A meta-analysis reveals edge effects within marine protected areas

Abstract Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an essential tool for reversing the global degradation of ocean life. Hence, it is important to know which types of MPAs are more effective, and under which conditions. No-take marine reserves – the MPAs with stronger protection – are very effective in restoring and preserving biodiversity, and in enhancing ecosystem resilience. A new meta-analysis of previous studies shows that biomass of whole fish assemblages in marine reserves is, on average, 670% greater than in adjacent unprotected areas, and 343% greater than in partially-protected MPAs. Marine reserves also help restore the complexity of ecosystems through a chain of ecological effects (trophic cascades) once the abundance of large animals recovers sufficiently. Marine reserves may not be immune to the effects of climate change, but to date, reserves with complex ecosystems are more resilient than unprotected areas. Although marine reserves were conceived to protect ecosystems within their boundaries, they have also been shown to enhance local fisheries and create jobs and new incomes through ecotourism.

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Long-term change in coral cover and the effectiveness of marine protected areas in the Philippines: a meta-analysis

Hydrobiologia ◽

10.1007/s10750-013-1720-5 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 733 (1) ◽

pp. 5-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Evangeline T. Magdaong ◽

Masahiko Fujii ◽

Hiroya Yamano ◽

Wilfredo Y. Licuanan ◽

Aileen Maypa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Coral Cover ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

The Philippines ◽

Term Change

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Drivers of ecological effectiveness in marine partially protected areas

10.31230/osf.io/vfcez ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Mirta Zupan ◽

Eliza Fragkopoulou ◽

Joachim Claudet ◽

Karim Erzini ◽

Bárbara Horta e Costa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Fish Species ◽

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Classification System ◽

Protected Area ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

High Variability ◽

Ecological Benefits ◽

Commercial Fish

The global number of marine protected areas grew exponentially in the last decade to meet international targets. Most of them are partially protected areas (PPAs). Yet, their ecological effectiveness remains unclear due to the high variability of allowed uses. Here, we performed the first global meta-analysis of PPAs following a new regulation-based classification system, to assess their ecological effectiveness. Overall, PPAs are effective relative to unprotected areas but allowed uses are the key feature determining their performance. Highly and moderately regulated PPAs provide higher biomass and abundance of commercial fish species, while weakly regulated PPAs do not exhibit differences relative to unprotected areas. Importantly, the effectiveness of some PPAs can be enhanced by the presence of an adjacent fully protected area (no-take zone). We conclude that limited and well-regulated uses in PPAs and the presence of an adjacent fully protected area confer ecological benefits, on which socio-economic advantages are derived.

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Meta-analysis indicates habitat-specific alterations to primary producer and herbivore communities in marine protected areas

Global Ecology and Conservation ◽

10.1016/j.gecco.2014.10.005 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 289-299 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ben L. Gilby ◽

Tim Stevens

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Primary Producer ◽

Herbivore Communities

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Meta-analysis review of fish trophic level at marine protected areas based on stable isotopes data

Mediterranean Marine Science ◽

10.12681/mms.1628 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 496 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J. J. De LOPE ARIAS ◽

G. MATEU-VICENS ◽

M. DEUDERO COMPANY

Keyword(s):

Stable Isotopes ◽

Food Webs ◽

Protected Areas ◽

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Trophic Level ◽

Coastal Lagoons ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Western Mediterranean ◽

Trophic Levels ◽

Significant Difference

Stable isotopes (δ15N) are used to determine trophic level in marine food webs. We assessed if Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) affect trophic level of fishes based on stable isotopes on the Western Mediterranean. A total of 22 studies including 600 observations were found and the final dataset consisted of 11 fish species and 146 observations comparing trophic level inside and outside MPAs. The database was analysed by meta-analysis and the covariate selected was the level of protection (inside vs. outside MPAs). The results indicate significant difference between trophic levels inside and outside MPAs. However, results differ from expectations since the trophic level inside was lower than outside MPAs. Three habitats were analysed (coastal lagoons, demersal and littoral) and significant differences were found among them. Trophic level was higher in demersal habitats than in coastal lagoons and littoral areas. No significant differences were found in species classified by trophic functional groups. We consider several hypotheses explaining the obtained results linked to protection level of the MPAs, time since protection and MPAs size. We debate the suitability of using the stable isotope (δ15N) as direct indicator of trophic level in evaluating MPAs effects on food webs.

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