Using species connectivity to achieve coordinated large-scale marine conservation efforts in the Red Sea
Gajdzik, L.; Green, A.L.; Cochran, J.E.M.; Hardenstine, R.S.; Tanabe, L.K.; Berumen, M.L. (2021). Using species connectivity to achieve coordinated large-scale marine conservation efforts in the Red Sea. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 166: 112244. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112244
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. Macmillan: London. ISSN 0025-326X; e-ISSN 1879-3363, more
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| Keywords |
Pisces [WoRMS]; Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828 [WoRMS]; Testudines [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Marine protected area; Coastal development; Coral reef; Fish; Whale shark; Sea turtle |
| Authors | | Top |
- Gajdzik, L., more
- Green, A.L.
- Cochran, J.E.M.
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- Hardenstine, R.S.
- Tanabe, L.K.
- Berumen, M.L.
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| Abstract |
In the face of increasing anthropogenic threats, coastal nations need to reach common ground for effective marine conservation. Understanding species' connectivity can reveal how nations share resources, demonstrating the need for cooperative protection efforts. Unfortunately, connectivity information is rarely integrated into the design of marine protected areas (MPAs). This is exemplified in the Red Sea where biodiversity is only nominally protected by a non-cohesive network of small-sized MPAs, most of which are barely implemented. Here, we showcase the potential of using connectivity patterns of flagship species to consolidate conservation efforts in the Red Sea. We argue that a large-scale MPA (LSMPA) would more effectively preserve Red Sea species' multinational migration routes. A connectivity-informed LSMPA approach provides thus one avenue to unite coastal nations toward acting for the common good of conservation and reverse the global decline in marine biodiversity. |
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