Mapping the biodiversity conservation gaps in the East China sea

Journal of Environmental Management, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 336, С. 117667 - 117667

Опубликована: Март 4, 2023

Язык: Английский

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An atlas of seabed biodiversity for Aotearoa New Zealand

Earth system science data, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 15(9), С. 3931 - 3939

Опубликована: Сен. 5, 2023

Abstract. The waters of Aotearoa New Zealand span over 4.2 million km2 the South Pacific Ocean and harbour a rich diversity seafloor-associated taxa. Due to immensity remoteness area, there are significant gaps in availability data that can be used quantify map distribution seafloor demersal biodiversity, limiting effective management. In this study, we describe development accessibility an online atlas seabed biodiversity aims fill these gaps. Species models were developed for 579 taxa across four taxonomic groups: fish, reef subtidal invertebrates macroalgae. Spatial layers based on habitat suitability statistically validated then, as further check, evaluated by experts provide measures confidence guide future use layers. Spatially explicit uncertainty (SD) also each taxon distribution. We generated layer-specific metadata, including statistical expert evaluation scores, which uploaded alongside accompanying spatial open access database Zenodo. This provides most comprehensive source information is thus valuable resource managers, researchers public will management conservation communities. freely accessible via open-access Zenodo under https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7083642 (Stephenson et al., 2022).

Язык: Английский

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Implications for the conservation of deep-water corals in the face of multiple stressors: A case study from the New Zealand region

Journal of Environmental Management, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 346, С. 118938 - 118938

Опубликована: Сен. 20, 2023

The waters around New Zealand are a global hotspot of biodiversity for deep-water corals; approximately one sixth the known coral species world have been recorded in region. Deep-water corals vulnerable to climate-related stressors and from damaging effects commercial fisheries. Current protection measures do not account vulnerability future climatic conditions, which predicted alter distribution suitable habitat them. Using recently developed suitability models 12 taxa fitted current seafloor environmental conditions (under different conditions: SSP2 - 4.5 SSP3 7.0) we explore possible levels spatial using decision-support tool Zonation. Specifically, assess impact bottom trawling on predictions distributions corals, then effectiveness while accounting refugia under conditions. cumulative was all taxa, but particularly reef-forming corals. Core areas were decrease many taxa. We found that designing day alone, having accounted impacts historic fishing impacts, unlikely provide adequate conservation deep water-corals climate change. Accounting planning identified may whilst still providing efficient distributions. These gains value be important given reduction due Finally, fisheries assessed measure (kg km-2 fish) (predicted change scenarios).

Язык: Английский

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An integrated strategy for monitoring cetaceans in data-poor regions

Biological Conservation, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 272, С. 109648 - 109648

Опубликована: Июль 6, 2022

Язык: Английский

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Integration of genetic, taxonomic, and functional dimensions of biodiversity yields conservation insights

Biological Conservation, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 305, С. 111084 - 111084

Опубликована: Март 17, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Key cetacean feeding habitats identified in Iceland: a multi-model ensemble approach using opportunistic behavioural and ecogeographical data

Ethology Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown, С. 1 - 28

Опубликована: Май 25, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Development of a Seafloor Community Classification for the New Zealand Region Using a Gradient Forest Approach

Frontiers in Marine Science, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 8

Опубликована: Янв. 14, 2022

To support ongoing marine spatial planning in New Zealand, a numerical environmental classification using Gradient Forest models was developed broad suite of biotic and high-resolution predictor variables. modeling uses species distribution data to control the selection, weighting transformation predictors maximise their correlation with compositional turnover. A total 630,997 records (39,766 unique locations) 1,716 taxa living on or near seafloor were used inform 20 gridded variables represent patterns turnover four groups overall community. Compositional community classified hierarchical procedure define at different levels detail. The 75-group level assessed as representing highest number that captured majority variation across Zealand environment. We refer this “Seafloor Community Classification” (SCC). Associated uncertainty estimates for each also produced, an added measure – coverage space further highlight geographic areas where predictions may be less certain owing low sampling effort. Environmental differences among deep-water SCC relatively muted, but greater evident intermediate depths line well-defined oceanographic observed Zealand’s oceans. became even more pronounced shallow depths, localised conditions such productivity, topography, seabed disturbance tidal currents important differentiating factors. similarities mirrored by biological compositions. is significant advance previous classifications includes substantially wider range than has been attempted previously. critically appraised considerations use management are discussed.

