Cleasby, I. R., Owen, E., Wilson, L., Wakefield, E. D. , O'Connell, P. and Bolton, M. (2020) Identifying important at-sea areas for seabirds using species distribution models and hotspot mapping. Biological Conservation, 241, 108375. (doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108375)
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Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) underpin the sustainable management of marine ecosystems but require accurate knowledge of species distributions. Recently, advances in tracking technology and habitat modelling have enabled the production of large-scale species distribution models (SDM), which provide the basis for hotspot mapping. In the UK, hotspot mapping to inform seabird MPA identification has involved converting observed or predicted distributions to polygons using either Maximum Curvature or Getis-Ord (Gi*) analysis. Here, we apply both mapping techniques to UK-wide, breeding season SDM predictions for four seabird species (Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, Common Guillemots Uria aalge, Razorbills Alca torda and European Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis) in order to compare their performance and inform seabird MPA. When using Maximum Curvature, grid cells within the identified maximum curvature boundaries were defined as hotspots. For Getis-Ord analysis, we defined hotspots as either (1) grid cells containing the top 1% or (2) the top 5% Gi* scores or (3) cells in which Gi* scores were statistically significant. Hotspots based upon Maximum Curvature or statistically significant Gi* scores covered the greatest area and were generally larger than current marine Special Protection Areas. Hotspots based on the top 1% or top 5% of Gi* scores were smaller and were concentrated around the largest breeding colonies. All hotspot methods consistently identified several high-density areas that should be prioritised for seabird conservation. Ultimately, the choice of hotspot identification method should be informed by considering species ecology alongside conservation goals to ensure hotspots are of sufficient size to protect target populations.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Funding was provided by the European Regional Development Fund through its Atlantic Area Programme, Marine Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England, the Natural Environment Research Council (NE/M017990/1), the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Natural Resources Wales, Environment Wales, Argyll Bird Club, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, and the RSPB. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Wakefield, Dr Ewan |
| Authors: | Cleasby, I. R., Owen, E., Wilson, L., Wakefield, E. D., O'Connell, P., and Bolton, M. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Biological Conservation |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0006-3207 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1873-2917 |
| Published Online: | 12 December 2019 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2020 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Biological Conservation 241: 108375 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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