Global effects of marine protected areas on food security are unknown
In: Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science. Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 0028-0836; e-ISSN 1476-4687, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Ovando, D.
- Liu, O.
- Molina, R.
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| Abstract |
Marine protected areas (MPAs) can be a powerful conservation tool and can positively or negatively affect food security. Sala et al.1 estimate the effects of a global network of MPAs designed for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and food security. However, the model used to project these benefits depends on a series of unrealistic and insufficiently tested assumptions that are inconsistent with its source material; using a more realistic model markedly changes the map of priority MPAs and reduces potential food benefits by 62%. This extreme sensitivity in the outcomes of MPA networks to highly uncertain parameters and modelling assumptions means that the true global effects of MPAs on food security remain unknown. |
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