![]() With a focus on coastal kelp bed ecosystems (ecologically and economically important biogenic habitats), I will test and compare priority areas selected using different measurement approaches. This disconnect may be due to the complex methods used and outputs produced when measuring connectivity.įor the rest of my thesis, I am considering the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, as a case study for measuring connectivity in a way that can be applied to the design of MPAs. Spoiler alert: Only 11% of 746 MPAs that I reviewed in the first chapter of my thesis included connectivity in their design ( Balbar and Metaxas, 2019). To prevent these shortcomings, I study when and how to account for habitat and species linkages between protected areas, often referred to as marine ecological connectivity.įor my PhD, I am investigating the inclusion of connectivity as a criterion in the design of networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). Too far apart? Each marine protected area will be isolated from one another. Too small? Fish and animals will spend too much of their time in unprotected water. For these MPAs to provide the ecological benefits intended, their placement and configuration must be carefully considered. Countries worldwide have pledged to protect 10-30% of their national waters by 2030. ![]()
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