Offshore Marine Protected Areas Research Articles

Do marine protected areas influence mercury exposure? Insights from a shark community in the tropical Northeast Pacific

Biomass depletion caused by overfishing is likely to alter the structure of food webs and impact mercury transfer to marine predators. Although marine protected areas (MPAs) are spared from fishing pressure, their influence on biota mercury levels is poorly understood. Here, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions as well as mercury concentrations in fin clips to characterize foraging habitat and mercury exposure of a shark community composed of migratory and resident species of the Revillagigedo archipelago, an offshore MPA in the Northeast Pacific off Mexico. We found that the probability of finding migratory sharks in the isotopic niche of Revillagigedo-resident sharks was low, likely reflecting the use of habitats outside the archipelago by highly mobile species. Community-wide variations in mercury were primarily explained by shark length, revealing that bioaccumulation was the main driver of Hg concentrations. We failed to detect a clear effect of foraging habitat on shark mercury exposure, which may be related to migratory species using both exploited and protected areas when moving outside the Revillagigedo MPA. More similar studies on the potential mitigation of Hg contamination by MPAs are needed in the future if fishing pressure increases to satisfy the growing global human population.

Evidence of rebound effect in New Zealand MPAs: Unintended consequences of spatial management measures

Fish size and fish biomass have been shown to increase inside the borders of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) after the cessation of fishing. However, the effects of marine protection on fishing fleet behaviour and fish catches outside of MPAs are less well understood. Here we investigated changes in total catch and Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) of bottom trawlers outside the borders of offshore MPAs in New Zealand. We used Regression Discontinuity in Time (before versus after protection) on both aggregate and individual trawl event data for one Marine Reserve, two Benthic Protected Areas, one Closed Seamount Area and one Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Despite the various forms of protection that reduce the total fishable area, total catch tended to increase after MPA implementation. Yet, there was little evidence that this was due to the net-movement of fish from larger populations within MPA boundaries i.e. spillover. Rather, the increases in catch in the post protection period appeared to be a consequence of changes in the behaviours of commercial fishers. This may be an unintended and previously unreported negative consequence of marine protection that could dampen some of the many benefits of MPAs.

The socio-economic impact of Marine Protected Areas in Jersey: A fishers’ perspective

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are advocated as tools to support sustainable fisheries and biodiversity by excluding the most destructive fishing practices. Some MPAs protect the whole-site of habitat mosaics from bottom-towed fishing but most only restrict damaging activities from specific evidenced conservation features. Social and economic factors influence the success of an MPA but the impact of spatial management changes to local fisheries is rarely captured in post MPA designation monitoring. In Jersey, Channel Islands, two offshore MPAs were designated in 2017 that are managed following the whole-site approach. This study provides an insight into the overall economic importance of key fishery species (whelk (Buccinum undatum), brown crab (Cancer pagurus), scallop (Pecten maximus), lobster (Homarus gammarus), and spider crab (Maja brachydactyla) to local fishing fleets and the impact of the MPAs on local, small-scale fishers in Jersey. Total landings (kg and £) in Jersey pre and post MPA designation were calculated from logbook and primary sales data and a structured interview was developed and tested as a research tool to document the impact (positive and negative) of the MPA designation on local fishers. Specific questions were designed to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data relating to the participants (n = 21) fishing activity; support for the MPAs; income and job satisfaction; subjective well-being and current sales strategies. The results demonstrate that one mobile gear vessel respondent was displaced from traditional fishing grounds as a result of the MPA designation. Fishers also reported an increase in static fishing inside the MPAs, post designation. Generally, there are high levels of support for the MPA from static fleet respondents. In the first year since designation there have been no reported changes to catch (kg, £). Mobile gear fishers reported a lower subjective wellbeing and satisfaction with their job and income than static gear fishers, despite greater profits. The major concern reported by the mobile fleet that contributed to their stress levels, was not attributed to the MPA designations but related to conflict with French static net fisheries operating outside of the MPAs. Ongoing support for Jersey’s fishers and securing a sustainable and fulfilling livelihood will require further spatial management of fisheries outside of the MPAs with a possibility of setting gear or effort limits on static fishereis within the MPAs.

