Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shelby L. Ziegler, Rachel O. Brooks, Scott L. Hamilton, Benjamin I. Ruttenberg, Jennifer A. Chiu, Ryan T. Fields, Grant T. Waltz, Chenchen Shen, Dean E. Wendt, Richard M. Starr
Summary: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are established worldwide to mitigate the effects of various stressors on marine communities. This study found that the impacts of MPAs on fish communities are influenced by fishing pressure and environmental factors. Specifically, MPAs have the strongest positive effects on heavily exploited fish communities. Therefore, it is important for managers to consider both human-induced stressors and environmental conditions when establishing MPAs, as well as implement long-term monitoring programs to assess their functionality.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
A. R. Watson, C. Blount, D. P. McPhee, D. Zhang, M. P. Lincoln Smith, K. Reeds, J. E. Williamson
Summary: This article provides the first comprehensive literature review of recreational fishing marine debris (RFMD) on a global scale. The review identified plastic and metal as the dominant debris materials found. It also found that nearshore coastal areas and reefs acted as both sources and sinks of RFMD and identified a diverse suite of potential impacts at local scales, such as ghost fishing and entanglement.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
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
Environmental Sciences
Ndiviwe Gabriel Baliwe, Maya C. Pfaff, George M. Branch
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of no-take areas in protecting the biodiversity of intertidal rocky shores in Table Mountain National Park MPA. The results showed that no-take areas had significantly greater densities of exploited limpets on sandstone shores compared to harvested areas. The study also found that no-take areas had larger individuals of certain limpet species, while the community composition differed between protection levels.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Ashley M. Fowler, Natalie A. Dowling, Jeremy M. Lyle, Josep Alos, Leif E. Anderson, Steven J. Cooke, Andy J. Danylchuk, Keno Ferter, Heath Folpp, Clifford Hutt, Kieran Hyder, Daniel K. Lew, Michael B. Lowry, Tim P. Lynch, Nicholas Meadows, Estanis Mugerza, Kjell Nedreaas, Domingos Garrone-Neto, Faith A. Ochwada-Doyle, Warren Potts, David Records, Scott Steinback, Harry V. Strehlow, Sean R. Tracey, Michael D. Travis, Jun-ichi Tsuboi, Jon Helge Volstad, Rowan C. Chick
Summary: Recreational fishing is undervalued and poorly integrated into the management of multi-sector fisheries, leading to marginalization of recreational fishers and hindering fisheries sustainability. A study on marine fisheries harvest strategies in 11 nations reveals a gap in inclusion of recreational fishing compared to the commercial sector. The lack of explicit objectives, data collection, performance indicators, and management controls in harvest strategies for recreational fishing reduces its effectiveness in achieving sustainability goals.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2023)
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 Studies
Zoe Qu, Simon Thrush, Caitlin Blain, Nicolas Lewis
Summary: Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are a major driver of climate change, causing systematic changes in ecosystems with significant impacts on species interactions and socioeconomic consequences. While terrestrial forests are widely accepted for carbon offsetting, the potential of coastal and marine ecosystems (Blue Carbon, BC) remains excluded from international carbon accounting. This study estimates the carbon offsetting value of kelp forests against urchin barrens and proposes the inclusion of standing stock biomass in the carbon offsetting framework. The monetization of kelp forests' carbon offsetting value contributes to marine ecosystem restoration funding and highlights the importance of aligning policy with ecology and economics.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alexander C. Winkler, Edward C. Butler, Colin G. Attwood, Bruce Q. Mann, Warren M. Potts
Summary: The use of drones in recreational fishing is gaining popularity, especially in New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. However, this practice raises concerns in terms of ecological impact, social ethics, and governance, highlighting the need for further research and management considerations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charlotte Aston, Tim Langlois, Rebecca Fisher, Jacquomo Monk, Brooke Gibbons, Anita Giraldo-Ospina, Emma Lawrence, John Keesing, Ulysse Lebrec, Russ C. Babcock
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of recreational fishing and the feasibility of a newly established no-take zone in Ningaloo Marine Park. The results showed that the distance to the nearest boat ramp was a strong predictor of fished species abundance, and the effect of the no-take zone on fished species abundance was weak but expected to increase over time.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rolando Lopez-Tobar, Robinson J. Herrera-Feijoo, Ruben G. Mateo, Fernando Garcia-Robredo, Bolier Torres
Summary: This study analyzed the collection patterns of timber species and their conservation coverage in the Ecuadorian Amazon lowlands. The results showed that some species had limited recorded presence and a significant number of species were unprotected, facing deforestation risks. Recommendations include conducting new botanical samplings in unexplored areas, digitizing data in national herbaria, implementing automated assessments of conservation status, and using species distribution models for forest restoration initiatives. Effective communication and collaboration among scientists, governments, and local communities are crucial for the protection and sustainable management of forest biodiversity in the Amazon region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guido Leurs, Karin J. van der Reijden, Sidi Yahya Cheikhna Lemrabott, Ica Barry, Diosnes Manuel Nonque, Han Olff, Samuel Ledo Pontes, Aissa Regalla, Laura L. Govers
