Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Justin Nowakowski, Steven W. J. Canty, Nathan J. Bennett, Courtney E. Cox, Abel Valdivia, Jessica L. Deichmann, Thomas S. Akre, Sara E. Bonilla-Anariba, Sebastien Costedoat, Melanie McField
Summary: This study provides quantitative evidence that marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Mesoamerican region deliver co-benefits for fish and people, as indicated by higher fish abundances and improved well-being indicators near MPAs.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
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
Economics
Christopher Costello, Renato Molina
Summary: This study examines the exploitation of transboundary fisheries and finds that the establishment of transboundary marine protected areas can increase profits and stock biomass, and even overcome non-cooperation between countries.
RESOURCE AND ENERGY ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
William R. Casola, Mike Rehnberg, M. Nils Peterson, Kristen Blake, Tyana Thorne, R. Brain Langerhans
Summary: This study examines how and why support for marine protected areas (MPAs) persists over time using a case study of Andros, The Bahamas. The results suggest that long-term support for MPAs is influenced by alternative sources of income, attendance at planning meetings, age, and education level. Support for future MPA establishment is predicted by support for previous MPAs, concern about overfishing, perception of the right motivations behind MPA establishment, and residence in tourism-associated settlements.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Charlotte E. Davies
Summary: Marine protected areas have shown overwhelmingly positive effects on fish biomass, recovery, and diversity, but there is a lack of research on the impact of MPAs on parasite and disease dynamics, specifically invertebrate health. The implementation of MPAs can alter trophic cascades and community dynamics, highlighting the importance of investigating the status of invertebrates in these protected areas.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sarah Ohayon, Itai Granot, Jonathan Belmaker
Summary: The study found that there may be edge effects within marine protected areas, resulting in 60% smaller populations of fish and invertebrates at the borders compared to the core areas.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Benn J. Hanns, Tim Haggitt, Nick T. Shears
Summary: Fisheries stock assessments based on fisheries dependent data often have high uncertainty. This study proposes using marine reserves as a proxy for unfished biomass to assess stock status. The study shows that lobster populations in fished areas adjacent to marine reserves have significantly lower catch rates and biomass compared to unfished levels, suggesting that marine reserves can provide valuable information for stock assessments.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eleonore Cambra, Alice Bello, Mohsen Kayal, Philippe Lenfant, Lauriane Vasseur, Marion Verdoit-Jarraya
Summary: Marine Recreational Fishing (MRF) is garnering increasing scientific interest worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean. The diversity of angler behavior and its impact on the environment and catch efficiency is a significant factor to consider. Simplifying and standardizing MRF regulations at the national level, as well as promoting cooperation with fishing shops in MPA co-management, are important steps for future management.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katherine D. Millage, Juan Carlos Villasenor-Derbez, Darcy Bradley, Matthew G. Burgess, Hunter S. Lenihan, Christopher Costello
Summary: Marine protected areas are important for conservation, but the increase in fish biomass within MPAs creates incentives for poaching. Fishing activities persist in most MPAs worldwide, raising concerns about monitoring and enforcement. A proposal for a Conservation Finance Area (CFA) utilizes leased fishing zones within MPAs to finance monitoring and enforcement, leading to greater conservation success.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
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)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabrielle F. Renchen, Casey B. Butler, Thomas R. Matthews
Summary: The study found that the density of marine debris is not influenced by the type and size of MPAs, and there is no statistically significant difference in debris density between unprotected areas and MPAs. Different categories of marine debris are influenced by different driving factors during accumulation, indicating that the distribution of marine debris is not constrained by MPA boundaries.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Carlos Villasenor-Derbez, Stuart Fulton, Arturo Hernandez-Velasco, Imelda G. Amador-Castro
Summary: By quantifying the operational costs of maintaining community-based MPA monitoring programs in nine small-scale fishing communities in Mexico, it is found that the direct monetary benefits of community-based marine conservation can outweigh the costs of monitoring programs, supporting these management schemes.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Germain Boussarie, Dorothee Kopp, Gael Lavialle, Maud Mouchet, Marie Morfin
