Advancing marine conservation through ecological connectivity: Building better connections for better protection (original) (raw)

2021, Parks Stewardship Forum

The incorporation of ecological connectivity, the unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth, into protected area design and management is critical to achieving conservation outcomes. However, the understanding and implementation of ecological connectivity in marine protected areas (MPAs) lags behind that of their terrestrial counterparts. Here, we highlight the important role of ecological connectivity in the design and management of MPA networks through an introduction to marine connectivity and the challenges and benefits of incorporating it into management. The paper also provides guidance for policy and practice, including "rules of thumb" Through NAMPAN (the North American Marine Protected Areas Network), Canada, Mexico, and the United States work together to protect shared resources such as highly-migratory whales. ED LYMAN / NOAA PERMIT #14682