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Shah Esmaeili Y, N. Corte G, Checon HH, G. Bilatto C, Lefcheck JS, Zacagnini Amaral AC, Turra A. Revealing the drivers of taxonomic and functional diversity of nearshore fish assemblages: Implications for conservation priorities. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Shah Esmaeili
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
| | - Guilherme N. Corte
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia Animal Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
- Escola do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia Universidade do Vale do Itajaí Itajaí Brasil
| | - Helio H. Checon
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia Animal Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
| | - Carla G. Bilatto
- Iniciação Científica Graduação em Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
| | - Jonathan S. Lefcheck
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network MarineGEO Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | | | - Alexander Turra
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
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2
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McClure EC, Hoey AS, Sievers KT, Abesamis RA, Russ GR. Relative influence of environmental factors and fishing on coral reef fish assemblages. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:976-990. [PMID: 32939886 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13636] [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: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding whether assemblages of species respond more strongly to bottom-up (availability of trophic resources or habitats) or top-down (predation pressure) processes is important for effective management of resources and ecosystems. We determined the relative influence of environmental factors and predation by humans in shaping the density, biomass, and species richness of 4 medium-bodied (10-40 cm total length [TL]) coral reef fish groups targeted by fishers (mesopredators, planktivores, grazer and detritivores, and scrapers) and the density of 2 groups not targeted by fishers (invertivores, small fish ≤10 cm TL) in the central Philippines. Boosted regression trees were used to model the response of each fish group to 21 predictor variables: 13 habitat variables, 5 island variables, and 3 fishing variables (no-take marine reserve [NTMR] presence or absence, NTMR size, and NTMR age). Targeted and nontargeted fish groups responded most strongly to habitat variables, then island variables. Fishing (NTMR) variables generally had less influence on fish groups. Of the habitat variables, live hard coral cover, structural complexity or habitat complexity index, and depth had the greatest effects on density, biomass, and species richness of targeted fish groups and on the density of nontargeted fishes. Of the island variables, proximity to the nearest river and island elevation had the most influence on fish groups. The NTMRs affected only fishes targeted by fishers; NTMR size positively correlated with density, biomass, and species richness of targeted fishes, particularly mesopredatory, and grazing and detritivorous fishes. Importantly, NTMRs as small as 15 ha positively affected medium-bodied fishes. This finding provides reassurance for regions that have invested in small-scale community-managed NTMRs. However, management strategies that integrate sound coastal land-use practices to conserve adjacent reef fish habitat, strategic NTMR placement, and establishment of larger NTMRs will be crucial for maintaining biodiversity and fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C McClure
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4215, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Katie T Sievers
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Rene A Abesamis
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management, Silliman University, Dumaguete, 6200, Philippines
| | - Garry R Russ
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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3
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Gilby BL, Olds AD, Duncan CK, Ortodossi NL, Henderson CJ, Schlacher TA. Identifying restoration hotspots that deliver multiple ecological benefits. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben L. Gilby
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Andrew D. Olds
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Cassandra K. Duncan
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Nicholas L. Ortodossi
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Christopher J. Henderson
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Thomas A. Schlacher
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore QLD 4558 Australia
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4
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Ortodossi NL, Gilby BL, Schlacher TA, Connolly RM, Yabsley NA, Henderson CJ, Olds AD. Effects of seascape connectivity on reserve performance along exposed coastlines. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:580-589. [PMID: 30318640 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Seascape connectivity (landscape connectivity in the sea) can modify reserve performance in low-energy marine ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass), but it is not clear whether similar spatial linkages also shape reserve effectiveness on high-energy, exposed coastlines. We used the surf zones of ocean beaches in eastern Australia as a model system to test how seascape connectivity and reserve attributes combine to shape conservation outcomes. Spatial patterns in fish assemblages were measured using baited remote underwater video stations in 12 marine reserves and 15 fished beaches across 2000 km of exposed coastline. Reserve performance was shaped by both the characteristics of reserves and the spatial properties of the coastal seascapes in which reserves were embedded. Number of fish species and abundance of harvested fishes were highest in surf-zone reserves that encompassed >1.5 km of the surf zone; were located < 100 m to rocky headlands; and included pocket beaches in a heterogeneous seascape. Conservation outcomes for exposed coastlines may, therefore, be enhanced by prioritizing sufficiently large areas of seascapes that are strongly linked to abutting complementary habitats. Our findings have broader implications for coastal conservation planning. Empirical data to describe how the ecological features of high-energy shorelines influence conservation outcomes are lacking, and we suggest that seascape connectivity may have similar ecological effects on reserve performance on both sheltered and exposed coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L Ortodossi