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.

“Please let me visit”: Management options for marine ecosystems in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area

Designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a means to support conservation of marine ecosystems is expected to depend on local communities and stakeholder’ participation and support. This paper presents the preferences of residents of Malta for measures intended to protect Posidonia oceanica seagrasses and coralligenous formations from threats from the anchoring and mooring of vessels in an offshore MPA area. The results indicate that only the most modest of restrictions increase the economic welfare of residents as participants are, overall, against further restrictions to enter the MPA. Survey participants wish to see an increase in provisioning ecosystem services such as fish caught and increases in carbon sequestration and are willing to pay to secure such benefits. Respondents also appear to have individualistic and use-driven values as a result of interacting with the MPA while past experiences play an important role in preferences, with frequent visitors strongly objecting to further restrictions to entry. The good current condition of the seagrass beds might explain the rejection of stringent restrictions but fails to account for threats from climate change and projected increase in tourism vessels’ visits. Such findings make co-operation and appropriate communication of threats and policies for management of marine resources through MPAs to the public more imperative.

Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Service Benefits and Welfare Impacts of Offshore Marine Protected Areas: A Study from the Baltic Sea

Knowledge of ecosystem services (ES) and the benefits provided by offshore marine areas, including the welfare impacts from the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) is still limited. In the present study we evaluated benefits from ES, citizens’ willingness-to-pay for potential changes in the provision of ES, and welfare losses to citizens due to restrictions on economic activities from establishing new offshore MPAs in Latvian waters. The scenarios for the economic valuation were based on analysing the supply of ES from the protected marine habitats, showing changes in the ES supply in policy relevant scenarios of the MPA size. Our study evaluates a wide array of ES delivered by offshore protected habitats and reveals that citizens’ willingness-to-pay for preserving habitats and ES supply exceeds their welfare losses from restrictions in economic activities. Our approach supports the prioritisation of habitat types according to their contribution to ES supply and benefits for citizens. The analysis can be complemented with spatial data regarding distribution of habitats, providing an opportunity to identify areas with the highest ES benefits to support marine protection and spatial planning.

How to Meet New Global Targets in the Offshore Realms: Biophysical Guidelines for Offshore Networks of No-Take Marine Protected Areas

Networks of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs), where all extractive activities are prohibited, are the most effective tool to directly protect marine ecosystems from destructive and unsustainable human activities. No-take MPAs and MPA networks have been globally implemented in coastal seas, and their success has been significantly enhanced where science-based biophysical guidelines have informed their design. Increasingly, as human pressure on marine ecosystems is expanding further offshore, governments are establishing offshore MPAs—some very large—or MPA networks. Globally, there are growing calls from scientists, non-government organisations, and national governments to set global conservation targets upwards of 30%. Given that most of the ocean is found either in the high seas or offshore within national Exclusive Economic Zones, large offshore MPAs or networks of MPAs must be a major component of these global targets for ocean protection. However, without adequate design, these offshore MPAs risk being placed to minimise conflict with economic interests, rather than to maximise biodiversity protection. This paper describes detailed biophysical guidelines that managers can use to design effective networks of no-take MPAs in offshore environments. We conducted a systematic review of existing biophysical design guidelines for networks of MPAs in coastal seas, and found consistent elements relating to size, shape, connectivity, timeframes, and representation of biophysical features. However, few of the guidelines are tailored to offshore environments, and few of the large offshore MPAs currently in place were designed systematically. We discuss how the common inshore design guidelines should be revised to be responsive to the characteristics of offshore ecosystems, including giving consideration of issues of scale, data availability, and uncertainty. We propose 10 biophysical guidelines that can be used to systematically design offshore networks of MPAs which will also contribute to the global goal of at least 30% protection globally. Finally, we offer three priority guidelines that reflect the unique conservation needs of offshore ecosystems: emphasising the need for larger MPAs; maximising the inclusion of special features that are known and mapped; and representing minimum percentages of habitats, or, where mapped, bioregions. Ultimately, MPA guidelines need to be embedded within an adaptive management framework, and have the flexibility to respond to emerging knowledge and new challenges.

