Conservation Benefits of Marine Reserves are Undiminished Near Coastal Rivers and Cities

Conservation Letters

Chantal M. Huijbers²  Rod M. Connolly²  Kylie A. Pitt²  David S. Schoeman¹  Thomas A. Schlacher¹  Dana D. Burfeind²  Chantel Steele²  Andrew D. Olds²  Paul S. Maxwell²  Russell C. Babcock³ 

[1] School of Science & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, Australia;Australian Rivers Institute – Coast & Estuaries and School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia;Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Marine and Atmospheric Research, Dutton Park, Australia

关键词: Coastal management;    conservation planning;    human impact;    marine protected areas;    trophic groups;   

DOI  :  10.1111/conl.12128

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

Recent assessments of marine reserves have emphasized the importance of socio-economic factors in reserve performance. Debates continue, however, about whether we should avoid or promote the placement of reserves near potentially detrimental forces, including coastal cities or rivers. We performed a global meta-analysis to test whether proximity to major coastal influences affected the ability of marine reserves to enhance the abundance of organisms relative to surrounding areas. A strong effect of reserve performance was evident for a range of trophic groups. Positive effects of reserves were undiminished by proximity to coastal cities or river discharges for the majority of taxonomic groups under conservation. We conclude that reserves placed in coastal areas are likely to protect marine populations to a similar extent as reserves in remote or less-developed locations. Marine reserves in coastal settings can be an important tool to protect species and ecosystems in places threatened by human activities.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
Copyright and Photocopying: © 2014 The Authors. Conservation Letters published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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