Coastal Marine Protected Areas Research Articles

Identifying Gaps in the Protection of Mediterranean Seagrass Habitats Using Network‐Based Prioritisation

ABSTRACTAimSeagrass meadows represent a key marine ecosystem owing to the significant biodiversity they host. Protection actions are often implemented without considering connectivity between habitats. In this article, we project and prioritise Mediterranean seagrass habitats (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) based on their potential as sources/retention and stepping stones for dispersal propagules of the associated biotic communities. We use this information to identify gaps in the protection of highly ranked habitats.LocationMediterranean Sea.MethodsWe related seagrass observations with marine environmental predictors to run species distribution models and infer the distribution of Mediterranean seagrasses. We then used a network‐based approach (CONEFOR) to rank patches of seagrass suitable areas based on their contribution to the seascape in terms of patch area, potential as source/retention of propagules and stepping stone. Finally, by overlaying our ranking with the spatial distribution of marine protected areas (MPAs), we identified potential gaps in the protection of important seagrass habitats across the Mediterranean and its basins.ResultsMost of the identified patches of seagrass suitable areas are not included in MPAs, only reaching a maximum protection coverage of ~50% in the Northwestern Mediterranean. Relatively few patches contribute disproportionately to connectivity, but top‐ranked habitat patches are not included within the existing MPAs network, both at the Mediterranean scale and for most basins. The largest gaps for the source/sink role are in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, and largest gaps for the stepping stone role are in the Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea.Main ConclusionsOur results suggest that the current MPAs network fails to protect highly relevant patches of seagrass suitable areas in most of the Mediterranean basins. However, this gap could be filled by a few well‐placed MPAs. Overall, we provide novel insights for the identification of key habitats and planning novel coastal MPAs in the region.

Reef fish biodiversity and occurrence of endangered sharks within a small marine protected area off Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean

AbstractMarine protected areas (MPAs) are common conservation tools supporting the protection of threatened marine fishes, such as sharks. However, the creation of shark MPAs has been less common in the Greater Caribbean region despite a growing need and opportunity. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence of shark and reef fish biodiversity off Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean, with a particular emphasis on endangered shark presence within the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area (MPA). We utilized baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) to gather non-invasive data on the abundance and diversity of reef fish and shark species inside and outside the local MPA. Generalized linear models (GLMs) revealed no significant effect of protection status on the presence of the endangered Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi). However, we found a significant influence of depth on shark occurrence, as well as an effect of habitat type on shark and reef fish biodiversity, with reef habitats showing the greatest significance. These results suggest that the effect of small coastal MPAs on bolstering local endangered species conservation in the Dutch Caribbean is likely to vary according to habitat features and how those species utilize those habitats across various life stages. These findings have implications for adaptive MPA management, which should be informed by the ecology and habitat preferences of target species to achieve maximum benefits for biodiversity conservation.

Floating microplastic pollution in the vicinity of a marine protected area and semi-enclosed bay of Peru

A baseline survey for floating microplastics (MPs) in the vicinity of a marine protected area and semi-enclosed bay of northern Peru was carried out. An average concentration of 0.22 MPs/L was estimated, primarily dominated by blue polyethylene terephthalate fibers. The distribution of floating MPs suggests that they tend to accumulate within the semi-enclosed Sechura Bay regardless of the sampling season. This behavior may be explained by local surface currents in the bay, which flow inwards and exhibit vorticities that could entrap MPs. Future studies are suggested to investigate the trajectory and fate of floating MPs within semi-enclosed areas. On the other hand, the impact of floating MPs on the trophic chain of coastal marine protected areas requires further research.

Horizontal and vertical movements of the critically endangered Rostroraja alba in a coastal marine protected area

Abstract Elasmobranchs are slow‐growing marine predators whose populations have declined due to their susceptibility to overfishing, especially affecting species of large size. Rostroraja alba is a large skate that is currently classified as critically endangered. To address the effects of overfishing and promote the recovery of marine species and habitats, marine protected areas (MPAs) are a commonly implemented management strategy. A critical aspect of their success is using information on species' movement patterns; however, this is frequently not assessed for elasmobranchs. In this study, acoustic telemetry was used to monitor 30 R. alba in the Professor Luís Saldanha Marine Park (Portugal) to assess their long‐term movements in the context of a coastal MPA and to evaluate the contribution of this kind of spatial management to the conservation of this species. Immature individuals were more frequently captured than adults, which postulates this area as a potential nursery. The average residency was moderate and relatively consistent throughout the year, as was area use. No marked size or sex‐based differences in movement were noted. Individuals were more active and occurred in shallower waters at night and twilight, and occasional quick vertical movements into the water column, isolated or in sequence, were also noted. In general, the LSMP seems to offer stable protection to immature R. alba, with no strong seasonal variation. These results provide relevant input for adaptive management measures of this and other similar MPAs and highlight the contribution of these efforts to the protection of nursery areas.

