Adaptive management of the Great Barrier Reef: A globally significant demonstration of the benefits of networks of marine reserves

McCook, Laurence, Ayling, Anthony, Cappo, Mike, Choat, J. Howard, Evans, Richard D., De Freitas, Debora M., Heupel, Michelle, Hughes, Terry P., Jones, Geoffrey P., Mapstone, Bruce, Marsh, Helene, Mills, Morena, Molloy, Fergus J., Pitcher, C. Roland, Pressey, Robert L., Russ, Garry R., Sutton, Stephen, Sweatman, Hugh, Tobin, Renae, Wachenfeld, David R., and Williamson, David H. (2010) Adaptive management of the Great Barrier Reef: A globally significant demonstration of the benefits of networks of marine reserves. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107 (43). 18278- 18285.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

[img] PDF (Supplemental Information) - Supplemental Material
Restricted to Repository staff only

[img] PDF (Supplemental Information) - Supplemental Material
Restricted to Repository staff only

[img] PDF (Supplemental Information) - Supplemental Material
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.090933510...
 
372
34


Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) provides a globally significant demonstration of the effectiveness of large-scale networks of marine reserves in contributing to integrated, adaptive management. Comprehensive review of available evidence shows major, rapid benefits of no-take areas for targeted fish and sharks, in both reef and nonreef habitats, with potential benefits for fisheries as well as biodiversity conservation. Large, mobile species like sharks benefit less than smaller, site-attached fish. Critically, reserves also appear to benefit overall ecosystem health and resilience: outbreaks of coral-eating, crown-of-thorns starfish appear less frequent on no-take reefs, which consequently have higher abundance of coral, the very foundation of reef ecosystems. Effective marine reserves require regular review of compliance: fish abundances in no-entry zones suggest that even no-take zones may be significantly depleted due to poaching. Spatial analyses comparing zoning with seabed biodiversity or dugong distributions illustrate significant benefits from application of best-practice conservation principles in data-poor situations. Increases in the marine reserve network in 2004 affected fishers, but preliminary economic analysis suggests considerable net benefits, in terms of protecting environmental and tourism values. Relative to the revenue generated by reef tourism, current expenditure on protection is minor. Recent implementation of an Outlook Report provides regular, formal review of environmental condition and management and links to policy responses, key aspects of adaptive management. Given the major threat posed by climate change, the expanded network of marine reserves provides a critical and cost-effective contribution to enhancing the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

Item ID: 8986
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1091-6490
Keywords: biodiversity protection; spatial planning and zoning; social and ecological resilience; coral reefs; economic cost benefit analysis
Additional Information:

This article contains supporting information online at www. pnas.org/cgi/content/full/0909335107/DCSupplemental.

Date Deposited: 18 Mar 2010 03:27
FoR Codes: 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050202 Conservation and Biodiversity @ 50%
05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management @ 30%
07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0704 Fisheries Sciences > 070403 Fisheries Management @ 20%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9606 Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation > 960604 Environmental Management Systems @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 34
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page