More Like this

1. Key components of sustainable climate-smart ocean planning

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-024-00045-x  

   Frazão_Santos, Catarina; Agardy, Tundi; Crowder, Larry B; Day, Jon C; Pinsky, Malin L; Himes-Cornell, Amber; Reimer, Julie M; García-Morales, Sara; Bennett, Nathan J; Lombard, Amanda T; et al (December 2024, npj Ocean Sustainability)

   Abstract Planning of marine areas has spread widely over the past two decades to support sustainable ocean management and governance. However, to succeed in a changing ocean, marine spatial planning (MSP) must be ‘climate-smart’— integrating climate-related knowledge, being flexible to changing conditions, and supporting climate actions. While the need for climate-smart MSP has been globally recognized, at a practical level, marine managers and planners require further guidance on how to put it into action. Here, we suggest ten key components that, if well-integrated, would promote the development and implementation of sustainable, equitable, climate-smart MSP initiatives around the globe. 

   more » « less
2. Two decades of research on ocean multi-use: achievements, challenges and the need for transdisciplinarity

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-024-00043-z  

   Guyot-Téphany, Josselin; Trouillet, Brice; Diederichsen, Sereno; Juell-Skielse, Elea; Thomas, Jean-Baptiste E; McCann, Jennifer; Rebours, Céline; Scherer, Marinez; Freeman, Peter; Gröndahl, Fredrik; et al (February 2024, npj Ocean Sustainability)

   Abstract This paper offers a comprehensive, analytical, and critically informed overview of the current state of ocean multi-use research. It delves into the origins, trajectory, and driving forces behind this emerging research field, all within the broader context of investigations addressing the management of increasingly diverse and intensifying activities at sea. The Bibliometrix R package is employed to analyze the social, geographical, and conceptual dimensions of multi-use scientific production. The results obtained are then compared to a larger corpus of publications focusing on both multiple-use Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Finally, the paper addresses research gaps, with a particular emphasis on the transdisciplinary challenges associated with translating this new marine policy concept into practical implementation and extending its application beyond European seas. 

   more » « less
3. The Missing Layers: Integrating Sociocultural Values Into Marine Spatial Planning

   https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.633198  

   Pennino, Maria Grazia; Brodie, Stephanie; Frainer, André; Lopes, Priscila F.; Lopez, Jon; Ortega-Cisneros, Kelly; Selim, Samiya; Vaidianu, Natasa (July 2021, Frontiers in Marine Science)

   Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a relatively new approach to ocean management and has been widely implemented worldwide. Ideally, MSP should be established as a public process that analyzes and distributes human activities across space and time to achieve ecological, economic and social goals, which historically have been accomplished exclusively in the political arena. However, in most cases MSP seems to be driven primarily by economic interests rather than by sociocultural goals. In this paper, we discuss how integrating the missing sociocultural layers into MSP can help to reduce governance rigidity, promote adaptability in decision-making, support environmental justice, and improve MSP acceptance and uptake. In particular, we focus on identifying possible points of connection between MSP and frameworks based on social-ecological system theory, including co-management and other democratic and empowering alternatives. We conclude by proposing a new definition of the MSP process that is more inclusive, and mindful of users’ rights and sociocultural objectives. If we bridge the gap between the dominant economic rhetoric and a de facto sociocultural-ecological system approach, we are likely to improve the chances of the MSP process succeeding on both the human and nature fronts. 

   more » « less
4. The Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Pole to Pole of the Americas: Building a Community of Practice for Detecting Rapid Changes in Coastal Biodiversity

   https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2025.137  

   Moity, Nicolas; Bigatti, Gregorio; Muller-Karger, Frank; Montes, Enrique (January 2025, Oceanography)

   The Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) is a global community of practice and network that links individuals and groups in an effort to monitor and understand changes in marine biodiversity. MBON functions within the larger framework of the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Networks (GEO BON). These networks support mobilization of data to help nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 and to address their own internal, local management needs. Marine biodiversity data are important for allowing countries and local communities to monitor changes that result from local human pressures and climate change. Such data enable informed planning and management of coastal areas and resources. 

   more » « less
5. Reorganization of seagrass communities in a changing climate

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01445-6  

   Daru, Barnabas H.; Rock, Brianna M. (July 2023, Nature Plants)

   Abstract Although climate change projections indicate significant threats to terrestrial biodiversity, the effects are much more profound and striking in the marine environment. Here we explore how different facets of locally distinctiveα- and β-diversity (changes in spatial composition) of seagrasses will respond to future climate change scenarios across the globe and compare their coverage with the existing network of marine protected areas. By using species distribution modelling and a dated phylogeny, we predict widespread reductions in species’ range sizes that will result in increases in seagrass weighted and phylogenetic endemism. These projected increases of endemism will result in divergent shifts in the spatial composition of β-diversity leading to differentiation in some areas and the homogenization of seagrass communities in other regions. Regardless of the climate scenario, the potential hotspots of these projected shifts in seagrass α- and β-diversity are predicted to occur outside the current network of marine protected areas, providing new priority areas for future conservation planning that incorporate seagrasses. Our findings report responses of species to future climate for a group that is currently under represented in climate change assessments yet crucial in maintaining marine food chains and providing habitat for a wide range of marine biodiversity. 

   more » « less