Small coastal marine protected areas offer recurring, seasonal protection to the common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca)

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a crucial tool in safeguarding marine biodiversity. However, elasmobranchs are often not the primary protection target of MPAs, and their contribution to protect these species remains to be better understood. In this study we examine the movement patterns of common stingrays in the Professor Luiz Saldanha marine park, a Portuguese temperate coastal MPA. Using acoustic telemetry, we tagged 31 common stingrays and analyzed their spatial and temporal distribution within the MPA and adjacent areas using a long-term data set. Our findings indicate that this species exhibits seasonal site fidelity, with greater presence during the colder months and reduced presence during warmer months. Space use areas did not exceed the size of the fully protected area, and nocturnal and crepuscular activity was significantly higher than during daytime. Additionally, we observed that most individuals seasonally migrated between this MPA and the nearby Sado estuary, likely to reproduce in the latter. These results demonstrate the site fidelity of common stingrays to an area within the marine park, however the protection provided is only seasonal. Seasonal protection of the movement corridor between the marine park and the estuary would improve the management of this species.

Understanding socioecological interaction networks in Marine Protected Areas to inform management

The concept of ecosystem services has become increasingly important in understanding the interactions between humans and nature and the associated implications in terms of human well-being. Despite growing interest in ecosystem services research, knowledge of their ecological underpinnings and their integration with socioeconomic and management components remains limited. In this study, we propose a multi-layered network approach to assess the connection between ecological components, ecosystem functions and societal uses and benefits, management actions, and global change impacts in four Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Spain. An interaction matrix between all relevant components in the MPAs was built based on scientific knowledge, published records, and validated in stakeholder workshops. Then, we applied network analysis to explore the emergent properties of the network of connected elements in the MPAs. For example, habitat foundation species, such as kelp or seagrasses, were central to the networks and concentrated most connections with other ecological, social, and management components. The positive-negative index showed that human activities often had negative indices, ecological components had positive indices, and management, mitigation action, and infrastructure had variable effects across MPAs. Betweenness identified the foundation species or the scientific community as playing a key role in facilitating connections across the network in MPAs. This research provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between ecosystems, human activities, ecosystem functions and services, and management opportunities for coastal MPAs, with important consequences for the local management of the areas.

If you build it, they will come: Coastal amenities facilitate human engagement in marine protected areas

Abstract Calls for using marine protected areas (MPAs) to achieve goals for nature and people are increasing globally. While the conservation and fisheries impacts of MPAs have been comparatively well‐studied, impacts on other dimensions of human use have received less attention. Understanding how humans engage with MPAs and identifying traits of MPAs that promote engagement is critical to designing MPA networks that achieve multiple goals effectively, equitably and with minimal environmental impact. In this paper, we characterize human engagement in California's MPA network, the world's largest MPA network scientifically designed to function as a coherent network (124 MPAs spanning 16% of state waters and 1300 km of coastline) and identify traits associated with higher human engagement. We assemble and compare diverse indicators of human engagement that capture recreational, educational and scientific activities across California's MPAs. We find that human engagement is correlated with nearby population density and that site “charisma” can expand human engagement beyond what would be predicted based on population density alone. Charismatic MPAs tend to be located near tourist destinations, have long sandy beaches and be adjacent to state parks and associated amenities. In contrast, underutilized MPAs were often more remote and lacked both sandy beaches and parking lot access. Synthesis and applications: These results suggest that achieving MPA goals associated with human engagement can be promoted by developing land‐based amenities that increase access to coastal MPAs or by locating new MPAs near existing amenities during the design phase. Alternatively, human engagement can be limited by locating MPAs in areas far from population centres, coastal amenities or sandy beaches. Furthermore, managers may want to prioritize monitoring, enforcement, education and outreach programmes in MPAs with traits that predict high human engagement. Understanding the extent to which human engagement impacts the conservation performance of MPAs is a critical next step to designing MPAs that minimize tradeoffs among potentially competing objectives. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Assessing Environmental Control on Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Larval Fish Assemblages in a Marine Protected Area

The northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula is an important spawning and nursery area for several marine fish species, some of which are economically exploited by fisheries and under management plans. Larval stages of fish are highly sensitive to environmental change and anthropogenic pressures, and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) can help mitigate the impacts on fish populations. This study investigated the environmental drivers of the temporal and spatial patterns of the larval fish assemblages inhabiting a small coastal MPA along the NW Portuguese Iberian Coast. Seasonal surveys were conducted over two years at nine sampling stations distributed throughout the MPA to collect larval fish samples and water parameters. Results showed that a total of 39 different fish taxa were identified. In terms of abundance, reef-associated species, such as Parablennius gattorugine (54.6%), and marine species that use estuaries as nursery areas, such as Ammodytes tobianus (15.7%) and Clupeidae n.i. (8.8%) dominated the larval fish assemblages. The larval fish assemblages were characterized by a strong temporal pattern that, according to CCA analyses, was related to the temporal variability of water temperature, pH, chlorophyll α, TPM, and also the river flow of an adjacent river. This study showed that 47% of the fish larvae belonged to commercially exploited species, highlighting the importance of this MPA as a nursery area for the early life stages of the fish population. Overall, these new findings emphasize the role of MPAs in ensuring the connectivity of fish species between marine-estuarine habitats and enhancing the conservation of fish populations.

First mesophotic Ecklonia radiata (Laminariales) records within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park marine-protected area, east coast, South Africa

Abstract A dense Ecklonia radiata (Laminariales) kelp forest extending at least 35 km has been found between 45 and 60 m depth range within the mesophotic zone inside the iSimangaliso marine-protected area (MPA) at the iSimangaliso Wetland park World Heritage Site on the east coast of South Africa. This is the first visual confirmation of the occurrence of E. radiata beds in subtropical South Africa, in an area situated between the tropical and subtropical bioregions, in an area that spans the Natal and Delagoa bioregions of the south-western Indian Ocean, more than 350 km north of its previously documented South African range. The kelp was found to be present across the length of the MPA, but dense beds were present only in the southern Natal bioregion, with sparse occurrences observed elsewhere on soft-coral and sponge-dominated reefs in the upper mesophotic zone. The footage was collected in November 2020, May 2021 and November 2022 during remotely operated vehicle and drop camera surveys of the mesophotic zone inside the MPA. This discovery adds to the body of knowledge on the global distribution of Laminariales populations in deep tropical and subtropical settings and the diversity of habitats within South Africa's largest coastal MPA.

Co-design of a marine protected area zoning and the lessons learned from it

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a tool to safeguard marine natural systems, yet their effectiveness depends on how well they are integrated into the existing socioeconomic context. Stakeholder engagement in MPA design can contribute to increasing integration. This study focuses on the co-design of an MPA between researchers, public administration, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The proposed MPA is in Portugal and includes an area that is a hotspot for biodiversity and economic activities. This is the first MPA proposal in mainland Portugal co-designed using a participatory approach. This study highlights the steps of the zoning process and synthesizes the eight main lessons learned, useful for other cases, particularly for relatively small coastal MPAs with multiple socioeconomic activities. Three zoning proposals were developed and discussed within the participatory process. The proposals considered the best scientific and local knowledge available and were defined using ecological, socioeconomic, and shape-area guiding principles. In an iterative manner and following a participatory approach, compromises with stakeholders were achieved, and a final proposal, scientifically sound and socially accepted by most stakeholders, was delivered to the government. The final zoning plan will achieve ambitious conservation goals, including the largest fully protected area to be declared in mainland Portugal, while minimizing the impacts on the existing economic activities and promoting its sustainability. This process resulted in valuable lessons that may be applied elsewhere and guide future MPA implementation or rezoning of existing ones. These transdisciplinary and participatory processes can be time and resource-consuming but are vital for ensuring MPA effectiveness.

