Held in Park Shops PS 201

Zoom: https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/91474768865

Title: A diverse portfolio of marine protected areas can better advance global conservation and equity

Speaker: David Gill (Duke University Marine Lab)

Abstract:

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely used for ocean conservation, yet the relative impacts of various types of MPAs are poorly understood. We estimated impacts on fish biomass from no-take and multiple-use (fished) MPAs, employing a rigorous matched counterfactual design with a global dataset of >14,000 surveys in and around 216 MPAs. Both no-take and multiple-use MPAs generated positive conservation outcomes relative to no protection (58.2% and 12.6% fish biomass increases, respectively), with smaller estimated differences between the two MPA types when controlling for additional confounding factors (8.3 – 18.4% increase). Relative performance depended on context and management: no-take MPAs performed better in areas of high human pressure but similar to multiple use in remote locations. Multiple-use MPA performance was low in high pressure areas, but improved significantly with better management, producing similar outcomes to no-take MPAs when adequately staffed and appropriate use regulations applied. For priority conservation areas where no-take restrictions are not possible or ethical, our findings show that a portfolio of well-designed and well-managed multiple-use MPAs represents a viable and potentially equitable pathway to advance local and global conservation.

Speaker bio:

Lab website: https://sites.duke.edu/davidgill/

David’s research centers on marine coupled human-natural systems, focusing predominantly on marine management and tropical coral reef systems. Overall, his research aims to provide evidence-based insights into how marine management and conservation can lead to equitable and sustainable outcomes. This work is by nature both interdisciplinary and collaborative, drawing on key theories and analytical approaches from disciplines such as economics, community ecology, and political science, and working alongside researchers and practitioners to co-develop salient research questions, approaches and dissemination pathways. His recent work includes global and regional assessments of the social and ecological impacts of marine conservation, justice and equity considerations in marine governance, and developing cost-effective approaches for monitoring socioecological systems in capacity-limited regions.