Article
Oceanography
Ibrahim Boubekri, Rachid Amara, Abdallah Borhane Djebar, Hubert Mazurek
Summary: Recreational and illegal fishing activities near the proposed Taza marine protected area in Algeria have significant impacts on marine ecosystems and commercial fisheries. The study shows that illegal recreational fishing accounts for about 50% of the commercial fisheries harvest in the area, with strong competition between recreational and professional fishers for resources. The managers of the proposed MPA must address and regulate all fishing activities to benefit marine ecosystems, fishers, and the local population.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
A. Donnelly, D. Rodriguez-Rodriguez
Summary: Coastal protected areas in the Mediterranean Basin have been effective in conserving natural habitats and reducing land development, with the exception of Israel. Legally stringent reserves are generally more effective than multiple-use PAs, except in Albania, France, and Cyprus.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
V. Fagiano, C. Alomar, M. Compa, J. Soto-Navarro, G. Jorda, S. Deudero
Summary: The study found a high abundance of microplastics in the Cabrera Marine Protected Area, which can impact the composition of the local zooplankton community. While no correlation was observed between the overall abundance of microplastics and zooplankton, there were positive and negative correlations between microplastic abundance and specific zooplankton species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Ibrahim Boubekri, Hubert Mazurek, Abdallah Borhane Djebar, Rachid Amara
Summary: This paper examines fishermen's Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) regarding Marine Protected Area (MPA) planning in Algeria and its overlap with fisheries management. The study found that the establishment of the future Taza MPA may impact the fishing area and livelihoods of professional fishers, and the LEK of fishermen can be used as a tool to evaluate fishery management actions and improve conservation policy.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Amanda K. Pettersen, Ezequiel M. Marzinelli, Peter D. Steinberg, Melinda A. Coleman
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of MPAs in preserving fish zeta diversity in Batemans Marine Park, Australia. Results showed that MPAs had a greater stability in fish species turnover compared to partially protected and unprotected areas, with significantly shallower decline in zeta diversity and higher retention of harvested species. The protective effects of MPAs were observable within 4 years of implementation, while partial protection showed little improvement in stability compared to unprotected areas.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Even Moland, Albert Fernandez-Chacon, Tonje Knutsen Sordalen, David Villegas-Rios, Susanna Huneide Thorbjornsen, Kim Tallaksen Halvorsen, Mats Huserbraten, Esben Moland Olsen, Portia Joy Nillos Kleiven, Alf Ring Kleiven, Halvor Knutsen, Sigurd Heiberg Espeland, Carla Freitas, Jan Atle Knutsen
Summary: This article reviews a suite of studies conducted in a network of coastal Marine Protected Areas in Skagerrak, Southeast Norway, focusing on the effects of protection on marine populations such as European lobster, coastal cod, and labrids. The studies found that MPAs had positive impacts on population density, survival, body size, phenotypic diversity, and also altered selection pressure on morphological and behavioral traits. The research emphasized the importance of long-term monitoring, collaboration with fishers and managers, and the inclusion of citizen science in understanding the effects of protection on marine species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pedro H. C. Pereira, Julia Caon Araujo, Gislaine V. Lima, Luis G. F. Cortes, Erandy Gomes, Rafael A. Magris
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of considering scientific information and prioritization analysis, along with local stakeholders' knowledge, in designating and refining management zones within Marine Protected Areas. It shows that well-designed priority zones can be more effective in protecting endangered species such as parrotfish, and highlights the need for a systematic approach in maximizing conservation efforts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giulia Dapueto, Francesco Massa, Christine Pergent-Martini, Paolo Povero, Ilaria Rigo, Paolo Vassallo, Sara Venturini, Chiara Paoli
Summary: Recreational boating plays an important role in the global leisure activities, but it also causes significant environmental damage, especially in the absence of proper management. This study aims to provide an environmentally focused accounting model to evaluate the net impact of anchoring on sensitive habitats. The model considers factors such as habitat type, seabed compactness, number and size of boats, and anchor type to evaluate the net impact and assess the sustainability status of marine protected areas.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ibrahim Boubekri, Hubert Mazurek, Abdallah Borhane Djebar, Rachid Amara
