According to a new study from the University of Exeter, large marine animals can be protected through most of their life cycle by giant marine reserves (MPAs).
As part of the study, scientists tracked sea turtles, mantas and seabirds in protected areas of the Chagos Islands Marine Corps in the Indian Ocean.
In total, 95% of the tracking locations were recorded within the 640,000 square kilometre area of the MPA, suggesting that they are large enough to protect these wandering animals.
The study assessed the impact of 100,000 square kilometres of MPA by teams including Exeter and Heriot Watt University and ZSL, and found that seabirds were less protected in this scenario.
“We’ve seen a lot of experience in the world,” said Alice Trebyle, PhD, of the Institute for Environmental and Sustainability at the Penlin Campus at Exeter University in Cornwall.
“Our results provide clear evidence of the value of the Chagos Archipelago VLMPA for protecting a diverse range of large and mobile marine species.”
Seabirds are least covered by marine reserves
Researchers used tracking data for Hawksville turtles, coral reef mantas and three seabird species. It’s a red-legged boobie, brown boobie, and sheer water with a wedge tail.
“These large animals play a variety of important roles in marine ecosystems,” said co-author Dr. Ruth Dunn, PhD, of Heriot Watt University.
“For example, the Chagos Archipelago supports a huge number of seabirds, and these birds’ guano (pus) can help fertilize coral reefs and other marine species.”
In an evaluation of the virtual small VLMPA (100,000 km2), the team found that 97% of Manta and 94% of turtle locations are still in marine reserves.
However, only 59% of all seabird locations are within the MPA.
Evaluation of areas for future long-term protection
As sovereignty changes are expected, this finding is becoming more and more important as the Chagos Archipelago becomes part of Mauritius.
Dr. Dan said it shows the area, a future long-term protection priority to ensure the viability of this marine megafauna community, while providing compelling evidence about the value of marine protected areas.
Ernesto Bertalelli, chairman of the Bertalelli Foundation, who funded the research, commented:
“In doing so, this team of researchers demonstrated how truly large marine protected areas can provide important protection for vulnerable species throughout their lifetime.”
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