Simple rules can guide whether land- or ocean-based conservation will best benefit marine ecosystems

摘要: Coastal marine ecosystems can be managed by actions undertaken both on the land and in ocean. Quantifying comparing costs benefits of realms is therefore necessary for efficient management. Here, we quantify link between terrestrial sediment runoff a downstream coastal ecosystem contrast cost-effectiveness marine-and land-based conservation actions. We use dynamic land-and seascape model to determine whether limited funds should directed 1 4 alternative actions-protection land, protection ocean, restoration or ocean-to maximise extent light-dependent benthic habitats across decadal timescales. apply case study seagrass meadow Australia. find that most cost-effective action over timescales this system, based conservative estimate rate at which expand into new habitat. The optimal decision will vary different social-ecological contexts, but some basic information guide investments counteract ocean-based stressors: (1) prioritised if rates decline expansion are similar low; (2) take precedence high adjacent catchment relatively intact has low vegetation decline; (3) when ratio greater than 1:1.4, with typically action; (4) high. These rules thumb illustrate how outcomes connected land-ocean systems proceed without complex modelling.