Summary: To contribute to the sustainable management of coastal fishing in the future Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Taza, Algeria, this study aimed to evaluate the local knowledge (LK) of fishers and their conservation-oriented attitudes. Data were collected through interviews and participatory mapping, with 30 interviews conducted with fishers in Ziama fishing harbor. The study found that fishers had detailed knowledge about target species and breeding seasons, and were aware of the effects of the MPA on enhancing local fisheries. The study suggested using local knowledge to encourage the creation of new MPAs in the Southern Mediterranean for more ecological representativeness.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Heitor Schulz Macedo, Rodrigo Pereira Medeiros
Summary: This paper analyses the governance of the Environmental Protected Area of Anhatomirim in southern Brazil, finding that the 2013 management plan brought significant improvements and better incentives for stakeholders. However, the lack of inter-institutional and cross-scale connections remains a major weakness in achieving conservation objectives.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriella La Manna, Marta Picciulin, Alessia Crobu, Francesco Perretti, Fabio Ronchetti, Michele Manghi, Alberto Ruiu, Giulia Ceccherelli
Summary: This study characterized the soundscape of the Capo Caccia-Isola Piana Marine Protected Area in Italy and identified the main biological and anthropogenic components, with a focus on fish sounds. Results showed that sound pressure levels were significantly higher during the day, with certain frequency bands dominated by boat noise. Anthropogenic noise was loudest in the A zone, indicating a lack of protection from acoustic pollution. Additionally, impulsive sounds from invertebrates, snapping shrimps, and fish were the dominant biological components of the soundscape. The study provides baseline data for monitoring future changes and suggests measures to reduce noise impact on marine biodiversity.
Article
Environmental Studies
S. Venturini, F. Massa, M. Castellano, G. Fanciulli, P. Povero
Summary: Recreational boating is a popular nature-based activity in the Mediterranean region, with the Portofino MPA in Italy being a significant area for this activity. Monitoring from 2006 to 2016 revealed that only some anchoring sectors of the Portofino MPA may suffer impacts from recreational boating. To better protect the seabed without excessively affecting recreational boating enjoyment, increasing the number of seagrass-friendly moorings may be an optimal strategy, particularly in highly visited areas like the San Fruttuoso seagrass-friendly mooring area.
Article
Environmental Studies
Molly Morse, Douglas Mccauley, Sara Orofino, Keenan Stears, Samantha Mladjov, Jenn Caselle, Tyler Clavelle, Ryan Freedman
Summary: Based on vessel data and surveys, this study reveals the benefits of marine protected areas (MPAs) for the scuba diving industry in Southern California and emphasizes the importance of involving the ecotourism industry in MPA management decisions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Soto-Navarro, G. Jorda, M. Compa, C. Alomar, M. C. Fossi, S. Deudero
Summary: A novel methodology to assess the risk of marine litter pollution in the Mediterranean Sea was implemented in this study. Results indicated that hot-spots for the ML risk concentrate in coastal regions, mainly influenced by biodiversity. Furthermore, analysis on marine protected areas revealed that proximity to ML sources plays a key role in controlling the risk, and current protection levels are not effective in reducing the impact of ML pollution.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Biology
Katrina D. Malakhoff, Robert J. Miller
Summary: The study found that the impact of marine reserves on sea urchin populations did not align with expectations, with the biomass of red urchins significantly increasing inside reserves while purple urchins were unaffected; there was no evidence to suggest that an increase in urchin biomass benefits giant kelp growth.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ori Frid, Shahar Malamud, Antonio Di Franco, Paolo Guidetti, Ernesto Azzurro, Joachim Claudet, Fiorenza Micheli, Ruth Yahel, Enric Sala, Jonathan Belmaker