Pelagic bioregionalisation using open-access data for better planning of marine protected area networks

Systematic conservation planning (SCP) to design marine protected areas (MPAs) has traditionally focused on species distributions or benthic habitat features that drive the determination of conservation priorities. Pelagic ecosystem protection is usually incidental because these ecosystems are often data-poor and are difficult to visualize in a planning context. Pelagic ecosystems, however, face increasing and cumulative impacts from threats such as overfishing and climate change, and a precautionary approach is required to protect both known and unknown biodiversity patterns and ecosystem processes. Data-driven pelagic habitat classifications are important when planning for habitat protection in the absence of sufficient in-situ data. In this study, we describe a method for creating a bioregional map of the upper-mixed layer of South Africa's pelagic realm. We selected relevant variables and parameters that best reflect key ecosystem properties at broad, meso, and local scales. We conducted a hierarchal cluster analysis using open-access sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll-a (chl-a), net primary productivity (NPP), mean sea level anomalies (MSLA), and seabed slope and depth data. The resulting map delineates three bioregions subdivided into seven biozones and sixteen pelagic habitats within South Africa's continental Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This habitat map was incorporated into SCP of a proposed expanded MPA network that includes offshore protected areas and meets National objectives. The proposed network will increase protection of the pelagic realm (>30 m depth) of the EEZ from 0.002% to 6.0%. We contend that bioregional analyses based on publicly available remote-sensing data are useful for identification of offshore habitats, especially when robust biological data are unavailable, as a framework for ecosystem reporting, and for inclusion in a systematic design for a representative offshore MPA network. Further research should focus on modelling and mapping the permanence of pelagic habitats and different spatio-temporal scales of variability, validating habitat boundaries with biological data, and understanding the threats and efficacy of achieving pelagic protection through management mechanisms like MPAs.

Offshore marine protected areas: Divergent perceptions of divers and artisanal fishers

Thorough comprehension of the perceptions of offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by different local social actors is lacking, especially in developing countries. This study aims to analyze the perceptions and socioeconomic characteristics of divers and artisanal fishers of an offshore MPA, located in Brazilian waters. Data on the perceptions, conflicts, and management of the MPA were gathered through questionnaires and interviews with local actors. The results show that scuba divers and fishers consider the MPA to be very important for biodiversity. They also consider their collaboration in participative management to be of considerable importance, even though they do not form part of the administration. For local actors, the area helps foster the preservation of the marine environment and benefits recreational diving, tourism, and artisanal fishery in local communities. Divers and fishers use the resources and space of the offshore area differently, which results in diverging perceptions and conflicts. Divers propose restricted protection (No-Take Zones), while fishers propose that the MPA should be used exclusively by the poor local communities for artisanal fishing. Conflicts arising from inefficient public administration (lack of environmental zoning, management plans, and participative management) and illegal use of the MPA were also identified. Data stemming from the local actors themselves are central to reducing the conflicts and improving public policies on offshore marine conservation.

Public willingness to pay for alternative management regimes of remote marine protected areas in the North Sea

Despite increasing attention paid to the value of marine resources, in particular marine protected areas (MPAs), their economic valuation focuses mainly on use values of ecosystem services such as fishery and tourism. Furthermore, most MPA related studies are carried out for coastal ecosystems, especially tropical coral reefs. The valuation of remote marine ecosystems is rare. The main objective of this paper is to estimate public willingness to pay (WTP) for alternative management regimes of a network of offshore MPAs in the North Sea under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). In a baseline valuation study carried out just before the adoption of the MSFD, beach visitors and a random sample of coastal and non-coastal residents were asked for their preferences for two alternative management options of three remote, ecologically sensitive areas with multiple use conflicts. Despite the lack of public awareness and familiarity with the offshore marine areas, a majority of 70% is willing to pay extra tax for their protection. Using a conservative value elicitation procedure, Dutch households are willing to pay on average maximum 0.25% of their annual disposable income to ban access and economic use. This serves as an indicator of what a network of remote MPAs in the MSFD is allowed to cost according to the Dutch tax payer.

