The central importance of ecological spatial connectivity to effective coastal marine protected areas and to meeting the challenges of climate change in the marine environment

Abstract

Abstract1 The several forms of ecological spatial connectivity -population, genetic, community, ecosystem -are among the most important ecological processes in determining the distribution, persistence and productivity of coastal marine populations and ecosystems.2 Ecological marine protected areas (MPAs) focus on restoring or maintaining marine populations, communities, or ecosystems. All ecological MPAs -no matter their specific focus or objectives -depend for their success on incorporating ecological spatial connectivity into their design, use (i.e. application), and management.3 Though important, a synthesis of the implications of ecological spatial connectivity for the design, use, and management of MPAs, especially in the face of a changing global climate, does not exist. We synthesize this information and distill it into practical principles for design, use, and management of MPAs and networks of MPAs.4 High population connectivity among distant coastal ecosystems underscores the critical value of MPA networks for MPAs and the populations and ecosystems between them.5 High ecosystem connectivity among coastal ecosystems underscores the importance of protecting multiple connected ecosystems within an MPA, maximizing ecosystem connectivity across MPAs, and managing ecosystems outside MPAs so as to minimize influxes of detrimental organisms and materials into MPAs.6 Connectivity-informed MPAs and MPA networks -designed and managed to foster the ecological spatial connectivity processes important to local populations, species, communities, and ecosystems -can best address ecological changes induced by climate change. Also, the protections afforded by MPAs from direct, local human impacts may ameliorate climate change impacts in coastal ecosystems inside MPAs and, indirectly, in ecosystems outside MPAs.

Dispersal of a nearshore marine fish connects marine reserves and adjacent fished areas along an open coast

“…Modelling suggests that marine reserve size should mimic average dispersal distance (Botsford, Hastings, & Gaines, ), but a network of appropriately spaced reserves can serve a similar purpose, while allowing interspersed public access to coastal fishing and recreation areas (Carr et al, ). The variety of dispersal magnitudes and directions identified here is small, but suggest that management of coastal oceans might be effectively served through a patchwork of closely spaced reserves that are representative and inclusive of critical habitats for targeted species and ecosystems.…”

The Concept of Resilience in Ecological Risk Assessment: Scientific and Regulatory Issues

“…components of the system (Carr et al 2017). Major changes, produced by natural events or by human activities (e.g.…”

An approach to incorporating inferred connectivity of adult movement into marine protected area design with limited data

“…Connectivity is a fundamental attribute of MPA design and network development because of its importance for population persistence (Carr et al. , Magris et al. ).…”

“…, Carr et al. ). Greater connectivity increases the stability and resilience of populations, thereby enabling MPAs to meet their ecological objectives (Botsford et al.…”

“…There are four commonly defined types of ecological connectivity: population, genetic, community, and ecosystem connectivity (Carr et al. ). Population and genetic connectivity pertain to a single species, resulting from the movement of individuals (e.g., adults, juveniles, larvae) between distinct areas and the movement of genes between populations, respectively (Carr et al.…”