Язык: Английский

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Seasonal distribution of an opportunistic apex predator (Tursiops truncatus) in marine coastal habitats of the Western Mediterranean Sea

Frontiers in Marine Science, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 9

Опубликована: Сен. 15, 2022

Assessing the distribution of marine apex–predators is pivotal to understanding community interactions and defining management goals. However, several challenges arise in both estimates predictions considering distinctive mutable biological/ecological requirements these species influence human activities. Thus, efforts study apex–predators’ spatial patterns must deal with inherent uncertainty. Relying on different data sources (research programs social media reports), physiographic environmental covariates (depth, slope, surface temperature chlorophyll– a ), specific source–related detection functions, this selected Spatial Log–Gaussian Cox Process model an opportunistic apex–predator, common bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus over 14 years (2008−2021) Mediterranean Sea (Italy) using total 955 encounters. Both depth slope showed significant (95% significance) reduction effect encounters when deeper steeper, respectively. Temperature (parabolic) shows positive (90% significance), while values did not seem have encounter intensities within each season. The estimated posterior mean coefficient variation surfaces for intensity by season higher summer near Tiber River estuary than other regions. Almost homogeneous were observed winter, marginal greater where lower temperatures concentration observed. relatively low variance was predicted more coastal parts area season, uncertainty instead revealed southernmost offshore area. This highlighted persistent presence investigated winter summer, coherent rare transient occurrences waters (where increases). Thanks its versatile characteristics, seems well adapt seasonal conditions maintain distributional range.

Язык: Английский

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Accounting for uncertainty in marine ecosystem service predictions for spatial prioritisation

Diversity and Distributions, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 30(6)

Опубликована: Март 29, 2024

Abstract Aim Spatial assessments of Ecosystem Services (ES) are increasingly used in environmental management, but rarely provide information on the prediction accuracy. Uncertainty estimates essential to confidence quality and credibility ES for informed decision making. In marine environments, need uncertainty is unparalleled as they data scarce, poorly (spatially) defined, with complex interconnectivity seascapes. This study illustrates associated a principle‐based method modelling by accounting model variability, coverage thresholds parameters. Location Tauranga, New Zealand. Methods A sensitivity analysis was applied models bivalves ( Austrovenus stutchburyi Paphies australis ) their contribution Food provision , Water regulation Nitrogen removal Sediment stabilisation . from were compared against baseline predictions. patterns analysed individual through bi‐plots multiple spatial prioritisation using Zonation. Results Our showed spatially explicit differences between species. had highest maximum (>5 points) also largest area high certainty conditions. Zonation conducted conservative values overall robust outcomes top 30% area, important nuances shifts 5% 10% areas that allowed consistently better representation when uncertainty. Main Conclusions The combination biplots tools planning focus value can thereby help reduce risk aid decision‐making at acceptable levels. type urgently needed likewise extends other environments improve transparency.

Язык: Английский

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Fine‐scale spatial and temporal distribution patterns of large marine predators in a biodiversity hotspot

Diversity and Distributions, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 29(7), С. 804 - 820

Опубликована: Май 3, 2023

Abstract Aim Large marine predators, such as cetaceans and sharks, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity patterns ecosystem function, yet few estimates of their spatial distribution exist. We aimed to determine the species richness large predators investigate fine‐scale spatiotemporal inform conservation management. Location The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui‐ā‐Toi, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Methods conducted replicate systematic aerial survey over 12 months. Flexible machine learning models were used explore relationships between predator occurrence (Bryde's whales, common bottlenose dolphins, bronze whaler, pelagic immature hammerhead sharks) environmental biotic variables, predict monthly associated spatially explicit uncertainty. Results revealed that temporally dynamic prey sea surface temperature, important for predicting study groups. While there was variation temporal distribution, predicted peaked summer highest coastal habitats during time, providing insight into changes distributions time species. Main Conclusions Temporal are not routinely accounted studies. Our approach highlights value multispecies surveys importance considering variable abiotic drivers understanding when informing ecosystem‐scale planning ocean

Язык: Английский

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