Summary: Direct and indirect anthropogenic pressures are expected to lower the provided ecosystem services in the future. Protected areas and renewable energies are being implemented to address these impacts. However, sharing space between offshore wind farms (OWFs), marine protected areas (MPAs), and fisheries is challenging due to low acceptability and underrepresentation of fisheries. In this study, a marine spatial planning framework was developed to explore siting scenarios that conserve species, regulate ecosystem services, and ensure equitable impacts on fisheries.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Allison L. Perry, Jorge Blanco, Silvia Garcia, Nicolas Fournier
Summary: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important for halting marine biodiversity loss, but the effective protection of designated sites is often overlooked. This study focused on MPAs in Europe and found that high-risk fishing activities were common within these areas, especially in larger offshore sites. Intense high-risk fishing inside reef and sandbank MPAs was associated with poorer conservation status of these habitats.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Michael Kriegl, Xochitl E. Elias Ilosvay, Christian von Dorrien, Daniel Oesterwind
Summary: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are designated parts of the ocean that restrict human activities to a certain degree. Despite being regarded as the cornerstone of global marine conservation efforts, they currently cover less than 10% of the ocean surface.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camille Magneville, Nicolas Loiseau, Camille Albouy, Nicolas Casajus, Thomas Claverie, Arthur Escalas, Fabien Leprieur, Eva Maire, David Mouillot, Sebastien Villeger
Summary: Functional diversity, an important concept in ecology and conservation, has been increasingly studied over the past two decades. The mFD package is a comprehensive tool that utilizes species trait data and assemblage matrices to calculate various FD indices and visualize species distribution in functional spaces. With functions for data summarization, distance calculation, clustering analysis, and graphical representation, mFD provides a user-friendly framework for assessing and understanding functional diversity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert Y. Fidler, Gabby N. Ahmadia, Amkieltiela, Awaludinnoer, Courtney Cox, Estradivari, Louise Glew, Christian Handayani, Shauna L. Mahajan, Michael B. Mascia, Fitryanti Pakiding, Dominic A. Andradi-Brown, Stuart J. Campbell, Kelly Claborn, Matheus De Nardo, Helen E. Fox, David Gill, Nur Hidayat, Raymond Jakub, Duong T. Le, Purwanto, Abel Valdivia, Alastair R. Harborne
Summary: The study demonstrates that well-governed multiuse protected areas can increase fish biomass without undermining the rights of indigenous peoples. Incorporating multiple governance principles and enforcing rules equitably are critical for achieving ecological benefits.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dominic A. Andradi-Brown, Laura Veverka, Nicole L. Amkieltiela, Nicole E. Crane, David Estradivari, Helen Fox, David Gill, Jordan C. Goetze, Charlotte E. Gough, Nils L. Krueck, Sarah Lester, Shauna Mahajan, John N. Rulmal Jr, Marianne Teoh, Gabby Ahmadia
Summary: Globally, marine protected areas (MPAs) have shifted their focus from solely maintaining ecosystems to addressing the needs of people and nature. This has resulted in diverse MPAs with different fisheries restrictions, sparking a debate on the types of restrictions that contribute to biodiversity goals.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Raphael Seguin, David Mouillot, Joshua E. Cinner, Rick D. Stuart Smith, Eva Maire, Nicholas A. J. Graham, Matthew McLean, Laurent Vigliola, Nicolas Loiseau
Summary: This study estimates fish standing biomass, biomass production, and biomass turnover for 1,979 tropical reef sites spanning 39 tropical countries. Based on these metrics, the study proposes a conceptual framework to guide spatial management interventions and optimize conservation efforts. The study finds that high turnover is associated with high human pressure and low primary productivity, while high biomass is associated with low human pressure and high primary productivity.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Sangeeta Mangubhai, Kate M. Barclay, Sarah Lawless, Natalie Makhoul
Summary: Attention to the human dimensions of capture fisheries is important in understanding the experience and distribution of harms and benefits among different groups. We found that gender-based violence (GBV) is pervasive and reinforced by fisheries policies, practices, and institutions. Our synthesis demonstrates the various forms of GBV present in capture fisheries, including physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and cultural violence. We provide seven recommendations for addressing GBV in capture fisheries, such as investing in gender-sensitization, forming partnerships, and improving policies and coordination among regulatory bodies.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Laetitia Mathon, Virginie Marques, Stephanie Manel, Camille Albouy, Marco Andrello, Emilie Boulanger, Julie Deter, Regis Hocde, Fabien Leprieur, Tom B. Letessier, Nicolas Loiseau, Eva Maire, Alice Valentini, Laurent Vigliola, Florian Baletaud, Sandra Bessudo, Tony Dejean, Nadia Faure, Pierre-Edouard Guerin, Meret Jucker, Jean-Baptiste Juhel, Kadarusman, Andrea F. Polanco, Laurent Pouyaud, Dario Schworer, Kirsten F. Thompson, Marc Troussellier, Hagi Yulia Sugeha, Laure Velez, Xiaowei Zhang, Wenjun Zhong, Loic Pellissier, David Mouillot
