Invasion underway

Ecosystem‐based management and conservation approaches such as marine protected areas (MPAs) require large amounts of ecological data to be implemented and adaptively managed. Recently, many citizen science programs have endeavored to help provide these much‐needed data. Implementation of MPAs under the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative in Southern California was followed by a monitoring program to establish a comprehensive baseline of the ecological conditions of several marine ecosystems at the time of MPA implementation. This baseline monitoring consortium involved several citizen science monitoring programs alongside more traditional academic monitoring programs, creating an opportunity to evaluate the potential for citizen scientists to become more involved in future long‐term monitoring efforts. We investigated different citizen science models, their program goals, and contributions to MPA baseline monitoring, including their respective monitoring protocols and data quality assurance measures, in the context of the goals of the MLPA baseline monitoring program. We focused on three very different case studies: (i) commercial fishermen and other volunteers collaborating with researchers to study the California spiny lobster, (ii) volunteer divers monitoring rocky reefs with the Reef Check California (RCCA) program and (iii) middle and high school students monitoring the inter‐tidal life of rocky shore and sandy beach ecosystems with the National Marine Sanctuaries’ Long‐term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students (LiMPETS) program. We elucidate capacities and potential of citizen science approaches for MPA baseline monitoring and for building capacity towards sustainable long‐term monitoring of MPAs. Results from this study will be relevant and timely as the monitoring of California's MPAs transitions from baseline to long‐term monitoring, and as citizen science continues to become more prevalent in California and elsewhere.

Introduction to the development of models with dynamic structure for marine ecosystems

One measure of the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is their relationship to each other as source or sink areas of marine organisms at different life stages. Here we use the ocean circulation model ROMS (Regional Ocean Modeling System), coupled to the sea ice model CICE (Community Ice CodE), and the particle-tracking model ROMSPath to estimate connectivity among MPAs located off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The focus of this study is on connectivity in terms of passive particles ( i.e. , particles whose movements are sums of advection by simulated currents and small, random movements that represent the effect of sub-grid scale circulation features). ROMS and CICE are used to simulate the daily-mean, three-dimensional (3D) ocean state during 2015–2018, which are averaged into seasonal means and used as inputs for ROMSPath. Three MPAs are considered: Banc-des-Américains (BdA) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Saint Anns Bank (SAB) in Cabot Strait between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Scotian Shelf, and Gully on the offshore edge of the Scotian Shelf. In each experiment, passive particles are released in an MPA, at the 5-m depth, into a seasonal-mean, 3D circulation field and tracked for 90 days. Particle distributions after 30, 60, and 90 days, composited for each season over 2015–2018, are used to assess the results of the experiments. The results indicate the strongest connection among the MPAs occurs between the SAB and Gully MPAs in the summer, with ~11% of particles released from the former being in the latter after 60 days, followed by BdA and SAB in the winter with ~8% of particles from the former being in the latter after 90 days. Connection between the BdA and Gully MPAs is weak, and year-to-year variability among the experimental results suggests this weak connection is influenced by variability in the St. Lawrence River’s discharge. The experimental results suggest the BdA and SAB MPAs can act as source areas to downstream MPAs for larvae of snow crab, a commercially important species in the region. We also qualitatively examine the role of ROMSPath’s horizontal diffusivity (which controls the particles’ small, random movements).

Spatial variation of intertidal assemblages at Tavolara-Capo Coda Cavallo MPA (NE Sardinia): geographical vs. protection effect

Underwater photography is increasing in popularity. It can have positive effects such as conservation awareness and citizen science. Often, however, photographers neglect good environmental practices and engage in potentially damaging behaviors to the marine environment. The management of underwater photography is particularly relevant in marine protected areas (MPAs), where uses of the marine environment need to be carefully balanced. This study aimed to assess and compare underwater photographers' and nonphotographers' knowledge of codes of conduct in MPAs, as well as self-reported and observed compliance with these codes of conduct, and perceptions of the health of the marine environment including dive sites. Through direct observations and questionnaires, 84 divers were studied in three Italian MPAs in the summer of 2021. The difference between underwater photographers and nonphotographers was stark, with the former being more likely to violate MPA rules compared to the latter. There was no difference in knowledge of the effects of their behavior on the marine environment between underwater photographers and nonphotographers. Our results can help provide management considerations to reduce the impacts of underwater photography. Awareness campaigns, predive briefings and the promotion of low-impact underwater photography courses can help to limit unsustainable underwater behaviors among underwater photographers. Effective regulation of underwater photography can increase the carrying capacity of dive sites and have positive environmental and economic effects on MPAs and diving destinations.

