Prioritizing urban marine habitats for conservation

摘要: Urban coastal wetlands and adjoining coves embayments can provide habitat for significant numbers of waterbirds, despite being subject to high levels stressors from human activities. Yet date little emphasis has been placed on identifying these areas prioritizing them conservation. In this study I outline a three-step process identify prioritize local sites conservation using waterbird abundance diversity an index the risk site marine development, apply it series urban in two North Atlantic estuaries located northeast US. By combining species richness with development generated ranked list highest listed having bird low development. From individual be prioritized conservation, various protection scenarios evaluated compared. For example, 7 top 10 Boston Harbor, combined already protected under local, state, or federal statutes, represented over half total Harbor. Similarly, Narragansett Bay 6 when represent 48.8% Bay’s diversity. Formally protecting sites, all which are at relatively could result considerable economic cost (i.e., loss potential). Other ranking (by alone, by development) were also compared ranking. Identification important information land acquisition groups planning boards considering options habitats.