Summary: In this study, environmental DNA analysis was used to investigate the relationship between fish biodiversity and environmental as well as socio-economic factors. The results showed a strong correlation between coastal fish biodiversity and environmental factors worldwide, while also revealing a negative correlation with human dependence on marine ecosystems. Additionally, the study found that a diversity index based on DNA sequences could reliably assess phylogenetic and functional diversity.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tanya O'Garra, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Arundhati Jagadish, Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, Alifereti Tawake, Hugh Govan, Morena Mills
Summary: Understanding the mechanisms and impacts of community-based initiatives in environmental management is crucial, but such evaluations are rare. This study presents a national-scale evaluation of a locally managed marine areas network in Fiji, showing that it improves participation, knowledge, management, and financial support. However, these mechanisms do not lead to significant social outcomes or perceived ecological health improvement.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
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
Biology
James P. W. Robinson, Emily S. Darling, Eva Maire, Mark Hamilton, Christina C. Hicks, Stacy D. Jupiter, M. Aaron MacNeil, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Tim Mcclanahan, Yashika Nand, Nicholas A. J. Graham
Summary: Coral reef fisheries provide nutritious catch to tropical communities, but current management strategies focus on total reef fish biomass rather than individual growth and nutrient content, limiting the sustainability of nutritious catches.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
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
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
Fisheries
Shauna L. Mahajan, Estradivari, Lenice Ojwang, Gabby N. Ahmadia
Summary: Co-designing research is recognized as a method to advance equitable and inclusive research with real-world impact. However, challenges can arise in the co-design process. Through examples, we discuss the themes of funding, research culture, diverse interests, authorship norms, and inclusion balance, highlighting both successes and failures. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to creating collaborative, inclusive, and impactful research through co-designing efforts.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
James P. W. Robinson, David J. Mills, Godfred Ameyaw Asiedu, Kendra Byrd, Maria del Mar Mancha Cisneros, Philippa J. Cohen, Kathryn J. Fiorella, Nicholas A. J. Graham, M. Aaron MacNeil, Eva Maire, Emmanuel K. Mbaru, Gianluigi Nico, Johnstone O. Omukoto, Fiona Simmance, Christina C. Hicks
Summary: Wild-caught fish are a crucial source of essential nutrients in areas with food insecurity. However, there is a lack of understanding about which fish species provide affordable, nutritious, and diverse food. This study analyzed data on 2,348 fish species in 39 low- and middle-income countries to identify the most affordable and nutritious fish. The findings reveal that small pelagic fish, such as herring, sardine, and anchovy, are the cheapest and most nutritious fish in 72% of countries. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, these fish species alone cannot meet the recommended dietary fish intake for young children living near water bodies.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Christina C. Hicks, Jessica A. Gephart, J. Zachary Koehn, Shinnosuke Nakayama, Hanna J. Payne, Edward H. Allison, Dyhia Belhbib, Ling Cao, Philippa J. Cohen, Jessica Fanzo, Etienne Fluet-Chouinard, Stefan Gelcich, Christopher D. Golden, Kelvin D. Gorospe, Moenieba Isaacs, Caitlin D. Kuempel, Kai N. Lee, M. Aaron MacNeil, Eva Maire, Jemimah Njuki, Nitya Rao, U. Rashid Sumaila, Elizabeth R. Selig, Shakuntala H. Thilsted, Colette C. C. Wabnitz, Rosamond L. Naylor
Summary: This study finds that economic and political barriers are associated with lower wealth-based benefits, while social barriers are associated with lower welfare-based benefits. The analysis of policy documents reveals a frequent failure to address political and gender-based barriers. However, more just food system outcomes can be achieved by focusing on principles of human rights and inclusive decision-making processes.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
James P. W. Robinson, Eva Maire, Nathalie Bodin, Tessa N. Hempson, Nicholas A. J. Graham, Shaun K. Wilson, M. Aaron MacNeil, Christina C. Hicks
Summary: Climate change has significant impacts on coral reefs, posing a threat to the supply of essential dietary micronutrients from small-scale fisheries to tropical coastal communities. However, the nutritional value of reef fisheries and the effects of climate change on micronutrient availability remain uncertain. In this study, nutrient content in coral reef fishes in Seychelles was measured, revealing that reef fish are important sources of selenium and zinc, and contain levels of calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids comparable to other animal-source foods. Furthermore, experimental fishing showed that iron and zinc are enriched in fishes caught on regime-shifted macroalgal habitats, while selenium and omega-3 fatty acids varied among species. The findings suggest that, if sustainably managed, coral reef fisheries could continue to be significant sources of micronutrients along tropical coastlines despite the escalating climate impacts.
