The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its corals
A new study of the Great Barrier Reef shows populations of its small, medium and large corals have all declined in the past three decades. Lead author Dr Andy Dietzel, from the ARC Centre of Excell
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au
Abstract: Overfishing and climate change threaten global marine biodiversity and fisheries. Addressing these problems is particularly critical in areas of high species richness and endemicity, such as the Midriff Islands, Gulf of California (Mexico), where livelihoods of coastal communities are threatened by depletion of fish stocks and potential loss of species associated with climate change. In collaboration with researchers, agencies and local NGOs, we are designing a network of marine reserves for this priority conservation area and major fishing region. The project aims to develop a practical approach to design networks of marine reserves that consider ecological connectivity and the effects of climate change. We are following a systematic conservation planning approach to ensure the network achieves conservation objectives, while minimising costs to fisheries.
Bio: Jorge’s broad interests regard planning for the sustainable use of natural resources to achieve biodiversity conservation and development objectives. He is interested in contributing to further develop systematic conservation planning theory and practice through the integration of terrestrial and marine conservation planning initiatives. His research explores theoretical and methodological aspects of key decision-making problems associated with a land-sea approach, such as integrating cross-system threats (e.g. how land-based threats affect marine and coastal spatial prioritization), identifying co-benefits and trade-offs associated with management decisions (e.g. spatial congruence between local and downstream land values), and improving collaboration among diverse stakeholders. His work on marine planning includes developing practical approaches to designing marine reserve networks considering ecological connectivity and the effects of climate change.
A new study of the Great Barrier Reef shows populations of its small, medium and large corals have all declined in the past three decades. Lead author Dr Andy Dietzel, from the ARC Centre of Excell
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Partner Research Institutions
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au