Evidence of illegal fishing within the largest Brazilian coastal MPA: Turning a blind eye to the obvious

Illegal fishing is a growing threat to aquatic biodiversity and as a result, marine protected areas (MPAs) have arisen as a suitable alternative for the protection of imperiled biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to map out and analyze the movements of illegal fishing vessels which operate within Área de Proteç ão Ambiental Costa dos Corais (APACC), the largest Brazilian coastal MPA. A dataset from the National Program for Tracking Fishing Vessels by Satellite (PREPS) was used to detect the fishing vessels navigating the waters within the APACC over the period 2013–2020. We performed spatial density analysis with the aim of finding the most widely recorded hotspot regions of illegal fishing and also evaluated whether the illegal lobster-fishing occurred within or outside the fishing seasons. We found that there were 62 fishing vessels operating within the APACC and that 19 of them were engaged in some form of fishing activity in this area. Over the years 2013 and 2020, there were a total number of 15,353 detections (63.9% of the detections were identified as being potentially illegal). Fishing activities were defined as illegal when they occurred during the closed season, within an area where fishing is prohibited, or within less than 4 nautical miles from the coast. These fisheries mainly affect species with economic value, such as lobsters, snappers and groupers, and often involve the use of diving air compressors as a fishing technique. It is thus necessary to design better monitoring systems of these fishing fleets to prevent any conflicts over their operations and ensure an effective conservation of biodiversity.

Aerial Drone Surveys Reveal the Efficacy of a Protected Area Network for Marine Megafauna and the Value of Sea Turtles as Umbrella Species

Quantifying the capacity of protected area networks to shield multiple marine megafauna with diverse life histories is complicated, as many species are wide-ranging, requiring varied monitoring approaches. Yet, such information is needed to identify and assess the potential use of umbrella species and to plan how best to enhance conservation strategies. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of part of the European Natura 2000 protected area network (western Greece) for marine megafauna and whether loggerhead sea turtles are viable umbrella species in this coastal region. We systematically surveyed inside and outside coastal marine protected areas (MPAs) at a regional scale using aerial drones (18,505 animal records) and combined them with distribution data from published datasets (tracking, sightings, strandings) of sea turtles, elasmobranchs, cetaceans and pinnipeds. MPAs covered 56% of the surveyed coastline (~1500 km). There was just a 22% overlap in the distributions of the four groups from aerial drone and other datasets, demonstrating the value of combining different approaches to improve records of coastal area use for effective management. All four taxonomic groups were more likely to be detected inside coastal MPAs than outside, confirming sufficient habitat diversity despite varied life history traits. Coastal habitats frequented by loggerhead turtles during breeding/non-breeding periods combined overlapped with 76% of areas used by the other three groups, supporting their potential use as an umbrella species. In conclusion, this study showed that aerial drones can be readily combined with other monitoring approaches in coastal areas to enhance the management of marine megafauna in protected area networks and to identify the efficacy of umbrella species.

Larval dispersal simulations and connectivity predictions for Mediterranean gorgonian species: sensitivity to flow representation and biological traits

Abstract Larval dispersal enables demographic and genetic connectivity among marine populations. For many sessile species, it is the only natural mechanism for resilience after major population disturbances, as those that have been affecting Mediterranean gorgonian species inside and outside Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Larval dispersal simulation is a powerful tool to anticipate connectivity among populations which might be altered by modelling choices. We assessed how flow representation (resolution and vertical turbulence) and larval traits (pelagic larval duration, release timing and duration, larval vertical behaviour) influenced populations connectivity among five coastal rocky locations in the northwestern Mediterranean, four of them being designated as MPAs. We used a finer (0.3 km) and coarser (1.5 km) flow resolution in two years to assess, using a hierarchical simulation approach, the sensitivity of connectivity patterns to the above parameters. Larval traits corresponded to two gorgonian species, the neutrally buoyant Eunicella singularis and the passive sinker Paramuricea clavata. Ocean model resolution was the most influential factor on resulting connectivity patterns. When using the finer flow model resolution, connectivity patterns were equally influenced by all larval traits while vertical turbulence could be neglected. Hence, advising the design of coastal MPAs with regional connectivity estimates requires adequate flow simulation resolution.

