The Mediterranean Sea under siege: spatial overlap between marine biodiversity, cumulative threats and marine reserves

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2011, Volume and Issue: 21(4), P. 465 - 480

Published: July 20, 2011

ABSTRACT Aim A large body of knowledge exists on individual anthropogenic threats that have an impact marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea, although we know little about how these accumulate and interact to affect species ecosystems. In this context, aimed identify main areas where interaction between is more pronounced assess their spatial overlap with current protected Mediterranean. Location Sea. Methods We first identified high mammals, turtles, seabirds, fishes commercial or well‐documented invertebrates. mapped potential threat multiple are occurring simultaneously. Finally quantified conservation concern for by looking at cumulative threats, assessed areas. Results Our results show Sea mainly located along central north shores, lower values south‐eastern regions. Areas widespread both western eastern basins, fewer region. The invertebrates, animals general (including fishes, turtles seabirds) concentrated coastal Spain, Gulf Lions, north‐eastern Ligurian Adriatic Aegean Turkey regions surrounding Nile Delta north‐west African coasts. larger mammal seabird species. Main conclusions These may represent good candidates further research, management protection activities, since there only a maximum 2% existing (which cover 5% Sea) our predicted biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Bridging ecology and conservation: from ecological networks to ecosystem function

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 54(2), P. 371 - 379

Published: Aug. 11, 2016

Summary Current approaches to conservation may be inadequate maintain ecosystem integrity because they are mostly based on rarity status of organisms rather than functional significance. Alternatively, focusing the protection ecological networks lead more appropriate targets integrity. We propose that a shift in focus from species interaction is necessary achieve pressing management and restoration ecology goals conserving biodiversity, processes ultimately landscape‐scale delivery services. Using topical examples literature, we discuss historical conceptual advances, current challenges ways move forward. also road map network conservation, providing novel ready use approach identify clear with flexible data requirements. Synthesis applications . Integration how environmental spatial constraints affect nature strength local will improve our ability predict their response change conserve them. This better protect species, processes, resulting services depend on.

Language: Английский

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Hydrodynamic provinces and oceanic connectivity from a transport network help designing marine reserves

Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Year: 2014, Volume and Issue: 41(8), P. 2883 - 2891

Published: April 1, 2014

Oceanic dispersal and connectivity have been identified as crucial factors for structuring marine populations designing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Focusing on larval by ocean currents, we propose an approach coupling Lagrangian transport new tools from Network Theory to characterize in the Mediterranean basin. Larvae of different pelagic durations seasons are modeled passive tracers advected a simulated oceanic surface flow which network connected areas is constructed. Hydrodynamical provinces extracted this delimited frontiers match multi-scale oceanographic features. By examining repeated occurrence such boundaries, identify spatial scales geographic structures that would control across entire seascape. Based these hydrodynamical units, study novel metrics existing reserves. Our results discussed context biogeography MPAs design, having ecological managerial implications.

Language: Английский

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Marine protected areas, marine heatwaves, and the resilience of nearshore fish communities

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: Jan. 25, 2023

Abstract Anthropogenic stressors from climate change can affect individual species, community structure, and ecosystem function. Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are intense thermal anomalies where water temperature is significantly elevated for five or more days. Climate projections suggest an increase in the frequency severity of MHWs coming decades. While there evidence that marine protected areas (MPAs) may be able to buffer species impacts, not sufficient support idea MPAs mitigate large-scale changes communities response MHWs. California experienced MHW subsequent El Niño Southern Oscillation event 2014 2016. We sought examine rocky reef fish at four associated reference sites relation MHW. observed a decline taxonomic diversity profound shift trophic inside outside following However, seemed dampen loss years MHW, recovered 75% faster compared sites. Our results contribute long-term resilience nearshore through both resistance recovery warming events.

Language: Английский

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Evolving science of marine reserves: New developments and emerging research frontiers

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2010, Volume and Issue: 107(43), P. 18251 - 18255

Published: Oct. 26, 2010

The field of marine reserve science has matured greatly over the last decade, moving beyond studies single reserves and perspectives from disciplines. This Special Feature exemplifies recent advances in research, showing insights gained synthetic networks, long-term changes within reserves, integration social ecological balance between design for conservation as well fishery other commercial objectives. rich body research helps to inform planning ecosystems but also poses new challenges further study, including how best integrated fisheries management systems, effectively evaluate performance entire examine complex coupling socioeconomic responses networks.

Language: Английский

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The central importance of ecological spatial connectivity to effective coastal marine protected areas and to meeting the challenges of climate change in the marine environment

Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 27(S1), P. 6 - 29

Published: Sept. 1, 2017

Abstract The several forms of ecological spatial connectivity – population, genetic, community, ecosystem are among the most important processes in determining distribution, persistence and productivity coastal marine populations ecosystems. Ecological protected areas (MPAs) focus on restoring or maintaining populations, communities, All MPAs no matter their specific objectives depend for success incorporating into design, use (i.e. application), management. Though important, a synthesis implications use, management MPAs, especially face changing global climate, does not exist. We synthesize this information distill it practical principles networks MPAs. High population distant ecosystems underscores critical value MPA between them. importance protecting multiple connected within an MPA, maximizing across managing outside so as to minimize influxes detrimental organisms materials Connectivity‐informed designed managed foster local species, can best address changes induced by climate change. Also, protections afforded from direct, human impacts may ameliorate change inside and, indirectly,

Language: Английский

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Larval Connectivity and the International Management of Fisheries

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2013, Volume and Issue: 8(6), P. e64970 - e64970

Published: June 7, 2013

Predicting the oceanic dispersal of planktonic larvae that connect scattered marine animal populations is difficult, yet crucial for management species whose movements transcend international boundaries. Using multi-scale biophysical modeling techniques coupled with empirical estimates larval behavior and gamete production, we predict empirically verify spatio-temporal patterns supply describe Caribbean-wide pattern connectivity Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), an iconic coral reef commercial value approaches $1 billion USD annually. Our results provide long sought information needed cooperation in resources by identifying pathways throughout Caribbean. Moreover, outline how large-scale fishery could explicitly recognize metapopulation structure considering transport dynamics pelagic sanctuaries.

Language: Английский

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Marine protected areas and the value of spatially optimized fishery management

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2012, Volume and Issue: 109(29), P. 11884 - 11889

Published: July 2, 2012

There is a growing focus around the world on marine spatial planning, including fisheries management. Some management approaches are quite blunt, as when protected areas (MPAs) established to restrict fishing in specific locations. Other tools, such zoning or user rights, will affect distribution of effort more nuanced manner. Considerable research has focused ability MPAs increase fishery returns, but potential for broader class outperform received far less attention. We use bioeconomic models seven nearshore Southern California explore value optimized which chosen maximize profits. show that fully can substantially profits relative optimal nonspatial magnitude this depends characteristics fleet and target species. Strategically placed also compared with management, particularly if costs low, although profit increases available through MPA-based roughly half those from However, same total area by randomly placing MPAs, starkly contrasting results emerge: most random MPA designs reduce expected The high estimated here supports continued interest spatially explicit regulations emphasizes predicted only be achieved well understood strategically designed.

Language: Английский

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Loss of predators and the collapse of southern California kelp forests (?): Alternatives, explanations and generalizations

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Journal Year: 2010, Volume and Issue: 393(1-2), P. 59 - 70

Published: July 28, 2010

Language: Английский

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Designing a network of marine protected areas in California: Achievements, costs, lessons learned, and challenges ahead

Ocean & Coastal Management, Journal Year: 2012, Volume and Issue: 74, P. 90 - 101

Published: Aug. 31, 2012

Language: Английский

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