Effects of a large-scale and offshore marine protected area on the demersal fish assemblage in the Southwest Atlantic

Abstract Alemany, D., Iribarne, O. O., and Acha, E. M. 2013. Effects of a large-scale and offshore marine protected area on the demersal fish assemblage in the Southwest Atlantic. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70:123–134. There are few extensive and offshore located marine protected areas (MPAs) in the world oceans and their performance is still being debated. We evaluated the effects of a large-scale offshore MPA located on the Southwest Atlantic Patagonian Shelf (43°S 63°W) on the demersal fish assemblage. Compliance of the Patagonian MPA was assessed by analysing eight years of satellite vessel monitoring system (VMS; 2000–2008) data, which showed compliance and fishing effort concentrated near the protection boundaries. MPA effects were studied by employing a five year database collected by a scientific research vessel in protected and fishing locations, before and after the MPA establishment. We assessed 152 scientific trawling stations using multivariate analysis of fish assemblage structure, fish abundance (discriminating target and non-target species), and mean size and proportion of juveniles of the target species (Argentine hake, Merluccius hubbsi). The identified MPA effects were a trend towards increasing abundance of the demersal fish assemblage, the target and non-target fish species, and hake juvenile size, and a higher proportion of juveniles aged 2+ inside the MPA. These positive trends support the case for offshore, large-scale MPAs.

Conservation of coastal stingrays: seasonal abundance and population structure of the short-tailed stingray Dasyatis brevicaudata at a Marine Protected Area

AbstractLe Port, A., Lavery, S., and Montgomery, J. C. 2012. Conservation of coastal stingrays: seasonal abundance and population structure of the short-tailed stingray Dasyatis brevicaudata at a Marine Protected Area. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . Elasmobranch (shark, ray, and skate) populations around the world are in decline, and effective conservation measures are urgently needed. Marine Protected Areas (MPA) placed in locations important for key life-history stages may form part of an effective conservation strategy. In this context, we examined the seasonal abundance and population structure of the short-tailed stingray (Dasyatis brevicaudata) at an offshore MPA in northeastern New Zealand, and the reported use of this location as a mating ground. Diver surveys were conducted from 2004 to 2007 at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve (PKIMR). During this time, we observed: (i) a substantial increase in adult and subadult numbers, particularly females during the suggested breeding season, and a corresponding increase in females bearing fresh mating scars; and (ii) large numbers of smaller (probably immature) D. brevicaudata individuals of both sexes from spring to autumn. These results suggest that the PKIMR acts as both a mating aggregation location and a nursery for this species. We suggest that for coastal stingrays such as D. brevicaudata, small MPAs may be effective at protecting key life-history stages, but that as movements outside of reserve boundaries also occur, additional management tools may also be necessary.

Protected areas for seabirds in German offshore waters: Designation, retrospective consideration and current perspectives

Here, we discuss the scientific rationale behind the identification and selection of marine protected areas (MPAs) for birds in the German Exclusive Economic Zones of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, based on the European Union (EU) Birds Directive. Seabird distributions were determined using internationally standardised transect counts from ships and aircraft. Their distributions were analysed using geostatistical interpolation methods to derive concentration areas for each species. Two Special Protection Areas (SPAs) were proposed based on the distributions of all species. These were subsequently evaluated by the relevant nature conservation authorities and finally designated by the Federal Environmental Ministry. Long-term data on seabird abundance and distribution collected during and after the SPA designation process revealed the same major concentration areas as in the preceding years, indicating that the overall observed patterns were stable and reproducible, despite small-scale spatial and inter-annual variations. The designation concepts provided by the EU Birds Directive thus appear to be suitable for the appropriate designation of MPAs for birds in offshore waters. However, adequate management tools for European offshore MPAs for birds, e.g. the regulation of fisheries and shipping, still remain to be developed and implemented.

