Quantifying the conservation value of seascape connectivity: a global synthesis

Abstract

Aim Connectivity structures populations, communities and ecosystems in the sea. The extent of connectivity is, therefore, predicted to also influence the outcomes of conservation initiatives, such as marine reserves. Here we review the published evidence about how important seascape connectivity (i.e. landscape connectivity in the sea) is for marine conservation outcomes.Location Global. MethodsWe analysed the global literature on the effects of seascape connectivity on reserve performance. ResultsIn the majority of cases, greater seascape connectivity inside reserves translates into better conservation outcomes (i.e. enhanced productivity and diversity). Research on reserve performance is, however, most often conducted separately from research on connectivity, resulting in few studies (< 5% of all studies of seascape connectivity) that have quantified how connectivity modifies reserve effects on populations, assemblages or ecosystem functioning in seascapes. Nevertheless, evidence for positive effects of connectivity on reserve performance is geographically widespread, encompassing studies in the Caribbean Sea, Florida Keys and western Pacific Ocean. Main conclusionsGiven that research rarely connects the effects of connectivity and reserves, our thesis is that stronger linkages between landscape ecology and marine spatial planning are likely to improve conservation outcomes in the sea. The key science challenge is to identify the full range of ecological functions that are modulated by connectivity and the spatial scale over which these functions enhance conservation outcomes.

Integrating Larval Dispersal, Permitting, and Logistical Factors Within a Validated Habitat Suitability Index for Oyster Restoration

“…Locations that meet multiple restoration goals simultaneously, such as maximizing population persistence and ecosystem service provision may be justified as restoration priorities. We contend, as have others (e.g., Olds et al, 2016), that stronger linkages between larval connectivity, landscape ecology, stakeholder engagement and spatial planning within HSI models can improve restoration efforts in marine systems by replacing the pervasive piecemeal, ad-hoc approach to restoration with a more holistic, unified approach.…”

Habitat Configuration Alters Herbivory across the Tropical Seascape

“…The present study demonstrates a strong case for greater integration of spatial ecology into ecosystem-based management (Foley et al, 2010;Massol et al, 2011;Olds et al, 2016) and suggests that by explicitly incorporating habitat configuration into conservation planning, we may be better placed to ensure the long-term resilience of such tropical ecosystems (Olds et al, 2012).…”

“…Although we have increasing knowledge of how these ecological processes are critical in different ecosystems (e.g., kelp, coral reef, and seagrass), we have a limited understanding of how landscape may alter this (Olds et al, 2012). We also know little about the ecological consequences of any changes at spatial scales and what they mean in terms of the resilience of systems and their environmental management (Mumby and Hastings, 2008;Olds et al, 2012Olds et al, , 2016.…”

“…In fragmented forests, parasitism on the forest tent caterpillar altered depending on the proportion of forested to unforested land (Roland and Taylor, 1997). The spatial arrangement of habitats across the marine seascape also profoundly alters marine faunal communities in terms of their behavior, resource use, abundance, and diversity (Nagelkerken, 2009;Olds et al, 2016). These differences can result in significant changes in floral and faunal communities and potentially alter their functional ecology (Mumby and Hastings, 2008;Pagès et al, 2014).…”

Seascape ecology in Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows: Linking structure and ecological processes for management

“…Linking direct observations with maps requires addressing aspects of interest indicated by a numerical data, such as width of the edge effect and maximal propagation/dispersal distance of species between one patch and another (Boström et al, 2011;Olds et al, 2016). Unfortunately, even on A.…”