Summary: The positive effect of fully protected marine protected areas (MPAs) on marine biodiversity, and specifically on fishes, has been widely documented. The potential of MPAs to mitigate the impact of adverse climatic conditions has seldom been investigated. This study assessed the effectiveness of MPAs in increasing fish biomass across the Mediterranean Sea and found that while MPAs did increase fish biomass, higher seawater temperatures were associated with decreased fish biomass. Importantly, the rate of decrease in fish biomass with temperature was similar between protected and fished sites.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Robert Blasiak, Jean-Baptiste Jouffray, Diva J. J. Amon, Joachim Claudet, Paul Dunshirn, Peter Sogaard Jorgensen, Agnes Pranindita, Colette C. C. Wabnitz, Erik Zhivkoplias, Henrik Oesterblom
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Alex Driedger, Jennifer Sletten, Claire Colegrove, Timothe Vincent, Virgil Zetterlind, Joachim Claudet, Barbara Horta e Costa
Summary: Strong human use regulations are crucial for the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs). In this study, the authors explore the classification of MPAs based on their protection levels using the regulation-based classification system (RBCS). They found that using readily available information and contextual indicators can reliably identify fully and highly protected areas, even in the absence of complete regulatory information.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Almut Arneth, Paul Leadley, Joachim Claudet, Marta Coll, Carlo Rondinini, Mark D. A. Rounsevell, Yunne-Jai Shin, Peter Alexander, Richard Fuchs
Summary: The spatial extent of protected areas (PAs) is a highly debated issue in the decision-making process of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Despite efforts to protect land and oceans, biodiversity loss remains a challenge. While expanding PAs to 30% may have benefits for biodiversity and climate, it is crucial to consider the effectiveness of PAs and potential trade-offs with food production.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joachim Claudet, Cassandra M. Brooks, Robert Blasiak
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Natalie C. Ban, Emily S. Darling, Georgina G. Gurney, Whitney Friedman, Stacy D. Jupiter, W. Peni Lestari, Irfan Yulianto, Sinta Pardede, Sukma A. R. Tarigan, Puji Prihatiningsih, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Waisea Naisilisili, Sirilo Dulunaqio, Josheena Naggea, Ravaka Ranaivoson, Vera N. Agostini, Gabby Ahmadia, Jessica Blythe, Stuart J. Campbell, Joachim Claudet, Courtney Cox, Graham Epstein, Margaret Estradivari, Margaret Fox, David Gill, Amber Himes-Cornell, Harry Jonas, Elizabeth Mcleod, Nyawira A. Muthiga, Tim McClanahan
Summary: Understanding the effectiveness and enabling conditions of different area-based management tools is crucial for supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. Although different types of management can be effective, most managed areas do not meet effectiveness criteria. This highlights the importance of strong management and governance of managed areas and the need to measure ecological impact.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrea Radici, Joachim Claudet, Alessandro Ligas, Isabella Bitetto, Giuseppe Lembo, Maria Teresa Spedicato, Paolo Sartor, Carlo Piccardi, Paco Melia
Summary: Sustainable management of living resources requires balancing biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic viability of human activities. In the case of fisheries, the complex interactions between fish and fisheries make sustainable management design challenging. Researchers have developed a comprehensive metapopulation framework that integrates data on species life-history traits, connectivity, and habitat distribution to identify priority areas for fishing regulation and assess the spatial distribution of management impacts.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Charlotte Seve, Mokrane Belharet, Paco Melia, Antonio Di Franco, Antonio Calo, Joachim Claudet
Summary: This study assesses the effects of different management policies on conservation and fisheries outcomes using a model. The results show that spatial management is more effective than nonspatial management, and conservation and fisheries outcomes increase with increasing levels of protection. Areas connected through larval dispersal between MPAs have higher fisheries outcomes, but catch increases are preceded by a short-term decrease.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carole Sylvie Campagne, Laurie-Anne Roy, Joseph Langridge, Joachim Claudet, Remi Mongruel, Damien Beillouin, Eric Thiebaut
Summary: This study constructed a systematic map to summarize the existing literature on how changes in marine ecosystems influence the provision of marine ecosystem services (ES). The findings showed that the most studied ecosystems were pelagic ecosystems on continental shelves and intertidal ecosystems, and food provision was the major focus of ES articles across all types of marine ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mairi C. Meehan, Gerald G. Singh, Natalie C. Ban, Rodolphe Devillers, Joachim Claudet
