Title
Shortfalls in the global protected area network at representing marine biodiversity
Author(s)
Klein, C.J.;Brown, C.J.;Halpern, B.S.;Segan, D.B.;McGowan, J.;Beger, M.;Watson, J.E.M.
Published
2015
Publisher
Scientific Reports
Abstract
The first international goal for establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) to conserve the ocean’s
biodiversity was set in 2002. Since 2006, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has driven MPA
establishment, with 193 parties committed to protecting >10% of marine environments globally by
2020, especially ‘areas of particular importance for biodiversity’ (Aichi target 11). This has resulted in
nearly 10 million km2 of new MPAs, a growth of ~360% in a decade. Unlike on land, it is not known
how well protected areas capture marine biodiversity, leaving a significant gap in our understanding
of existing MPAs and future protection requirements. We assess the overlap of global MPAs with the
ranges of 17,348 marine species (fishes, mammals, invertebrates), and find that 97.4% of species
have <10% of their ranges represented in stricter conservation classes. Almost all (99.8%) of the very
poorly represented species (<2% coverage) are found within exclusive economic zones, suggesting
an important role for particular nations to better protect biodiversity. Our results offer strategic
guidance on where MPAs should be placed to support the CBD’s overall goal to avert biodiversity
loss. Achieving this goal is imperative for nature and humanity, as people depend on biodiversity for
important and valuable services.
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PUB15557