Introducing a legal management instrument for offshore marine protected areas in the Azores—The Azores Marine Park

► A marine park to create a coherent Azorean network of offshore MPAs was proposed. ► The proposal consolidated offshore MPAs nominated by conservation agencies. ► Site-specific legal guidelines (IUCN-adapted) for MPAs were proposed. ► Public compliance is more achievable with the park being a Portuguese legal entity. ► The park will likely extend its spatial limit to include future new high seas MPAs. The Azores Marine Park (AMP) proposal, developed by the Geographical Information and Territorial Planning Centre (Centro de Informação Geografica e Planeamento Territorial; CIGPT) at University of the Azores (Ponta Delgada), was submitted in 2010 by the Azores Environment Agency to the Azores Parliament and will be implemented upon approval. This is the most recent effort towards establishing a Portuguese legal entity for consolidating and creating a coherent Azorean network of offshore marine protected areas (MPAs). The proposal included seven existing designated MPAs: four offshore habitats located within the Azorean Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ; Banco Dom João de Castro seamount, Sedlo seamount, Lucky Strike hydrothermal vent field and Menez Gwen hydrothermal vent field), one located beyond the Azorean EEZ (Rainbow hydrothermal vent field), and two Marine Important Bird Areas (North of Corvo Offshore, and North of Corvo and Faial Offshore). These MPAs had been nominated by various conservation organizations and site-specific legally binding recommendations have been developed. AMP recommendations were created for each site according to strict protection objectives and management objectives adapted from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Protected Area Management Categories. Since its submission, three additional high seas MPAs in areas beyond national jurisdiction and subject to Portuguese continental shelf extension claims (Altair seamount, Antialtair seamount and an area of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge north of the Azores) were nominated in September 2010 by the OSPAR Commission. These MPAs have subsequently been proposed for inclusion in the AMP. With intensifying efforts to protect biodiversity, an increase in offshore Azorean MPAs is likely. Consequently, the AMP will likely extend its spatial limit to include new high seas MPAs and develop legally binding regulations for each new MPA as an on-going process. The full-scale “one-stop agency” AMP is envisioned to provide a representative offshore MPA network for the Azores that will protect all major ecosystem features in relation to their habitats and species, at an appropriate scale, within and across each bioregion.

Toward the conservation and management of Sedlo Seamount: A case study

Abstract Seamount-associated communities and ecosystems have proven to be highly vulnerable to the impact of human activities. Globally, seamount and cold-water coral habitats and species, which often go along with each other, are considered a priority for developing conservation and sustainable management measures within and beyond national jurisdiction. Seamounts may be good candidates for site-based management such as by means of marine protected areas (MPAs), due to their singularity and isolation. In the north-east Atlantic, so far, there are only two seamounts managed as marine protected areas, both in the waters of the Azores, and several others as closed areas to fisheries by Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC). This paper describes, using the example of Sedlo Seamount, the development of a framework for the management of activities and interests of a potential offshore marine protected area. The work is based on the scientific results of the OASIS project and on input from various stakeholders, including fishery organizations, government and scientists. It reviews the current state of the site in terms of natural setting, existing uses and potential threats and proposes boundaries and regulations with the overall goal to manage human activities around Sedlo in a way that protects its ecosystem function and biodiversity, and its significance as a rather unexploited example of a seamount within a network of marine protected areas in the NE Atlantic. The resulting proposed management plan is a fundamental prerequisite to the establishment of the Sedlo Seamount as an offshore MPA, contributing to the OSPAR network of MPAs in the north-east Atlantic.