Assessing progress towards global marine protection targets: shortfalls in information and action
TLDR
In this article, the authors present the results of the first explicitly marine-focused, global assessment of protected areas in relation to global marine protection targets, and validate concerns over the relevance and utility of broad conservation targets.Abstract:
Current global marine protection targets aim to protect 1030% of marine habitats within the next 3 - -5 years. However, these targets were adopted without prior assessment of their achievability. Moreover, ability to moni- tor progress towards such targets has been constrained by a lack of robust data on marine protected areas. Here we present the results of the first explicitly marine-focused, global assessment of protected areas in relation to global marine protection targets. Approximately 2.35 million km 2 , 0.65% of the world's oceans and 1.6% of the total marine area within Exclusive Economic Zones, are currently pro- tected. Only 0.08% of the world's oceans, and 0.2% of the total marine area under national jurisdiction is no-take. The global distribution of protected areas is both uneven and unrepresentative at multiple scales, and only half of the world's marine protected areas are part of a coherent network. Since 1984 the spatial extent of marine area pro- tected globally has grown at an annual rate of 4.6%, at which even the most modest target is unlikely to be met for at least several decades rather than within the coming decade. These results validate concerns over the relevance and utility of broad conservation targets. However, given the low level of protection for marine ecosystems, a more immediate global concern is the need for a rapid increase in marine protected area coverage. In this case, the process of comparing targets to their expected achievement dates may help to mobilize support for the policy shifts and increased resources needed to improve the current level of marine protection.read more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
The performance and potential of protected areas
TL;DR: A step change involving increased recognition, funding, planning and enforcement is urgently needed if protected areas are going to fulfil their potential.
Journal ArticleDOI
Global conservation outcomes depend on marine protected areas with five key features
Graham J. Edgar,Rick D. Stuart-Smith,Trevor J. Willis,Stuart Kininmonth,Stuart Kininmonth,Susan C. Baker,Stuart Banks,Neville S. Barrett,Mikel A. Becerro,Anthony T. F. Bernard,Just Berkhout,Colin D. Buxton,Stuart Campbell,Antonia T. Cooper,Marlene Davey,Sophie C. Edgar,Günter Försterra,David Edgardo Galvan,Alejo Joaquin Irigoyen,David J. Kushner,Rodrigo L. Moura,P. Ed Parnell,Nick T. Shears,German Soler,Elisabeth M. A. Strain,Russell Thomson +25 more
TL;DR: The results show that global conservation targets based on area alone will not optimize protection of marine biodiversity, and more emphasis is needed on better MPA design, durable management and compliance to ensure that MPAs achieve their desired conservation value.
Journal ArticleDOI
Larval retention and connectivity among populations of corals and reef fishes: history, advances and challenges
Geoffrey P. Jones,Glenn R. Almany,Garry R. Russ,Peter F. Sale,Robert S. Steneck,M. J. H. van Oppen,Bette L. Willis +6 more
TL;DR: A recent dramatic increase in research effort and a growing diversity of approaches to the study of larval retention within (self-recruitment) and dispersal among (connectivity) isolated coral reef populations are highlighted.
Book
Status of the coral reefs of the world: 2008
Abstract: zx Many reefs have shown good recovery after the massive losses in 1998 but recovery was slowed on other reefs by fishing and other ecological factors, including COTS infestations; zx The management of coral reefs is improving with more MPAs and increased management effectiveness; and the number of non-traditional forms of MPAs, including community managed areas, are increasing; zx However there is a need for increased enforcement of existing fisheries, MPA and coastal development regulations; zx There is also a greater need for: socioeconomic monitoring to assist in increasing support to address livelihoods; increased support for research and monitoring programs; and the strengthening of national programs that address management in an integrated manner.
Journal ArticleDOI
Larval Export from Marine Reserves and the Recruitment Benefit for Fish and Fisheries
Hugo B. Harrison,Hugo B. Harrison,David H. Williamson,Richard D. Evans,Richard D. Evans,Glenn R. Almany,Simon R. Thorrold,Garry R. Russ,Kevin A. Feldheim,Lynne van Herwerden,Serge Planes,Maya Srinivasan,Michael L. Berumen,Michael L. Berumen,Geoffrey P. Jones +14 more
TL;DR: Using genetic parentage analyses, patterns of larval dispersal for two species of exploited coral reef fish within a network of marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef are resolved and provide compelling evidence that adequately protected reserve networks can make a significant contribution to the replenishment of populations on both reserve and fished reefs at a scale that benefits local stakeholders.
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