Ecospace biomass-dynamics models for the central North Pacific predict strong space-time variation in abundances of various trophic groups in relation to nutrient-driven patterns in primary production and circulation-driven concentration of production in convergence areas. The model predicts simple patterns in ecosystem organization and abundances along productivity gradients. Predicted patterns are robust to alternative assumptions about how mobile organisms may alter dispersal behavior in relation to local fitness (per capita gain from net food intake minus predation mortality). Large marine protected areas (MPAs) would be needed to rebuild endangered populations and counter impacts of growing fishing effort. We expected that increases in dispersal rate in response to lower food availability and higher predation risk would reduce efficacy of MPAs as a management tool. Instead, simulations indicated that this negative effect may generally be eliminated or even reversed by positive effects of fitness-maximizing behaviors. Interannual variability in ocean circulation can further reduce the efficacy of MPAs; therefore, the dynamic nature of pelagic environments should also be considered in MPA design. Anomalies in ocean circulation may shift productive areas relative to MPA location, resulting in increased fishing mortality and (or) misinterpretation of catch statistics.

Anthropogenic disturbances affect ecosystem structure and functioning. The quantification of their impacts on highly diverse and structurally complex ecosystems, such as coral reefs, is challenging. These communities are facing rising fishing pressure, particularly on Pacific Islands such as New Caledonia. The main objective was to quantify harvesting effects on invertebrate assemblages across two contrasting habitats (soft- and hard-bottom), by comparing communities in marine protected areas (MPAs) with non-MPAs using 10 biological and ecological traits. Patterns of trait composition were compared with those of species composition by non-metric multidimensional scaling and permutational analysis of variance analyses. Traits most responsible for differences between MPAs and non-MPAs were determined using SIMPER analysis, and predictions on shellfishing effects were discussed. A total of 248 species were recorded in hard-bottom communities, mainly characterized by mobile epifauna living on corals, crawling, and possessing a shell (molluscs) or a cuticle (crabs and echinoderms). Soft-bottom habitats contained 166 species, dominated by burrowing and sedentary species, especially shelled (largely bivalves) and worm-like organisms. Clear differences in species and trait composition between MPA and non-MPAs were highlighted in both habitats. Harvesting activities have community-wide effects that change the functional composition of invertebrate assemblages, in particular in terms of living habits and mobility. The observed shifts in benthic communities can affect the functioning of tropical coastal ecosystems and need to be included in small-scale fisheries management in poorly known tropical environments.

Reef check California: citizen scientist divers monitor California's marine protected areas

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are found circumglobally in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters, and their known seasonal aggregations and migratory movements are influenced by factors such as ocean currents, thermobiological systems, and patterns of productivity. Several locations in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean are known habitats for R. typus; Although it has long been known that whale sharks aggregate along the Panama coast, little is known in relation to their movement patterns, behavior, and habitat use. In this study, we investigated the movements and behaviors of R. typus tagged in Panama in relation to oceanographic variables and examined the overlap of foraging habitat and migratory routes with marine protected areas (MPAs), industrial fishing areas, and marine traffic. Satellite tracks from 30 R. typus tagged in the coastal waters of Panama were examined, including nine tags suspicious of earlier detachment. A hidden Markov model was then used to identify different behavioral states (foraging and migrating) and their relationships with environmental variables (sea surface temperature, primary productivity, chlorophyll-a concentrations, and eddy location/speed) Tracks were also superimposed on maps of MPAs, industrial fishing areas, and regional marine vessel traffic to identify the degree of overlap. Rhincodon typus foraged mainly within the Panamanian exclusive economic zone but also moved north and south along the coast and out to the open ocean. Significant differences in environmental conditions were found between sites in which foraging and migrating behaviors were recorded. Higher productivity and chlorophyl concentration were associated with foraging behavior, while higher eddy speeds were observed when sharks migrated. Rhincodon typus used MPAs; however, there was a high degree of overlap between their habitat and areas of industrial fishing and marine vessel traffic. Our results highlight the use of the coastal waters of Panama, oceanic seamounts, and ridges, MPAs and industrial fishing areas by R. typus for foraging and migration. Additionally, our findings highlight the importance of satellite tracking studies for understanding the behavior and habitat use of highly mobile migratory species, such as R. typus.

High-frequency sea-level oscillations (with periods shorter than three hours) occasionally reach significant amplitudes along the eastern Adriatic coast, posing risks to coastal infrastructure and communities. These oscillations are often driven by rapid atmospheric pressure disturbances that travel towards the shore, where local topography can amplify the resulting sea-level response - especially in bays and harbors along the Croatian coast. The most extreme events of this type are meteotsunamis. Understanding the relationship between atmospheric forcing and sea-level response is crucial for developing meteotsunami forecasting and early warning systems in vulnerable Adriatic locations.In this study, we explore the connection between high-frequency components of 1-minute atmospheric pressure and sea-level measurements from a network of microbarograph and tide-gauge stations located in the central Adriatic along both its eastern and western coast. The measurements that cover the period from May 2017 to October 2024 underwent rigorous quality control, addressing issues such as outliers, duplicates, and data gaps. To explore atmospheric pressure and sea-level relationships, we applied multiple methods for identifying extreme events, including variance-based and wave-height-based approaches. We then examined correlations across station pairs using various temporal offsets (0 to 480 minutes) between atmospheric and ocean series, all in order to determine what kind of atmospheric pressure oscillations tend to precede extreme sea-level oscillations.Preliminary results suggest varying degrees of correlation between atmospheric pressure and sea-level oscillations, with stronger connections observed for certain station pairs, possibly influenced by geographic proximity. In some cases, the strongest sea-level events were preceded by distinct pressure jumps, suggesting a delayed sea-level response, while in others, their co-occurrence appeared more synchronized. Both the variance-based and wave-height-based approaches provided broadly similar patterns, though the variance-based method showed limitations in capturing very short-lived atmospheric pressure disturbances. Ongoing analyses aim to refine these findings by testing alternative methods, involving event-based extraction of extremes, and estimating the propagation velocity of atmospheric disturbances - steps intended to enhance our understanding and improve the predictive capabilities of future high-frequency sea-level oscillation monitoring and warning systems.

