Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Vanessa M. Adams, Nadya Dimitrova, Hugh P. Possingham, James R. Allan, Caitlin D. Kuempel, Nate Peterson, Alu Kaiye, Malcolm Keako, Vivitskaia J. D. Tulloch
Summary: Systematic conservation planning identifies priority areas and requires incremental scheduling of actions to ensure the construction of a reserve network that meets all conservation targets.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Katharina Teschke, Rebecca Konijnenberg, Hendrik Pehlke, Thomas Brey
Summary: This study compares different reserve configurations used in the process of designing a Weddell Sea MPA in Antarctica using univariate and multivariate statistics. The results show that different target level settings for conservation features significantly affect the configuration of the solutions. The mixed-target scenario was found to be the most flexible and well balanced, providing multiple options for consideration.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ibon Galparsoro, Angel Borja
Summary: Effective marine management involves evaluating tradeoffs between protection and economic costs, with integrated approaches to achieve nature conservation and sustainability targets. A systematic conservation planning method was used to identify cost-effective priority marine areas, showing that existing marine protected areas are close to achieving protection targets and can be extended. Higher costs are associated with more protection features, but their cost/effectiveness is higher, with extension of existing MPAs being the most cost-effective scenarios. The approach proposed can assist in identifying conservation gaps and ecosystem components for ecosystem-based marine spatial planning.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patrick R. Pata, Aletta T. Yniguez
Summary: The marine habitats in the Philippines are highly biodiverse but only a small percentage of its seas are designated as marine protected areas (MPAs). Larval dispersal connectivity of reefs play a significant role in regional resilience against disturbances. Existing MPAs do not fully capture regional connectivity patterns, highlighting the need to expand protected areas to better protect national-scale connectivity and meet global conservation objectives.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nicholas W. Jeffery, Sarah J. Lehnert, Tony Kess, Kara K. S. Layton, Brendan F. Wringe, Ryan R. E. Stanley
Summary: A key component of the global blue economy strategy is the sustainable extraction of marine resources and conservation of marine environments through networks of marine protected areas. Omics approaches, such as genomics and transcriptomics, are becoming essential tools for the development and maintenance of these networks. They can assess population connectivity, evaluate genetic variation across protected areas, and characterize the full range of marine life. Omics tools play an important role in the management of marine protected areas.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Laurence H. De Clippele, Laura Alonso Diaz, Dominic A. Andradi-Brown, Muhammad Erdi Lazuardi, Mohamad Iqbal, Imam Musthofa Zainudin, Derta Prabuning, Ruben van Hooidonk, Amehr Hakim, Firdaus Agung, Agus Dermawan, Sebastian J. Hennige
Summary: Coral reefs are facing an uncertain future due to global climate change, with increasing occurrences of thermal-induced bleaching. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are becoming more important to protect the reefs. A study in Indonesia evaluated the spatial variation of severe bleaching, whether reefs with later bleaching onset are protected within MPAs, and the risk profiles for reefs related to MPAs receiving priority investments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Cinzia Podda, Erika M. D. Porporato
Summary: This paper reviews the current state of research on marine ecological corridors and their methods, highlighting the lack of studies in this area, especially in the design of networks between marine protected areas and other conservation measures. The study finds that the most commonly used methods for projecting and mapping ecological corridors in marine environments are least-cost and circuit theories. The review also emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and the recognition of ecological connectivity by policymakers and practitioners.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Charlotte K. Whitney, William W. L. Cheung, Natalie C. Ban
Summary: Climate change affects marine species distribution, but MPA planning rarely considers projected range shifts. This study evaluated trends in marine species occurrence in British Columbia using species distribution models and climate data. Results showed that many BC marine parks will lose species under climate change scenarios, posing challenges for protecting important marine species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xianyan Wang, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, Chalatip Junchompoo, Watchara Sakornwimon, Mo Chen, Fuxing Wu, Suwat Jutapruet, Shiang-Lin Huang
Summary: Holistic marine biodiversity conservation involves mapping critical habitats for marine protected area networks and using species distribution modelling and MARXAN software to protect marine ecosystems efficiently.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Linda R. Harris, Stephen D. Holness, Stephen P. Kirkman, Kerry J. Sink, Prideel Majiedt, Amanda Driver
Summary: Ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (MSP) plays a crucial role in securing marine biodiversity and ecological processes. South Africa's experience in spatial planning on land has been applied to develop the first National Coastal and Marine Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs), serving as the basis for including the marine biodiversity sector in MSP.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Katharina Teschke, Patricia Brtnik, Stefan Hain, Heike Herata, Alexander Liebschner, Hendrik Pehlke, Thomas Brey
Summary: The article provides an overview of the current status of marine protected areas (MPAs) globally, with a focus on the initiatives to establish large-scale MPAs in international waters. The planning process of the Weddell Sea Marine Protected Area (WSMPA) is discussed, highlighting the collaborative, science-based approach taken. The authors suggest that while scientific best practice is important, achieving consensus and political drive is also crucial in the establishment of MPAs in the Southern Ocean.
