Protecting the Commons: the use of Subtidal Ecosystem Engineers in Marine Management

摘要: Biodiversity conservation often focuses on threatened or rare species. While this structural asset of biodiversity is indeed important, the functional diversity aspect has to be considered as an even more important criterion for marine management and conservation. This paper explores use functionally ecosystem engineers in North Sea approaches. An overview several engineering species shows that such bulldozing echinoderms burrowing shrimps well bio-irrigating polychaetes are bound receive attention areas than they do now, given their structuring associated fauna implications seafloor functioning. The could contribute considerably concept Ecosystem-Based Management realm. clearly illustrated present case study polychaete Lanice conchilega. Since manifests both autogenic allogenic properties, human activities affect common L. conchilega reefs can enhance protection entire local ecosystem. In Sea, some commonly occurring engineered habitat protected under European Habitats Directive EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.