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
Environmental Sciences
Jessica V. Redfern, Kelly A. Kryc, Lena Weiss, Brooke C. Hodge, Orfhlaith O'Brien, Scott D. Kraus, Ester Quintana-Rizzo, Peter J. Auster
Summary: One of the current challenges in conservation is balancing economic goals dependent on ocean resource extraction with marine biodiversity conservation. Using NCSM as a case study, it was found that allowing commercial fishing reduces species protections and poses risks to marine species in surface and midwater regions. This demonstrates that a fisheries management policy is insufficient to protect unique ecological resources like those found in the NCSM.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara E. Marriott, Courtney Cox, Rizaller C. Amolo, Dean Apistar, Roquelito H. Mancao, Kim de Mutsert
Summary: Overfishing and destructive fishing practices pose major threats to marine biodiversity in the Philippines, with artisanal fisheries contributing significantly to this issue. The establishment of marine reserves and community-based management strategies have shown some success in protecting and promoting biodiversity in marine ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Constance M. Schere, Kate Schreckenberg, Terence P. Dawson, Carole Duval, Frederique Alban, Eric Le Gentil, Pascal Provost
Summary: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important conservation tools that can be difficult to govern and manage. This study focuses on the governance structure of the Sept-iles National Nature Reserve in France and highlights issues with the current Advisory Committee, proposing new working groups for stakeholder participation. It also raises questions about the representation and future of the reserve.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Ursula A. Rojas-Nazar, Jonathan P. A. Gardner, Agnes Rouchon, Ross Cullen
Summary: This study uses Contingent Valuation Method to estimate the Willingness to Pay (WTP) of nearby residents for management of two New Zealand marine reserves (MRs). The findings show that respondent households attach significant value to these reserves and are willing to contribute financially to support their management and protection. Respondents with children (TMR) or belonging to a group (KMR) are more willing to contribute to the funding.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jordan S. Goetze, Shaun Wilson, Ben Radford, Rebecca Fisher, Tim J. Langlois, Jacquomo Monk, Nathan A. Knott, Hamish Malcolm, Leanne M. Currey-Randall, Daniel Ierodiaconou, David Harasti, Neville Barrett, Russell C. Babcock, Nestor E. Bosch, Danny Brock, Joachim Claudet, Jock Clough, David V. Fairclough, Michelle R. Heupel, Thomas H. Holmes, Charlie Huveneers, Alan R. Jordan, Dianne McLean, Mark Meekan, David Miller, Stephen J. Newman, Matthew J. Rees, Kelsey E. Roberts, Benjamin J. Saunders, Conrad W. Speed, Michael J. Travers, Eric Treml, Sasha K. Whitmarsh, Corey B. Wakefield, Euan S. Harvey
Summary: Marine reserves play a key role in conserving marine biodiversity, with studies showing increased abundance and biomass of fished species within protected areas. However, the effectiveness of protection varies among reserves, with factors like connectivity and depth influencing the outcomes. Consideration of these factors is important for optimizing the benefits of marine reserves over time.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Vinicius J. Giglio, Marina Marconi, Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho, Kelen L. Leite, Apoena C. Figueroa, Fabio S. Motta
Summary: Subtropical reefs are threatened by anthropogenic activities, but a best practices program can improve low-impact diver behavior. A study conducted in a new Brazilian diving destination found that divers had low contact rates with the reefs and high satisfaction levels.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Zoe Qu, Simon Thrush, Darren Parsons, Nicolas Lewis
Summary: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a crucial role in protecting marine resources and achieving sustainable fisheries. This study examines the economic contribution of a small MPA in rejuvenating fishery resources and finds significant economic benefits, highlighting the potential for MPAs to positively influence marine sustainability and Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM).
Article
Ecology
Manuel Olan-Gonzalez, Hector Reyes-Bonilla, I. Montserrat Arreola-Alarcon, Regina Valdovinos Uribe, Damien Olivier
Summary: During the COVID-19 lockdown, fish density in a marine reserve in Mexico increased 2.5-fold, indicating that ecotourism activities alter fish behavior. The presence of divers and noise pollution from recreational vessels were identified as important disturbance factors. However, in the absence of human activity, some fish may exhibit bolder behavior or retreat to deeper areas before returning to the reserve. Our findings highlight the need for effective management strategies to mitigate the impacts of ecotourism on marine reserves.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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
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
Environmental Studies
Luisa Lopera, Paula A. Zapata-Ramirez, Yuley Cardona
Summary: The United Nations recommends increasing protected area coverage to 30% by 2030 through representative and effective networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the number of MPAs increased rapidly from 0.67% in 2000 to 7.4% by the end of 2018. However, only around 5.9% of the world's coral reef area is included within MPAs and the implementation of MPA networks in areas beyond national jurisdiction remains limited.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sierra Ison, Theo Ison, Patricia Marti-Puig, Katherine Needham, Michael K. Tanner, J. Murray Roberts
Summary: Seamounts provide oases of hard substrate in the deep sea that enhance biological productivity and diversity, but the management of these habitats is hindered by limited ecological understanding and public awareness of the pressures they face. Tourists' perceptions of seamount biodiversity are crucial as they play a key role in the Galapagos economy.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
J. Wilson White, Mark T. Yamane, Kerry J. Nickols, Jennifer E. Caselle
Summary: The study assessed the harvest rates of four kelp forest fish species in marine protected areas (MPAs) and non-MPA reference sites in the California Channel Islands, finding that harvest rates were nearly zero in MPAs but significantly higher in non-MPA sites. This indicates successful compliance with MPA regulations and points to the importance of addressing poaching in MPAs.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Esther Arcas, Carlos Valle, Aitor Forcada
Summary: The use of marine protected areas can effectively achieve conservation and fisheries management objectives. However, the budget cut during the economic crisis in Spain has had serious consequences for the maintenance of marine protected areas, leading to decreased abundance and biomass of certain fish species. Monitoring efforts are crucial for the conservation of marine species.
