Using species connectivity to achieve coordinated large-scale marine conservation efforts in the Red Sea

Laura Gajdzik,Alison L Green,Jesse E.M Cochran,Royale S Hardenstine,Lyndsey K Tanabe,Michael L Berumen

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112244

Laura Gajdzik, Alison L Green + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112244

Copy DOI

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.

Highlights

The upcoming decade (2021− 2030) will play a pivotal role for the protection of our oceans
The United Nations (UN) has urged the development of concerted conservation actions among ocean stake holders to arrest the decline in ocean health and attain social equity and sustainability (Frazao Santos et al, 2020; Osterblom et al, 2020)
Hosting more than 1,100 fish and ~390 coral species, the Red Sea is a marine biodiversity hotspot with a relatively high endemism (Bogor odsky and Randall, 2019; DiBattista et al, 2016; Roberts, 2002) that covers an area of 480,385 km2 (One Shared Ocean, 2015)

Summary

Main text

The upcoming decade (2021− 2030) will play a pivotal role for the protection of our oceans. One prime example is the loss of coral reefs due to massive bleaching events that are generally triggered by heat stress (Hughes et al, 2018) Halting these declines will require scienceinformed policies to preserve marine ecosystems, especially those in critical regions of the world. Almost three decades later, the majority of MPAs in the Red Sea remain only proposed with no implementation, management, or legal enforcement (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, 2020).

Present address

Findings

Data availability statement