Article
Ecology
Monica D. Parisi, Patrick R. Huber, Steven E. Greco
Summary: Habitat connectivity is crucial for designing reserve networks to conserve species at risk. However, acquiring land to achieve connectivity for multiple species can be challenging due to limited data and complex models. In this study, four land acquisition strategies were compared in terms of their efficiency in meeting conservation targets, structural connectivity, and connectivity for focal species. The combination of 'Priority 1' and 'Corridor' parcels was found to be the most efficient solution.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bert W. Hoeksema, Luna M. van der Loos, Godfried W. N. M. van Moorsel
Summary: In this study of the coral reefs around St. Eustatius, it was found that there is no distinct relation between coral diversity and economic value. However, future marine park designs should consider coral diversity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Vivitskaia J. D. Tulloch, Scott Atkinson, Hugh P. Possingham, Nate Peterson, Simon Linke, James R. Allan, Alu Kaiye, Malcolm Keako, James Sabi, Bernard Suruman, Vanessa M. Adams
Summary: The study highlights the lack of integration across realms in conservation planning and presents a national-scale conservation framework for Papua New Guinea that integrates multiple systems and ecological connectivity, accounting for both land and sea conservation priorities.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jose Don T. De Alban, Bryan Po Ian Leong, Ruben Venegas-Li, Grant M. Connette, Johanness Jamaludin, Kyaw Thinn Latt, Patrick Oswald, Carl Reeder, Edward L. Webb
Summary: The existing PA network in Tanintharyi Region in Myanmar underrepresented threatened wildlife species and forest types, especially mangroves. By expanding protection areas, including specific strategies for mangrove forests, the target representation for all wildlife species and forest types can be achieved. However, large oil palm agribusiness concessions may compete with conservation interests in priority conservation areas.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic Muenzel, Kay Critchell, Courtney Cox, Stuart J. Campbell, Raymond Jakub, Iliana Chollett, Nils Krueck, Daniel Holstein, Eric A. Treml, Maria Beger
Summary: This study compared two methods for incorporating larval dispersal connectivity into spatial planning of marine reserve networks and found that different methods are suitable for different contexts. The spatial dependency method is more appropriate when dispersal is limited, habitats are highly degraded, or the target amount of habitat protected is low. On the other hand, protecting individual sites with high connectivity scores is a better strategy when subpopulations are well connected and more habitat is protected. Spatial dependency methods generally produce more spatially clustered solutions with more benefits inside reserves compared to site-based methods.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Erica S. Nielsen, Jeffrey O. Hanson, Silvia B. Carvalho, Maria Beger, Romina Henriques, Francine Kershaw, Sophie von der Heyden
Summary: Integrative and proactive conservation approaches are essential for the long-term survival of biodiversity. Molecular data, although rarely used, can provide valuable insights for conserving biodiversity at different levels. This article bridges the gap between molecular ecology and systematic conservation planning, providing a practical guide for incorporating molecular data into spatial conservation planning tools. The proposed framework enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, which is key to achieving ambitious global conservation goals in the coming decade.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic Muenzel, Kay Critchell, Courtney Cox, Stuart J. Campbell, Raymond Jakub, Wahid Suherfian, La Sara, Iliana Chollett, Eric A. Treml, Maria Beger
Summary: This study used larval dispersal connectivity to design networks of no-take reserves in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Different methods, such as decision trees and Marxan, were used to consider the setting and expansion of marine reserve networks at different scales. The study found that there were differences in priority areas for protection and expected benefits among different species, and that reef quality should also be taken into account when interpreting larval dispersal patterns and evaluating conservation measures.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Louise Anderson, Matthew McLean, Peter Houk, Curtis Graham, Kriskitina Kanemoto, Elizabeth Terk, Elizabeth McLeod, Maria Beger
Summary: Escalating climate impacts on coral reefs have broadened management goals from biodiversity preservation to ecosystem function maintenance. Understanding interactions between coral and fish traits and their representation in monitoring practices is crucial for effective management.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robyn James, Jonathan R. B. Fisher, Chelsea Carlos-Grotjahn, Marissa S. Boylan, Baigalmaa Dembereldash, Meaza Z. Demissie, Crystal Diaz De Villegas, Bridget Gibbs, Ruth Konia, Kristen Lyons, Hugh Possingham, Cathy J. Robinson, Tiantian Tang, Nathalie Butt
Summary: Globally, women are underrepresented in addressing the climate and biodiversity loss crises. A survey among conservation and science staff at The Nature Conservancy revealed that men have more influence in conservation and science decision making, women face gender bias and multiple barriers in their conservation careers, and experience harassment and discrimination. Men perceive the sector as more equitable for women than women themselves. Gender equality does not eliminate systemic inequity, which can be exacerbated by intersectional issues. Recommendations include workplace and cultural change, recruitment improvements, pay transparency, and career development policies.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Tim R. McClanahan, Emily S. Darling, Maria Beger, Helen E. Fox, Hadley S. Grantham, Stacy D. Jupiter, Cheryl A. Logan, Elizabeth Mcleod, Lisa C. McManus, Remy M. Oddenyo, Gautum S. Surya, Amelia. S. Wenger, Jens Zinke, Joseph M. Maina
Summary: Identifying the locations of coral reef refugia from thermal stresses caused by climate change and managing them effectively are crucial for climate change adaptation. This study reviews and synthesizes approximately 30 years of research on identifying climate refugia for prioritizing conservation actions for coral reefs in the face of rapid climate change. The findings indicate that currently proposed climate refugia and locations predicted to avoid future coral losses mainly rely on excess heat metrics. However, alternative environmental, ecological, and life-history variables can also be utilized to identify other types of refugia, which can contribute to a diversified portfolio for coral reef conservation.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
James Cant, Pol Capdevila, Maria Beger, Roberto Salguero-Gomez
Summary: We tested 2242 populations of 369 animal and plant species and found that recent environmental stochasticity does not predict the resistance and recovery potential of natural populations. Instead, phylogenetic relatedness and developmental investments are strong predictors of demographic resilience.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sara E. Cannon, Simon D. Donner, Angela Liu, Pedro Gonzalez C. Espinosa, Andrew H. Baird, Julia K. Baum, Andrew G. Bauman, Maria Beger, Cassandra E. Benkwitt, Matthew J. Birt, Yannick Chancerelle, Joshua E. Cinner, Nicole L. Crane, Vianney Denis, Martial Depczynski, Nur Fadli, Douglas Fenner, Christopher J. Fulton, Yimnang Golbuu, Nicholas A. J. Graham, James Guest, Hugo B. Harrison, Jean-Paul A. Hobbs, Andrew S. Hoey, Thomas H. Holmes, Peter Houk, Fraser A. Januchowski-Hartley, Jamaluddin Jompa, Chao-Yang Kuo, Gino Valentino Limmon, Yuting V. Lin, Timothy R. McClanahan, Dominic Muenzel, Michelle J. Paddack, Serge Planes, Morgan S. Pratchett, Ben Radford, James Davis Reimer, Zoe T. Richards, Claire L. Ross, John Rulmal, Brigitte Sommer, Gareth J. Williams, Shaun K. Wilson
Summary: Scientists and managers often assume a positive relationship between local human disturbance and macroalgae on coral reefs, but this study finds that specific macroalgae taxa may respond differently to human disturbance. By examining genus-level monitoring data, the study reveals that no genera were positively correlated with all human disturbance metrics, highlighting the need to consider specific algae divisions or genera in assessments. The convention of using macroalgae percent cover as an indicator of local human disturbance may overlook important signatures of anthropogenic threats to reefs.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sun W. W. Kim, Brigitte Sommer, Maria Beger, John M. M. Pandolfi
