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Combining multispecies home range and distribution models aids assessment of MPA effectiveness
Abecasis, D.; Afonso, P.; Erzini, K. (2014). Combining multispecies home range and distribution models aids assessment of MPA effectiveness. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 513: 155-169. https://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps10987
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Diplodus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]; Sepiida [WoRMS]; Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
Author keywords
    Cuttlefish · Maxent · Marine reserve · Sole · Vulnerability to fishing · White seabream

Authors  Top | Dataset 
  • Abecasis, D.
  • Afonso, P.
  • Erzini, K.

Abstract
    Marine protected areas (MPAs) are today’s most important tools for the spatial management and conservation of marine species. Yet, the true protection that they provide to individual fish is unknown, leading to uncertainty associated with MPA effectiveness. In this study, conducted in a recently established coastal MPA in Portugal, we combined the results of individual home range estimation and population distribution models for 3 species of commercial importance and contrasting life histories to infer (1) the size of suitable areas where they would be fully protected and (2) the vulnerability to fishing mortality of each species. Results show that the relationship between MPA size and effective protection is strongly modulated by both the species’ home range and the distribution of suitable habitat inside and outside the MPA. This approach provides a better insight into the true potential of MPAs in effectively protecting marine species, since it can reveal the size and location of the areas where protection is most effective and a clear, quantitative estimation of the vulnerability to fishing throughout an entire MPA.

Dataset
  • Acoustic telemetry data for Diplodus sargus, Sarpa salpa, Sepia officinalis and Solea senegalensis in the Arrábida Marine Park (Portugal), more

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