1

People and ecosystems

Understanding of the links between coral reef ecosystems, the goods and services they provide to people, and the wellbeing of human societies.

2

Ecosystem dynamics: past, present and future

Examining the multi-scale dynamics of reefs, from population dynamics to macroevolution

3

Responding to a changing world

Advancing the fundamental understanding of the key processes underpinning reef resilience.

Coral Bleaching

Coral Bleaching

Coral Reef Studies

From 2005 to 2022, the main node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies was headquartered at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland (Australia)

Menu Image Menu Image Menu Image Menu Image Menu Image Menu Image Menu Image
Menu
YouTube
Event

A practical approach to design a network of marine reserves in the Midriff Islands (Gulf of California) considering connectivity and climate change

When

Thursday, 31st of July 2014; 12:00 to 13:00 hrs

location
Building 19 (Kevin Stark Research Building), Room #106 (upstairs), JCU, Townsville. Video-linked to the University of Queensland (GCI Boardroom, Level 7, Gehrmann Building 60.
Presenter
Dr Jorge Alvarez Romero, ARC CoE Coral Reef Studies, Townsville
Dr Jorge Alvarez Romero, ARC CoE Coral Reef Studies, Townsville

Abstract:  Overfishing and climate change threaten marine biodiversity and fisheries worldwide. Addressing these problems is particularly critical in areas of high species richness and endemicity, such as the Midriff Islands, Gulf of California, where livelihoods of coastal communities are negatively affected by depletion of fish stocks and potential loss of valuable species due to climate change. Our study aimed to develop a practical approach to design networks of marine reserves that consider ecological connectivity and the effects of climate change. We used up-to-date data/models on marine species distribution and ecological connectivity, as well as current systematic conservation planning methods to design and test alternative reserve networks that achieve three objectives: represent biodiversity (species and habitats) associated with rocky reefs; minimise costs to fishers and/or maximise benefits to commercial fisheries; and account for ecological connectivity and predicted ecological changes wrought by climate change. To achieve our objectives, we developed and tested alternative methods to incorporate connectivity based on readily-available data and tools. To provide practical guidance to real-world marine planning exercises, we discuss the benefits and limitations of our approach, such as the assumptions underpinning our treatment of connectivity and climate change in the spatial prioritisation and the adequacy of our outputs to guide on-ground implementation of actions.

Biography: Jorge was born and grew up in Mexico City, where he studied Biology at the National University of Mexico. He completed his PhD in the Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, where he is now a postdoctoral research fellow. Jorge’s broad research interest regards planning for the sustainable use of natural resources to achieve biodiversity conservation and development objectives. In particular, he is interested in advancing systematic conservation planning theory and practice through the integration of terrestrial and marine conservation planning initiatives. Other areas of interest and previous work experience include prioritising invasive species management, conservation planning for endangered species, wildlife trade, and catchment and river plume modelling. He is currently working on three applied research projects: prioritizing management actions to achieve multiple objectives in northern Australia; exploring the use of social network analysis to inform regional conservation planning, and collaborating with researchers, agencies and local NGOs to design a network of marine reserves in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Seminars

More
Australian Research Council Pandora

Partner Research Institutions

Partner Partner Partner Partner
Coral Reef Studies