Zane 8

Question 1

What are the characteristics of marine organisms with bipartite life histories? (whats a negative effect?)

Answer 1

• Adults occupy a small area throughout their life, while early life stages (e.g., eggs and larvae) can disperse over wide distances.
• Larvae are often planktonic, meaning they cannot overcome advective transport, leading to potential for high migration and population size fluctuations.

Question 2

How does larval dispersal affect marine population connectivity?

Answer 2

• Larval dispersal is crucial for population connectivity, influencing gene flow and the sustainability of populations across different habitats.
• Dispersal distances depend on factors like larval stage duration and the strength of the advection field, impacting how well populations can sustain themselves.

Question 3

What is the significance of connectivity in marine populations?

Answer 3

• Connectivity, defined as the exchange of individuals between populations, is essential for genetic diversity and population resilience.
• Networks of MPAs that are well-connected can provide greater protection and resilience by ensuring adequate gene flow and population support across different areas.

Question 4

What are the trade-offs in designing MPAs?

Answer 4

• MPA size vs. dispersion scale: If an MPA is too small, it might export all larvae without importing any from outside, while too large MPAs might limit spillover effects to surrounding areas.
• The trade-offs are influenced by MPA goals and the species’ specific ecological characteristics.

Question 5

How are MPAs designed to accommodate highly mobile species?

Answer 5

MPAs may not directly benefit highly mobile species that move beyond protected boundaries. However, tagging studies reveal that some individuals may remain within the reserve, allowing biomass buildup and potential spillover to unprotected areas.

Question 6

What is the role of MPA networks in conservation?

Answer 6

MPA networks, where individual MPAs are interconnected by the movement of individuals, can provide greater protection than isolated MPAs by

• ensuring sustained juvenile supply and
• resilience against local adverse events.

Question 7

What are some criticisms of MPAs, particularly in the Mediterranean?

Answer 7

MPAs in the Mediterranean are often

• insufficient in number,
• unevenly distributed,
• not always based on coherent and representative ecological criteria

Issues such as “paper reserves,” where enforcement is lacking and illegal activities occur, undermine the effectiveness of these MPAs.

Question 8

What are the key questions in MPA design?

Answer 8

• What needs to be protected most urgently?
• Where should it be protected?
• How should it be protected?

Question 9

What factors should be considered in the design of reserves?

Answer 9

Consideration of

• biodiversity,
• species diversity (richness weighted by population sizes)
• which species to prioritize based on their
  1. ecological roles and
  2. vulnerability.

Question 10

What are focal species in conservation, and why are they important?

Answer 10

Focal species include indicator species, flagship species, and umbrella species, which guide conservation efforts by highlighting specific biocenoses, representing symbolic value, or protecting broader ecosystems.

Question 11

What is the Biodiversity Hotspot concept, and how does it guide conservation?

Answer 11

The concept emphasizes conserving areas with high species richness, focusing first on regions with many endemic species that are most threatened by development.

Question 12

How is the success of MPAs measured?
What factors contribute to the success of MPA’s?

Answer 12

Success is measured through

• biophysical (ecological),
• socio-economic,
• governance outcomes.

Factors like community engagement, socio-economic characteristics, ecological knowledge, MPA design, governance, and enforcement contribute to the effectiveness of MPAs.

Question 13

What is the significance of the 30x30 target in marine conservation?

Answer 13

The 30x30 target, set during the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, aims to conserve at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 through ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas.

Question 14

What is the SLOSS debate in MPA design, and what are its implications?

Answer 14

The SLOSS (Single Large or Several Small) debate discusses whether a single large reserve or several small reserves are more effective in conserving biodiversity. The decision depends on

• species needs,
• habitat types, and
• conservation goals.

Question 15

Why is connectivity crucial for the success of MPAs?

Answer 15

Connectivity ensures the movement of genes, organisms, and nutrients between distinct habitats and ecosystems, supporting population stability, genetic diversity, and resilience.

Question 16

What insights can be gained from the genetic work conducted in the Coconet project?

Answer 16

The genetic analysis across different Adriatic and Black Sea sites revealed that most species genetically heterogenous, indicating isolation among some sites and the importance of understanding species-specific connectivity patterns for effective MPA design.

Question 17

How can MPA size impact fisheries?

Answer 17

For sedentary species, smaller MPAs can enhance local fisheries through spillover effects, while for more mobile species, larger reserves or networks of smaller reserves may be necessary to sustain fisheries benefits over the long term.

Question 18

Why is connectivity important in Conservation?

Answer 18

Question 19

How can we estimate connectivity?

Answer 19

Question 20

what are MPA’s and why are they important tools for conservation?

Answer 20