Often Overlooked: Understanding and Meeting the Current Challenges of Marine Invertebrate Conservation

Abstract

Making up over 92% of life in our oceans, marine invertebrates inhabit every zone in the water column, with contributions ranging from ecosystem functioning to socioeconomic development. Compared to charismatic species, marine invertebrates are often underrepresented in IUCN reports and national conservation efforts. Because of this, as climate change intensifies in conjunction with increasing anthropogenic pressures such as habitat destruction, many marine invertebrates are at risk of silently heading toward extinction. However, public perception has shifted in recent years due to the growing awareness of the important roles these invertebrates play in marine and human life. This change may promote greater support for future research and conservation campaigns of key species. This review highlights the importance of marine invertebrates, the environmental and anthropogenic stressors they are currently facing, and the inherent challenges in their successful conservation. Potential solutions to fill the gaps in current knowledge will be also explored in the context of recent globalization and technological advancements. The loss of marine invertebrate biodiversity will have cascading ecological, economic, and sociological repercussions, so compiling key information into a holistic review will add to the conversation of the importance of global marine invertebrate conservation.

β‐diversity reveals ecological connectivity patterns underlying marine community recovery: Implications for conservation

“…So far, most research on connectivity in the marine realm has focused on fish species through genetic assessments and dispersal simulations to inform on the size and spacing of MPAs and, ultimately, to enhance spillover effects and benefits for fisheries (Harrison et al, 2020; Hogan et al, 2010; Krueck et al, 2017), largely neglecting macroinvertebrates and, above all, macrobenthic assemblages. This is probably because, despite their ecological importance for marine ecosystems, the consequences of human activities on these assemblages are often overlooked (Chen, 2021). Sessile macrozoobenthos and macroalgal forests play a major ecological role in structuring rocky habitats and sustaining the associated biota, and evidence of the increasing degradation of these systems is mounting worldwide, which has motivated calls for developing effective strategies to protect their integrity (Bevilacqua et al, 2021; Hughes et al, 2010; Krumhansl et al, 2016).…”

Bacterial polysaccharide cues invertebrate settlement and metamorphosis

“…In contrast, very few studies focus on the coming climate impacts on the bio lms that establish and maintain these communities. As climate change continues to threaten the health, resilience, and persistence of marine benthic communities 43 , we must better understand the role of bacterial bio lms in stimulating settlement and metamorphosis in marine invertebrates and the processes and drivers that establish and maintain benthic marine communities. The interplay between bacteria-induced development and the ecological impact of the interaction is clear, emphasizing anew the importance of investigating development and ecology together 44 .…”

Microbiome composition and function within the Kellet’s whelk perivitelline fluid

“…The PVF may also contain functional microbiomes that can be vertically transferred to the PVF of egg capsules. Little is known about the diversity and function of microbial communities in relation to marine invertebrates, especially in PVF, due to their underrepresentation in scientific research ( 24 ). However, existing literature suggests that microorganisms may be deposited into the PVF and on the surface of eggs by egg-laying mothers in order to contribute to the embryo development and protection ( 25 – 27 ).…”