent areas.Sustainability. 13: 2805Crossref 90.5% less than 5% their ranges [19.Klein C.J. al.Shortfalls representing biodiversity.Sci. Rep. 17539Crossref (112) This gap because broad translate quantitative objectives, data measure acquire, no scientific consensus appropriate assess retention improvement [13.Keeley especially multiple Scholar].Box 1Types scales hinder its estimationA key hurdle including spatial–temporal complexity. directionality, constraint, vary physical process, properties environment, flowing entity (Figure I). These occur any medium river, ocean, air) metres continents, hemispheres, ocean basins. Ensuing may manifested relevant over time hours centuries even longer (as case evolutionary scales). Many either symmetrical along animal migration corridors) asymmetrical ontogeny, seed larva dispersal). variability measurements each case.Directed involve single, direction II). constrained, relatively low lateral variation upstream downstream salmon transport leaf litter,movement corridors, annual bird migrations continents basins). Directed high. result moving entity, example spread invasive/range-expanding coast boundary current, turtle foraging spawning grounds, ungulate seasonal feeding grounds.In diffuse flows, proceeds number directions, originate single source during oil spill, nesting aggregation) sources introductions non-native species) III). They also constrained clear corridors pathways detrital valleys basins, within particular ambit, invasive disease bounded habitat) possible propagules dispersed wind current.Figure IIDirected has easier conceptualise.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Figure IIIDiffuse mixed strength extremely estimate.View (PPT)Table 1Connectivity value-laden concept. Selected contexts potential audiences applying concepts planningType connectivityDefinition/examplesReference definitionExample user groupLand–sea connectivityFlows sediment pollutants sea, rivers, sea[70.Suárez-Castro A.F. al.Global forest restoration opportunities foster coral reef conservation.Glob. Chang. 27: 5238-5252Crossref (12) Scholar]Ecologist, scientist, engineerOntogenetic connectivityMovement individuals occurring part life cycles (metres thousands km), e.g., amphibians[15.Heard Scholar,48.Kot C.Y. al.Network analysis sea movements connectivity: tool prioritization.Divers. Distrib. 28: 810-829Crossref (8) park managerCorridorsDistinct habitant patches linked facilitated. Disruption occurs due fragmentation[36.Keeley al.Thirty years planning: assessment factors influencing plan implementation.Environ. 14103001Crossref (55) Scholar]Environmental wildlife biologist, manager, tourism operatorPathogen dispersalAirborne fungal spores (regional continental scale, 50–5000 km)[46.Meyer al.Quantifying airborne routes pathogens safeguard wheat supply.Nat. Plants. 3: 780-786Crossref Scholar]EpidemiologistPollutant advection diffusionTransport sewage water)[54.Chaturvedi S.K. al.An spill detection using Sentinel 1 SAR-C images.J. Ocean Eng. 116-135Crossref (40) Scholar]Engineer, geophysicistDispersal connectivityThe juveniles distinct habitat patches. Scale highly dependent species[55.Hüssy K. al.Trace element patterns otoliths: biomineralization.Rev. Fish. Aquacult. 29: 445-477Crossref (79) Scholar,57.Lett al.Converging modeling air sea.Ecol. Model. 415108858Crossref (5) Scholar,58.Cecino G. Treml E.A. Local connections larval competency strongly influence metapopulation persistence.Ecol. 31e02302Crossref (6) Scholar,79.Harrison H.B. al.A portfolio effect stabilizes performance.Proc. Natl. Acad. U. S. 117: 25595Crossref (38) Scholar]Modeller, hydrodynamics engineer, oceanographer, ecologistMigrationThe scheduled individuals[47.Schuster al.Optimizing migratory cycle.Nat. 10: 1754Crossref (47) Scholar,83.Somveille general theory avian connectivity.Ecol. 24: 1848-1858Crossref Scholar]Wildlife ornithologist, operatorGenetic material nearby distant regions generations[16.Xuereb Scholar]Geneticist, ecologistTemporal connectivityLinkages shift time[51.Williams S.H. al.Incorporating optimal representation services.Conserv. 