Summary: The study reveals that industrial fishing activities are mainly concentrated in the buffer zones near MPAs, which can have impacts on elasmobranch species, especially predatory species. The bycatch of elasmobranchs varies in different seasons in the waters of Mauritania and Guinea Bissau.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabio Favoretto, Catalina Lopez-Sagastegui, Enric Sala, Octavio Aburto-Oropeza
Summary: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that ban fishing can restore marine life and replenish nearby fisheries. The implementation of the largest fully protected MPA in North America did not lead to a decrease in catches or a displacement of fishing effort to unprotected areas. Our findings support the idea that well-designed MPAs can benefit marine ecosystems and the fisheries they support.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chun-Han Shih
Summary: This study examined the growth and reproduction of the frog crab in the Taiwan Strait and found variations in the spawning season among different populations. The research provides a scientific basis for the implementation of SDG14 and the formulation of conservation principles, as well as a strategic framework for effective marine resource management.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haley K. Fox, Allen C. Molina, Thomas C. Swearingen
Summary: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly used for management and conservation purposes, but their impacts on recreational fishers are often overlooked. This study investigated the effects of marine reserves (MRs) implementation on fishing license sales in Oregon, USA. The results showed that only one MR had a potentially adverse impact, while others had either no impact or a slight increase in demand for fishing licenses.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
April E. E. Hall, Katie T. T. Sievers, Michael J. J. Kingsford
Summary: Inshore coral reefs face various threats and disturbances, and marine protected areas with different fishing restrictions have been implemented to protect them. A study comparing fully protected, partially protected, and open fishing zones on the Great Barrier Reef found that full protection had a strong positive effect on targeted fish biomass, while partial protection had a comparatively modest effect. Fully protected zones had more than three times the biomass of highly targeted coral trout compared to open fishing zones. Structural complexity was an important factor driving fish biomass in all zones.
Article
Water Resources
Rene Woods, Ian Woods, James A. Fitzsimons
Summary: In the Murray-Darling Basin of Australia, efforts to restore water justice for the environment have seen a focus on providing environmental flows for wetlands and floodplains, as well as the emergence of collaborative partnerships between environmental water managers and First Nations community organizations. The Gayini Nimmie-Caira water-saving project, funded at A$180 million, involved the purchase of properties and water rights to deliver environmental flows and protect First Nations cultural heritage, demonstrating a successful model for sustainable land management and justice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. T. Kingsford, G. Bino, C. M. Finlayson, D. Falster, J. A. Fitzsimons, D. E. Gawlik, N. J. Murray, P. Grillas, R. C. Gardner, T. J. Regan, D. J. Roux, R. F. Thomas
Summary: The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, aims to promote global wise use of wetlands and has three primary objectives. After nearly five decades of operation, lessons have been learned for improving wetland conservation by increasing site numbers and area, improving representativeness, and enhancing management and reporting. It is critical to set targets, analyze representativeness, and strengthen management planning and reporting for better effectiveness of the Ramsar Site Network.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Nicole Shumway, Justine Bell-James, James A. Fitzsimons, Rose Foster, Chris Gillies, Catherine E. Lovelock
Summary: Despite Australia's status as a world leader in marine protection, it lags behind in coastal and marine restoration implementation. Effective legislative frameworks are a key barrier to large-scale coastal and marine restoration in Australia and other regions. Analysis of restoration projects and policy frameworks in Australia, North America and Europe can identify approaches to facilitate marine and coastal restoration.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Niki Frantzeskaki, Cathy Oke, Guy Barnett, Sarah Bekessy, Judy Bush, James Fitzsimons, Maria Ignatieva, Dave Kendal, Jonathan Kingsley, Laura Mumaw, Alessandro Ossola
Summary: Australia is facing pressures related to urbanization, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Cities in Australia can play a leading role in finding solutions to address these emergencies. This perspective piece proposes three interconnected pathways to transform Australian cities into nature-positive places of the future: evidence-based planning for nature, collaborative planning, and empowering communities to innovate with nature. The lessons and pathways discussed have global applicability and can contribute to science-policy debates on biodiversity and climate change.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Noel Preece, James Fitzsimons
Summary: The Northern Australian biomes are home to diverse and intact vegetation complexes, but many mammal species and other taxa are endangered. Nine mammal species in northern Australia are predicted to be in imminent danger of extinction within 20 years. The low levels of monitoring for species and ecosystems in the region make it difficult to accurately assess the status and trends. Declines in species are attributed to factors such as climate change, pest species, altered fire regimes, introduced herbivores, and diseases. Collaborative efforts between Indigenous custodians, non-Indigenous researchers, and conservation managers, with adequate support, could help improve the trajectory of these species. A proposed strategy to establish a network of monitoring sites based on prioritized bioregions is suggested, along with the need to reset policies and allocate sufficient funding to address the issue.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic McAfee, Ian M. McLeod, Heidi K. Alleway, Melanie J. Bishop, Simon Branigan, Sean D. Connell, Craig Copeland, Christine M. Crawford, Ben K. Diggles, James A. Fitzsimons, Ben L. Gilby, Paul Hamer, Boze Hancock, Robert Pearce, Kylie Russell, Chris L. Gillies