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Ben L Gilby
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Thomas A Schlacher
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute and School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Yabsley
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Christopher J Henderson
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Andrew D Olds
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
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5
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Maslo B, Leu K, Pover T, Weston MA, Schlacher TA. Managing birds of conservation concern on sandy shores: How much room for future conservation actions is there? Ecol Evol 2018; 8:10976-10988. [PMID: 30519421 PMCID: PMC6262725 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Resource limitations often prevent the active management required to maintain habitat quality in protected areas. Because restrictions in access or allowable public activities are the sole conservation measure in these locations, an important question to consider is whether species of conservation concern truly benefit from parcels that are shielded from human disturbance. Here, we assess the conservation benefit of protecting birds from human recreation on over 204 km of sandy beaches by (a) estimating the total area of beach-nesting bird habitat that has been created by conservation protections; (b) quantifying the change in nesting habitat extent should further conservation protections be implemented; and (c) providing data to inform future protected area expansion. We use a maximum entropy species distribution modeling approach to estimate the extent and quality of suitable habitat for four beach-nesting bird species of conservation concern under the existing management regime and compare it to scenarios in which the entire study area is either unprotected of fully protected from human disturbance. Managing humans has dramatic conservation returns for least terns and piping plovers, creating extensive nesting habitat that otherwise would not exist. There is considerable scope for conservation gains, potentially tripling the extent of nesting areas. Expanding conservation footprints for American oystercatchers and black skimmers is predicted to enhance the quality of existing nesting areas. The work demonstrates the utility of modeling changes in habitat suitability to inform protected area expansion on ocean beaches and coastal dunes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Maslo
- Ecology, Evolution, and Natural ResourcesRutgers, The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew Jersey
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment StationRutgers, The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew Jersey
| | - Karen Leu
- Ecology, Evolution, and Natural ResourcesRutgers, The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew Jersey
| | - Todd Pover
- Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New JerseyTrentonNew Jersey
| | - Michael A. Weston
- Centre for Integrative EcologySchool of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin UniversityBurwoodVictoriaAustralia
| | - Thomas A. Schlacher
- The ANIMAL Research Centre: Health + Ecology + ConservationUniversity of the Sunshine CoastMaroochydoreQueenslandAustralia
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine CoastMaroochydoreQueenslandAustralia
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6
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Current limitations of global conservation to protect higher vulnerability and lower resilience fish species. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7702. [PMID: 28794436 PMCID: PMC5550462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Estuaries are threatened by intense and continuously increasing human activities. Here we estimated the sensitivity of fish assemblages in a set of estuaries distributed worldwide (based on species vulnerability and resilience), and the exposure to cumulative stressors and coverage by protected areas in and around those estuaries (from marine, estuarine and freshwater ecosystems, due to their connectivity). Vulnerability and resilience of estuarine fish assemblages were not evenly distributed globally and were driven by environmental features. Exposure to pressures and extent of protection were also not evenly distributed worldwide. Assemblages with more vulnerable and less resilient species were associated with estuaries in higher latitudes (in particular Europe), and with higher connectivity with the marine ecosystem, moreover such estuaries were generally under high intensity of pressures but with no concomitant increase in protection. Current conservation schemes pay little attention to species traits, despite their role in maintaining ecosystem functioning and stability. Results emphasize that conservation is weakly related with the global distribution of sensitive fish species in sampled estuaries, and this shortcoming is aggravated by their association with highly pressured locations, which appeals for changes in the global conservation strategy (namely towards estuaries in temperate regions and highly connected with marine ecosystems).