Coastal radar as a tool for continuous and fine-scale monitoring of vessel activities of interest in the vicinity of marine protected areas.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely utilized for conservation of the world’s marine resources. Yet, compliance with MPA regulations remains difficult to measure because of limits to human resources and a lack of affordable technologies to automate monitoring over time. The Marine Monitor, an autonomous vessel monitoring, recording, and reporting system leveraging commercial off-the-shelf X-band marine radar to detect and track vessels, was used to monitor five nearshore California MPAs simultaneously and continuously to identify and compare site-specific use patterns over one year. Vessel tracks were classified into two movement patterns to capture likely fishing activity, “focal” or “linear”, that corresponded with local targeted species. Some illegal fishing potentially occurred at all sites (7–17% of tracks depending on site) most frequently on weekends and at mid-day, but the majority of activity occurred just outside the MPAs and in the near vicinity suggesting both a high level of compliance with regulations and awareness of MPA boundaries. Time spent engaged in potential fishing activity compared to track counts suggests that unique vessels may spend more time fishing inside area boundaries at some sites than others. The spatial distribution of activity shows distinct concentrations near MPA boundaries at all sites which strongly suggests vessels purposefully target the narrow area at the MPA boundary or “fish the line”, a potential acknowledgement of successful spillover. This activity increased significantly during some local fishing seasons. Concentration of activity at MPA boundaries highlights the importance of continuous monitoring at a high spatial and temporal resolution. Reporting of vessel behavior at a fine-scale using radar can help resource managers target enforcement efforts and understand human use patterns near coastal MPAs.

Movements of Hatchery-Reared Dusky Groupers Released in a Northeast Atlantic Coastal Marine Protected Area

No-take areas are key instruments to promote the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), particularly concerning the protection of endangered species such as the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus). However, despite the establishment of no-take areas and the prohibition of catching this species in a southwestern Portuguese MPA (SACVMP—‘Sudoeste Alentejano’ and ‘Costa Vicentina’ Marine Park) since 2011, there is still no evidence of population recovery. By using acoustic biotelemetry, this work aimed to evaluate the feasibility of restocking hatchery-reared adult dusky groupers in two no-take areas within the SACVMP. In 2019 and 2021, thirty groupers were tagged with acoustic transmitters and the site attachment and movements of the groupers were assessed in the releasing sites (no-take areas). None of the tagged fish settled down in either of the areas, leaving the no-take areas mainly at dusk and night. Some individuals displayed extended movements of more than a hundred kilometers along the Portuguese coast which was rarely reported for this species. At least in some coastal stretches, those movements were performed close to the shore, which may evidence the importance of coastal MPAs to protect and promote the connectivity of species more associated with rocky reef habitats. Following studies should focus on the conditions that promote site attachment and fidelity by hatchery-reared dusky groupers so that future large-scale restocking programs can be successful in MPAs with appropriate habitats.

Setting Performance Indicators for Coastal Marine Protected Areas: An Expert-Based Methodology

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) require effective indicators to assess their performance, in compliance with the goals of relevant national and international commitments. Achieving and prioritizing shortlists of multidisciplinary indicators demands a significant effort from specialists to depict the multiple conservation and socioeconomic interests, and the large complexity of natural systems. The present paper describes a structured expert-based methodology (process and outputs) to co-define a list of multidisciplinary MPA performance indicators. This work was promoted by the management authority of coastal MPAs in mainland Portugal to gather a consensual and feasible list of indicators that would guide the design of a future national monitoring program. Hence, Portuguese coastal MPAs served as a case study to develop such a process between 2019 and 2020. In the end, participants (1) agreed on a shortlist of prioritized indicators (i.e., environmental, governance, and socioeconomic indicators) and (2) defined minimum monitoring frequencies for the indicators in this list, compatible with the potential replicability of the associated survey methods. The present approach recommends that management plans incorporate monitoring procedures and survey methods, with a validated list of indicators and associated monitoring periodicity, agreed among researchers, MPA managers and governance experts. The proposed methodology, and the lessons learned from it, can support future processes aiming to define and prioritize MPA performance indicators.

Small‐scale estimation of recreational fishing effort and catch from broad‐scale survey data: A case study using multiple‐use Marine Protected Areas in Western Australia

AbstractSustainability assessment and management evaluation of broad‐scale recreational fisheries are routinely informed using effort and catch data sourced from recurring offsite surveys. Similar information is often required for small‐scale recreational fisheries and other spatial management areas. Data from four state‐wide recreational fishing surveys in Western Australia were evaluated using grid‐ and location‐based direct estimation approaches to determine whether effort and total catch could be estimated robustly for small‐scale geographical areas. Marine protected areas (MPAs) were selected as case studies, and robustness of the various approaches was assessed based on acceptable sample size and uncertainty. Effort and total catch (number retained and released across all species) were robustly estimated for 19 MPAs. Total catch was also robustly estimated for 32 teleost species across multiple MPAs. Robust estimates were less likely for offshore MPAs than coastal MPAs, with lower sample sizes associated with greater distance from boat ramps and population centres. Grid‐based approaches were therefore generally more appropriate for offshore MPAs, while location‐based approaches were more appropriate for coastal MPAs. This study demonstrates how existing monitoring of broad‐scale recreational fisheries fulfils a need for similar data in small‐scale recreational fisheries, thereby allowing for the efficient use of resources that benefit fisheries management and conservation objectives.

