Evidence-based marine protected area planning for a highly mobile endangered marine vertebrate

摘要: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) now form an important part of marine conservation and fisheries management; hence, there is broad interest in developing procedures that optimize their design. We used data collected over a 10-year period (2003–2012) from direct surveys and >100 adult male female loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) tracked with devices, including GPS loggers Fastloc GPS-Argos, to consider the optimum design for MPA at globally breeding area, where already existing national park aiming protect population (Zakynthos, Greece). Turtles primarily areas very close shore (approx. 7 km length by 1 km width, within the <10 m isobath) foraging activity different times year. calculated this small nearshore coastal zone encompassed 72% all turtle locations recorded MPA, therefore management. developed index evaluate suitability proposed zones based on (1) home range area use these versus (2) size, so benefit could be maximized while minimizing negative impacts other stakeholders (e.g., boat operators). With evidence-based approach, we propose modification might both enhance local economic tourism activities better safeguard key population. The approaches here will have general application MPAs mobile species can tracked.