Observations of sharks (Elasmobranchii) at Europa Island, a remote marine protected area important for shark conservation in the southern Mozambique Channel

Sharks have declined worldwide and remote sanctuaries are becoming crucial for shark conservation. The southwest Indian Ocean is a hotspot of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity mostly impacted by anthropogenic damage. Sharks were observed during surveys performed from April to June 2013 in the virtually pristine coral reefs around Europa Island, a remote Marine Protected Area located in the southern Mozambique Channel. Observation events comprised 67 1-hour scientific dives between 5 – 35m depth and 7 snorkeling inspections, as well as 4 dinghy-based observations in the shallow lagoon. In a period of 24 days, 475 sharks were tallied. Carcharhinus galapagensis was most encountered and contributed 20% of the abundance during diving, followed by C. albimarginatus (10%). Both species were more abundant between 11-14h, and on the exposed sides of the island. Numbers of Sphyrna lewini were highest with 370 individuals windward and leeward, mostly schooling. S. lewini aggregations in the area are hypothesized to be attracted to the seamount archipelago offering favorable conditions for deep incursions and of which Europa Island forms part. C. amblyrhynchos, Galeocerdo cuvier and S. mokarran were uncommon, while there was an additional observation of Rhincodon typus. The lagoon of Europa was a nursery ground for C. melanopterus where it was the only species present. A total of 8 species was recorded, contributing to the shark diversity of 15 species reported from Europa since 1952 in the scientific and gray literature. Overall, with the occurrence of several species of apex predators in addition to that of R. typus, large schools of S. lewini, fair numbers of reef sharks and a nursery of C. melanopterus, Europa’s sharks constitute a significant reservoir of biodiversity, which contributes to preserve the functioning of the ecosystem. Our observations highlight the relevance of Europa Island for shark conservation and the need for shark-targeted management in the EEZ of both Europa and Bassas da India.

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Inter-island movements of scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and seasonal connectivity in a marine protected area of the eastern tropical Pacific

Marine Biology ◽

10.1007/s00227-014-2393-y ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 161 (4) ◽

pp. 939-951 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

James T. Ketchum ◽

Alex Hearn ◽

A. Peter Klimley ◽

César Peñaherrera ◽

Eduardo Espinoza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Tropical Pacific ◽

Eastern Tropical Pacific ◽

Sphyrna Lewini ◽

Scalloped Hammerhead ◽

Hammerhead Sharks

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Visitation and economic impact of whale shark tourism in a Maldivian marine protected area

10.7287/peerj.preprints.360 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Edgar Fernando Cagua ◽

Neal M Collins ◽

James Hancock ◽

Richard Rees

Keyword(s):

Mixed Models ◽

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Economic Valuation ◽

Whale Shark ◽

Management Plans ◽

Whale Sharks ◽

Guest Satisfaction ◽

Shark Conservation ◽

Direct Expenditure

Whale sharks are a major attraction for tourist divers and snorkelers in South Ari Atoll, Maldives. Yet without information regarding the use and economic extent of the attraction, it is difficult to prioritize conservation or implement effective management plans. Using empirical recreational data and generalized mixed models, this study provides the first economic valuation—via direct spend—of whale shark tourism in Maldives. We estimate that direct expenditure on whale shark excursions in the South Ari Marine Protected Area for 2012–2013 at US$7.6 and $9.4 million, respectively. These expenditures are based on an estimate of 72 to 78 thousand tourists who are involved in whale shark excursions annually. This level of visitation and expenditure highlights the need to implement regulations and management which can safeguard the sustainability of the industry through ensuring guest satisfaction and whale shark conservation.

