Open AccessConservation Benefits of Marine Reserves are Undiminished Near Coastal Rivers and Cities
Author(s) -
Huijbers Chantal M.,
Connolly Rod M.,
Pitt Kylie A.,
Schoeman David S.,
Schlacher Thomas A.,
Burfeind Dana D.,
Steele Chantel,
Olds Andrew D.,
Maxwell Paul S.,
Babcock Russell C.,
Rissik David
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12128
Subject(s) - marine reserve , threatened species , nature reserve , marine protected area , ecosystem , geography , marine conservation , range (aeronautics) , trophic level , marine ecosystem , biodiversity , fishery , ecology , environmental science , environmental protection , environmental resource management , habitat , biology , materials science , composite material
Recent assessments of marine reserves have emphasized the importance of socio‐economic factors in reserve performance. Debates continue, however, about whether we should avoid or promote the placement of reserves near potentially detrimental forces, including coastal cities or rivers. We performed a global meta‐analysis to test whether proximity to major coastal influences affected the ability of marine reserves to enhance the abundance of organisms relative to surrounding areas. A strong effect of reserve performance was evident for a range of trophic groups. Positive effects of reserves were undiminished by proximity to coastal cities or river discharges for the majority of taxonomic groups under conservation. We conclude that reserves placed in coastal areas are likely to protect marine populations to a similar extent as reserves in remote or less‐developed locations. Marine reserves in coastal settings can be an important tool to protect species and ecosystems in places threatened by human activities.