Marine reserve placement is a critical factor determining their success, both for the ecosystem and the communities that rely on them.
Project summary
Coral reefs are in steep decline around the world, facing multiple threats. A large collaborative study with partners from multiple universities including UTS has revealed the measures that successfully help protect and sustainably manage coral reefs and marine conservation zones. The UTS team was led by professor David Booth from the UTS Fish Ecology Lab. Examining around 1,800 tropical reefs from 41 countries across the globe, the project revealed that only five percent of reefs currently meet the combined goals of providing enough fishing stocks, while maintaining biodiversity and a sustainable ecosystem. The team identified some of the management interventions working to achieve this successful balance. Critically, they found that marine reserves and conservation zones can be highly effective when located in areas of ecological value and low human pressure.
The study concluded that the placement of marine reserves is a critical factor in their success. Where they are located helps to determine the desired outcomes - a healthy ecosystem able to support the people that rely on it. Such effective reserves can be found in both poorer and richer jurisdictions.
For more information see our News article, Sustaining coral reefs with conservation measures that work and the article, Meeting fisheries, ecosystem function, and biodiversity goals in a human-dominated world in the Journal Science.
Project timeline
2010 — 2020
Key collaborators
Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University
SDG targets addressed by this project
Life below water:
14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
14.5 - By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
14.7 - By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
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Professor UTS School of Life Sciences