34: 934-942Crossref Scholar,84.Makino al.Spatio-temporal support high-latitude range expansion under change.Divers. 2014; 2014: 6-12Google Scholar]Climate ecologistEnergy flowTransport nutrients movement[39.Venarsky M.P. al.Spatial temporal fish community biomass energy throughout tropical river network.Freshw. 65: 1782-1792Crossref chemist Open table new tab case. grounds. (PPT) implementing explained fact concept broad, complex, means people times. many conceptualisations For example, manager Kenya most concerned enhances high-value, charismatic bring revenues experiences. By contrast, ecologist assisting Indo-Pacific value focus reefs aggregations [20.Beger priorities national policy.Nat. 6: 8208Crossref (99) climate-resilient [21.Beyer H. al.Risk-sensitive conserving rapid change.Conserv. 11e12587Crossref (122) As applied accounting perspectives stakeholders trade-offs, unified approach operationalise context One widely recognised, prioritised, historically forms which connect fragmented been impacted conversion Scholar,22.Hilty J.A. al.Corridor Ecology: Science Practice Conservation. Island Press, 2019Google Habitat fragmentation affects individuals, often, always [e.g., 23.Fahrig L. Ecological responses per se.Annu. Syst. 48: 1-23Crossref (598) reduces probabilities, mostly edge isolation effects [24.Fletcher R.J. al.Is good biodiversity?.Biol. 226: 9-15Crossref (326) interactions [25.Holyoak disturbance, seasonality, multi-year dynamics, dormancy Into dynamics metacommunities.Front. 8571130Crossref (18) However, corridor whilst important, addresses form structural serve few focal miss important unknown barriers [26.Merenlender A.M. al.Ecological species?.Theyra. 45-55Google ignore essential attributes needed retain functional matter energy. preserving [27.D'Aloia C.C. al.Coupled permanent change.Front. 7: 27Crossref (48) 28.Tittensor D.P. ocean.Sci. Adv. eaay9969Crossref (101) 29.Dunn D.C. importance policy.Proc. 286: 20191472PubMed plans lacking Scholar,18.Opperman Despite challenges, component CBD’s government policies targets. Spatial targets features prominently ongoing discussions. Our challenges facing ‘connectivity’ policy ambition become integrated deliver networks. recognise much progress made academic incorporating [8.Hermoso Scholar,30.Magris planning.Biol. 170: 207-221Crossref (138) 31.Andrello al.Additive supply fished areas.Divers. 21: 139-150Crossref (64) 32.Krueck N.C. MPA fisheries.Ecol. 925-941Crossref (70) 33.Dickson B.G. al.Circuit-theory applications science conservation.Conserv. 33: 239-249Crossref (178) transferability uptake methods real-world remains limited given explorations decision-makers ground social–economic considerations, equity, political realities) [34.Virtanen al.Marine analogues realm.Landsc. 35: 1021-1034Crossref (14) consequence, integration decisions practitioners fully realised though particularly addressing livelihoods [28.Tittensor overview organisms, achievement With examples, illustrate Planning protection, restoration, harvesting) long-term relates foundational principle adequacy Scholar,35.Kukkala A.S. Moilanen Core prioritisation systematic 2013; 88: 443-464Crossref (267) ensures coverage intensity enough maintain adaptive structured communities so they Scholar,36.Keeley Scholar,37.Jetz W. al.Include targets.Nat. 123-126Crossref Achieving requires continued integrity biological [38.Edelsparre A.H. al.Habitat determined strategy.Ecol. 8: 5508-5514Crossref (15) [39.Venarsky Scholar,40.Benkwitt C.E. al.Seabird nutrient subsidies alter algal abundance following bleaching event.Glob. 2619-2632Crossref (36) Flows carbon) subsidies) ecosystems achieved [41.Alberti complexity urban dynamics.Bioscience. 70: 772-793Crossref (58) Scholar,42.Olds A.D. seascape synthesis.Glob. Biogeogr. 2016; 3-15Crossref (107) genes amongst promoting diversity [6.Riginos Ree

