By linking iterative learning and knowledge generation with power-sharing, adaptive co-management (ACM) provides a potential solution to resolving complex social-ecological problems. In this paper we evaluate ACM as a mechanism for resolving conservation conflict using a case study in Scotland, where seal and salmon fishery stakeholders have opposing and entrenched objectives. ACM emerged in 2002, successfully resolving this long-standing conflict. Applying evaluation approaches from the literature, in 2011 we interviewed stakeholders to characterise the evolution of ACM, and factors associated with its success over 10 years. In common with other ACM cases, triggers for the process were shifts in slow variables controlling the system (seal and salmon abundance, public perceptions of seal shooting), and exogenous shocks (changes in legal mandates, a seal disease outbreak). Also typical of ACM, three phases of evolution were evident: emerging local leadership preparing the system for change, a policy window of opportunity, and stakeholder partnerships building the resilience of the system. Parameters maintaining ACM were legal mechanisms and structures, legal power held by government, and the willingness of all stakeholders to reach a compromise and experiment with an alternative governance approach. Results highlighted the critical role of government power and support in resolving conservation conflict, which may constrain the extent of local stakeholder-driven ACM. The evaluation also demonstrated how, following perceived success, the trajectory of ACM has shifted to a 'stakeholder apathy' phase, with declining leadership, knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and system resilience. We discuss remedial actions required to revive the process, and the importance of long term government resourcing and alternative financing schemes for successful conflict resolution. Based on the results we present a generic indicator framework and participatory method for the longitudinal evaluation of ACM applied to conservation conflict resolution.

Seasonal and ontogenetic variations in depth use by benthic species are often concomitant with changes in their spatial distribution. This has implications for the efficacy of spatial conservation measures such as marine protected areas (MPAs). The critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) is the designation feature of an MPA in Scotland. This species is generally associated with deeper waters >100 m; however, little is known about its seasonal or ontogenetic variation in habitat use. This study used archival depth data from 25 immature and mature flapper skate tagged in the MPA over multiple years. Time series ranged from 3 to 772 (mean = 246) days. Generalised additive mixed models and highest density intervals were used to identify home (95%) and core (50%) highest density depth regions (HDDRs) to quantify depth use in relation to time of year and body size. Skate used a total depth range of 1–312 m, but home HDDRs typically occurred between 20 and 225 m. Core HDDRs displayed significant seasonal and ontogenetic variations. Summer core HDDRs (100–150 m) suggest high occupancy of the deep trenches in the region by skate of most size classes. There was an inverse relationship between body size and depth use and a seasonal trend of skate moving into shallow water over winter months. These results suggest that flapper skate are not solely associated with deep water, as skate, especially large females, are frequently found in shallow waters (25–75 m). The current management, which protects the entire depth range, is appropriate for the protection of flapper skate through much of its life history. This research demonstrates why collecting data across seasonal scales and multiple ontogenetic stages is needed to assess the effectiveness of spatial management.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are widely used in marine management, but for mobile species understanding the spatio‐temporal scale of management measures that is required to deliver conservation benefits depends on a detailed knowledge of species’ movements that is often lacking. This is especially the case for species of skate (Rajidae) for which relatively few movement studies have been conducted. In Scotland, the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura MPA covering 741 km2 has been designated for the conservation of the Critically Endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius), but fine‐scale movements within this area remain poorly understood. A passive acoustic telemetry study which coupled acoustic tagging of 42 individuals and a static array of 58 receivers was conducted from March 2016 to June 2017. Using acoustic detection time series, angler capture–recapture data and depth time series from archival tags, fine‐scale movements of individuals were investigated. Overall, 33 of the 42 tagged individuals were detected. Residency, site fidelity and transiency were documented. Residency around receivers, lasting from 3 to more than 12 months, was documented in 16 acoustically detected individuals (48%) and all life‐history categories, but was most noticeable among females. Acoustic detections were associated with depth, salinity and season, but there was no evidence that individuals formed close‐knit groups in the areas in which they were detected. Taken together with historical occurrence records of flapper skate, the prevalence and scale of residency documented here suggest that the MPA is sufficiently large to benefit a notable percentage (38 [24–52]%) of skate found in the study area over monthly and seasonal timescales. This result strengthens the case for the use of MPAs to support the conservation of flapper skate and other skate species that display similar movement patterns in areas of high local abundance.

Diurnal and seasonal water relations were measured in selected species of a Banksia woodland at a site with groundwater at a depth of 6–7 m. The canopy co‐dominants Banksia attenuata and Banksia menziesii exhibited similar patterns of variation in water relations, both diurnally and seasonally. Stomatal conductance was usually 0.4–0.5 cm s−1 diurnally and seasonally and, generally, did not respond to water deficit and other factors. Transpiration was correlated positively with factors indicative of atmospheric evaporative demand, especially total global radiation and pan evaporation, and was highest in summer when canopy water use reached 2.1 mm d−1. Xylem pressure potential at dawn averaged −0.25 MPa in both species throughout the year. Minimum xylem pressure potential varied seasonally and was negatively correlated with transpiration. Seasonal means of minimum xylem pressure potential varied from −1.0 MPa in winter to −1.5 MPa in early summer. Both Banksia species appeared to function as phreatophytes, utilizing groundwater which enabled them to maintain high rates of water use in late summer. Water use over a 12 month period totalled 635 mm, of which the canopy and understorey contributed 61% and 39%, respectively. Water use in the woodland was dominated by the canopy in late summer and the understorey at other times.