Summary: Climate change is causing rapid and widespread degradation of the environmental conditions that previously supported species survival. Current projections of climate change mainly focus on acute environmental anomalies and global extinction risks, without considering species-specific patterns. As a result, we lack knowledge about the explicit dimensions of climate risk that are essential for predicting future biodiversity responses and developing effective management and conservation strategies.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Gino V. V. Limmon, Halwi Masdar, Dominic Muenzel, Tanika C. C. Shalders, Cilun Djakiman, Maria Beger, Jamaludin Jompa, Maarten De Brauwer
Summary: The coral reefs in the uninhabited Lucipara group in the Banda Sea, Indonesia, are among the healthiest in the country, possibly due to their remote location.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark G. R. Miller, James D. Reimer, Brigitte Sommer, Katie M. Cook, John M. Pandolfi, Masami Obuchi, Maria Beger
Summary: This study investigates the impact of tropicalisation on functional niches for fishes in shallow reefs in Japan and Australia. The researchers find that functional niches in transitional communities are invaded by tropical species at different times, with habitat availability playing a more important role than competition with resident temperate species. The invasion of tropical species into temperate ecosystems indicates the need to understand and manage marine community transformation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
James Cant, James D. Reimer, Brigitte Sommer, Katie M. Cook, Sun W. Kim, Carrie A. Sims, Takuma Mezaki, Cliodhna O'Flaherty, Maxime Brooks, Hamish A. Malcolm, John M. Pandolfi, Roberto Salguero-Gomez, Maria Beger
Summary: By surveying coral individuals in Australia and Japan from 2016 to 2019, this study explores the spatial variation in the short- and long-term dynamics of competitive, stress-tolerant, and weedy coral assemblages and how abiotic variability affects their structural composition. The study finds that coral assemblages can reduce their vulnerability to stochastic environments by focusing on short-term potential, but competitive coral taxa have a reduced ability to elevate their short-term potential compared to stress-tolerant and weedy assemblages. Future climatic shifts may threaten the structural complexity of coral assemblages in variable environments.
Article
Fisheries
Charlotte G. G. Clay, James Davis Reimer, Katie M. M. Cook, Hirotaka Yamagawa, Ellen Gravener, Lee Hui Yian Theodora, Maria Beger
Summary: This study assessed functional changes in fish communities in Nakagusuku Bay, Okinawa, Japan, over 45 years and identified possible drivers of these changes. The results showed reductions in functional richness and trait space contraction for fishes over time. Changes in habitat availability correlated with changes in the functional diversity of reef-fish communities.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nabeela Nasim, Shylett Anthony, Thompson Daurewa, Sikeli Gavidi, Pierre Horwitz, Aaron Jenkins, Stacy Jupiter, Shuang Liu, Kinikoto Mailautoka, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Kelera Naivalu, Timoci Naivalulevu, Vilisi Naivalulevu, Sikeli Naucunivanua, Joel Negin, Mereia Ravoka, Andrew Tukana, Donald Wilson, Jacqueline Thomas
Summary: Rural communities in Fiji rely on on-site sanitation systems, which have been found to be unsafe and contribute to faecal-oral diseases. This study aimed to assess the safety of existing sanitation infrastructure and estimate the proportion of safely managed systems. The findings revealed discrepancies between self-reported back-end category and actual observations, highlighting the need for improved sanitation practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Charlotte G. Clay, James D. Reimer, Brigitte Sommer, Katie M. Cook, Masaru Mizuyama, Masami Obuchi, Iori Kawamura, Hiroki Kise, Maria Beger
Summary: This study evaluated changes in the trait composition of coral-associated fish assemblages along a tropical-to-temperate environmental gradient in southern Japan and found that the trait composition of coral fish changes with increasing latitude, which is closely related to changes in temperature and other environmental factors.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)