Potential backfiring effects of Marine Protected Areas on kelp herbivory.

ABSTRACT: The management and creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is currently under great focus, with international organisations aiming to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. The success of MPAs depends on a nuanced understanding of local ecological dynamics and threats, which can significantly influence ecosystem balance. Herbivory can be a stressor for foundation species, namely kelp forests, contributing to their decline in several regions of the globe. However, the dynamics inherent to herbivory and MPA's implementation are still poorly understood. Here, the impact of protection status, depth, kelp species, and grazer type on herbivory (occurrence, rate, and grazer frequency) was assessed through a comprehensive experimental approach involving tethering experiments and faunal characterisat

SUBMITTER: Reis B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11682423 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature