Abstract
Oceania is a diverse region both biologically and culturally. Yet the region is also marked by high rates of biodiversity loss due to major threats such as habitat destruction, climate change and invasive species (Kingsford et al., 2009). Evidence-based strategies are needed for successful conservation in the region, and targeted research delivering on urgent practical questions can support this. In 2015, we set out to identify research questions that, if answered, would increase the effectiveness of conservation and natural resource management practice and policy within Oceania in the next 10 years (Weeks & Adams, 2017). The priority questions that we identified emphasized the need for research that addresses distinctive management challenges prevalent in Oceania, and which fits the sociocultural contexts of the region. Five years on, we reflect on some of the progress made in answering these priority questions, with the eight papers featured in this Special Section addressing 12 of the 38 priority questions.
Highlights
Relative to similar exercises undertaken elsewhere and globally, research priorities for Oceania placed a much greater emphasis on fisheries management (Weeks & Adams, 2017)
LaScala-Gruenewald et al (2021) address another fisheries-related research question of importance to conservation practitioners in Oceania: How can spatial management be designed to account for the ecology of commercially important macroinvertebrate species? (Table 1)
The papers in this Special Section are representative of the current state of conservation science in Oceania
Summary
How should marine protected areas be networked to account for connectivity and climate change?. What minimum level of protection is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal fisheries stocks under future projected changes to coastal habitats and species?. What are the most effective fisheries management policies that contribute to sustainable coral reef fisheries?. What are the key economic, policy, and management changes that need to be implemented to better sustain tuna stocks in the region?. How can we measure total fisheries catch of Pacific Islands, given that fish landings are often dispersed and unreported?. Which fisheries need to be protected most for future generations after coral reefs collapse from climate change and ocean acidification?. How should periodically harvested closures be designed and managed to maximize their ability to conserve fish stocks and provide for short term needs?.
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