Language: Английский

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Operationalizing ecological connectivity in spatial conservation planning with Marxan Connect

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11(4), P. 570 - 579

Published: Feb. 11, 2020

Abstract Globally, protected areas are being established to protect biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience. The typical spatial conservation planning process leading the creation of these focuses on representation replication ecological features, often using decision support tools such as Marxan. Yet, despite important role connectivity has in metapopulation persistence resilience, Marxan currently requires manual input or specialized scripts explicitly consider connectivity. ‘Marxan Connect’ is a new open source, access Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool designed assist planners with appropriate use data area network planning. Connect can facilitate estimates demographic (e.g. derived from animal tracking data, dispersal models, genetic tools) structural landscape isolation by resistance). This accomplished calculating metapopulation‐relevant metrics eigenvector centrality) treating those features including dependency amongst sites prioritization process. allows wide group users incorporate directional into solutions provided Connect, combined ecologically relevant post‐hoc testing, more likely persistent resilient metapopulations fish stocks) provide better protection for biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Evolving spatial conservation prioritization with intraspecific genetic data

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(6), P. 553 - 564

Published: April 18, 2022

Language: Английский

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Dynamic marine spatial planning for conservation and fisheries benefits

Fish and Fisheries, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 25(4), P. 630 - 646

Published: April 13, 2024

Abstract The increasing global demand for marine resources raises concerns about sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation. Spatial closures, such as protected areas, can be valuable tools maintaining restoring exploited populations. When these spatial closures adopt a dynamic nature being adapted to the changing environment, they effectively account factors shifting species distributions, which enhances their potential achieve ecological socio‐economic objectives. Here, we decision‐support tool (the software Marxan), typically used selecting static permanent produce recommendations that integrate temporal fisheries. Our aim was compare outputs of network no‐take reserves with four other scenarios, including seasonal variations in populations species. All scenarios prioritized sites conservation one most European fishing stocks, Norway lobster ( Nephrops norvegicus ). Additionally, considered 12 commercially captured by fishery. assessed included retained biomass, area extent, closure type (permanent seasonal) opportunity costs within each scenario. We observed all required fewer areas permanently closed than This resulted lower cost fisheries but also higher capacity Therefore, complementing could enhance management. novel planning method presented here applicable species, ecosystems contexts.

Language: Английский

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Linking home ranges to protected area size: The case study of the Mediterranean Sea

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 221, P. 175 - 181

Published: March 18, 2018

Language: Английский

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Incorporating putatively neutral and adaptive genomic data into marine conservation planning

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 35(3), P. 909 - 920

Published: Aug. 12, 2020

Abstract The availability of genomic data for an increasing number species makes it possible to incorporate evolutionary processes into conservation plans. Recent studies show how genetic can inform spatial prioritization (SCP), but they focus on metrics diversity and distinctness derived primarily from neutral sets. Identifying adaptive markers provide important information regarding the capacity populations adapt environmental change. Yet, effect including based SCP in comparison more widely used has not been explored. We existing a commercially exploited species, giant California sea cucumber ( Parastichopus californicus ), perform coastal region British Columbia (BC), Canada. Using RAD‐seq set 717 P. individuals across 24 sampling locations, we identified putatively (i.e., candidate) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotype–environment associations with seafloor temperature. calculated various both candidate SNPs compared outcomes independent combinations metrics. Priority areas varied depending whether or were specific metric used. For example, targeting sites high frequency warm‐temperature‐associated alleles support persistence under future warming prioritized southern region. In contrast, expected heterozygosity at loci uncertainty north. When combining metrics, all scenarios generated intermediate solutions, protecting that span latitudinal thermal gradients. Our results demonstrate distinguishing between affect solutions emphasize importance defining objectives when choosing among SCP.

Language: Английский

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Aligning biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services in spatial planning: Focus on ecosystem processes

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 712, P. 136350 - 136350

Published: Dec. 30, 2019

Language: Английский

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Evaluating the design of the first marine protected area network in Pacific Canada under a changing climate

FACETS, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 9, P. 1 - 18

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Marine protected area (MPAs) networks can buffer marine ecosystems from the impacts of climate change by allowing species to redistribute as conditions and reducing other stressors. There are, however, few examples where has been considered in MPA network design. In this paper, we assess how considerations were integrated into design a newly released Northern Shelf Bioregion British Columbia, Canada, then evaluate resulting against projected physical biogeochemical changes biological responses. We found that representation, replication, size spacing recommendations phase met most cases. Furthermore, despite varying degrees temperature, dissolved oxygen, aragonite saturation across network, suitable habitat for demersal fish is remain some redistribution among sites. also mid-depth MPAs are particularly important persistence, move deeper avoid warming shallower areas. Our results highlight representative with adequate incorporates areas trajectory, should change.

Language: Английский

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Emigration patterns of motile cryptofauna and their implications for trophic functioning in coral reefs

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(3)

Published: March 1, 2023

Abstract Patterns of movement marine species can reflect strategies reproduction and dispersal, species' interactions, trophodynamics, susceptibility to change, thus critically inform how we manage populations ecosystems. On coral reefs, the density diversity metazoan taxa are greatest in dead rubble, which suggested fuel food webs from bottom up. Yet, biomass secondary productivity rubble is predominantly available some smallest individuals, limiting accessible this energy higher trophic levels. We address bioavailability motile reef cryptofauna based on small‐scale patterns emigration rubble. deployed modified RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS) emergence traps a shallow patch at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, detect community‐level differences directional influx under five habitat accessibility regimes. The mean (0.13–4.5 ind cm −3 ) (0.14–5.2 mg were high varied depending microhabitat accessibility. Emergent zooplankton represented distinct community (dominated by Appendicularia Calanoida) with lowest biomass, indicating constraints nocturnal resource availability. Mean when interstitial access within was blocked, driven rapid proliferation small harpacticoid copepods surface, leading simplification. Individuals (e.g., decapods, gobies, echinoderms) unrestricted. Treatments closed surface did not differ those completely open, suggesting that top‐down predation does diminish rubble‐derived resources. Our results show conspecific cues interactions competition predation) most critical shaping ecological outcomes cryptobiome. These findings have implications for prey through size structuring may become increasingly relevant as benthic complexity shifts Anthropocene.

Language: Английский

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