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KESESUAIAN JENIS ALAT PENANGKAPAN IKAN PADA ZONA PEMANFAATAN TRADISIONAL MISOOL, RAJA AMPAT Suitability of Fishing Gear Type in Traditional Use Zone of Misool, Raja Ampat

Marine Fisheries Journal of Marine Fisheries Technology and Management ◽

10.29244/jmf.9.1.25-38 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 25

Author(s):

Ridwan Sala ◽

Domu Simbolon ◽

Sugeng Hari Wisudo ◽

John Haluan ◽

Roza Yusfiandayani

Keyword(s):

Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽

Analytical Hierarchy Process ◽

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Fishing Gear ◽

Analytic Hierarchy ◽

Traditional Use ◽

Fishing Gears ◽

Hierarchy Process

Traditional use zones (TUZ) of Misool is located within the marine protected area of Misool which has high marine biodiversity, especially coral and reef fish. Regulating the use of fishing gears in TUZ of Misool,it is essential to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems and fisheries in the region. The objective of this study isto determine the suitability of fishing gear inthe depth zone of less than 50 m and more than 50 m in Misool TUZ, Raja Ampat. The fishing gear suitability was assessed based on bioecological, social, and legal aspects. The method used in this research was analytic hierarchy process (AHP) whichderivesthe prioritiesfor criteria and alternative fishing gear using expert judgment. The results of the analysis showed that fishing gears that wasmost appropriate to be operated in the zone which has thewater depth of less than 50 m was handline. The most decisive criteria for thiswasthat the fishing gear was undestructive to coral reef ecosystem and seagrass ecosystem. In addition,fishing gears that were suitable inthe zone with depth more than 50 m were trolline and handline, and the most decisive criteria wasthe availability of fish target and not causing conflict between fishermen. On the other hand gillnet and liftnet had a low compatibility to be used in both zones.Keywords: Analytic hierarchy process, marine protected area,Misool Raja Ampat,suitability of fishing gear, traditional use zones ABSTRAKZona pemanfaatan tradisional (ZPT) Misool terletak di dalam kawasan lindung laut Misool yang memiliki keanekaragaman hayati laut yang tinggi, terutama ikan dan terumbu karang. Oleh karena itu,pengaturan penggunaan alat tangkap ikan di ZPT Misool sangat penting untuk menjamin keberlanjutan ekosistem laut dan perikanan di wilayah ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kesesuaian alat tangkap untuk dioperasikan di zona perairan pada kedalaman kurang dari 50 m dan lebih dari 50 m di ZPT Misool, Raja Ampat. Kesesuaian alat penangkapan ikan dinilai berdasarkan aspek bioekologi, sosial dan legal. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) dengan pembobotan terhadap kriteria dan alternatif alat tangkap menggunakan penilaian pakar. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa alat tangkap yang paling sesuai digunakan di zona perairan pada kedalaman kurang dari 50 m adalah pancing ulur, dengan kriteria yang paling menentukan adalah tidak merusak ekosistem terumbu karang dan ekosistem padang lamun. Kemudian pada zona perairan pada kedalaman lebih dari 50 m, alat tangkap yang sesuai digunakan adalah pancing tonda dan pancing ulur, dengan kriteria yang paling menentukan adalah ketersediaan target ikan dan tidak menimbulkan konflik antara nelayan. Alat tangkap jarring insang dan bagan perahu memiliki kesesuain yang rendah untuk digunakan dikedua zona.Kata kunci: Analytical Hierarchy Process,kesesuaian alat tangkap, zona pemanfaatan tradisional, Marine Protected Area, Misool Raja Ampat

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Bacterial communities in sediment of a Mediterranean marine protected area

Canadian Journal of Microbiology ◽

10.1139/cjm-2016-0406 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 303-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Valentina Catania ◽

Gianluca Sarà ◽

Luca Settanni ◽

Paola Quatrini

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Diversity ◽

Bacterial Communities ◽

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Gram Positive ◽

Degrading Bacteria ◽

Harbour Sediment ◽

Changes Over Time ◽

Impacted Site

Biodiversity is crucial in preservation of ecosystems, and bacterial communities play an indispensable role for the functioning of marine ecosystems. The Mediterranean marine protected area (MPA) “Capo Gallo–Isola delle Femmine” was instituted to preserve marine biodiversity. The bacterial diversity associated with MPA sediment was compared with that from sediment of an adjacent harbour exposed to intense nautical traffic. The MPA sediment showed higher diversity with respect to the impacted site. A 16S rDNA clone library of the MPA sediment allowed the identification of 7 phyla: Proteobacteria (78%), Firmicutes (11%), Acidobacteria (3%), Actinobacteria (3%), Bacteroidetes (2%), Planctomycetes (2%), and Cyanobacteria (1%). Analysis of the hydrocarbon (HC)-degrading bacteria was performed using enrichment cultures. Most of the MPA sediment isolates were affiliated with Gram-positive G+C rich bacteria, whereas the majority of taxa in the harbour sediment clustered with Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria; no Gram-positive HC degraders were isolated from the harbour sediment. Our results show that protection probably has an influence on bacterial diversity, and suggest the importance of monitoring the effects of protection at microbial level as well. This study creates a baseline of data that can be used to assess changes over time in bacterial communities associated with a Mediterranean MPA.

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Movement patterns of juvenile porcupine rays Urogymnus asperrimus at a remote atoll: a potential nursery ground within a proposed marine protected area

Environmental Biology of Fishes ◽

10.1007/s10641-019-00927-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 102 (12) ◽

pp. 1485-1498

Author(s):

Chantel Elston ◽

Paul D. Cowley ◽

Rainer G. von Brandis

Keyword(s):

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Movement Patterns ◽

Nursery Ground

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Marine soundscape and fish biophony of a Mediterranean marine protected area

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.12551 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e12551

Author(s):

Gabriella La Manna ◽

Marta Picciulin ◽

Alessia Crobu ◽

Francesco Perretti ◽

Fabio Ronchetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Sea ◽

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Acoustic Monitoring ◽

Western Mediterranean ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Visual Census ◽

Fish Sounds ◽

The Impact

Background Marine soundscape is the aggregation of sound sources known as geophony, biophony, and anthrophony. The soundscape analysis, in terms of collection and analysis of acoustic signals, has been proposed as a tool to evaluate the specific features of ecological assemblages and to estimate their acoustic variability over space and time. This study aimed to characterise the Capo Caccia-Isola Piana Marine Protected Area (Italy, Western Mediterranean Sea) soundscape over short temporal (few days) and spatial scales (few km) and to quantify the main anthropogenic and biological components, with a focus on fish biophonies. Methods Within the MPA, three sites were chosen each in a different protection zone (A for the integral protection, B as the partial protection, and C as the general protection). In each site, two underwater autonomous acoustic recorders were deployed in July 2020 at a depth of about 10 m on rocky bottoms. To characterise the contribution of both biophonies and anthrophonies, sea ambient noise (SAN) levels were measured as sound pressure level (SPL dB re: 1 μ Pa-rms) at eight 1/3 octave bands, centred from 125 Hz to 16 kHz, and biological and anthropogenic sounds were noted. Fish sounds were classified and counted following a catalogue of known fish sounds from the Mediterranean Sea based on the acoustic characteristic of sound types. A contemporary fish visual census had been carried out at the test sites. Results SPL were different by site, time (day vs. night), and hour. SPLs bands centred at 125, 250, and 500 Hz were significantly higher in the daytime, due to the high number of boats per minute whose noise dominated the soundscapes. The loudest man-made noise was found in the A zone, followed by the B and the C zone, confirming that MPA current regulations do not provide protection from acoustic pollution. The dominant biological components of the MPA soundscape were the impulsive sounds generated by some invertebrates, snapping shrimps and fish. The vast majority of fish sounds were recorded at the MPA site characterized by the highest sound richness, abundance, and Shannon-Wiener index, coherently with the results of a fish visual census. Moreover, the acoustic monitoring detected a sound associated with a cryptic species (Ophidion spp.) never reported in the study area before, further demonstrating the usefulness of passive acoustic monitoring as a complementary technique to species census. This study provides baseline data to detect future changes of the marine soundscapes and some suggestions to reduce the impact of noise on marine biodiversity.

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A new record of kelp Lessonia spicata (Suhr) Santelices in the Sub-Antarctic Channels: implications for the conservation of the “huiro negro” in the Chilean coast

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.7610 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. e7610 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sebastián Rosenfeld ◽

Fabio Mendez ◽

Martha S. Calderon ◽

Francisco Bahamonde ◽

Juan Pablo Rodríguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protected Area ◽

New Record ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

Rocky Shores ◽

High Latitudes ◽

Southern Chile ◽

Central Chile ◽

Chilean Coast

The Katalalixar National Reserve (KNR) lies in an isolated marine protected area of Magellan Sub-Antarctic channels, which represent an important area for marine biodiversity and macroalgal conservation. The present study is the first report of the species Lessonia spicata, “huiro negro”, in the Magellan Sub-Antarctic channels. This finding has implications for macroalgal biogeography and conservation concerns in the Chilean coast. In the ecological assessments of the KNR in 2018 we found populations of L. spicata, specifically on rocky shores of Torpedo Island and Castillo Channel. The morphological identification and molecular phylogeny based on nuclear (ITS1) sequences revealed that these populations of Lessonia are within the lineage of L. spicata of central Chile. This report increases the species richness of kelps for the Magellan Sub-Antarctic Channels from two to three confirmed species (L. flavicans, L. searlesiana and L. spicata), and it also extends the southern distribution range of L. spicata. This species has high harvest demand and is moving towards southern Chile; thus, these populations should be considered as essential for macroalgal conservation in high latitudes of South America.

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Assessing the effectiveness of a large marine protected area for reef shark conservation

Biological Conservation ◽

10.1016/j.biocon.2017.01.009 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 207 ◽

pp. 64-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

Timothy D. White ◽

Aaron B. Carlisle ◽

David A. Kroodsma ◽

Barbara A. Block ◽

Renato Casagrandi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Reef Shark ◽

Shark Conservation

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Marine Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Strategy for Dabijiashan National Special Marine Protected Area

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.448-453.4329 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 448-453 ◽

pp. 4329-4332

Author(s):

Yu Ning Liu ◽

Li Juan Cao ◽

Zi Chang Shangguan

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Development Strategy ◽

Fisheries Management ◽

Conservation Biology ◽

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Structural Diversity ◽

Marine Ecology ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Management And Conservation

Marine protected area fulfills three key functions in modern conservation: conserving marine biodiversity, maintaining productivity, and contributing to economic and social welfare. Marine biodiversity in marine protected area is very important problem for marine ecology, fisheries management, and conservation biology. Evaluation for value of marine biodiversity and biological structural diversity are discussed in the paper. Sustainable development strategies for Dabijiashan national special marine protected area are investigated.

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Species diversity and status of key marine habitats in Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, Quang Nam province

Tạp chí Khoa học và Công nghệ Biển ◽

10.15625/1859-3097/15078 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 201-213

Author(s):

Long Nguyen Van ◽

Tuan Vo Si ◽

Vu Nguyen Van

Keyword(s):

Coral Reefs ◽

Protected Area ◽

Marine Protected Area ◽

Good Condition ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Rocky Shores ◽

Seagrass Beds ◽

Soft Bottom ◽

Marine Habitats ◽

Submerged Reefs

In recent years, several studies relating to assessments of marine biodiversity conducted in the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area. However, the data and information from these studies have not been synthesized. This study was based on analyses of data and information from 22 sites of coral reefs, ten sites of rocky shores, five sites of seagrass beds, eight sites of Sargassum beds, and four sites on soft-bottom communities conducted in 1994, 2004, 2008, 2016 and 2017. A total of 976 species belonging to 223 families of 9 common groups (330 species corals, 277 species of fishes, 156 species mollusks, 91 species seaweeds, 71 species of polychaetes, 24 species crustaceans, 22 species of echinoderms and five species of seagrasses) were found. Coral reefs supported the highest number of species (779 species) compared to that of the soft- bottom (135 species), seagrass beds (124 species), and rocky shores (58 species). In general, most of the coral reefs and seagrass beds were not in good condition, with a low mean cover of hard corals (24,8 ± 15,7%) and of seagrasses (11,9 ± 11,6%). Densities of target macro-invertebrates and fishes with large sizes and high value were extremely low, giving exception of a high density of large fishes of fusiliers, snappers, emperors, rabbitfishes, queenfishes, barracuda) found at Bai Dau Tai, Bai Bac, Hon Mo, Hon Tai and the submerged reefs (Ran La, Ran Manh).

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