Summary: Achieving a sustainable socioecological future requires large-scale environmental repair and a multidisciplinary approach. By generating scientific evidence, community support, and funding, the restoration of a forgotten shellfish reef ecosystem was successfully initiated. Aligning project goals with public and industry interests is crucial for addressing multiple political obligations and achieving large-scale ecosystem repair.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Justine Bell-James, James A. Fitzsimons, Catherine E. Lovelock
Summary: Globally, the restoration of coastal wetlands such as mangroves and saltmarsh is urgently needed. Slow progress on restoration in Australia is attributed to legal issues surrounding land ownership and use. This paper presents findings from a survey of coastal zone experts, identifying legal issues and providing recommendations for legislative reform, incentive schemes, and the use of contracts and land-based covenants.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Letter
Ecology
Chris Sandbrook, Shenique Albury-Smith, James R. Allan, Nina Bhola, Heather C. Bingham, Dan Brockington, Achilles B. Byaruhanga, Javier Fajardo, James Fitzsimons, Phil Franks, Forrest Fleischman, Alain Frechette, Kagumaho Kakuyo, Edna Kaptoyo, Tobias Kuemmerle, Pauline Nantongo Kalunda, Milagre Nuvunga, Brian O'Donnell, Fred Onyai, Marion Pfeifer, Rose Pritchard, Ameyali Ramos, Madhu Rao, Casey M. Ryan, Priya Shyamsundar, Josefa Tauli, David Mwesigye Tumusiime, Monica Vilaca, Gary R. Watmough, Thomas Worsdell, Julie G. Zaehringer
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew J. Selinske, Natasha Howard, James A. Fitzsimons, Mathew J. Hardy, Andrew T. Knight
Summary: Privately protected area (PPA) programs are increasing globally, but participating in such programs can be financially challenging for landholders. Governments and NGOs offer financial incentives to encourage enrollment and biodiversity management. In Australia, where conservation covenanting programs have been ongoing, a survey of 527 conservation covenantors revealed that less than half received financial incentives to enroll, but most applied for incentives after enrollment, primarily for management costs. The preferred incentive among covenantors was land rates rebates. Effectively deploying financial incentives can reduce the financial burdens of PPA management and increase the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justine Bell-James, James A. Fitzsimons, Chris L. Gillies, Nicole Shumway, Catherine E. Lovelock
Summary: This article explores the use of rolling covenants to manage land use in coastal areas under sea-level rise, considering practical issues in drafting such agreements and analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different events or scenarios as the basis for land use changes. It concludes that rolling covenants can be a viable option for coastal land management, especially with available funding sources, to maintain and enhance coastal wetlands for future ecosystem services.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
James A. Fitzsimons
Summary: The Pacific Gull was observed preying on a Southern Fiddler Ray, a behavior not previously documented. While the Pacific Gull primarily feeds on fish, it also preys on other marine species such as rays and skates occasionally. There is limited literature on gulls or other bird families hunting cartilaginous fishes like rays and skates, but online evidence supports this behavior.
MARINE ORNITHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Martin Hartigan, James Fitzsimons, Maree Grenfell, Toby Kent
Summary: The study outlines the development process of a metropolitan-wide urban forest strategy in Melbourne, Australia, including mapping tree cover, modelling bird habitat, and investigating the role of tree cover in mitigating the urban heat island effect. Consultation and governance frameworks, as well as recommended vision, goals, and actions, are also discussed in the strategy.
Article
Ecology
James Fitzsimons, Tein McDonald
Summary: The Nature Conservancy in Australia aims to optimize conservation outcomes by partnering with government, Indigenous communities, and private landowners, with success secrets lying in project diversity and collaborative relationships.
ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
James Fitzsimons, Benjamin Cooke
Summary: Conservation tenders, a market-based instrument used for biodiversity protection and restoration on private land, are seen as a cost-effective and targeted investment method in the context of limited funding. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of conservation tenders in achieving biodiversity conservation outcomes, highlighting the need for further research and discussions on the topic.
ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Janelle L. Thomas, Meghan Cullen, Danielle O'Leary, Caroline Wilson, James A. Fitzsimons
Summary: Volunteers and citizen scientists can play a significant role in bird monitoring and conservation projects for threatened species. The 2013 survey of BirdLife Australia's Threatened Bird Network (TBN) members revealed that a large proportion were aged between 55 and 74 years old, with over half being retired. Despite being involved with other environmental groups, a majority of respondents had volunteered with TBN projects, with a preference for short-term field-based activities and close proximity to home.
ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION
(2021)