Multi-species telemetry quantifies current and future efficacy of a remote marine protected area

Global Change Biology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs; > 1000 km2) provide important refuge for large mobile species, but most do not encompass species' ranges. To better understand current and future LSMPA value, we concurrently tracked nine species (seabirds, cetaceans, pelagic fishes, manta rays, reef sharks) at Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef (PKMPA) in the U.S. Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. PKMPA and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone encompassed 39% and 54% of species movements (n = 83; tracking duration range: 0.5–350 days), respectively. Species distribution models indicated 73% of PKMPA contained highly suitable habitat. Under two projected future scenarios (SSP 1–2.6, “Sustainability”; SSP 3–7.0, “Rocky Road”), strong sea surface temperature gradients initially could cause abrupt oceanic change resulting in predicted habitat loss in 2040–2050, followed by an equilibrium response and regained habitat by 2090–2100. Current and future suitable habitats were available adjacent to PKMPA, suggesting that increased MPA size could enhance protection. Our three-tiered approach combining animal tracking with publicly available remote sensing data and future projected environmental scenarios could be used to design, study, and monitor protected areas throughout the world. Holistic approaches that encompass diverse species and habitat use can enhance assessments of protected area designs. Animal telemetry and remote sensing may be helpful for ascertaining the extent to which other MPAs protect large mobile species in the future.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Multi-species telemetry quantifies current and future efficacy of a remote marine protected area
Series title Global Change Biology
DOI 10.1111/gcb.70138
Volume 31
Issue 4
Publication Date April 15, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description e70138, 17 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, U.S. Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.
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