An approach to incorporating inferred connectivity of adult movement into marine protected area design with limited data.

ABSTRACT: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important conservation tools that can support the resilience of marine ecosystems. Many countries, including Canada, have committed to protecting at least 10% of their marine areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity's Aichi Target 11, which includes connectivity as a key aspect. Connectivity, the movement of individuals among habitats, can enhance population stability and resilience within and among MPAs. However, little is known about regional spatial patterns of marine ecological connectivity, particularly adult movement. We developed a method to assess and design MPA networks that maximize inferred connectivity within habitat types for adult movement when ecological data are limited. We used the Northern Shelf Bioregion in British Columbia, Ca

SUBMITTER: Friesen SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6850429 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature