Abstract
Increasing rates of Anthropocene biodiversity extinctions suggest a possible sixth mass extinction event. Conservation planners are seeking effective ways to protect species, hotspots of biodiversity, and dynamic ecosystems to reduce and eventually eliminate the degradation and loss of diversity at the scale of genes, species, and ecosystems. While well-established, adequately enforced protected areas (PAs) increase the likelihood of preserving species and habitats, traditional placement methods are frequently inadequate in protecting biodiversity most at risk. Consequently, the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Partnership developed a set of science-based criteria and thresholds that iteratively identify sites where biodiversity is most in need of protection. KBA methodology has been rarely applied in the marine realm, where data are often extremely limited. We tested the feasibility of KBA population metrics in the Greater Caribbean marine region using occurrence and population data and threat statuses for 1669 marine vertebrates. These data identified areas where site-specific conservation measures can effectively protect biodiversity. Using KBA criteria pertaining to threatened and irreplaceable biodiversity, we identified 90 geographically unique potential KBAs, 34 outside and 56 within existing PAs. These provide starting points for local conservation managers to verify that KBA thresholds are met and to delineate site boundaries. Significant data gaps, such as population sizes, life history characteristics, and extent of habitats, prevent the full application of the KBA criteria to data-poor marine species. Increasing the rate and scope of marine sampling programs and digital availability of occurrence datasets will improve identification and delineation of KBAs in the marine environment.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the staff of the IUCN Marine Biodiversity Unit and the IUCN Red List Unit for producing and publishing the numerous Red List extinction risk assessments used in this study, particularly C. Linardich. We would also like to especially thank R. McManus (IUCN Species Survival Commission Special Marine Counsel), N. Cox, and J-C. Vié for their invaluable advice and support for the Global Marine Species Assessment Programme. We thank the many, many organizations that supported the Red List assessments of bony fishes, sharks and rays, and funding in particular for this project by Agence Française de Développement and US Fish and National Wildlife Foundation. Additionally, we thank the IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Groups and Red List Authorities: Anguillid Eel; Bird; Cetacean, Grouper and Wrasse; Marine Fishes; Marine Turtle; Salmonid; Sciaenidae; Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon; Shark; Sirenia; Snapper, Seabream and Grunt; Sturgeon; and Tuna and Billfish for their expertise and contributions towards determining extinction risk of marine species. We also thank the hundreds of experts and specialists who contributed to the extinction risk assessments of marine species, particularly R. Robertson, J. Williams, T. Munroe, and L. Rocha. Special thanks to BirdLife International for providing Important Bird Area sites information and spatial data. This research was possible only because of the contributions of many Old Dominion University graduate students, interns, and employees, especially M. Comeros‐Raynal, E. Stump, C. Gorman, J. Buchanan, A. Goodpaster, H. Harwell, A. Hines, M. Tishler, and M. Steell. Additional contribution by C. Boyd (Chair, KBA Standard and Appeals Committee) in clarifying KBA standards and application guidelines was greatly appreciated. We also thank G. Edgar and several anonymous reviewers whose comments greatly improved earlier versions of this manuscript.
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Agence Française de Développement and US Fish and National Wildlife Foundation Award Number: 37733.
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All authors contributed substantially to the conceptual design and implementation of the study. Material preparation and data collection were performed by Michael Harvey. All spatial analyses were conducted by Michael Harvey and Gina Ralph. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Michael Harvey. All authors edited and provided constructive input on subsequent versions of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved of the final manuscript.
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Communicated by James Tony Lee.
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Harvey, M.S., Ralph, G.M., Polidoro, B.A. et al. Identifying key biodiversity areas as marine conservation priorities in the greater Caribbean. Biodivers Conserv 30, 4039–4059 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02291-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02291-8