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York PH, Smith TM, Coles RG, McKenna SA, Connolly RM, Irving AD, Jackson EL, McMahon K, Runcie JW, Sherman CDH, Sullivan BK, Trevathan-Tackett SM, Brodersen KE, Carter AB, Ewers CJ, Lavery PS, Roelfsema CM, Sinclair EA, Strydom S, Tanner JE, van Dijk KJ, Warry FY, Waycott M, Whitehead S. Identifying knowledge gaps in seagrass research and management: An Australian perspective. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 127:163-172. [PMID: 27342125 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass species form important marine and estuarine habitats providing valuable ecosystem services and functions. Coastal zones that are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic development have experienced substantial declines in seagrass abundance around the world. Australia, which has some of the world's largest seagrass meadows and is home to over half of the known species, is not immune to these losses. In 1999 a review of seagrass ecosystems knowledge was conducted in Australia and strategic research priorities were developed to provide research direction for future studies and management. Subsequent rapid evolution of seagrass research and scientific methods has led to more than 70% of peer reviewed seagrass literature being produced since that time. A workshop was held as part of the Australian Marine Sciences Association conference in July 2015 in Geelong, Victoria, to update and redefine strategic priorities in seagrass research. Participants identified 40 research questions from 10 research fields (taxonomy and systematics, physiology, population biology, sediment biogeochemistry and microbiology, ecosystem function, faunal habitats, threats, rehabilitation and restoration, mapping and monitoring, management tools) as priorities for future research on Australian seagrasses. Progress in research will rely on advances in areas such as remote sensing, genomic tools, microsensors, computer modeling, and statistical analyses. A more interdisciplinary approach will be needed to facilitate greater understanding of the complex interactions among seagrasses and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H York
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia.
| | - Timothy M Smith
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia
| | - Rob G Coles
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Skye A McKenna
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment, Griffith University, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew D Irving
- School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma L Jackson
- School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, QLD, Australia
| | - Kathryn McMahon
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - John W Runcie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Craig D H Sherman
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Stacy M Trevathan-Tackett
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kasper E Brodersen
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex B Carter
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Ewers
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul S Lavery
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - Chris M Roelfsema
- Remote Sensing Research Center, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Sinclair
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia
| | - Simone Strydom
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - Jason E Tanner
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, SA, Australia; University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Fiona Y Warry
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, VIC, Australia
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8
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Gilby BL, Olds AD, Connolly RM, Stevens T, Henderson CJ, Maxwell PS, Tibbetts IR, Schoeman DS, Rissik D, Schlacher TA. Optimising Land-Sea Management for Inshore Coral Reefs. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164934. [PMID: 27764164 PMCID: PMC5072624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Management authorities seldom have the capacity to comprehensively address the full suite of anthropogenic stressors, particularly in the coastal zone where numerous threats can act simultaneously to impact reefs and other ecosystems. This situation requires tools to prioritise management interventions that result in optimum ecological outcomes under a set of constraints. Here we develop one such tool, introducing a Bayesian Belief Network to model the ecological condition of inshore coral reefs in Moreton Bay (Australia) under a range of management actions. Empirical field data was used to model a suite of possible ecological responses of coral reef assemblages to five key management actions both in the sea (e.g. expansion of reserves, mangrove & seagrass restoration, fishing restrictions) and on land (e.g. lower inputs of sediment and sewage from treatment plants). Models show that expanding marine reserves (a ‘marine action’) and reducing sediment inputs from the catchments (a ‘land action’) were the most effective investments to achieve a better status of reefs in the Bay, with both having been included in >58% of scenarios with positive outcomes, and >98% of the most effective (5th percentile) scenarios. Heightened fishing restrictions, restoring habitats, and reducing nutrient discharges from wastewater treatment plants have additional, albeit smaller effects. There was no evidence that combining individual management actions would consistently produce sizeable synergistic until after maximum investment on both marine reserves (i.e. increasing reserve extent from 31 to 62% of reefs) and sediments (i.e. rehabilitating 6350 km of waterways within catchments to reduce sediment loads by 50%) were implemented. The method presented here provides a useful tool to prioritize environmental actions in situations where multiple competing management interventions exist for coral reefs and in other systems subjected to multiple stressor from the land and the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben L. Gilby
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, 4558, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew D. Olds
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, 4558, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rod M. Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute—Coasts and Estuaries, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tim Stevens
- Australian Rivers Institute—Coasts and Estuaries, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Henderson
- Australian Rivers Institute—Coasts and Estuaries, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul S. Maxwell
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Queensland, Australia
- Healthy Waterways, Level 4, 200 Creek Street, Spring Hill, 4004, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ian R. Tibbetts
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4003, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David S. Schoeman
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, 4558, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Rissik
- National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas A. Schlacher
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, 4558, Queensland, Australia
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Vargas-Fonseca E, Olds AD, Gilby BL, Connolly RM, Schoeman DS, Huijbers CM, Hyndes GA, Schlacher TA. Combined effects of urbanization and connectivity on iconic coastal fishes. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vargas-Fonseca
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Andrew D. Olds
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Ben L. Gilby
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Rod M. Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast & Estuaries; School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - David S. Schoeman
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Chantal M. Huijbers
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast & Estuaries; School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - Glenn A. Hyndes
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research; School of Natural Sciences; Edith Cowan University; Perth WA 6027 Australia
| | - Thomas A. Schlacher
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
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O'Leary BC, Winther‐Janson M, Bainbridge JM, Aitken J, Hawkins JP, Roberts CM. Effective Coverage Targets for Ocean Protection. Conserv Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bethan C. O'Leary
- Environment Department University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Marit Winther‐Janson
- Environment Department University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
- Sharks and Rays Australia 4870 Cairns Queensland Australia
| | | | - Jemma Aitken
- Environment Department University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Julie P. Hawkins
- Environment Department University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Callum M. Roberts
- Environment Department University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
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11
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Rudd MA. Pathways from marine protected area design and management to ecological success. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1424. [PMID: 26644975 PMCID: PMC4671168 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Using an international dataset compiled from 121 sites in 87 marine protected areas (MPAs) globally (Edgar et al., 2014), I assessed how various configurations of design and management conditions affected MPA ecological performance, measured in terms of fish species richness and biomass. The set-theoretic approach used Boolean algebra to identify pathways that combined up to five ‘NEOLI’ (No-take, Enforced, Old, Large, Isolated) conditions and that were sufficient for achieving positive, and negative, ecological outcomes. Ecological isolation was overwhelming the most important condition affecting ecological outcomes but Old and Large were also conditions important for achieving high levels of biomass among large fishes (jacks, groupers, sharks). Solution coverage was uniformly low (<0.35) for all models of positive ecological performance suggesting the presence of numerous other conditions and pathways to ecological success that did not involve the NEOLI conditions. Solution coverage was higher (>0.50) for negative results (i.e., the absence of high biomass) among the large commercially-exploited fishes, implying asymmetries in how MPAs may rebuild populations on the one hand and, on the other, protect against further decline. The results revealed complex interactions involving MPA design, implementation, and management conditions that affect MPA ecological performance. In general terms, the presence of no-take regulations and effective enforcement were insufficient to ensure MPA effectiveness on their own. Given the central role of ecological isolation in securing ecological benefits from MPAs, site selection in the design phase appears critical for success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray A Rudd
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University , Atlanta, GA , United States
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