Abstract
The global extent of marine protected areas (MPAs) is increasing as nations strive to meet UN conservation targets, yet non‐native species (NNS) are a critically overlooked stressor that threatens MPA conservation goals. Despite evidence that marine NNS affect protected species and habitats, there is limited understanding of the pervasiveness of this threat and the extent to which resource managers are responding to it. We disseminated a questionnaire targeting MPA practitioners and scientists to determine the overall state of knowledge and perception of NNS in MPAs. We received 151 responses from individuals in 47 countries and territories, including a total of 116 MPAs of which 73 were reported to have NNS present. Although NNS are a prevalent issue in MPAs and are the subject of some monitoring, management, and research, preventative measures are largely absent, so that more focused attention on NNS will be required to achieve conservation goals.
Highlights
Non-native species are a global issue for marine protected areas Josephine C
We disseminated a questionnaire targeting marine protected areas (MPAs) practitioners and scientists to determine the overall state of knowledge and perception of non-n ative species (NNS) in MPAs
NNS are a prevalent issue in MPAs and are the subject of some monitoring, management, and research, preventative measures are largely absent, so that more focused attention on NNS will be required to achieve conservation goals
Summary
Non-native species are a global issue for marine protected areas Josephine C. The global extent of marine protected areas (MPAs) is increasing as nations strive to meet UN conservation targets, yet non-n ative species (NNS) are a critically overlooked stressor that threatens MPA conservation goals. Marine protected areas (MPAs) reduce biodiversity declines by mitigating anthropogenic impacts, including overfishing, habitat degradation, and, to some extent, climate change (Roberts et al 2017). Several studies to date have shown that the reduction of human activities in MPAs has variable effects on NNS populations (Burfeind et al 2013; Giakoumi and Pey 2017) These inconsistent responses are likely due in part to insufficient research for analyzing overarching trends and to complex interactions with native species. The complexity of shifting interactions between NNS and native species as population pressures change with protection makes it difficult to predict outcomes
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