Spatial Planning Insights for Philippine Coral Reef Conservation Using Larval Connectivity Networks

The marine habitats of the Philippines are recognized to be some of the most biodiverse systems globally yet only 1.7% of its seas are designated as marine protected areas (MPAs) with varying levels of implementation. Many of these MPAs were established based on local-scale conservation and fisheries objectives without considering larger-scale ecological connections. The connectivity of reefs through larval dispersal is important in the regional-scale resilience against anthropogenic disturbances and is considered a significant criterion in planning for MPAs. In this study, we provide insights into the delineation of ecologically connected MPA networks using larval dispersal modeling and network analysis. We characterized the network properties of the Philippine coral reefs, organized as 252 reef nodes, based on the larval connectivity networks of a branching coral, sea urchin, and grouper. We then evaluated the distribution of the existing 1,060 MPAs relative to the connectivity patterns. All reef nodes were found to be highly interconnected with a mean shortest path ranging from 1.96 to 4.06. Reef nodes were then ranked according to their relative importance in regional connectivity based on five connectivity indices. Despite the between-organism and between-index variability in rankings, there were reefs nodes, mostly located offshore and at major straits, which consistently ranked high. We found that the distribution of existing MPAs partially capture some of the regional connectivity functions but there is a spatial mismatch between the primarily coastal MPAs and the high-ranking reef nodes. Furthermore, network partitioning identified subnetworks and dispersal barriers. The existing MPAs were found to be disproportionately distributed to a few subnetworks and that the largest subnetworks do not contain the greatest number of MPAs. Considering these gaps, we suggest expanding the coverage of protected areas especially in underrepresented reef networks to meaningfully capture national-scale connectivity and meet global conservation objectives.

Building a transnational biodiversity geo-database of the protected areas in the Adriatic-Ionian Macro-Region: approaches and results from the IMPRECO Project.

BackgroundThe main objective of the project Common strategies and best practices to IMprove the transnational PRotection of ECOsystem integrity and services - IMPRECO is to enhance the safeguarding of ecosystems and ecosystem services. Additionally, the aim of this project is to tackle their environmental vulnerability by strengthening the potential of the Protected Areas in biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services conservation. This is expected to be addressed by maintaining it through their transnational networking located in the European Adriatic-Ionian Macro-Region.New informationThe aim of this research is: 1) to characterise the habitats and ecosystems involved in the coastal-marine protected areas considered; 2) to set a biodiversity baseline; 3) to understand what current ecosystems’ conditions are; 4) to build up a transnational biomonitoring programme of target species and habitats and 5) to assess their response to pilot actions. To do so, a transnational inventory of species, habitats, ecosystems and ecosystem services was established, starting with the seven coastal-marine protected areas involved in the project. Data collection was carried out using different sources of information: scientific literature, officially available data from NATURA 2000 Standard Data Forms, checklists from local biomonitoring programmes, personal observations and citizen science, historical maps and data from new in-field analyses. Data were filled in the transnational biodiversity geo-databases according to the NATURA 2000 standards about habitat features, species protection level and species features. The presence of alien species (non-indigenous species, NIS) was also acknowledged and references about data collection were provided in the databases according to the Darwin Core standards.

Procesos etnopolíticos de autodeterminación y perspectivas de conservación marina en Rapa Nui

Este trabajo describe la trayectoria etnopolítica rapanui en su demanda de autodeterminación y autonomía, vinculándola a procesos actuales de conservación de recursos naturales, como el de la creación del área costera-marina protegida de múltiples usos. Se identificaron hitos mediante revisión bibliográfica y entrevistas en profundidad a actores claves, tales como el Acuerdo de Voluntades, los movimientos anticolonialistas, el estatuto especial de administración y las iniciativas en conservación marina, que denotan los conflictos con el Estado chileno y la búsqueda de reconocimiento y autodeterminación. Observamos que la autonomía como proceso se profundiza en los últimos diez años, al utilizar los mecanismos institucionales-legales y administrativos del Estado chileno para transitar a formas propias de gestión territorial. En ese sentido, afirmamos que la creación del área costera-marina protegida de múltiples usos de Rapa Nui es más bien parte de un camino de autodeterminación territorial a escala marina que de una estrategia de conservación.