Conceptual frameworks and key questions for assessing the contribution of marine protected areas to shark and ray conservation |
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Authors: | Andrew Chin Fergus John Molloy Darren Cameron Jon C. Day Jessica Cramp Karin Leeann Gerhardt Michelle R. Heupel Mark Read Colin A. Simpfendorfer |
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Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia;2. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Queensland, Australia;3. Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia;4. Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia Sharks Pacific, Rarotonga, Cook 5. Islands;6. Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
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Abstract: | Marine protected areas (MPAs) are key tools in addressing the global decline of sharks and rays, and marine parks and shark sanctuaries of various configurations have been established to conserve shark populations. However, assessments of their efficacy are compromised by inconsistent terminology, lack of standardized approaches to assess how MPAs contribute to shark and ray conservation, and ambiguity about how to integrate movement data in assessment processes. We devised a conceptual framework to standardize key terms (e.g., protection, contribution, potential impact, risk, threat) and used the concept of portfolio risk to identify key attributes of sharks and rays (assets), the threats they face (portfolio risk), and the specific role of MPAs in risk mitigation (insurance). Movement data can be integrated into the process by informing risk exposure and mitigation through MPAs. The framework is operationalized by posing 8 key questions that prompt practitioners to consider the assessment scope, MPA type and purpose, range of existing and potential threats, species biology and ecology, and management and operational contexts. Ultimately, MPA contributions to shark and ray conservation differ according to a complex set of human and natural factors and interactions that should be carefully considered in MPA design, implementation, and evaluation. |
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Keywords: | ecosystem management fisheries marine MPA protected areas risk assessment AMP áreas protegidas evaluación de riesgo gestión de ecosistemas marino pesquerías 海洋保护区 渔业 生态系统管理 保护区 风险评估 |
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