Summary: This article explores the role of Marine Protected Area Networks (MPANs) in protecting biodiversity and contributing to sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of considering ecological, economic, governance, and social dimensions in MPAN design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The study found that most MPANs have multiple co-occurring, potentially conflicting objectives. MPANs with both biodiversity and societal objectives consider attributes across all dimensions more frequently than those with only biodiversity objectives. However, ecological attributes are always perceived as important regardless of the MPAN objective. Overlooking dimensions in MPAN evaluations can hinder achieving synergies between the multiple dimensions. Identifying important attributes considered in MPANs can enhance the practice of MPAN design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation and improve MPAN success.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Julie M. Reimer, Rodolphe Devillers, Brice Trouillet, Natalie C. Ban, Tundi Agardy, Joachim Claudet
Summary: Marine spatial planning (MSP) often prioritizes blue growth objectives over biodiversity conservation, but this study suggests the concept of conservation ready MSP, where plans are designed to integrate conservation in MSP to support sustained ocean use. Qualitative document analysis identified five themes, reflecting conservation in MSP from weak to strong inclusion. The analysis suggests that while some plans appear more prepared to integrate conservation, overall the prioritization of managing impacts and conservation in MSP is less apparent.
Article
Environmental Studies
Loana Garraud, Jennifer Beckensteiner, Olivier Thebaud, Joachim Claudet
Summary: As marine conservation coverage expands, tensions with fishing activities increase. Establishing fully protected areas (FPAs) has been challenging due to short-term costs, economic limitations, and resource constraints. By using an ecolabel approach, the costs endured by fishers when implementing FPAs can be balanced, leading to increased profits and incentives for sustainable fishing practices. This paves the way for transformative changes towards fisheries sustainability.
EARTH SYSTEM GOVERNANCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christopher M. Free, Joshua G. Smith, Cori J. Lopazanski, Julien Brun, Tessa B. Francis, Jacob G. Eurich, Joachim Claudet, Jenifer E. Dugan, David A. Gill, Scott L. Hamilton, Kristin Kaschner, David Mouillot, Shelby L. Ziegler, Jennifer E. Caselle, Kerry J. Nickols
Summary: Calls for using marine protected areas (MPAs) to achieve goals for nature and people are increasing globally. This study examines human engagement in California's MPA network and identifies traits associated with higher engagement. The results suggest that increasing access to coastal MPAs and locating new MPAs near existing amenities can promote human engagement.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
David A. Gill, Jessica Blythe, Nathan Bennett, Louisa Evans, Katrina Brown, Rachel A. Turner, Jacopo A. Baggio, Dana Baker, Natalie C. Ban, Victor Brun, Joachim Claudet, Emily Darling, Antonio Di Franco, Estradivari, Graham Epstein, Noella J. Gray, Georgina G. Gurney, Rebecca P. Horan, Stacy D. Jupiter, Jacqueline D. Lau, Natali Lazzari, Peni Lestari, Shauna L. Mahajan, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Josheena Naggea, Elizabeth R. Selig, Charlotte K. Whitney, Noelia Zafra-Calvo, Nyawira A. Muthiga
Summary: Coastal communities face a triple exposure scenario due to the accelerating global change drivers of climate change, blue growth, and expansion of area-based conservation. Efforts to maximize social benefits can be hindered by external processes that amplify vulnerabilities and inequalities. Prioritizing social justice and building resilience is crucial for achieving climate, economic, and conservation goals. Implementors should address root causes of vulnerability, use participatory systems approaches, and foster inclusive partnerships for collaborative design and implementation in order to support well-being, justice, and resilience in coastal communities.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Georgina G. Gurney, Vanessa M. Adams, Jorge G. Alvarez-Romero, Joachim Claudet
Summary: Area-based conservation, primarily through protected areas, is the main approach used globally to combat biodiversity decline, covering 8% of the world's oceans and 17% of its lands. With the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, area-based conservation is set to expand rapidly to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Three priority directions are outlined to ensure its effectiveness: embracing a diverse toolbox, promoting social equity, and implementing robust monitoring and review processes.