In the present study, a 4-year surveillance plan for the detection of lipophilic marine biotoxins in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Callista chione from different aquaculture farms and natural beds along the Central Adriatic coasts of Croatia was reported. The samples were analyzed by a validated LC–MS/MS method in accordance with the Regulation (EU) No 2019/627. Lipophilic marine biotoxins belonging to the okadaic acid group, except for azaspiracids, as well as yessotoxins, were found at different concentrations, always below the maximum limits established by the Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. The seasonal distribution showed the highest values in summer months, and an interannual variability was also observed, probably due to environmental conditions aging on the density of harmful algal blooms. The comprehensive data reported in this study should help the future research in making advancing prediction models along the Eastern Adriatic coast.

AimConnectivity assessments are crucial to large‐scale conservation planning, in particular for establishing and monitoring connected networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). Using biophysical modelling and genetic analyses, we assessed potential and realized connectivity among MPA populations of a benthic foundation species, the Mediterranean endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica.LocationAdriatic and Ionian seas (central Mediterranean).MethodsWe assessed potential and realized connectivity among eight P. oceanica meadows, mostly located in MPAs. Potential connectivity was assessed over a time horizon of 10 years via an individual‐based biophysical model whose physical component relies on fine‐scale spatio‐temporal ocean circulation fields. Genetic assessments of realized connectivity were carried out by means of a set of 14 neutral microsatellite loci, as well as a larger dataset of 19 loci including outlier loci that did not conform to expectations under neutrality.ResultsOur findings point out a relatively high potential connectivity through long‐range dispersal of floating fruits. Genetic connectivity analyses show a complex scenario with an apparent lower realized connectivity. The P. oceanica meadow within Torre Guaceto MPA (TOG), a well‐enforced MPA within our study area, showed one of the highest levels of genotypic richness, indicative of high levels of sexual reproduction and/or recruitment of foreign genotypes. Both biophysical modelling and population genetics indicate that TOG is important to ensure the viability of the species at the local scale, and does likely play a key role as a source of propagules for the whole Adriatic area.Main conclusionsOur results show that realized dispersal does not necessarily match with the potential for dispersal. Still, both genetic and physical connectivity analyses show good agreement in identifying hotspots of connectivity. Such information can guide management of networks of MPAs and advance conservation of marine biodiversity.

ABSTRACTMany marine protected areas (MPAs) face a multitude of threats to the ecosystems that they have been established to conserve. This study is based on 111 interviews conducted in 2013–2014 designed to discover the perceptions of stakeholders about the threats, the causes of the threats, and their responses to the threats, to a well-established MPA – Cabo de Palos - Islas Hormigas (CPH-MPA). This MPA was created to safeguard fisheries and the associated artisanal fishers, but over time it has become a tourism “hotspot.” Resilience theory, which incorporates ecological resilience, social resilience, and individual resilience, helps us to analyze stakeholders' responses to threats by categorizing them into passive, adaptive, and transformative responses. We found respondents identified four main threats – over-fishing, excessive scuba diving, pollution, and invasive species; attributed the threats to three main causes – ineffective management, poor environmental stewardship, and climate change; and expressed three kinds of responses – do nothing, adapt, or transform – with a preference for adaptation and (especially) transformation. The lesson of this study is that it shows how, unless drastic action is taken to curb recreational diving activities, the CPH-MPA is in danger of changing from a fishing reserve to a largely unregulated leisure diving venue, which is unlikely to fulfill the requirements of resilience; ecological, social, or individual.

Plastic threats to coral reefs: A strategic management perspective from Bali's marine protected areas.

Projected future climate scenarios anticipate a warmer tropical ocean and changes in surface currents that will likely influence the survival of marine organisms and the connectivity of marine protected areas (MPAs) networks. We simulated the regional effects of climate change on the demographic connectivity of parrotfishes in nine MPAs in the South Atlantic through downscaling of the HadGEM2-ES Earth System Model running the RCP 8.5 greenhouse gas trajectory. Results indicate a tropicalization scenario over the tropical southwest Atlantic following an increase of sea surface temperature (SST) between 1.8 and 4.5 °C and changes in mean surface currents between − 0.6 to 0.5 m s−1 relative to present conditions. High mortality rates will reduce demographic connectivity and increase the isolation of oceanic islands. The simulation of organismal response to ocean warming shows that acclimation can significantly improve (p < 0.001) particle survival, promoting connectivity and tropicalization of MPAs, with potential impacts on their functional integrity and long-term resilience.